Attractions
Isfahan
Isfahan is the former capital of Persia and has been classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The heart of the city is a beautiful square that is about seven times the size of St. Mark’s Square in Venice. Here is the Masjid-e Imam mosque with its blue tiles, the symbol of the city and perhaps one of the most beautiful Islamic buildings. The mosques, palaces, bridges and gardens are of architectural interest. The “Friday Mosque” ( Masjid-e Jomeh ) is now a museum for Islamic architecture. Shaikh Lotfullah Mosque is famous for the stalactite effect of the north entrance. The Jame Mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Searchforpublicschools: Offers schooling information of Iran in each level – compulsory, technical and higher education programs.
Tehran
Tehran, the state capital, is mostly modern — however, parts of the beautiful old town have been preserved. The Shahid Motahari Mosque with its eight minarets offers a good view of the city. The bazaar, which is open every day except Fridays and religious holidays, is one of the largest in the world. Another bazaar is located in the suburb of Tajrish, north of the capital. In the maze of covered alleys, precious carpets, silver and copper work as well as groceries and exotic spices are offered for sale. The different crafts have separate areas in the market and you can watch the craftsmen at work. There are several museums worth visiting in Tehran, including the Abgineh Museum (Iranian Pottery), theRea Abbasi Museum (collection of Iranian calligraphy and paintings), the National Museum ( Iran Bastan Museum ), the Rassam Carpet Culture and Art Collection with Carpet Weaving School, the Carpet Museum, whose oldest carpet is 450 years old, and the Anthropological Museum. The cultural centers of Bahman, Khavaran and Azadi, the national library and the zoo are also worth a visit. Tehran offers excursions to the Alborz Mountains, where there are winter sports resorts with mountain railways and ski slopes. The winter sports season lasts from January to March.
Excursions:
The historic towns of Rey, Varamin, Qazvin and Shemshak are easily accessible from Tehran.
Kerman
In Kerman in the southern desert region there are several magnificent mosques, a very old bazaar, old baths. The ruins of a citadel near the city of Bam were completely destroyed by an earthquake at the end of 2003. Visitors are strongly advised to only book tours with government-approved tour operators.
Severe earthquakes are frequent in Kerman province, causing most of the adobe houses to collapse again and again. Tourist trips to the affected area are therefore still not recommended. When traveling – especially when traveling individually or trekking – in the provinces of Kerman and Sistan-Balutschestan, there is a significant risk of kidnapping.
Shopping
Overview
The shops offer a wide range of good quality goods. Local products can be bought in the bazaars. Popular souvenirs include inlaid work, carpets, rugs, silk, leather goods, tablecloths, gold, silver, glass and ceramics. Shop opening times: i. A. 9am to late in the evening.
Culinary
Overview
Rice is the staple food. Local specialties include Chelo Khoresh (rice with vegetables and meat in a nut sauce), Polo Sabzi (pilau rice with fresh herbs), Polo Chirin (sweet and sour saffron rice with raisins, almonds and oranges), Adas Polo (rice, lentils and meat), Morgh Polo (chicken and pilaf rice), Chelo Kababs (rice with skewers of meat grilled over charcoal), Kofte (meatballs), Kofte Gusht (meatloaf), Abgusht (stew), Khoreshe Badinjan (mutton and eggplant stew), Mast-o-Khier (cold yoghurt soup with peppermint, chopped cucumber and raisins) and dolmeh (stuffed aubergines, zucchini or peppers). Most Iranian dishes are eaten with a spoon and fork. Beverages: Fruit and vegetable juices and mineral water are popular. Teahouses (Ghahve Khans) can be found everywhere. Alcohol consumption is strictly forbidden.
Accommodation
Hotels
There are a few hotels and a good range of accommodation. Hotels with internationally known names are not necessarily operated by the chains of the same name. Student accommodation is also available in small hotels. Schools and private houses also offer rooms. Further information from the Iran Tourist Company or from ITTO (see addresses).
Camping
The number of campsites is limited and camping on private property is discouraged. If you still want to camp, you have to register with the police.
Culture
Religion
Predominantly Islam (89% Shia, 9% Sunni); Christian, Jewish, Mandaean and Parsi minorities.
Social Rules of Conduct
Manners: The laws of the Koran determine daily life. Consumption of alcohol is prohibited. In Iran, only people of the same sex shake hands when greeting. Visitors should address hosts by last name or title. Iranians are very hospitable. Invitations to tea are common and guests are expected not to refuse. According to Islamic customs, clothing should be modest, which is particularly important for women — a headscarf, long skirts or wide trousers and a loose-fitting coat are all part of your luggage. Sandals or clothing with a neckline should not be worn. Long-sleeved outerwear should be worn in religious places (mosques, etc.). Formal attire is appropriate in good restaurants and on special occasions. During Ramadan, smoking, eating and drinking in public are prohibited during the day; larger hotels also serve guests during the day during Ramadan. Contacts between unmarried people are forbidden, adultery can be punished with the death penalty. Photographing: Photographing any military or public facility is strictly prohibited. These are not always easy to spot. Particular caution and restraint is also appropriate when photographing people. Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in public, enclosed spaces such as hotels, restaurants, tea and coffee houses, etc. Drivers are also banned from smoking at the wheel. Tip:
Climate
Best travel time
Dry continental climate inland. Summer dry and hot, winter cold. Little rainfall. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit the high plateaus.
Country data
Phone prefix
+98
Area (sq km)
1648195
Population
83,992,949(Source: homosociety)
Population density (per square km)
50
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
115
