History and Culture of Iran Iran has a very ancient history and civilization dating back thousands of years. Iran was first unified by the Median culture around 600 BCE. The Medes were overthrown by Cyrus the Great in 549 BCE and the Achaemenid Empire was formed. The Achaemenid Empire became the first Iranian empire to rule from North Africa to the Balkans, and Cyrus the Great became the first ruler in human history to issue an edict of human rights. At this time the majority of Iranian were followers of the Zoroastrian religion, but Judaism, Buddhism, and smaller pagan and gnostic faiths were also present. After Iran was invaded by the Arab caliphate in 633 CE, it gradually became a nation mostly of Shi a Muslims.
History and Culture of Iran (cont.) Because of the Great Persian Famine, turmoil and dissatisfaction resulted in the Constitutional Revolution of Iran during the late 19th century. The first Majlis (Parliament) of Iran s new constitutional monarchy government convened in 1906. In 1921, the Pahlavi dynasty was established by Reza Khan in a coup supported by the British. The Pahlavi dynasty was characterized by harsh political repression, anti-communism, and policies friendly to western economic expansion. After Reza Khan s death, his son Mohammed Reza Pahlavi took power and initially gave Parliament a lot of power. The Prime Minister, Mohammed Mossadegh, was an incredibly popular left-leaning politician who, after nationalizing Iran s oil industry, was the victim of a CIA-led coup in 1953. In 1979, the Shiite religious leader Ayatollah Khomeini led a revolution that ended in the establishment of an Islamic Republic unfriendly to the west.
Natural Wonders of Iran Iran has an incredibly diverse climate, from the snowy Alborz mountains, to the Kavir desert, to the rain forests in Gilan province. Badab-e Surt (picture on right) is a beautiful and strange attraction unique to Iran. It is composed of many steppes colored red due to the presence of iron. It was formed by water flowing from two springs. Mount Damavand is a potentially active volcano located in the Mazanderan province. It is the highest peak in Iran and holds massive cultural significance as a symbol of Iranian resistance to despotism. The Alborz mountains are a large mountain range running along northern Iran. They are famous for having many ski resorts open during the wintertime. Lake Miyansheh is a large beautiful lake located in the Mazandaran province popular with tourists.
Natural Wonders of Iran (cont.) The Quri Qale Cave is one of the longest caves in western Asia. It is known for its colony of mouse eared bats. Mount Tochal is a popular destination for tourists interested in skiing. It has a gondola lift to make access to the many ski resorts easy. The Ali-Sadr Cave is the world s largest water cave. It is 11 kilometers deep and attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is known for ancient artwork dating back 12000 years. Tours are available by pedal boats. The Caspian Sea is the largest inland body of water on earth and has many beautiful sites along its southern coast bordering Iran. It is enormously popular among Iranian tourists from the south who travel there to experience it s many resorts and beaches.
Historical Attractions in Iran The Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque (pictured) is one of the most famous mosques in Iran. It is known for it s incredibly intricate and beautiful paintings on the interior of it s great dome. These designs are said to have been related to the famous Iranian philosopher Suhrawardi s ideas of the unity of existence. The Naqsh-e Jahan Square is the famous city square located at the center of Isfahan. The square is depicted on the reverse of the Iranian 20,000 rials banknote and is a very popular tourist destination. The Mausoleum of Omar Khayyam is the tomb of the famous poet and national hero Omar Khayyam. It is internationally recognized as a quintessential masterpiece of Iranian archetecture. Taq-e Bostan is a famous site known for it s elaborate rock reliefs. It is one of the best preserved examples of art from the ancient Sassanid empire.
Historical Attractions in Iran (cont.) Persepolis (pictured) is possibly the most famous ancient monument in Iran. It was the ancient capital of the Achaemenid empire and is known for it s gigantic sculptures and architecture. The Anahita Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to the pre-zoroastrian deity Anahita. It is well-known as an example of Parthian architecture. The National Museum of Iran is a famous museum popular with tourists located in Tehran. It has artifacts from all eras of Iranian history. The Azadi Tower is a national monument in Tehran. It is known for its light show, popular with tourists, and it is symbolic of the entire city of Tehran.
Entertainment Destinations in Iran Persian theatre is an ancient tradition dating back to antiquity, and it is still popular, especially in Tehran. Tehran City Theater is a popular destination to see traditional folk theater in an urban setting. No trip to Iran is complete without an experience of Iranian cuisine. Khoshbin is a popular restaurant in Tehran famous for its famous, authentic gilaki (food from the Gilan region). Kish Island is one of Iran s most popular tourist destinations. It was rated one of the ten most beautiful islands by The New York Time, and 1 million people visit it annually. It is home to many resorts and other tourist attractions. The Tehran Bazaar is the largest market of it s kind in the world. It has existed in Tehran for thousands of years, and is an integral part of life in Tehran.
Entertainment Destinations in Iran (cont.) Jamshidieh Stone Garden is like the Central Park of Tehran. It is known for its beauty and serenity in an urban context. Reza Abbasi Museum is a private museum famous for its collection of glassware. It is located in central Tehran and is ideal for a low-budget tourist.
Unique or Unusual Places The Shahdad Kalouts (pictured) are a unique geological phenomenon similar to Arches National Park in the United States. Yazd Towers of Silence are an ancient Zoroastrian structure used in their burial customs. Although they are no longer in use, the Yazd Towers are a beautiful sight for tourism. The Karaftu Caves are a mesmerizing and beautiful natural site that have been used as a shelter for thousands of years.
Political and Physical Maps of Iran
Population and Land Utilization Maps of Iran
Climate Map of Iran
Bibliography Iran Iran history - geography. (n.d.). Retrieved October 17, 2015, from https://www.britannica.com/place/iran Iran: Theatre -.تئاتر (n.d.). Retrieved October 17, 2015, from http://www.parstimes.com/theatre/ Khoshbin - Lonely Planet. (n.d.). Retrieved October 17, 2015, from https://www.lonelyplanet.com/iran/restaurants/other/khoshbin/item-a-414156-id Media ancient region, Iran. (n.d.). Retrieved October 17, 2015, from https://www.britannica.com/place/mediaancient-region-iran Middle East Kingdoms. (1999, January 2). Retrieved October 17, 2015, from http://www.historyfiles.co.uk/kinglistsmiddeast/easternpersia.htm The Things to Do in Iran - TripAdvisor - Iran Attractions - Find What to Do Today, This Weekend, or in October. (n.d.). Retrieved October 17, 2015, from http://www.tripadvisor.com/attractions-g293998-activities-oa20-iran.html Retrieved October 17, 2015, from http://www.irancaves.com/fa/cavedetail.aspx?id=401