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Top Things to Do in Iran

Iran with a long history has beautiful and famous attraction sites. For travelers, there are a lot of things to do when going to the country. Tourists can visit the historical relics to learn about Iranian history, purchase the well-known Persian carpets and rare handiwork, and take part in local activities to deeply know about the country and its people. Currently, not too many people are attracted to the country for a visit, so you can go there as soon as possible to unveil its mystery and experience its uniqueness.

Must-go Cities in Iran

Tehran

As the capital city of Iran, Tehran is also the biggest city in the country. It is a modern city surrounded by many tall buildings, among which you can find the landmark of the city, Milad Tower. When going to Tehran, visitors can see many famous mosques, Christian churches, synagogues, and fire temples of Zoroastrianism.

Mashhad

Close to Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, Mashhad is the second largest city in the northeastern part of Iran. Tourists visiting the Silk Road usually pass this city and then continue the journey to Turkmenistan. In Arabic, the full name of Mashhad is Mashhad-e Moqaddas (Mashhad the Holy), meaning a burial place for martyrs. Many celebrities in history and religious sages including Imam Reza were buried in the city, making it undoubtedly the most sacred city in the country. The most famous Iranian poet - Ferdowsi was also buried here.

Yazd

Located in the central part of Iran, Yazd is the cultural center of Zoroastrianism. Yazd has many mosques, among which Jom’e and Amir Chakhmagh are the most famous. The most distinctive architecture should be wind towers built at the top of houses to ventilate and lower the temperature, so Yazd is also called “the city of wind towers”. Due to desert climate, this city lacks water and a kind of underground canal system called Ghanat has been developed by the locals. Yazd mainly produces carpets, silk fabrics, and shawls.


Must-see Attractions in Iran

Nasir-al-Mulk Mosque

Nasir-al-Mulk Mosque, also called the Pink Mosque, is bright-colored. The patterns on walls are exquisite, complicated and gorgeous, which can be compared favorably with the walls of royal palaces in Tehran. It is said that those beautiful walls and cellular-like dome were built by Persians. Each glaze tile perfectly fits the dome. The patterns of holy flame are scattered at every corner of the mosque. The exterior walls adopt brick-wood structures to reduce the damage of earthquakes. The hall is 10 meters (33 feet) wide, supported by over 10 pillars with snake patterns. When the rays of light shine on the Persian carpets on the ground through colorful glasses, a wonderful picture of checkered shadows is formed.

Golestan Palace

As a huge residence of Iranian royal family, Golestan Palace is a world cultural heritage and the oldest historical relic of Tehran. Originally built in 1865, it is located in the center of Tehran. There are 17 palaces, museums and other buildings in Golestan Palace. Gole refers to flower and Stan means a palace. The entrance of Golestan Palace is behind a garden planted with numerous roses, so Golestan Palace is also called Rose Garden or Rose Palace. The most distinctive parts of the palace should be Hall of Mirrors, Marble Hall, and Diamond Palace. Hall of Mirrors with many mirrors inset in the dome and walls is the essence of the palace. Many famous paintings hang on the walls, making the palace more splendid and colorful.

Imam Square

Located in the center of Isfahan, Imam Square or Naqsh-E Jahan Square ranks the second largest square in the world after Tiananmen Square of China. Originally known as King Plaza, it was renamed as Imam Square and was listed as a World Heritage in 1979. As the symbol of Imam Square, a big fountain pool lies in the center of the square. Beside the square are two important mosques: Imam Mosque and Sheikh Lotfolah Mosque. To the north of the square is the famous Isfahan Grand Bazaar and to the west is the six-storey Ali Qapu Palace. The grassland and flower nursery make the square full of fresh natural flavor. When the night falls, the dreamlike lamplight and intoxicating fountain make the square the best place for nighttime photographs in Iran.

Top Cuisine to Taste in Iran

Iranian cuisine is deeply influenced by religious belief. Locals lay emphasis on auspicious meanings when eating food. For example, eating candied apples means having a happy life; pomegranate symbolizes much good luck like pomegranate seeds; eating fish means being active as fish. More interestingly, the locals also make pastry in all shapes representing different meanings. They don’t eat garlic, green onions, bitter food, walnuts, almonds and other nuts during religious festivals.

Kebab

Kebab, the national dish of the country, is a kind of roast mutton, chicken or beef.

Koresht

Usually, the locals put lamb, beans, and potatoes together and stew for some time, making a delicious local food called Khoresht.



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