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Shiraz

Iran

Shiraz
If you walk up to a random person in Iran and ask them to define the city of Shiraz in one word, it is most likely that you will hear phrases such as the city of love, literature, poetry, flowers, and nightingales. Shiraz is one of the must-see places in Iran where one can enjoy a variety of activities; from getting to feel the glory of an ancient civilization in its archaic sites, to drowning yourself in the enchanting world of colors in its picturesque mosques; from taking a stroll down in its rejuvenating gardens with laidback atmosphere, to shopping souvenirs in the labyrinth of its vibrant bazaars. The city has been given a lot of credit for being both the birthplace and the burial ground of two of the most celebrated poets of all times: Saadi –the master of speech and Hafiz –the greatest Persian sonnet writer

Brief Facts about Shiraz
Shiraz, the capital of Fars province, is situated in the southwestern part of the country. It is located at the foot of the Zagros mountain range. A seasonal river called ‘Khoshk River’ (meaning the dry river) flows through the city, eventually leading to Maharloo Lake. Most of the year, this river remains dry due to the lack of rain.
The population of Shiraz nearly reaches 1.6 million people, people who are known for their hospitality, sincerity and friendly manners. Fars province is known to be an ethnically diverse province with Lur, Turk and Fars groups of people living in different parts of it. Shirazi people speak Farsi with a special lovely accent.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Shiraz?
Influenced by its location, the climate of the city stays nearly moderate all year long. Summers can get warm; nevertheless, the average temperature does not go beyond 40 degrees Celsius. During winter, the weather is rather brisk, but subzero temperature is not to be expected regularly, making snowy weather a rare thing in Shiraz. The best time to visit this city is during springtime. Not only the weather is extremely lovely in spring, but also the whole city is drowned in the heavenly smell of orange blossoms when you can give yourself the pleasure of visiting its iconic gardens and letting the fresh air fill your lungs.

History of Shiraz
The first time that the word “Shiraz” appeared in the course of history, was in the discovered clay tablets dating back to the time of Elamites. According to these tablets, this city was firstly called ‘Tirazis’ but gradually changed name to ‘Shirazis’ and ‘Shiraz’.
Throughout history, Shiraz has always been a significant city. Thousands of years ago, Iran was experiencing the summit of its sovereignty under the rule of one of the greatest emperorships in the world, Achaemenids. Cyrus the Great, the founder of this dynasty established his powers in the land of Persia by building his first capital, Pasargadae, in Fars province. The outstanding remaining ruins of Persepolis, laying a few kilometers away from Shiraz, is another testimony to the greatness of this city from the beginning of time. Sassanid dynasty, under the reign of which, the country became a majestic power in the world once more, had its roots in Fars Province, as well. Shiraz has been named the capital of the country several times during Buyid, Muzaffarid, Injuid, and Zand dynasties, leading to the construction of numerous palaces, gardens, mosques, and museums. Well-known travelers such as Jean Tavernier, Jane Dieulafoy, Eugene Flandin, and Jean Chardin have mentioned Shiraz in their travel journals and have described it as one of the most beautiful cities of Iran that will leave you speechless with its charm. Here is an extract from the memoirs of Madame Dieulafoy: ‘…Tile-work used to decorate the building were so beautiful that if you took one out, it resembled an artistic painting on its own and could be counted as a masterpiece.’

How to Get to Shiraz?
Airway: Shiraz has an international airport under the name of Shahid Dastgheib, which is considered the main airport in the southern part of the country. Except for a few nationalities, the citizens of most countries can easily get a visa on arrival, valid for two weeks, in the international airport of Shiraz. As Shiraz is pretty close to other popular travel destinations such as Yazd, Kerman, and Esfahan, taking a flight to these cities is not so common and taking a bus is much more favorable and suggested. However, many people choose to get a round-trip ticket to Tehran and then travel to Shiraz by plane to save time. A flight from Tehran to Shiraz takes two hours. You can get yourself to the airport by calling a cab, driving you own car, taking a bus, or using the subway. If you decide to take the metro, you need to ride the first line and get off in Shahid Dastgheib station.
Roadway: You can get to Shiraz through the roadway from practically anywhere in Iran and the prices are amazingly low. Shiraz has five terminals among which Karandish Terminal is the most famous one. A trip from Shiraz to the capital of the country, Tehran, takes 12 hours using the roadway.
Railway: The train station of Shiraz has daily trains leaving to the destination of Tehran, Qom, Mashhad, Esfahan and some other cities among which these three are the most popular. A trip from Shiraz to Tehran takes almost 14 hours by train and the prices are quite reasonable. In order to get to the train station of Shiraz, you can use taxis or buses.
Distance from Tehran: 930 Km.

Public Transportation in Shiraz
Taxi: Taxis are one of the best means of public transportation in Shiraz. Not only they are easy to find, but also, they have a relatively reasonable rate. If you need a ride to your hotel residence, you can find a car in any of the terminals of the city of Shiraz as well as its airport, with no difficulty. You might need to know that Uber is not available in Iran, however, there are other similar online taxi services you can use. The most famous application for hiring a cab in Iran is called ‘Snapp’. It is easy to work with and is quite user friendly and is available both in IOS and Android.
Bus: Using a bus, you can get access to all the main parts of the city effortlessly. To pay the price you can use cash or prepaid electronic tickets. To charge these cards you can stop by any subway station or the stations spotted on some streets.
Subway: If you want to save yourself from traffic jams, going around with trains is one of the best options. Shiraz Metro station is recently built and is very clean and proper. You can pay using a metro card or buying a Token (small plastic coins) with cash or any credit card functioning in Iran. At the moment, only one out of the six metro lines are functioning in Shiraz, which has 19 active stations.

Best Cafes and Restaurants of the City
• Haft Khan Complex
• Mahooni Café
• Ferdowsi Café
• Julep Café
• Parhami House
• Baq-e Raz
• Bakooyeh Complex
• Hedayat Café
• Saray-e Mehr Café
• Shapouri Garden Traditional Restaurant and Café
• Sharzeh Traditional Restaurant
• Sufi Traditional Restaurant

Local Foods and Desserts of Shiraz
After strolling down the streets of Shiraz for hours and letting the favorable atmosphere of this city sink in, nothing beats sitting in a cozy café with laidback vibes and treating yourself with the pleasure of tasting the local foods of this city and having a nice drink. If you like savoring new dishes now and then, Shiraz can be a piece of good news for you. Here are some of the most famous local foods of Shiraz:
Kalam Polo (Rice and Cabbage): Kalam Polo is the most sought-after local dish in Shiraz. It is made of rice, chopped cabbages, vegetables, and very small meatballs. Kalam Polo can usually be spotted on the menu of any traditional restaurant in Shiraz. It is highly recommended to have
Ash-e Sabzi (Vegetable Soup): Ash is a kind of thick soup, cooked in a different way in each part of the country. Actually, there is a huge variety of Ash in Iran. One can say that Ash is Iran’s national soup that has over a hundred recipes in the whole country and each province has its own way of making Ash. Shiraz has quite a few kinds, as well. Ash-e Sabzi is a delicious veggie soup that Shirazis usually serve for breakfast with bread and lemon.
Shekar Polo with Gheimeh: Shekar polo is the kind of dish that none-Shirazis do not really appreciate, simply because it is a bit sweet and people are not used to eating Shekar polo with Gheimeh – a well-known stew made from split peas, meat, and potatoes. Gheimeh is rather served with other kinds of rice. To put it differently, this food is basically sugary rice with a famous traditional stew.
Halva: Halva is a popular sweet dessert basically made out of flour and butter, mixed with a syrup of sugar, saffron, rosewater, and cardamom. However, there are so many different kinds of it, especially in Asian countries. In Shiraz, the most famous Halva is called Halva Kaseh, which is a rice flour Halva with saffron. If you stop by any pastry shop in the city, you can easily find it. An interesting fact worth mentioning is that Halva is usually served in funerals and during Ramadan and is decorated with silvered pistachio and coconuts.
Masghati (Muscat): One of the most famous Iranian desserts, which is best served with tea, is called Masghati or Muscat sweet. The base for this traditional sweet is a mixture of liquids such as water or milk, combined with starch and sugar. Nowadays, you can find small diamond-shaped Masghatis all over the city and it is known to be one of the best souvenirs of Fars province.
Koofteh Sabzi (Vegetable Rice Balls): Koofteh is a word commonly used in the Persian language to refer to meatballs or rice balls. Of course, the most famous type of Koofteh belongs to the city of Tabriz, but some cities have their own special kind of Koofteh that is dissimilar to any other version found in other provinces. What makes various kinds of Koofteh special and unique in their own way is the added ingredients. Koofteh Sabzi or Vegetable Rice ball of Shiraz is all about the herbs. Leek, parsley, tarragon, basil, and dill are combined with cooked rice and minced meat that finally gives Koofteh a green color and a very pleasant smell and flavor.
Shirazi Salad: A rather famous and very popular salad in Iran is the Shirazi salad. It can be found on the menu of many of the traditional restaurants in different cities of Iran but as the name suggests, it is originally from Shiraz. Cucumbers, onions, tomatoes are chopped into very small pieces served with verjuice, mint and some other spices. It is highly recommended not to miss this salad during your trip to Iran.
Yukheh: Youkheh is another typical pastry of Shiraz, which is basically made out of layers of thin dough, cooked over a pre-heated stone. The layers are peppered with sugar powder and cinnamon before being rolled up and cut into pieces.
Faloodeh: Not having Faloodeh in Shiraz is totally a big mistake! It is one of the most delicious parts of your journey to Iran and seems like a little flavor party in your mouth! Faloodeh is a traditional dessert made of sweet noodles and flavored with either rose water, lemon juice, or both. It can be tailor-made for you with pomegranate or saffron syrups, in any way that suits your taste.

