Iran, a land of ancient splendour and timeless mystique, beckons the intrepid traveller with its tapestry of contrasts. Here, the golden sands of the desert embrace the snow-capped peaks of the Alborz Mountains, while the echoes of Persian poetry linger in the air of the bustling bazaars. The cities of Tehran, Shiraz and Isfahan are living museums where the grandeur of Safavid architecture meets the vibrant pulse of modern life.
Wander through the palaces of kings, where stories of love and conquest are etched in intricate mosaics. The warmth of Iranian hospitality, wrapped in the scent of saffron and rosewater, invites you to discover a culture that treasures both its rich past and its hopeful future. Iran is not just a destination, but a journey into the heart of a civilisation whose wisdom, beauty and resilience have shaped the history of the world.
Mostly arid or semiarid, subtropical along Caspian coast
Persian, Azeri, Kurd, Lur, Baloch, Arab, Turkmen, and Turkic tribes
In Iran, it is customary to decline food or other offerings even when you want them. The provider will most often insist, whereupon one should humbly accept.
Chelo Kebab — skewered ground meat (lamb or beef) kebabs served with saffron rice and grilled tomatoes
Traditionally state-controlled economy but reforming state-owned financial entities; strong oil/gas, agricultural, and service sectors; recent massive inflation due to exchange rate depreciation, international sanctions, and investor uncertainty; increasing poverty