Iran; the Land of Four Seasons
In the recent years, tourism as an emerging industry, has drawn a lot of attention of many countries. The advantages along with the richness and diversity of Iran's tourism attractions have entailed the country to consider tourism as one of the priorities in economic d evelopment
Geography
Iran as a vast country with 1.648 million sq km total area is located in the south west of Asia and the border countries are: Afghanistan, Armenia , Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and from the south bordering the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf
Historical Attractions
The Iranian Plateau is recognized as one of the oldest civilizations during ancient period in Asia and is well-considered in the archeology. According to some proofs, Iran has been inhabited for many years. The existence of central residential alongside the rivers and fountains, such as: Teppe Sialk in Kashan, Teppe Hesar in Damghan, Torang Teppe in Gorgan, Teppe Hasanlou in Azarbaijan, Teppe Marlik in Roudbar in addition to seventeen World Heritage sites inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List testify the antiquity of the history of Iran. The Properties inscribed on the World Heritage List are: Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran, Bam and its Cultural Landscape, Bisotun,Golestan Palace, Gonbad-e Qābus, Masjed-e Jāmé of Isfahan, Meidan Emam, Esfahan, Pasargadae,Persepolis, Shahr-i Sokhta, Sheikh Safi al-din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil, Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System, Soltaniyeh, Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex, Takht-e Soleyman, Tchogha Zanbil, The Persian Garden.
Cultural Attractions and Museums
Iran's cultural richness in different areas comprising eastern art, literature and mysticism are internationally reputed. Myths, legends, wisdom and philosophy, poetry, music, folk literature, handicrafts, architecture and decorative arts are the treasures of this fabulous land. Nowrouz, Radif of Iranian music, Folk music of Bakhshis in Khorasan province, Ta'zieh rituals, Zurkhaneh and heroism ceremonies, skill of carpet weaving, story-telling and narration, traditional know-how of dhow building, maritime in Persian , Gulf, and Qalishuyan in Ardehal Rituals can be considered as Iranian intangible heritage which are inscribed on UNESCO heritage list. Iranian museums are treasures for cultural, historical, natural, anthropological and artistic heritage. There are lots of museums, palace museums, garden museums and private collections in most major and old cities of Iran which are exhibiting ancient, natural and artistic works of this ancient country. The number of museums in Iran exceeds to 430 of which the most remarkable are as follows: Museum of Tabriz, Maragheh, Urumieh, Khoy Miandoab in Azerbaijan Province; Chehel-Sotoun and Kashan Museums in Isfahan Province, Kermanshah Museum; in Tehran Reza Abbasi, Carpet, Contemporary Art, Glassware, Clock, Cinema, National Jewelries, National Arts Museums and Iran National Museum, etc. Tous, Naderi, Astan Quds Razavi Museums in Khorasan Razavi province; Susa, Haft Teppe in Khuzestan province, Falak-ol-Aflak in Lorestan
Religious Attractions
Ancient Persia is the origin of "Zoroastrians" as one of the most significant religions. The Official religion of Iran is Islam with 56.99 of the population and majority of them are Shia. Judaism, Christianity and Zoroastrianism are also officially recognized with equal civil, political and economic rights. One of the main purpose of travel to Iran is pilgrimage. The major pilgrimage destinations in Iran are: Holy shrine Complex in Mashad, Fatima Masumeh Holy Shrine in Qom, Shah Cheragh Holy Shrine, Tomb of Daniel the Prophet in Susa. Ta'zieh rituals and Qalishuyan in Ardehal Rituals inscribed on UNESCO Cultural Heritage List are other religious attractions
Natural Attractions