Souvenirs and Handicrafts of Shiraz
On your journey to Shiraz, apart from seeing its spectacular attractions, do not forget to devote some time to buying handicrafts in its vivacious bazaars. The marquetry (Khatamkari) of this city is among the most famous and most valuable ones in the world.
Khatamkari is one of the Persian arts of woodwork in which the surface of wooden or metallic artifacts is decorated with tiny pieces of wood, bone, and metal cut in a variety of shapes and designs. You can find many objects decorated in this fashion. Other famous handicrafts of Shiraz include silverwork, mosaic, woodcarving, metalworking, miniature, and enameling. You can also find nomadic rugs and carpets (Gelim and Gabbeh) with beautiful patterns in its bazaars. Nevertheless, if you are looking for other souvenirs rather than handicrafts, you are not going to be disappointed, for this city has other charms in store for you! Other prominent souvenirs of Shiraz include lemon and lime juice, sour orange blossom, Shirazi sweets (called Yukhe and Muscat) and distillates. Being surrounded by gardens and flowers, this city is somehow famous for its different distillates, each of which has a health benefit.

Top Attractions
• Pink Mosque
• Qavam Orangery Garden (Naranjestan-e Qavam)
• Eram Garden
• Karim Khan Citadel
• Vakil Bazaar
• Vakil Mosque
• Vakil Bathhouse
• The Holy Shrine of Shah-e Cheraq
• Seyyed Aladdin Hossein
• Mausoleum of Hafez
• Mausoleum of Saadi
• Quran Gate
• Jahan Nama Garden
• Persepolis
• Pasargad
• Naqsh-e Rostam (Necropolis)

Tehran

Iran

Tehran
Capitals have always been a reminder of the most chaotically crowded, modern and developed part of a country that plays the role of a beating heart to the economy of a nation. Tehran is no exception to this fact, as well. But If you give it a chance and start exploring around the city, you will figure out that it has much more to offer than traffic jams and polluted air. It is where roads and cultures come together in Iran and is home to a couple of must-see places, exquisite restaurants and cafés, and fancy shopping malls. Even though it has many historical places, more modern structures, above all, Azadi (Freedom) and Milad Tower, have come to symbolize the city. Tehran has been given the title of ‘the city of museums’ in Iran. Therefore, if you are interested in finding out more about the history of the land of Persia through ancient collections, you have chosen the right place to be!

Brief facts about Tehran
Tehran, the capital of Iran and Tehran province, is a sprawling city at the foot of Alborz mountain range in the northern part of the country, with an immense network of highways unparalleled to any other in Western Asia. With a population of around 8.3 million and surpassing 14 million in wider metropolitan areas, Tehran is the largest and the most populated city of Iran. Generally speaking, Iran is an ethnically diverse country, so it is no wonder that the capital of such a nation is a melting pot of different cultures due to the great number of immigration from other cities. But mostly, people are from Azari (Turk) and Fars (Persian) ethnic groups. Nonetheless, the majority of people speak the official language of the country besides their local dialect.

When is the Best Time to Travel to Tehran?
The geographical location of a city largely affects its climate. The juxtaposition of snow-covered Alborz Mountain range in the north and the central desert in the south has created a climatically varied city. Tehran can be generally described as mild in the spring and autumn, hot and dry in the summer, and cold in the winter. The best time to visit Tehran is in late September to early November and mid-April to early June.

History of Tehran
The etymology of the word Tehran proves that the name of this city stems from an Old Persian word originally meaning “the hot place” (“teh” or “keh” meaning hot, and “rān” meaning “place of”).
Tehran may be the city of museums and have pieces of history hidden inside the walls of its museums, but it wasn’t until the reign of Qajar dynasty that the city itself gained significance as the capital of Iran. In 1879, Agha Mohammad Khan ascended the throne in Tehran, moving the capital away from Shiraz. As a result, Tehran started growing from a small city to a major metropolis. The succeeding powers after Qajar, namely Pahlavi and the Islamic Republic saw fit not to recast the capital and continued using Tehran as their seat of government. Many of the glorious palace complexes that can turn out to be the highlight of your sightseeing in Tehran belong to this historical context.

Handicrafts and Souvenirs of Tehran
The grand bazaar of Tehran, not only has historical and architectural significance, but is also a great place to do your shopping and buy a little souvenir from your journey to Iran. You can find anything from clothes and handicrafts to food and fruits in the grand bazaar for a reasonable price compared to other places in Tehran. But if you are looking for something less traditional and more contemporary, this city is filled with great shops and elegant malls. In comparison to other cities of Iran, Tehran has fewer exclusive handicrafts, but you can find other cities’ artworks and crafts in its bazaars easily.

How to Get Yourself to Tehran?
Most travelers prefer to start their journey to Iran in the capital and then start going from one city to another and have a tour of the whole country. You might be wondering about the transportation systems functioning in Iran and have this question in mind about how to get yourself from Tehran to the other cities in the land of Persia, here’s the answer to that question:
Airway: If Tehran is the starting point of your trip to Iran, you are most probably going to arrive at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA). It is possible and pretty easy to get your visa on arrival in IKA. If you need to exchange some money or if you want to buy an Iranian Simcard, you can do so at the international airport of Imam Khomeini.
There is one other functioning airport in the city of Tehran under the name of Mehrabad International Airport that used to be the first airport for domestic and international flights in Tehran, but since 2007 all international flights were transferred to the other airport and Mehrabad is now used only for domestic flights. You can travel to almost every other city in Iran, in a really short time, taking a flight from Tehran.
How many hours does it take to go from Tehran to other main cities of Iran by plane?
• Tehran to Shiraz: 1h and 30m
• Tehran to Isfahan: 50m
• Tehran to Yazd: 1h
• Tehran to Kish: 1h and 50m
• Tehran to Qeshm: 1h and 50m
• Tehran to Mashhad: 1h and 25m
• Tehran to Tabriz: 1h
• Tehran to Ahwaz: 1h
• Tehran to Kerman: 1h and 30m
In order to get yourself to any of the international airports of Tehran you can hire a cab, ride a bus or use the subway (Line 1 for IKA and Line 4 for Mehrabad).
Roadway: if you want to get yourself to the capital from any other cities in the country or if you want to move to your next destination in Iran, you can always count on the roadway as one of the options in front of you. Depending on your starting point or destination, there might be some other choices, but if you are looking for a safe, unexpensive andefficient way, taking a bus or a private car may be the answer. You can book a VIP bus online, easily and for a fair price, or by showing up in person in a terminal and asking for a ticket yourself. Of course, if you want to book a VIP bus on the internet, you won’t be able to pay the price using your credit card, because due to the bank sanctions, PayPal and MasterCard are not available in Iran and you have to have an Iranian credit card. It’s better to have a travel agency arrange it for you. The great city of Tehran has 4 functioning Terminals: Beyhaghi (Argentina) , South, West and East. Every one of them has daily shuffle services to different cities of Iran and even to some other countries. Which one of these four you should be using doesn’t really make a difference, but sometimes it depends on your destination. For instance, the East Terminal is usually used for traveling to the northern cities of Iran, like Sari, Babol and Gorgan, while the Southern Terminal is most ofen used for traveling to the central cities and southern cities of the country. However, it does not mean that they won’t have services to the other cities. You can consult your bus operator about it.
How many hours does it take to go from Tehran to other main cities of Iran by bus?
• Tehran to Shiraz: about 12 hours
• Tehran to Isfahan: about 6 hours
• Tehran to Kashan: about 3 hours
• Tehran to Yazd: about 7 hours
• Tehran to Mashhad: about 9 or 10 hours
• Tehran to Tabriz: about 7 hours
• Tehran to Kerman: about 14 hours

Railway: In terms of intercity public means of transportation, trains are one of the most favorable options you will have in Iran. Not only they are so comfortable, cheap, and safe but also, thery are more environment friendly! Tehran Train Station is the most important railway in the country, bridging many cities to each other with daily trains leaving for many cities in Iran including Mashhad, Shiraz, Isfahan, Hamedan, Tabriz, Yazd, Bandar-Abbas and Kerman. You need to know that train tickets sell out very fast and if you are planning on taking a train at any point in your trip, it’s better to book them beforehand. You can access the train station using a taxi, a BRT bus (Tajrish Line) or metro (Line 3).
How many hours does it take to go from Tehran to other main cities of Iran by train?
• Tehran to Shiraz: 15 hours
• Tehran to Isfahan: 8 hours
• Tehran to Yazd: 6 or 8 hours
• Tehran to Mashhad: about 11 hours
• Tehran to Tabriz: 12 hours
• Tehran to Kerman: about 14 hours

How to Get Around in Tehran?
Taxi: Generally speaking, there are different types of taxis you can use in Iran. You can simply stand on the main streets of a city and taxis will come to you! Or for some routes, there are shuffle taxis you can use. In this case, you are going to share your cab with other people. Another choice is to have a private taxi. It will cost more in comparison to the previous option. There are some online taxi applications you can install on your mobile phone and hire a cab for yourself. Snapp and TAP30 are two applications that are frequently used by people of Iran. The prices are quite cheap and they are easy to work with.
Subway: if you want to free yourself from the famous traffic jams of the city of Tehran, metro can be the ideal means of transportation. It is the fastest and the most efficient way to move around Tehran. Of course, you need to know that they are super crowded at the peak hours of the day. At the moment there are 8 functioning metro lines in Tehran covering a big portion of this city. You can pay the price using a precharged metro card. You can buy them in any metro station. However, if you are not going to stay in Tehran for a long time you don’t have to buy one.
Bus: During peak hours, taking a bus to your destination is the best option. In Tehran and some other cities buses have their own special lane that is reserved for buses only which allows them to go faster in crowded streets. Tehran is equipped with BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system. It has ten functioning lines at the moment and they are super cheap to use. You can pay using a Tehran Card.
Bike: There are rental bike stations in different parts of the city. But in order to rent one you need to provide identification.

