Wonders of Iran

Very few of us know what a wonderful country Iran is, what hospitable people Iranians are and what beautiful mosques they have. Let's explore Iran together to learn more details about its rich culture and traditions. 

One of the most ancient cities of Iran, Kashan, seems to be a very nice place to begin our journey with. Kashan is located in the desert and famous for its beautiful palaces. But the first thing that really attracts many tourists is not the palaces but its market which is full of people every day except Friday. (Friday is a day off in Iran and market streets are empty on this day).

But don't get upset! Having walked up these stairs, you can find yourself on one of the major sightseeings of Iran.

A hilly continuous roof above the market from where you can have a wonderful view of the city.

The second interesting sightseeing is the ancient city walls and conical warehouses.

One of the monques of Kashan.

Though all the travel guides will send you, first of all, to the old Khan's palaces (now the museums) the city is mainly famous for, it's certainly up to you whether to go there or not. Anyway, you can explore this wonderful city just by talking to some of the local residents (like this family which came to Kashan for a picnic). Iranians are very good and hospitable people which are always very glad to answer your questions if they can.

The next city we are going to visit is Isfahan - one of the most beautiful Iranian cities with its own special atmosphere no words can describe.

Numerous narrow streets, building sites and sandlots separate one mosque from another.

All of them are quite similar though - the same domes, the same architectural plans. Plus, most of them now serve as museums only. Here in this picture you can see one of those rare working monques.

With some water reservoirs on the territory.


With stunning painting...

And an amazing hall of columns.

But the most beautiful monques are, no doubt, situated in Imam Square. This is the first one.

And the second one.

View from the inside.

Coming back to Isfahan. The blue dome of the Mausoleum of Harun Vilayet.

Beautifully illuminated at night.

Some holy relics are contained in one of its rooms and illuminated with green light.

Continuing the tour along Isfahan it gets pretty clear it's the capital, even though the former one.

Walking further along the bank of the river and passing by the jasmine trees blossoming in the park...

We find ourselves in the so-called Armenian quarter where 3 churches are situated (according to the map). This is one of them that is, actually, not very different from all the mosques in its outward appearance.

And this is already Yazd city, one of the most interesting places of Iran.

You can easily lose your way among the labyrinth of narrow streets of the old part of the city. 

According to the locals, this lattice thing was used during the Imams' burial. One can also descend the building and have a closer look at the lion.

And these are badgirs - the towers that caught the wind and sent it downwards inside the building. Some kind of an ancient air-conditioning system of that time. In summer the temperature is often +42 C here.

The house of Khan-e Lari at first glance looks like an ordinary hotel. Well, in general all the rich houses of the old city look like that: plain clay walls from the outside and spacious rich rooms with a large inner yard, fontains and green trees inside.

What is curious is that on its walls and ceiling there are portraits of some European-looking girls.

By the way, to find your way out of the labirinth of narrow streets is possible - you just need to find a place from where you can see the tall Jameh Mosque prayer-towers.

And this is Zoroastrian Fire Temple. They say, this fire has already been burning for more than 1500 years.

A beautiful view of the Zoroastrian cemetery from the Towers of Silence.

In former times the dead were simply brought to the top of these towers and left at the mercy of birds because Zoroastrians believed the "nasty" dead body shouldn't adjoin any of 3 holy elements: water, land and fire and should be eaten by animals as quickly as possible.

Now this wildness is unacceptable and people are buried in a usual way here.

Some more Towers of Silence.


And an amazingly beautiful sunset.

Describing all the monques, houses, walls and towers we forgot about the most important - Iranian people that are so kind, friendly and frank that you simply enjoy talking to them.

Most people know very little about Iran. Only that it follows its traditions, provides severe punishment for criminals and if one doesn't follow norms of Islamic morality he will soon find himself in a jail. As for Iranian women, they are all wrapped in black from head to toe.

If you are one of those people who still thinks so, you are going to be slightly disappointed. Yes, women and gils all wear headscarfs in Iran but very often this piece of clothes doesn't even hide the girls' crowns, not to mention their fringes.

Iranian girls are very beautiful for the most part.

Some of them unbelievably beautiful.

Most of them easily agree to be photographed.

While others can even shake your hand (and this is considered unthinkable from the point of view of the elder generation).

Moreover, some young Iranians aren't even ashamed of walking along the street and holding each other's hands.

But the signs with quotes from the Holy Quran remind Iranians that they are still Muslims.

And any alcohol is strictly forbidden.

Actually, Iranian people are very sociable. They like to communicate with tourists, even in a case they don't know English.

For some reason, foreigners always draw their attention. 

But don't worry. They would never bother you, they would just say hello to you, smile and go their way.

Speaking about Iranian people we can't not to mention Iranian markets and their charming sellers. This is how a market looks at the working day.

Pity but most goods are made in China. Fakes of famous brands are also quite often here.

The main product of Iran is, of course, famous Persian carpets that are rather expensive though.

It's well known that East countries usually sell much gold and its price happens to be quite low.

Iranian market has a great variety of different gold jewellery. 

Perfume pouring.

A stall with extremely beautiful jugs, vases and plates you simply can't pass by.

But raspberry turned out to be expensive - $5 per kilogram.



The poultry market.

Spices sellers. There are lots of stalls with spices at the market. Sometimes a certain spice is grinded right in front of you.

Different dried herbals are also sold along with spices.

And sometimes nuts.

Now it's time for one good question: have you ever heard the statement that "Iran resembles Italy"? Believe it or not but it really does! And here are some pictures that prove this statement. For example these Alpine fields on the wall.

The Iranian flag consists of the same colors in the same order as the Italian one not for nothing.

Shiraz has its own Tower of Pisa.

But what is more important Shiraz is often described as the pizza capital of the world. Hope we convinced you that these two countries have something in common. 

But if seriously, you should come to Iran and see everything with your own eyes, because no pictures can capture all the Iranian beauty.

via texnic