Iran is the land of four seasons in which you can find all kind of weathers simultaneously. Due to the diversity of climate and geographic situation, during the winter in some cities the weather seems summer time while several cities during the summer enjoy mild weather in spring. More than 8000 plants species, 168 mammals species, 520 birds species, 174 fish species, 433 butterflies species and around 25000 insects species have been recognized. More than 500 springs with intact areas, dozens of waterfalls, wild rivers with eye-catching sceneries, natural lakes, ever-green woodlands and pleasant natural aroma of mountain bushes are other dimension of miraculous nature of this country. Damavand Mount, the humid forest in the north of the country, central desert, Lout Desert, Golestan National Park, Mian kaleh Pond, Touran Biosphere Reserve, can be referred to as other Iranian natural precious attractions. It is considerable that rare species of wildlife such as Asian Leopard and Pleske's ground jay or Persian ground jay are endemic to Iran
Sport Attractions
Among all eastern countries, Iran has been one of the most active countries in sport and physical education particularly archery and horse-riding. Pahlevani and zoorkhaneh rituals which means “heroic sport", is a kind of ancient Iranian sport and the place dedicated to it is called the Zurkhaneh literally the "house of strength". This kind of sport as a symbol of heroism is still common in Iran and inscribed on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Different kinds of sports such as wrestling, soccer, volleyball, handball, tennis are popular in Iran and most of the cities are equipped with required facilities and services. It is considerable that skiing on snow, water and grass and adventurous sports can be considered as common sport attractions
Health Tourism
Iran is potent enough to be known as a destination for health tourism. The existence of different mineral springs has pave the way to develop Hydrotherapy centers in Iran. The Spa centers in Sareyn in Ardebil and Larijan in Mazandaran Province are the most famous ones. Furthermore, mud therapy in Uramieh and sand, salt therapy in the deserts are other natural remedies in Iran. Iran is also famous for its traditional medicine. Recreational centers located in Alborz and Zagros mountain areas with pleasant weather provide visitors with health service. In the field of medical tourism Iran enjoys considerable potentials in stem cells, spinal injuries infertility, kidney and liver transplant, ophthalmology and radiology in addition to affordable cost and efficiency in specialized surgeries, prove the competency of Iran to develop its health tourism. Considering the current conditions in daily routine lives of people with exhaustion, health tourism can offer a good opportunity to the ones who are looking for therapy and relaxation and Iran with its well-equipped spa centers can be a good choice to be mentioned.
IRANIAN SOUVENIRS AND HANDICRAFTS
There is a wide range of souvenirs in Iran which can meet all expectations considering all tastes and affordability. Carpets, rugs, silverworks, marquetry and wood carvings in Isfahan; Qashqai carpets and weavings and in Shiraz; carpets, rugs, Kilim and various type of nuts in Tabriz; Carpets and pistachio in Kerman; Saffron in Mashad and any kind of souvenirs would be available in Tehran.
The Iranian handicrafts is the manifestation of art, culture and ancient civilization which overwhelms any visitor by its delicate design. The rich millennial Persian civilization astonishes tourists and persuades them to take a piece of this historical land as a memorable souvenir. The most significant and well known Iranian handicraft is carpet and Kilim. The Persian carpet with its design, textures and permanent color has privilege worldwide. More than 229 handicrafts have been recognized in Iran of which Persian carpet-weaving of Fars province and designs and patterns of carpets of Kashan have been inscribed in UNESCO list. Other remarkable types of Iranian Handicrafts are Brocade, Vitreous enamel, Velvet weaving, Pottery and Ceramics.
IRANIAN CUISINE
There are over 400 different kinds of food and sweets in Iran. The ingredients are generally cereals, grains, vegetables and proteins. The existence of various tribes within Iran alongside its rich culture has made the Iranian cuisine very diversified. Most popular and famous foods in Iran are: Aab-Gousht, Ghormesabzi and many types of Kebabs. Sweets covered with nuts are popular in Iran
HOSPITALITY
One the most impressive elements which would make trips to Iran very extraordinary and delightful is being welcome and served by the hospitable Iranians. The etiquettes and behaviors towards travelers by Iranians rooted in their cultural beleifs make the journey memorable and encourage tourist to repeat their experiences