Best Cafes and Restaurants of Tehran
• Naderi Café
• Yas Restaurant
• Tehroonchi Restaurant
• Naranjestan Restaurant
• Milad Tower Restaurant
• Nayeb Restaurant
• Ali Qapoo Restaurant
• Darband
• Tehroon Café
• Diamond Café
• Ice Palace Café
• Ananda Vegetarian Restaurant

Local Foods of Tehran
Eversince the city of Tehran has been named the capital of the country, so many people have decided to immigrate there from smaller cities and each one of them has brought their own local cultures and traditions to the capital. Today, we are facing a large melting pot of different cultures to the point where it is rather impossible to differentiate between the cultures and traditions of Tehran and other cities of Iran. However, in the terms of the local foods, Tehran is famous for a couple of local dishes.
Sar Gonjeshki: Not only it is a quite famous and popular dish among the people of Tehran, it has high nutrition value. In the other cities of Iran it could be cooked and served in a different way but in Tehran, it is made of very small meatballs floating in a stew with some potatoes and tomatoes, seasoned with spices. It is served with some rice and people usually have it for lunch. If you are wondering what the name of this dish means it is literally translated to a sparrow head, but seriously, it has nothing to do with birds! It is called so because the meatballs used in this dish are supposed to be as small as a sparrow head!
Eshkeneh Esfenaj (Persian Onion Soup with Spinach): it is the kind of food that is cooked in every city of Iran but is listed as the local food of Tehran. The ingredients include spinach, sumac, eggs, potato, onions and spices. It actually looks like a pottage and is served with fresh and warm bread.
Dami Balghoor-e Jo (Rice dish with barley groats): When it comes to the local foods of the city of Tehran, this dish is another options you have. This food is originally from Lavasan, a small town in Tehran province, and a special kind of vegetable called tableh is used for cooking it. Generally speaking, it is made of barley groats, pinto beans, lentils, herbs, onions, yogurt and rice.
Ash-e Reshteh (Persian noodles soup): A very popular option during winter, Ashe Reshteh is a vegetarian option for those who have had enough of having meats and chickens! It can easily be found in many other cities too. The main ingredients are pinto beans, lentils, peas, noodles, onions, garlic cloves and spices. People prefer to have this food as breakfast or as dinner.
Gheimeh Stew: Gheimeh is probably one of the most desired dishes of the whole country and is one of the foods highly recommended to anyone who travels to Iran. In each city it could be slightly different, but in Tehran the ingredients include red meat, tomato paste, split peas, lemon and fried potatoes. In Muharram mourning rituals people give away charity food called “Nazri” as an offering to God in honor of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. Gheimeh stew is known to be a popular option as Nazri.
Ghormeh Sabzi (Vegetable Stew): This food is the favourite food of many Iranians and is such a heavenly delight to many people in this country with its appetizing scent! Make sure to list it on your must-eat foods of the country. You can practically come across Ghormeh Sabzi on the menu of any traditional restaurant in Iran, but it is known to be originally from Tehran.
Top Attractions:
• Golestan Palace
• Pol-e Tabiat (Nature Bridge)
• Azadi Tower
• National Museum of Ancient Iran
• National Jewelry Museum of Iran
• Carpet Museum
• Niavaran Palace
• SaadAbad Palace
• Grand Bazaar

Yazd

Iran

The city of Yazd is one of the destinations you don’t want to miss during your trip to Iran for it is a city with so many architectural landmarks and an atmosphere flavored with Zoroastrian traditions and lifestyle. Walking through Yazd is like traveling back in time for many parts of the city have stayed loyal to its classic style, even adding more to the attractions of this city. Being one of the most remarkable deserts of Iran, you can get to see how people adapted to the nature of a burning desert. Yazd is known as the city of wind catchers, Zoroastrianism and a maze of narrow alleys with mud-brick buildings. The old city of Yazd has been registered as a UNESCO world heritage site recently.

Brief Facts about Yazd
Yazd Province is located between two main deserts of Dasht-e Kavir and Kavir-e Lut in the center of the country linking the major cities of Iran to one another. It is known to be the fourth large province in Iran with a population of almost 560000 people. Inhabitants of this city are from Persian ethnic group and they speak Farsi with a nice local accent. People are known for being traditional, religious, and hardworking.
Considering its geographical situation, summers can get really hot and dry. To deal with this extreme weather people have come up with many creative architectural solutions. Many of the old buildings have impressive wind catchers that function as a conditioner and circulate the air in the building. Apart from that, the adobe material of the houses and the domed roofs prevent the heat from passing through the walls. Yazd is known to have one of the most elaborate Qanat (underground water supplement) networks in the world as a result of being a climatically arid city. The city is also home to foremost examples of Icehouses (Yakhchal), which were used to store ice retrieved from glaciers in the nearby mountains.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Yazd?
Like every other desert city in the world, the weather stays warm during the day and cool during the night in Yazd. The best time to visit the city of Yazd is in early autumn and spring. (from March to May and September to November). Choosing summer for taking a journey to Yazd is not recommended.

History of Yazd
Three hundred years ago, when this city was firstly mentioned in history during Median era, it was known by the name ‘Issatis’, until after a couple of years, under the rule of Sassanids, it was changed to Yazd which was derived from the title of one of the Sassanid monarchs, “Yazdgerd I”. currently Yazd is known to be the most important Zoroastrianism center in Iran hosting several religious and historical sites of that epoch. 1800 years ago, before Arabs conquered the country, the Sassanid dynasty had announced Zoroastrianism as the official religion of the country. After the invasion, many Zoroastrians sheltered in the city of Yazd, as its strategical location made it immune from all destructions of war. Yazd managed to keep its religious standing by paying a tribute to Arab kings in that era. Nevertheless, with the advent of Islam as the major religion of the country, it gradually melded in with all cities of Iran, including Yazd. For a short period of time, Yazd served as the capital of the Muzaffarid dynasty. The city was lucky enough to be spared the battles of Tamerlane and Genghis Khan in the 14th century, but unfortunately, with the downfall of the Safavid dynasty, the city fell into decline until under the reign of Qajars it started flourishing again.
Yazd is one of the cities that used to be situated on the outskirts of ‘the silk road’, ancient eastern trade route, and played a vital role in the economy of ancient Iran. Its earlier residents were more involved in trade than agriculture. Marco Polo, the great merchant, and traveler have visited the city of Yazd on his journey to the east and has described it as a ‘good and noble city with a great amount of trade’ in his travel memoirs.

Festivals and Ceremonies of Yazd
Muharram: Yazd, the cradle of Zoroastrianism in Iran, is currently known to be one of the most religious cities of the county. Every year, it is host to hundreds of foreign travelers who travel to Yazd in order to take part in the religious ceremonies of Muharram. Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar that marks the tragic uprising of Hussein, the third Imam and leader of Muslims and the grandson of Muhammad the prophet. Muslims mourn for the memory of their lost Imam in the first decade of Muharram. Tasu’a and Ashura, the ninth and tenth day of this decade are known to be the climax of these ceremonies. If you are looking for a different religious experience, getting to see the rituals of Muharram in the city of Yazd and witnessing the unbelievable amount of love and enthusiasm that Iranians have for these ceremonies is probably a good idea.
Nakhl Gardani: One of the most interesting parts of Muharram’s mourning rituals in Yazd is Nakhl Gardani ritual. Nakhl (the Persian word for a palm tree) is a huge metal or wooden structure in the shape of an enormous leaf that weighs several tons and symbolizes the coffin of Imam Hossein and his companions. Every year, people of Yazd come together in Amir Chakhmagh square and carry the Nakhl, mourning the unfortunate martyrdom of Hossein and they perform tragic music with special instruments.
Sadeh Festival: In Zoroastrianism, fire is considered to be a holy and sacred element. For this reason, Iranians used to kindle a fire in many of their occasions to honor Ahura-Mazda and to revere this element. But the most important fire festival in Zoroastrianism is called “Sadeh” festival. This feast marks the mysterious discovery of fire by Hushang, a mythological king in ancient Iran. On the 10th day of the month of Bahman on the Persian calendar (January 30), Zoroastrian people gather together and set fire to large piles of wood, saying prayers and celebrating the creation of fire and the victory of light and warmth against darkness and cold. In the Persian language, ‘Sad’ means one hundred and it is believed that Sadeh refers to the remaining 50 days and 50 nights until Nowruz, the Persian New Year celebration. This day is celebrated in many parts of Iran, but particularly in the city of Yazd, in a village called Taft it is celebrated in the most glorious and awe-inspiring way ever.
Mehregan Festival: In ancient Persia, the whole year was divided into two separate seasons: Spring and Fall. Persians welcomed the advent of each of these two with a very big celebration: Nowruz and Mehregan. The word ‘Mehr’ is a Persian word translated into kindness and is used to represent love, light, and friendship. Mehregan is counted as the Persian festival of harvest and autumn when people celebrate it as a thanksgiving to God for the completion of their harvest. It takes place on the 16th of Mehr (October 8) in different parts of the country. In the village of Taft, in Yazd province, this festival is held in a magnificent way, where a lot of Zoroastrians celebrate the beginning of the second half of the year.

