From wherever you arrive, PERSIA
is only arm’s length away.
Where is it?
 Situated between the
Irann
Peninsula and the Mediterranean,
Iran has for thousands of years
been a cross roads of cultures.
People dwelling on the Iranian
Plateau have made a synthesis of
the civilizations of the far
east and the brilliant
civilizations of the shore of
the Mediterranean and the middle
east, together with Irann,
Chinese, Greek and Arab ways of
thought and techniques. Iranian
history reveals distinct periods
resulting from different
historical factors: the advent
of Alexander the Great in 330
B.C., the influence of the Greek
civilization, the Arab invasion
in the seventh and Mongol
invasion in the thirteenth
centuries. Despite these various
invasions, Iranian culture
neither disappeared nor
declined; on the contrary it
strongly influenced the
civilizations of the invaders.
The beauty of the Greek gods
could take no hold on Iranian
civilization. The Mongols were
seduced into adopting Iranian
ways and customs. The
outstanding characteristic of
Iranian civilization is its
cultural continuity. The most
ancient religion of Iran,
Zoroastrianism, was founded
about 600 B.C. by Zoroaster. It
was official religion of the
Iranian Empire for many
centuries. It disappeared almost
completely after the Arabs
introduced Islam into Iran. The
Iranians, by adopting a special
Islamic doctrine, Shiism,
introduced Iranian civilization
into the world of Islam. During
the early centuries of Islam,
Iranian philosophy, mathematics,
astronomy and medicine spread to
the west from Iran:
 The works of Avicenna and Razi
are two examples of this
movement. The Persian language
remained intact and even now,
after more than a thousand
years, the Shahnameh (The Book
of Kings) by well – Known
Iranian epic poet Ferdowsi is
read with enthusiasm. Persian
poetry, born over one thousand
years ago, has developed without
a break until our own time. From
the eleventh century onwards,
its influence extended beyond
the Iranian Plateau: from Iran
as far as the Chinese border,
on the one hand, and as far as
Asia Minor, on the other. The
poet’s works still have great
popular appeal. Even illiterates
know a great many verses by
heart. Another important element
in Iranian civilization and
culture is its universally known
art. The objects and statues of
the prehistoric period on view
in most of the museums of the
world are the first
manifestation of this art. In
historical times, architecture
and sculpture develop and reach
their peak of perfection.
Ancient capitals (Persepolis,
Passargad and Susa), the
palaces, fortresses, tombs, and
bas reliefs discovered all over
the country are proof of this.
Add to this art of the potter,
the weaver, the metalworker,
etc. Painting was held in honor
under the Sassanians. During the
Islamic period different schools
of painting sprang up. They
entirely devoted to miniature
painting. Unlike painting,
sculpture in the Islamic era
became impoverished and produced
no great master. On the other
hand, ceramics have always their
age – old popularity. In pottery, calligraphy, weaving,
ceramics, mosaics, and in the
most Famous Persian arts,
carpets, the beauty of design is
striking. During the Islamic
Period, architecture was one of
the most important arts of the
country.
 The origins of the Iranian music
are the remotest antiquity. But
it is undoubtedly known that, in
the Sassanian period, musicians
were held in great honor.
Musical documentation became
more precise towards the end of
the nineteenth century. Iranian
music has twelve main modal
systems; it is monodic in other
words only one note is heard at
a time. Although the form of the
melody is usually fairly simple,
the art lies in the way of
playing it and improvisation is
of prime importance.
Palaces of Interest
Iran has undoubtedly played a
most significant role in the
evolution of human civilization. What we call Iran today is the
reminder of an ancient
civilization. Archeological
finding indicate that human
beings lived in the various
parts of Iran as long as 15,000
years a go. During this long
history from the food gathering
age, down to now Iran
experienced different dynasties.
Due to this reason it’s said
that one million historical
attractions exists in Iran. In
each city you can find
historical sites. Edifices,
Castles, Historical Bridges,
ziggurats, Caravansaries, Inscriptions,
Hills, Temples, Tombs and
Domes, Towers and Minarets
 Old and Historical Houses, old
Schools, old Bazaars, Old Public
Baths and Water
Reservoirs, Historical Caves
Historical Graveyards, old
Mosques
Mausoleums and Imamzadehs
old Churches, Temples are among
the attractions of Iran. Most of
them are famous in the world. Persepolis, choqazanbil
ziggurat, passargade, naqshe
jahan square, Golestan
Palace,……. Every tourist can find
everything which is interest
for.
Iran has lots of monuments offer
to culture seekers. You can hear
foot steps of empire in
persepolis, the glorious ruins
of Achamenian palaces. Other
palaces in isfahan like
chehelsoton and Aliqapou and
Golestan Palace in Tehran are
among eye catching palaces of
Iran. Enjoy visiting the tombs
of Iranian kings in Rahmat
Mountain, with inscriptions
which explain the glories of
kings. Zoroastrian fire temples
with fires which is burning for
thousands of years are unique in
the world. Mosque with different
architectures and oldness from
the early age of Arab attack to
Iran up to now. The glorious one
is Imam Mosque in Isfahan. Old
churches in different cities
like Vank Cathederal in Isfahan,
Thaddeus and Gara Klisa are also
worth to see. Tehran, the city
of museums, which are unique in
the world, jewels, Carpet,
Glassware and Ceramic,
Archelogical and Rezaabbasi
museums are among the best. You
will find traces of a great
civilization displayed in the
showcases. Enjoying amazing
nights of desert with staying in
caravansary and hear the bells
of camels of the caravan which
passing the silk road and soak
in the history of ancient
Persia.
Moreover
historical attractions, Iranian
hospitality and friendly
behavior would memorable your
trip to Iran. Pack all your six
senses and travel to Persia the
land of history.
Any time
you come to Iran you are
welcome. |
|
