ABOUT IRAN

About Iran

One of the youngest countries in the world with a population of about 80 million is Iran. Come from the Old Persian word “the land of the Aryans” this name got its roots at least thousands of years ago in the Sasanid period. Farsi (Persian) is the main language of Iran but Arabic and English are taught in schools definitely. Although the main religion in Iran is Islam currently but the existence of other temples such as churches, fire temples and synagogue shows Iranians used to live peacefully no matter what a person’s religion is.

Generally, Iran is the country of varieties and some are really noticeable such as climate, tradition, language, dialect, food, culture and so on. Iran, the country of four seasons has the capacity to offer you rainy, stormy, sunny, cloudy, snowy, wet, mild, dry, humid, hot and cold weather simultaneously. Plains, forests, mountains, deserts, jungles, rivers, seas and a gulf all gathered together to make the natural beauty of Iran complete and unique.

Some other remarkable things about Iran like, Caviar and Saffron has turned in to brands themselves.

The taste of Iranian traditional food gives you an unforgettable feeling which you can’t experience anywhere and belongs to nowhere else but here. Every region has got its own foods and dialects which make Iran interesting and worth visiting.

The name “Iran” comes from the Old Persian word meaning “the land of the Aryans”. Iran has been the name of this country at least since the Sasanid period. However, until 1935, the English –speaking world knew this country as Persia, a legacy of the Greeks who named the region after its most important province, Pars (present-day Fars)

Iran’s population is near 77 million, it is a young country.

The national language of Iran is Persian (Farsi) and, the main foreign language spoken by the Iranians is English.

The official religion of Iran is Islam, which is followed by more than 95 percent of the Iranian population. About 4 percent of the Iranian population is Sunni. It’s worth mentioning that many Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians live freely in Iran.

Iran has a variable climate. In the northwest, winters are cold with heavy snowfall and subfreezing temperatures during December and January. Spring and fall are relatively mild, while summers are dry and hot. In the south, winters are mild and the summers are very hot, having average daily temperatures in July exceeding 38°C.

The northern coastal region of Iran is covered with dense forests while in the center the desserts provide you a tranquilizing silence. North and south coast with their different climates mild & humid in the Caspian region but warm & humid in the south shores, and cold and humid north-west & cold and dry northeast areas at the other side have made it more wonderful., Iran is famous for having “four seasons” at the same time, so one can go skiing in the north and swimming in the south in the same season.

The wildlife includes leopards, bears, wild ass and wild boars. Studies have revealed the presence of a remarkably wide variety of reptiles. 200 varieties of fish live in the Persian Gulf. Sturgeon is one of 30 species found in the Caspian Sea. Also Caviar, which undoubtedly is really popular with many Asians and Europeans.

Iran enjoys a wide variety of cultural styles. Iranians celebrate the New Year which

Is Norooz at the beginning of spring, the most beautiful season in Iran. This celebration starts from 21st of March and continues to 2nd of April.

Food and Drink:

Wherever in Iran you go to, delicious cuisine awaits you!

Food and its health are the most important issues that everyone cares about in travel. No matter where you are going, no matter you go north or south, it is important that anywhere you go, delicious cuisine is waiting for you, foods that their good taste make the good memories of your trip. Now, if you do not want to miss the opportunity of these delicious experiences, have a look at our food tourism guide before your trip and choosing your destination.

Iranian cuisine is very tasty indeed. The Iranian diet is based on rice, bread, fresh vegetables, fruit – and meat.

The main dish in Iran is kebab; this is served in most restaurants. When it is served with rice, called Chelo Kebab.( Polo) polo often called pilaf in the west , there is an amazing variety of polo.  Khoresht:  It is a sort of stew with meat , vegetables , and other ingredients.

Other Traditional Dishes:

Abgusht is the most traditional Iranian dish (Dizi)

Specialties of Fars

Kalam-polo, Kebab-e Lari ,(main dish) and  Falude is a famous desert.

Drinks

Tea, fruit juice, and carbonated beverages, dough is a yogurt based drink .It can be flavored  with mint.

 Sherbet: is a sort of lemonade , made of fruit  syrup, sugar and water .

Araghiat: plant essence extracted in Shiraz, non-alcoholic beer is usually available. Alcoholic beverages are forbidden.

Handicrafts

 Weaving (carpet- rug), Ghalamkar, Iranian Termeh, Qilim, embroidery, zariduzi (decorating fabrics by sewing with golden thread)

Metal Work: Khatam, Minakari, qalamzani.

Wood Work: wood carving.

Stone and Mosaic.

Cloth and Wear:

Men: There are few restrictions about men’s dress, only shorts.

Women: All females, must wear hijab.In some mosques and shrines, women have to wear Chador (the loose head to toe covering).It will be handed over at the entrance of religious attractions.

The currency of Iran is Rial but Iranians use Tooman.
Attention: Foreign credit cards(master card visa card ….) cannot be used.

Secular
(according to the solar calendar)

Official Holidays and Days Off