How to Get to the City of Yazd
Yazd is the beating heart of the country located exactly in the center of Iran. Therefore, it is easily connected to other touristic cities of Iran such as Shiraz, Isfahan, and Kerman. If you are wondering how to get yourself to this city, keep reading this article!
Airway: Shahid Sadooghi international airport of Yazd is located a few kilometers away from the center of the city. Regardless of that, you can easily get yourself to the airport in a surprisingly short time with a taxi. A trip from Yazd to Tehran takes almost one hour using a plane. The domestic flights of this airport include flights to Tehran, Ahwaz, Kish, Mashhad,
Qeshm and Bandar-Abbas.
Railway: Yazd is connected to some other cities of Iran through the national railway network of the country. You can use a train to get yourself from Tehran to the city of Yazd. It takes about 7 – 8 hours to travel from Tehran to Yazd and there are daily trains and one overnight train to this destination. Naein, Meybod, and Ardakan are some smaller towns of this province that have train stations, as well. There are also a few other cities that are connected to Yazd with railway including Kerman, Bam, Kashan, and Isfahan.
Roadway: You can get yourself to the city of Yazd from almost every other city in Iran through the roadway. The desert roads leading to this city have a nice scenery and it is often a favorable choice among the travelers to get themselves to this city through the roadway. In addition, it has easy access to other tourist destinations, for instance traveling from Yazd to Shiraz takes almost 5 hours and it takes around 3 hours to get yourself to Isfahan by a bus. Bus tickets can be booked online at a very low price. The terminal of Yazd is named Al-Qadir terminal and is located in the main city.
Distance from Tehran: 628 Km

Public Transportation in Yazd
Taxi: Taxis are scattered all over the city and you can hire one by standing on the main street and waiting for one to show up and telling them your destination. Finding a taxi at the airport or the train station and terminal will not be a problem for you since there are taxi stations in each of them. You can also use the online taxi services such as ‘Snapp’ and ‘TAP30’. These two are the most famous ones in the country, but there are a couple of other applications that can be used only in Yazd including Touchsi and Ace. They’re all downloadable through app store and google play. These applications are one of the most efficient ways to get around the city and are quite user-friendly and easy to use.
Bus: You can take a bus to different parts of the city at a very low price. You might need to know that at the moment, there are no subways or BRT buses in the city of Yazd.
Walking: Yazd is like nothing you’ve ever seen. Just walking around in its delightful streets among the mud-brick walls and iconic wind towers is enough to make your day a bit more glorious than it already is. It feels like traveling back in time or walking in a movie set. You can take advantage of the fact that the main attractions of the city are within reach by walking and have a little promenade in the old texture of Yazd for yourself instead of using a bus or a taxi.

Local Foods of Yazd
There is a great variety of local dishes in the city of Yazd. If you walk up to a local restaurant in this city you will see that it could be a whole new world of tastes and flavors. It is true that Yazd is most famous for its colorful and yummy sweets but apart from that having a few local dishes while enjoying the outstanding examples of desert architecture is a pretty good idea.
Gheimeh Yazdi: One of the most delicious and famous local dishes of Yazd is Gheimeh Yazdi. It is somehow similar to the regular Gheimeh that is served in other parts of the city, but the difference is that in making this dish, ordinary peas are used instead of split peas. The main ingredients are meat, lemon, cinnamon, and onion.
Khoresht Beh Aloo (Quince and Plum Stew): A combination of quince and plum gives this dish a surprisingly magical sweet-and-sour taste! To make this dish you are going to need plums, quinces, meat, split-pea, saffron, lemon, sugar, and ginger.
Ash-e Shouli: Ash is a kind of Persian pottage with an enormous variety in each city of Iran. Shooli is one of the most appetizing and popular pottages of Yazd province and is made of different herbs such as spinach, parsley, fenugreek, dill, leek, beet, and some vinegar is added to it. Some people prefer to add pomegranate syrup instead of vinegar. If you tried this pottage and you liked it, you might need to know that there are many other kinds of Ash (Pottage) in the city of Yazd including Ash-e Gandom (Wheat pottage), Ash-e Abghooreh (Verjuice pottage), Ash-e Kadoo (Pumpkin Pottage), Ash-e Aloo (plum pottage), Ash-e Anar (pomegranate pottage) and Ash-e Mash (mung pottage). If any of these flavors seem interesting to you, you can give it a shot in the city of Yazd.
Koofteh Lappe (split pea meatball): Even though the most famous Iranian meatballs are Tabrizi meatballs, Yazd has its own kind of meatball called Koofteh Lappeh. To make this food ingredients such as minced meat, herbs, split peas, eggs, tomato paste are going to be needed. This food is better served with bread and pickles.
Qaliyeh Kadoo (Pumpkin Stew): It is one of the local foods of the city of Yazd that is a popular option among Yazdi families. To cook this meal the needed ingredients are pumpkin, rice, mung beans, onions, walnut, cinnamon, and sugar.

Local Sweets of Yazd
If you have a sweet tooth, Yazd is going to be the living paradise of Iran for you. It is called the city of sweets due to the large variety of sweets you can find in this city. Remember to treat yourself with the pleasant and appetizing taste of the Yazdi sweets and also buy some as a souvenir for your friends.
Yazdi Cake: Yazdi cake is a Persian muffin filled with flavors from Iran and as the name implies it is originally from Yazd. You can give yourself the pleasure of sitting in a cozy café in a delicate afternoon and treat yourself with a muffin and a cup of hot tea as a nice and yummy snack. If you are curious about the ingredients it is made of eggs, some milk, flour, sugar, rose water, cardamom and baking powder.
Qottab: This sweet is probably the most desired sweet of Yazd because of its special taste and tempting aroma. It’s the kind of sweet that is only found in the city of Yazd. It is best served with tea. It is a deep cooked pastry that is filled with butter, wheat powder, egg yolk, cardamom and milk, sweetened with either honey or sugar.
Loz: Another famous sweet of the city of Yazd is Loz that has different varieties and flavors such as coconut, pistachio, almond, and saffron.
Baklava: Baklava or Baqlava could be found in a few cities of Iran including Qazvin and Tabriz, but in the city of Yazd it is quite famous and popular and Yazdi people believe that this sweet originally belongs to their city. The fillings of this sweet include pistachio (or some other nuts as walnut or almond), sugar, cardamom, yolk, and flour with sweet syrup poured on it to make it more delicious.
Haji Badam: These tiny delicious delights of the city of Yazd are basically made of almond (Badam), flour, rosewater, yolk, pistachio, and cardamom. It can be spotted in Kashan, as well but is originally from Yazd. People usually prefer to have it with a cup of tea.
Cotton Candy: The best cotton candy in Iran comes from the city of Yazd. Especially, if you are traveling with kids it can be a pretty good idea to have a taste of the Yazdi cotton candy. It can be found in different flavors such as saffron, chocolate, etc.

Best Cafés and Restaurants in Yazd
• Malek o Tojjar Hotel Restaurant
• Marco-Polo Rooftop Restaurant
• Moshir al Mamalek Restaurant
• Mozaffar Traditional hotel and restaurant
• Hammam-e Khan Restaurant
• Silk Road Hotel Restaurant
• Fooka Cafe
• Art House café
• Termeh and Toranj Restaurant
• Nardoon Café

Handicrafts and Souvenirs of Yazd
Yazd is one of the best places to buy Persian handicrafts. No one leaves this city empty-handed, without any souvenirs, for it has many amazing things to offer. Probably the most famous souvenirs of this city are Yazdi sweets, such as cotton candies, qottab, and Yazdi cupcakes. The city of Meybod is the largest producer of pottery products with special designs. The major handicrafts of the city of Yazd are Termeh, carpets, pottery, and Giveh. (Giveh is a kind of hand-woven shoe that is extremely soft and comfortable.)

Top Attractions of Yazd
• Dowlat-Abad Garden
• Jaameh Mosque
• Amir Chakhmagh Complex
• Tower of Silence
• Zoroastrian Temple
• Alexander Prison
• Old Town
• Agha Zadeh Mansion
• Abarkooh Cypress
• Saheb a zaman Zoorkhane
• Chak Chak
• Pigeon Tower

Meshkin shahr

Iran

Meshkin Shahr
Meshkin Shahr is in the far northern limits of Sabalan, a snow-covered and legendary peak in the Ardebil Province. A branch of Qareso River runs beside it which is called as “Khiyavchay” or the Meshkin River. Because of its cool climate, this city is the country of people in Moqan, which has hot summers. Many years ago the Shahsowan tribes spent the hot summers in this pasture with their herds and flocks. Meshkin Shahr is in an elevated region and there are green valleys and snow-covered mountains around it. Sabalan peak is seen from this city. Meshkin Shahr like many other parts of western regions of Iran, has a mountainous climate and has many rivers and beautiful nature due to heavy raining and glacial periods during the year.

Kashan

Iran

Kashan
The city of Kashan is probably one of the most photographed cities of Iran, but not any of these frames can even begin to do justice to the beauty of this city. House to the bride of the historical houses, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, picturesque bazaars and atmospheric mosques, Kashan is a living paradise to whoever cherishes the inexhaustible art of Persian architecture and the never-ending world of details. Nowadays, the city is quite famous for the rose fields of Qamsar and the ceremony of rose water distillation, as well. Kashan is one of the destinations that will never fail to astonish the travelers and is totally worth a visit.

Brief Facts About Kashan
The enchanting oasis city of Kashan is situated in the northern part of Isfahan province. As it neighbors Dasht-e-Kavir, Kashan can be regarded as a good travel destination for those who fancy a quick trip to a loving desert.
The estimated population of this city is approximately 365 thousand and growing. Throughout history, Kashan has been known to be a religious city as religious ceremonies and occasions have always been of great importance to these people.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Kashan?
Spring is the best time to visit Kashan. Not only the weather is quite delicate and descent in spring, but also it is known to be the time of Golab-Giri (Rosewater distillation) festival. Being located on the verge of a desert, summers can get hot and dry in this city. Therefore, traveling to Kashan in the summertime is not the best option ever. With the advent of autumn, the weather gets more moderate in Kashan, but it is worth noting that temperature will drop significantly at night. If you’re planning on spending some time in the deserts of Kashan, Fall is good news for you. You can camp all around Kashan and enjoy the hot desert sand. Winters are relatively cold in this part of the country.

History of Kashan
Archeologists believe that Kashan is more than 15,000 years old and it dates back to the Paleolithic era. This city is home to Tepe Sialk (Sialk hill), the oldest place of residence in Iran. The unearthed coins belonging to Parthian and Achaemenid dynasties detected by archeologists’ discoveries in Sialk, confirm the existence of primary centers of civilization since prehistoric ages. Sialk is also regarded as one of the oldest Ziggurats in the world. After the advent of Islam in the country, Kashan, being placed on the main route of the Silk Road, started to flourish even more than before and turned into an important industrial center in the country. History of Kashan reveals that kings resided there occasionally. Shah Abbas, the Safavid king, took pride in the city of Kashan so much that he ordered to be buried in this city after his death.

Souvenirs and Handicrafts of Kashan
The bazaar of Kashan is one of those places where you can literally keep your head up! The ceilings of these structures are known to be one of the most exciting marvels of this city. Among all the existing handicrafts in Iran, the city of Kashan is quite famous for its carpets, tilework and rose water. Walking through the amazing bazaars of this city with their mesmerizing architecture and awe-inspiring decorations, you can easily find some handicrafts to buy as a souvenir of your trip to Kashan.

Festivals and Events of Kashan
Getting to know the traditions and lifestyles of people living in a country is one of the reasons why we travel. Spending some time with the locals, taking part in their activities and hearing the stories behind each of their traditions can prove to be a precious experience for any traveler. Here are some of the most famous festivals in the city of Kashan you can participate in:
Golab-Giri Festival (Rose and Rose Water Festival)
Being adorned with gardens and flowers, Kashan enjoys a quite nice atmosphere in spring, when flower bushes start to blossom. Golab-Giri or rosewater distillation festival is one of the ceremonies commonly held in the city of Kashan in April and May. Annually, many people from different parts of the country gather in the city of Kashan in order to take part in this event.
Qalishouyan (Carpet Washing)
Qalishouyan is one of the religious ceremonies of Iran registered in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List. This event takes place in Mashhad-e Ard-e Hall, on the second friday of the month of Mehr (early October), commemorating the tragic martyrdom of Sultan Ali, one of the descendants of the 5th Imam of Muslims. Not being able to save their leader, his followers wrapped his body in a carpet, walked for 150 meters to wash him in a stream and to bury him. Today, people gather together, symbolically carrying a carpet and walking the distance between his burial ground and the stream to wash the carpet.
Nakhl Gardani
This festival is another religious ceremony of the country carried out in one of the most important decades of the Islamic calendar, the decade of Muharram. Just like Qalishouyi, this ceremony is held in one of the villages of Kashan, called Mashhad-e Ard-e Hall. In this ritual, people come together carrying a big structure in the shape of a leaf, made out of wood and metal. Mourners cover Nakhl with a piece of black fabric with so many daggers and swords hanging from it. Nakhl Gardani symbolizes the funeral of the third Imam of Muslims, Imam Hosein.

How to Get to Kashan?
Roadway: Kashan is a 3-hour drive away from the capital of the country, Tehran. Located on the main route from Esfahan to Tehran, the highway leading to this city is known to be of good quality regarding the construction standards, making driving between the two cities a good option.
The southern and western terminals of Tehran have daily buses leaving for the destination of Kashan, as well.
Railway: A trip from Tehran to Kashan takes 2.5 hours if you take a train. You can easily find trains leaving for the destination of Kashan every day and the rates are quite reasonable. You can reach Kashan from some other cities such as Mashhad, Yazd, Shiraz, and Kerman using the railway.
Airway: At the moment, the airport of Kashan has only one flight route from Kashan to Mashhad and vice versa. But in near future, other routes are expected to be added to their schedule. The airport is located 12 km away from the main city. You can easily access the airport using a taxi or a bus.
Distance from Tehran: 244 km

Public Transportation in Kashan
Public transportation means in the city of Kashan include buses and taxis. There are no subway stations or BRT buses in Kashan at the moment.
Bus: It is probably the cheapest way to travel around Kashan and is quite accessible, as the bus stations of the city are fairly scattered throughout the main streets.
Taxi: In order to hire a cab in the city of Kashan, you can stand on one of the main streets and wait for a taxi to show up and tell them your destination. Another option on the table in every city is Iran is to use the online taxi services such as Snapp or TAP30. They are the Iranian version of Uber and are easy to work with and the prices are reasonable.

Traditional Food of Kashan
No one can deny the fact that food plays an important role in choosing a travel destination. Generally speaking, Persian gastronomy is amazing in so many ways, but do not forget to taste the traditional food of each city, as well. Kashan can offer you a variety of dishes specially made in this part of the country.
Meat and Bean: It is one of the most famous dishes you can taste in the city of Kashan made out of mutton, vegetables such as leek, fenugreek, parsley, white beans, rice, and onions. This food is normally served in copper dishes.
White Bean Stew: This kind of stew is exclusively cooked in the city of Kashan and the ingredients include local white beans, onions, mutton and tomato paste.
Sumac Meatball: Made of minced meat, chickpea flour and onions, this dish is another delicious surprise of the city of Kashan.
Chickpea Stew: Chickpea stew is one of the foods served in Yazd and Kashan. To prepare this meal you are going to need chickpeas, meat, onions, tomato paste, dried lemon, saffron, rosewater, and some spices.
Chelo Dizi: It is a traditional local food from KhaledAbad, a small village in Kashan. The ingredients include rice, black-eyed peas, lamb meat, onions, turmeric, and salt.
Kashani Tas Kebab: It is a kind of Tas Kebab cooked with a special recipe in Kashan made of mutton, eggplants, tomatoes, pomegranate paste, onion, and spices.
Yatimcheh: it is one of the simplest foods in Iran, but still it’s rich in nutrition and can be treated as a vegetarian option. To cook this meal one needs eggplants, onions, tomatoes, cloves of garlic, butter, and some spices.

Best Cafes and Restaurants in Kashan
• Manouchehri House Restaurant
• Mahinestan Raheb Restaurant
• Mirrors Hall Restaurant (Talare Ayeneh)
• Abbasi Tea House & Traditional Restaurant
• Mozaffari Traditional Restaurant
• Rose House
• Shazdeh Cafe
• Shah-Neshin Amin-o-Dowleh
• Hamman-e Khan Coffee Shop
• Negin Restaurant
• Madarbozorg Historical House Traditional Restaurant

Top Attractions of Kashan
• Tabatabaei House
• Borujerdi House
• Abbasian House
• Fin Garden
• Sialk Hill
• Sultan Amir Ahmad Bath-House
• Bazaar of Kashan (Timcheh Amin-o-Dowleh)
• Agha Bozorg Mosque
• Maranjab Desert
• Nooshabad Underground City
• Abyaneh

Isfahan

Iran

Isfahan
During your trip to Iran, there will be moments that will stay with you forever. One of those moments is when you see Isfahan for the first time and let the mesmerizing beauty of the turquoise colors of its astonishing architecture fill you up. Locals call Isfahan ‘Nesf-e-Jahan’ which is literally translated to ‘Half of the World’. Once you get to know this city, it would not be hard to figure out why it was given such a title, for it feels like you have seen half of the beauty in the world after visiting Isfahan. A trip to Iran would be incomplete as long as you do not visit the outstanding examples of Islamic design and the green gardens of Isfahan. It is known to be the top tourist destination in Iran.

Brief Facts about Isfahan
Isfahan, the capital of Isfahan province, is one of the central cities of Iran surrounded by foothills of Zagros Mountain range at the west and south, and the edges of desert at the eastern and northern parts. A river called Zayandeh-Rud stemming from the adjacent mountains, flows through the city, giving it an air of liveliness and vibrancy.
Isfahan is the third most populated city of this nation, with 1.9 million residents. Like anywhere else in the country, people of Isfahan are extremely warm and friendly and are known to be frugal and have a good economic mind. When talking to them you cannot help but notice an ultimately unique and sweet accent that makes them even more delightful to talk to. People of Isfahan belong to Fars (Persian) ethnic group and are best known for their good humor. During the reign of Shah Abbas, several groups of Armenian people immigrated to Isfahan and settled down in a neighborhood called Jolfa. Nowadays, it is home to several remarkable churches and the living place of the Christian people of Isfahan.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Isfahan?
Considering its mild and temperate weather, Isfahan is one of the destinations that can be visited at various times of the year without regretting it, but if you want to see the city in its best shape, spring and fall are the matchless options. Winters can get a bit chilly, but if you do not mind packing a few warm clothes and an umbrella, you will be good!

History of Isfahan
The word ‘Isfahan’ stems from the Old Persian word ‘Spadanam’ or ‘Aspadana’ which is literally translated to ‘a place of gathering for the army’ referring to a region on the banks of Zayandeh-Rud river with the same name. However, the indigenous words gradually underwent some changes until this city of wonders was called Isfahan.
Although very little information exists about the history of this city in its pre-Islamic period, it is possible to speak with more confidence about its more recent events. After the advent of Islam in the country, Isfahan was one of the cities that attracted a lot of attention to itself. It was ruled by small local powers such as Umayyads, Abbasids, Ziarids, and Buyids, but it was not until the rule of Seljuk sovereigns that Isfahan flourished as the royal capital of the country. Seljuk kings spent almost twelve years on expanding the city and building a noteworthy capital. However, history has not been kind to this city all the time. After the invasion of Mongols and Tamerlane, Isfahan temporarily lost its significance and a great number of its population. But luckily, none of its principal constructions were destroyed. When talking about the history of Isfahan, it would be impossible not to mention the great king, Shah Abbas I, who made appreciable contributions to this city by moving the capital from Qazvin to Isfahan and glorifying it in a way to match the splendor of Safavid dynasty, so that it would never lose its grandeur, not even after hundreds of years.

How to Get to Isfahan?
It is almost impossible to travel to Iran and leave without seeing the marvels of the city of Isfahan. Therefore, it is most likely listed on your trip itinerary and one of the questions you are going to face is how to get yourself to this city. Here, we have tried to answer that question for you!
Airway: The international airport of Shahid Beheshti in Isfahan is one of the most standard and well-equipped airports of Iran, managing domestic and international flights on a daily basis. If you are planning to arrive in Iran at the airport of Isfahan, getting a visa on arrival at Shahid Beheshti airport is super easy and possible for almost everyone. However, most travelers prefer to enter the country through the capital, Tehran. It is advisable to use an airplane for visiting cities that are far from Isfahan, such as Mashhad, Kish, Tabriz, Ahwaz, or Chabahar. Otherwise, it is better to book a bus ticket. To get to the airport in Isfahan, you need to hire a taxi, as it is located relatively far from the center of the city.
Roadway: Thanks to the strategic location of this city, it has easy access to other main touristic cities of Iran such as Shiraz, Yazd, Kashan, and Tehran. Therefore, one of the most motivated ways to get there is by using a bus or a car. The city of Isfahan has four functioning bus terminals, among which Soffeh and Kaveh are the most popular ones. Which one of these two you should be using does not really make a difference. Both have shuffle services leaving for different destinations daily and are quite approachable using public transportation systems. You can book bus tickets online or by showing up in person for a very low price.
Railway: Isfahan is equipped with a railway system, as well and some prefer to get there by train. You can use this means of transportation to get to Isfahan, from any city that has railways connected to the national railway system. Keep in mind that you might not be able to get to Isfahan through railway directly and may be required to change lane on the way.
Distance from Tehran: 446 km

Public Transportation in Isfahan
Bus: The most efficient way to travel around the city of Isfahan is through the public transportation. Among every other means of transportation, riding a bus is probably the easiest way to get around the city. You can pay by cash but, it is better to have an Isfahan card which is both cheaper and can be used as many times as you wish for as many people as you would like to. There are also BRT lines available in the city of Isfahan.
Subway: The only functioning subway line in the Isfahan at the moment stretches from north to the south of the city and passes through the most important streets of Isfahan. The scheduled timetable starts from 6:30 A.M. and runs until 9:30 P.M. in Isfahan, subway does not work on holidays.
Taxi: Just like any other city in the world, taxis are popular transportation means in Isfahan. Almost every cab in the city is equipped with electronic payment systems which makes it easier to pay the fee using a pre-charged Isfahan Card. If you need a ride to your hotel residence from the airport or a terminal, you can find a taxi in a blink of an eye! As it happens, some taxi drivers approach you offering a ride before you even ask! In addition to that, online taxi services are always one of the options on the table. Although Uber does not work in Iran, you can download the Persian versions from app store and google play without breaking a sweat! The most popular ones are called ‘Snapp’ and ‘TAP30’, but Isfahan has its own online taxi system, too which is called Doroshke ( a carriage).
Bike: In terms of public transportation, riding a bike is another option you have in front of you for getting to your destination in the city of Isfahan. You can find some rental bike stations in different parts of the city. You need to know that for renting a bike you need to hand in an ID.

Best Restaurants and Cafes in Isfahan
• Shahrzad Traditional Restaurant
• Arc Restaurant
• Azadegan Café (Haji Mirza)
• Traditional Banquet Hall
• Bahar Narenj Café Restaurant
• Houger Café
• Ghasr-e Monshi Restaurant
• Jarchi Bashi Restaurant
• Hermes Café and Restaurant
• Azam Beryani
• Khan Gostar Restaurant
• Roozegar Café

Local Foods of Isfahan
Isfahan is not only home to some of the most outstanding examples of Persian architecture but is also a place where you can find some of the most appetizing dishes of Iran. So, if you want to take a break from sightseeing, you can treat yourself with some of the local foods of the city in a nice and cozy café or restaurant.
Beryan: When it comes to the local foods of Isfahan, Beryan is the first name that pops up in the mind of any Iranian. Some people call it Beryani or Beryooni in the local language, but the truth is Beryooni is used to refer to a place where you can buy Beryan. It looks like a hamburger on the outside, but it is made of fried meat along with some other ingredients such as cinnamon, onion, lamb white liver, and mint, crowned with pistachio or walnut, and served with a loaf of ‘Sangak’ bread. It can be a little bit fatty and is totally a lunch meal! Do not miss this dish!
Khoresht-e Mast (Yogurt Stew): Unlike any other stews you have had in Iran, this one is not served with rice. To your surprise, it is not even an actual ‘Khoresht’ or stew, but rather, it is just how it is called! In fact, Khoresht-e Mast is simply a local yellow sweet dessert, served as a side a dish. You can easily find it on the menu of any traditional restaurant in Isfahan. Yogurt, lamb’s neck, saffron, sugar, and rosewater are the main ingredients of this dessert. After being prepared, it is decorated with barberries, almonds or Pistachios. It might seem like a weird combination at first, but surprisingly, the mix works well and it is quite tasty!
Kale Joosh: You can find this food in some other provinces of Iran, as well, regardless of that; it is listed as a traditional food of Isfahan. The main ingredient of this food is Kashk (a dairy product made of yogurt). Actually, it is what gives this food a favorable flavor. Apart from that, minced meat, walnut, onion, dried mint, and flour make up the ingredients of this food. It is often served with freshly baked bread and some spices.
Gooshfil and Doogh: An interesting fact is that Gooshfil and Doogh (Yogurt) is a combination that non-Isfahani people do not really appreciate! To mix the sweetness of Gooshfil with the salty flavor of yogurt may not seem quite appealing at first, but it is worth mentioning that this snack is so popular in the city of Isfahan. Giving it a shot and trying it once does no harm and by the way, people actually like it when they taste it!
Ash-e Somagh (Sumac Pottage): Nothing beats having a warm and yummy soup on a chilly winter day. Listed as one of the most popular traditional foods in Isfahan, Ash-e Somagh is a dish that is worth trying once as a traveler. It tastes different and is made of minced meat, rice, herbs, sumac, and onions.
Gheimeh Rize: A list of Isfahani local food would be incomplete without mentioning this food. Usually served for lunch, Gheimeh Rizeh is a mixture of minced meat, tomatoes, onions, mint, and oil. It’s better to have yogurt, pickles or some vegetable with your food.
Gaz: If you have a sweet tooth, Gaz can be the yummy memory of your trip to Iran. It is one of the most popular and well known sweets in Iran, mainly made of cornstarch and pistachios. The quality and the price of this Isfahani sweet depends on the percentage of the pistachio used in it. The more the percentage, the better the quality.
Poolaki: These Isfahani sweet candies resemble very thin coins and are usually eaten with a cup of tea on the side. The main ingredients include sugar, water, white vinegar, some saffron, and dried lime.

Handicrafts and Souvenirs
In 2014, Isfahan was registered in the UNESCO world heritage list, as the creative city of Iran in the field of handicrafts and it was given the title of ‘World Handicrafts City’. The most famous crafts of Isfahan include marquetry, enameling, copper works, calicos, turquoise dishes, etc. When taking a journey to Isfahan give yourself the pleasure of taking a tour in its radiant bazaars and buying handicrafts as souvenirs. You can also let the delicious souvenir of your trip to Isfahan be the local sweets of this city known under the name of Poolaki and Gaz.

Top Attractions
• Naqsh-e Jahan Square (also called Imam Square)
• Imam Mosque
• Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
• Ali Qapoo Palace
• Grand Bazaar
• Chehel Sotoun Palace
• Jaameh Mosque
• Vank Cathedrale
• Si-o-Se Pol
• Khaju Bridge
• Molla Bashi House
• Menar Jonban
• Hasht Behesht Garden

Hamedan

Iran

Hamedan
‘The Capital of History and Civilization in Iran’ is a title that was given to the city of Hamedan a couple of years ago. Once you get to feel the outstanding experiences this city has got to offer, it wouldn’t be hard to figure out why it is called so, for as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities ever, it has a special place among every other city in Iran. Home to some of the most distinguished figures such as Avicenna and Baba Tahir, it is a city rich in cultural and social values that will amaze you with its spectacular architecture, awe-inspiring history and caressing nature.

Brief Facts about Hamedan
Sitting on a high plain on the outskirts of Alvand Mountain, Hamadan is one of the loftiest cities of Iran. It is situated on the western part of the country and is capital to a province with the same name. The city of Hamadan is home to almost 700,000 people while the population of the province can reach 1,700,000 and it resembles a melting pot of different cultures with many ethnic groups living in it including Azeri, Lor, Kurd and Persian people, each of which speak their own local language or dialect.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Hamedan?
Among Iranians, Hamadan is a popular summer destination. Highly affected by its geographical status and being surrounded by soaring mountains, it is a rather chilly city in Iran. During winter, Hamadan is snow-prone and very cold, but it can be a favorable choice if a cheap skiing experience in Alvand mountains excites you to your roots! If not, the best time to visit Hamadan is in mid-spring and summer when the climate is graciously cool and refreshing.

History
The carried-out excavations in the city of Hamedan indicate that the history of this city dates back to thousands of years ago. Many believe that Diako, a Median king, was the first person who established the base for this city. In the ancient sources, Hamadan was referred to as Ecbatana or Hegmataneh and served as the capital of the country in the Median era. Even after the downfall of Medes, when the Parthians and Sassanids took control over the empire, Ecbatana continued to serve the kingdom as a summer capital because of its delicate weather throughout this season. It was one of the cities that was seated on the Silk Road, the ancient network of trade routes and has been a point of interest among the merchants and caravans passing by.
In the course of history, Hamadan has had its own share of ups and downs. After the invasion of Arab Muslims, the city fell into their hands and suffered a lot of destructions, but in the following dynasties, when Seljuks shifted their capital from Bagdad to Hamadan, a new era began in the antiquity of this city and Hamadan flourished as a main city once more.
In the 18th century, Ottomans triumphed over this part of the country. But due to a peace treaty signed between ‘Nader Shah e Afshar’, one of the most powerful rulers of the nation, and ottomans, Hamedan was cleared of invaders.|
During the World War I, Russian and German armies occupied the city until Iranian government took control over Hamadan at the end of the war once more.

How to Get to Hamedan
Airway: If Hamadan is one of the cities on your sightseeing list in Iran, taking a plane could be an efficient way of arriving in the city depending on your starting point. There are daily flights leaving from Hamedan to different domestic destinations and vice versa, including Tehran, Mashhad, and Kish. Hamadan Airport is located a few kilometers away from the main city and if you want to access the airport you can use a taxi.
Roadway: Just like any other city in Iran, Hamadan is easily connected to other parts of the country through the roadway. When it comes to Hamadan, traveling by road is a popular option. It is only a 4-hour drive away from the capital which makes it a favorable choice to get there by a private car or a VIP bus. Bus is the cheapest and most accessible way of getting yourself there. Hamedan has three functioning bus terminals. Which one of these three you should be using depends on your destination or starting point. It is worth noting that you can book your tickets online but you can only pay if you have an Iranian credit card.
Railway: Tehran and Mashhad are the two cities that are connected to Hamedan province through the railway. There is a train station in the city of Malayer (a small city near Hamedan) which is connected to Kermanshah as well. You can get yourself to Malayer and then continue your way to Hamedan.
Distance from Tehran: 318 Km.

How to get around in Hamedan?
Bus: if you are travelling on budget, buses are going to be the cheapest way around a city in Iran. When it comes to Hamadan bus are fairly scattered throughout the city. You can pay the fee using an e-card or by paying cash.
Taxi: finding a taxi in the city of Hamedan is not going to be of any problem to you. There are always taxis available in the airport and bus terminals to give you a lift to your hotel residence in the city. Apart from that, you can find different kinds of taxi services in Hamedan. Like every other city, there will be shuffle taxis for the main routes and you can also use the online taxi services such as Snapp or TAP30 that work in almost every city of Iran.

Local Foods and Sweets of Hamedan
Iran is a really creative country when it comes to food and gastronomy. In each part of the country people have their own style of cooking which means with moving from one city to another you are walking in a world of potential new tastes to be discovered! Don’t forget to taste the amazing local foods of each city.
Abgoosht Ghorme: One fabulous local dish that can be tasted in the city of Hamedan is Abgoosht Ghorme. On the outside, it looks like the famous Ghormeh Sabzi that you can find in any other part of the country, but when you taste it, it has a different and unique flavor. The ingredients are vegetables, potatoes, eggs, onions, red beans and lemon.
Ash-e Khoshkbar (Dried Fruit Pottage): Many of the local foods found in different parts of Iran are in form of Ash (broth or pottage) or stews. A rather famous local dish in Hamedan is dried fruit pottage that is made of vegetable, meat, dried fruits (peach, plum, cherry), noodles, grape syrup, grains, onions and mints. If you like the sweet-sour taste of dried fruits, you will most probably enjoy this meal.
Ash-e Berenj (Rice pottage): A very healthy choice of food in Hamedan is rice pottage. It is a sought-after meal especially during winter. The ingredients are lentils, rice, water and spices.
Koofteh Hamedani (Meatballs of Hamedan): In Iran, meatballs immediately put one in mind of Tabriz, for the most famous form of meatballs are from there. But the truth is, meatball is found on the list of the local foods of many cities. In Hamedan, they are cooked with a special recipe which is unlike any other types. It is made of mutton, rice, split pea, onions, pea, egg, plum and walnut.
Ash-e Bademjan (Eggplant Pottage of Malayer): Malayer is one of the cities of Hamedan province with so many interesting local dishes, among which this broth is the most famous one with an amazing aroma and flavor. It is made of lentils, groats, peas, beans, eggplants, whey, onions, garlics and dried mint.
Ghoore Bademjan (Eggplant and sour grape stew): If you enjoy sour dishes, then the combination of sour grapes and the aromatic spices used in this stew is going to serve you right. Made of eggplants, minced meat, tomatoes, tomato paste, unripe grapes and onions, this local food is an exotic, yet delicious food found in Hamedan.
Chilly Stew of Hamedan: There is a kind of green pepper that is basically found in the province of Hamdan. This pepper along with other ingredients such as mutton, potatoes, tomatoes, peas, onions, cumin, ginger and lemon juice make an amazing popular local dish called Abgoosht-e Felfel. Fan of chilly food? Give it a try.
Komach: In a cold winter day, having a cup of tea with Komach bread can be a nice treat in Hamadan. You can easily find it in any pastry shop you walk past in the city. If you are curious about the ingredients, it is made of flour, butter, cinnamon powder, sugar, sesame, walnut, milk and some chocolate.
Sheermal Bread: Another popular choice of sweets in the city of Hamadan is Sheermal Bread. It is a slightly sweet kind of bread found mostly in Semnan and Hamadan provinces made of milk, flour, butter, eggs, walnut, and sesame.
Angosht Pich: It is some sort of traditional sweet most popular in the month of Ramadan. In the older days when people were not accustomed to using spoons for eating, they had to wrap this sweet around their fingers and eat it! That justifies the name of this sweet! (it literally means to wrap around the finger). Angosht Pich is made of sugar, rose water, and egg white.

Best Cafes and Restaurants of Hamedan
• Ganj Nameh Restaurtant
• Delta Restaurant
• Cactus Restaurant
• Nal Eshkene Restaurant
• Atr-e Sib Restaurant
• Green moon café and restaurant
• Dareta Café
• Misan Restaurant
• Aryayian Restaurant
• Café Zhav

Souvenirs and Handicrafts of Hamedan
Going shopping has always been one of the main attractions of travelling to any part of the world. Iran, home to many colorful and amazing handicrafts is a place where most probably you won’t leave empty-handed. Hamedan is known to be the universal city of pottery, ceramics and clay. The city of Laljin, which is a small town in this province, is one of the greatest exporting centers of hand-made pottery. Other main handicrafts of this city include gold and silver works, kilim, jajim, inlaid work, woodcarving, gilding, miniature, copper works and mirror work. You can also buy the local sweets such as Komach, Angosht Pich, and halva as souvenirs of the city of Hamedan.

Top Attractions of Hamedan
• Ali Sadr Cave
• Avicenna Mausoleum
• Baba Tahir Mausoleum
• Tomb of Esther and Mordechai
• Ganjnameh
• Alavian dome
• Cultural Heritage and Tourism Base of Hegmataneh
• Hamadan Stone Lion
• Alvand Mountain
• Hamam-e Qal’eh Museum of Anthropology

Chabahar

Iran

Chabahar
The port city of Chabahar is located on the Sistan and Balouchestan provinces’s coastal strip. It is bound by the towns of Iranshahr and Nikshahr to the north, the Sea of Oman to the south, Pakistan to the east and the the Iranian provinces of Kerman and Hormozgan to the west.
It is said that in past times it was knwn as “Bandar(the port of) Tees” whose ruins still remain some nine kolometers from Chabahar. There are various theories in the naming of Chabahar.
Zabihollah Naseh writes in his book, Balouchestan, “….some believe that the name of this region was Chahar bahar(or Four spring) because here is spring all year round. Autumn and winter do not exist here.”
Any seed planted at any time in Chahar bahar will blossom and thus it is called Chahar Bahar.
However, others opine that this region is called Chah Bahar(or spring well) because all trees and vegetation in this region are irrigated by subterranean water.
There is also the another opinion that Chabahar enjoys a spring climate due to its proximity to the equator.
Climatic and temperature variations here are very small therefore summer is hardly noticeable and consequently there are no autumn and falling leaves. In Chabahar trees are constantly green throughout the years and this green nature has meant that all four seasons here are spring and hence it has been named Chahar Bahar(or four spring) and which has gradually changed to Chabahar. Presently local vegetation consists of mainly olive, lotus, caster, date, locoweed, thyme, coconut and other trees which are always green.
Possessing the two important ports of Tees and Konarak, Chabahar City enjoys two different appearance. Modern and old Chabahar are only one boulevard apart. On one side there are chic buildings and modern shopping centers with trees lined avenues, while on the other side there are local and indigenous style buildings with traditional markets reminiscent of old local traditions. Local people belong to the Balouch ethnic group and are followers of the Sunni sect of Islam.
There are many sights in the port city of Chabahar each with its own interesting and charming history and legacy.

The village of Tees
With a legacy of more than two thousand years, this village lies seven kilometers to the north of the coastal Port City of Tees. It is said that in the distant millennia this village (or city as it was then) was a particularly thriving economic region and it was the export center of “Paniez”(white sugar)
An historic Persian explorer, Afzal Kermani, who lived in centuries past, write in his book that “…Makran(southern Balouchestan or present day Chabahar) is a “Faniez) mine of sugar stones or white sugar, which is taken from this region to Islamic and non-Islamic lands.
It is claimed that the coast line of the port city of Tees is very shallow for hundreds of metres out to the sea where the depth of water is less than the average height of a man. This extraordinary and unique feature of the port coupled with marine visitors coming in close to the shore at night and makes the night view of the coast line a wondrous and unforgettable sight. Small fish and other small marine life including the flying fish are the evening visitors of these shores.
The Portuguese Catle
The castle is built on top of a hill seven kilometers from Chabahar overlooking the Gulf of Chabahar as well as the village and fishing port of Tees. Little remains of the castle today and only parts of the entrance arch and ceilings of some side rooms still stand.
The building shape resembles the inns of the Safavid era. Although the style of architecture and building materials used are reminiscent of the Saljuqid period, the repairs carried out later resemble the style of architecture prevalent during the Safavid region. Next to the castle is a mountain known as the “Fil band”
In one corner of the castle remains a sixty five meter minaret on top of which is wonderful light house. The structure is built from bricks, stones and plaster.
Chabahar market
Although there are many modern shopping centers and chic boutiques in present day Chabahar, there are also still many old and traditional markets. The port’s traditional market has retained many reminders and mementos of the trading methods of Pakistan and Indian merchants of old times. In this market people of various races pedal their goods and one can find almost every tradable item here.
In addition to old structures built by the local’s virtuous forefathers, there are many beautiful natural regions which are among the wonderful sights of the area.
One of the wonders of this region is the medicinal nature of the waters of the Sea of Oman. In addition to providing the livelihood of the region’s people, at times the sea is also a treating doctor to which the people submit their bodies for treatment at no charge.
Hasan Zendehdel, autor of concise travel guides on Iran writes in this respect that the sea waters in this region is rich in many minerals which can be easily used along the beaches and the coast. The sea contains sodium chloride as well as various other salts and minerals and has marine life that includes alga, seaweed and plankton which have great benefits for the human body. Entering this sea stimulates and expands the digestive system and increase the rate of respiration and ultimately causes relaxation.
Wildlife in Chabahar
The Chabahar region is home to one of the rarest crocodile species in the world. The region is host to many scientists and wildlife documentary makers from around the world who arrive here to study the Short Snout Crocodile
Chabahar ponds are also the winter home of many migrating birds that arrive here from countries to the north of Iran to live out the winter months in these pools.
Mud volcano
This is another one of the natural wonders of this region and it is located twenty kilometers from the village of Kahier. This phenomenon is look like a pot boiling on a stove that every moment mud bubble all around. There is at present a small mountain of these mud volcano which is a sight well worth seeing.
Sacred fig tree
Yet another wonder of the port city of Chabahar is the Sacred fig tree. This type of tree has been in this region for several years. The tree with its multiple trunks and numerous branches has helped create a breathtaking and amazing green area. The tree is considered by the locals to be o holy tree.
Chanahar’s Kapars(Reed Houses)
In a region between the desert and the sea there are houses made od reeds known in the area as Kapar that resemble the igloos of Eskimos in the North Pole. These cone-shaped dwellings have graced their region with a particular splendor. The people who find their homes in these dwellings are the indigenous population of Chabahar. The folk men trade with the border regions while the women blessed with skilful fingers, busy themselves with needle-lace.
Handicrafts
The locals are skilful artists. Their skills are manifested in handicrafts such as stud, glass bead making and seuin decorations as well as needle-lace. Moreover, they are skilled in carpet and reed mat weaving, boat building and objects made from sea stones.

Chabahar

Iran

Chabahar
The port city of Chabahar is located on the Sistan and Balouchestan provinces’s coastal strip. It is bound by the towns of Iranshahr and Nikshahr to the north, the Sea of Oman to the south, Pakistan to the east and the the Iranian provinces of Kerman and Hormozgan to the west.
It is said that in past times it was knwn as “Bandar(the port of) Tees” whose ruins still remain some nine kolometers from Chabahar. There are various theories in the naming of Chabahar.
Zabihollah Naseh writes in his book, Balouchestan, “….some believe that the name of this region was Chahar bahar(or Four spring) because here is spring all year round. Autumn and winter do not exist here.”
Any seed planted at any time in Chahar bahar will blossom and thus it is called Chahar Bahar.
However, others opine that this region is called Chah Bahar(or spring well) because all trees and vegetation in this region are irrigated by subterranean water.
There is also the another opinion that Chabahar enjoys a spring climate due to its proximity to the equator.
Climatic and temperature variations here are very small therefore summer is hardly noticeable and consequently there are no autumn and falling leaves. In Chabahar trees are constantly green throughout the years and this green nature has meant that all four seasons here are spring and hence it has been named Chahar Bahar(or four spring) and which has gradually changed to Chabahar. Presently local vegetation consists of mainly olive, lotus, caster, date, locoweed, thyme, coconut and other trees which are always green.
Possessing the two important ports of Tees and Konarak, Chabahar City enjoys two different appearance. Modern and old Chabahar are only one boulevard apart. On one side there are chic buildings and modern shopping centers with trees lined avenues, while on the other side there are local and indigenous style buildings with traditional markets reminiscent of old local traditions. Local people belong to the Balouch ethnic group and are followers of the Sunni sect of Islam.
There are many sights in the port city of Chabahar each with its own interesting and charming history and legacy.

The village of Tees
With a legacy of more than two thousand years, this village lies seven kilometers to the north of the coastal Port City of Tees. It is said that in the distant millennia this village (or city as it was then) was a particularly thriving economic region and it was the export center of “Paniez”(white sugar)
An historic Persian explorer, Afzal Kermani, who lived in centuries past, write in his book that “…Makran(southern Balouchestan or present day Chabahar) is a “Faniez) mine of sugar stones or white sugar, which is taken from this region to Islamic and non-Islamic lands.
It is claimed that the coast line of the port city of Tees is very shallow for hundreds of metres out to the sea where the depth of water is less than the average height of a man. This extraordinary and unique feature of the port coupled with marine visitors coming in close to the shore at night and makes the night view of the coast line a wondrous and unforgettable sight. Small fish and other small marine life including the flying fish are the evening visitors of these shores.
The Portuguese Catle
The castle is built on top of a hill seven kilometers from Chabahar overlooking the Gulf of Chabahar as well as the village and fishing port of Tees. Little remains of the castle today and only parts of the entrance arch and ceilings of some side rooms still stand.
The building shape resembles the inns of the Safavid era. Although the style of architecture and building materials used are reminiscent of the Saljuqid period, the repairs carried out later resemble the style of architecture prevalent during the Safavid region. Next to the castle is a mountain known as the “Fil band”
In one corner of the castle remains a sixty five meter minaret on top of which is wonderful light house. The structure is built from bricks, stones and plaster.
Chabahar market
Although there are many modern shopping centers and chic boutiques in present day Chabahar, there are also still many old and traditional markets. The port’s traditional market has retained many reminders and mementos of the trading methods of Pakistan and Indian merchants of old times. In this market people of various races pedal their goods and one can find almost every tradable item here.
In addition to old structures built by the local’s virtuous forefathers, there are many beautiful natural regions which are among the wonderful sights of the area.
One of the wonders of this region is the medicinal nature of the waters of the Sea of Oman. In addition to providing the livelihood of the region’s people, at times the sea is also a treating doctor to which the people submit their bodies for treatment at no charge.
Hasan Zendehdel, autor of concise travel guides on Iran writes in this respect that the sea waters in this region is rich in many minerals which can be easily used along the beaches and the coast. The sea contains sodium chloride as well as various other salts and minerals and has marine life that includes alga, seaweed and plankton which have great benefits for the human body. Entering this sea stimulates and expands the digestive system and increase the rate of respiration and ultimately causes relaxation.
Wildlife in Chabahar
The Chabahar region is home to one of the rarest crocodile species in the world. The region is host to many scientists and wildlife documentary makers from around the world who arrive here to study the Short Snout Crocodile
Chabahar ponds are also the winter home of many migrating birds that arrive here from countries to the north of Iran to live out the winter months in these pools.
Mud volcano
This is another one of the natural wonders of this region and it is located twenty kilometers from the village of Kahier. This phenomenon is look like a pot boiling on a stove that every moment mud bubble all around. There is at present a small mountain of these mud volcano which is a sight well worth seeing.
Sacred fig tree
Yet another wonder of the port city of Chabahar is the Sacred fig tree. This type of tree has been in this region for several years. The tree with its multiple trunks and numerous branches has helped create a breathtaking and amazing green area. The tree is considered by the locals to be o holy tree.
Chanahar’s Kapars(Reed Houses)
In a region between the desert and the sea there are houses made od reeds known in the area as Kapar that resemble the igloos of Eskimos in the North Pole. These cone-shaped dwellings have graced their region with a particular splendor. The people who find their homes in these dwellings are the indigenous population of Chabahar. The folk men trade with the border regions while the women blessed with skilful fingers, busy themselves with needle-lace.
Handicrafts
The locals are skilful artists. Their skills are manifested in handicrafts such as stud, glass bead making and seuin decorations as well as needle-lace. Moreover, they are skilled in carpet and reed mat weaving, boat building and objects made from sea stones.

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