Unique and Unusual Features of 15 Iranian Cities

Hidden Gems: The Unique Attributes of 15 Iranian Cities

Every city around the world has its unique characteristics. While these traits might be found in other cities globally, narrowing our focus to a specific country reveals fascinating and noteworthy details. In Iran, each city is known for something distinctly its own. Among these, some cities stand out for their particularly unique or even strange features, which can be intriguing and surprising. If you're as curious as we are to learn about these unique Iranian cities and their exclusive characteristics, join us as we explore the 15 unique features of Iranian cities.

Andimeshk: The Tastiest Southern Dishes

Andimeshk, a city in northern Khuzestan, is renowned for having the most delicious food in southern Iran. It also boasts three dams: Karkheh, Dez, and Balarood, which collectively provide over 80% of the country’s electricity. Its unique feature is being the only city in the Middle East with three world-renowned dams.

Paveh: The City Without Traffic Lights

Paveh, located in northern Kermanshah, is famous for its step-like structure, earning it the nickname “City of a Thousand Masouleh.” Its unique trait is the complete absence of traffic lights.

Lar: The City Without Alleys

Lar, the capital of Larestan County, is situated in a hot and arid region. Known for frequent earthquakes over the past 700 years, the city has been designed without alleys to mitigate earthquake damage.

Varamin: The Smoke-Free City

Varamin, a significant and historical city near Tehran, is unique for being completely smoke-free, with shops typically not selling cigarettes.

Chaldoran: The Coolest Summers

Chaldoran, in West Azerbaijan, is known for the historical Battle of Chaldoran. Its unique feature is the pleasant summer weather that eliminates the need for air conditioning.

Ardakan: The Wealthiest City

Ardakan in Yazd Province, meaning “Holy City,” is known for its numerous mines and private factories, making it the wealthiest city in Iran with high bank account turnovers.

Ferdows: The World’s Second Safest City

Ferdows in South Khorasan, formerly known as Toon, is famous for its pomegranates and saffron. It is also recognized as the world’s second safest city, with virtually no theft, and residents often leave their homes and cars unlocked.

Tabriz: The City Without Beggars

Tabriz, a major city in East Azerbaijan, is historically significant. Its unique feature is the absence of beggars, a rarity in large cities.

Jolfa: The City Without a Cemetery

Jolfa, also in East Azerbaijan, is unique for having no cemetery. Residents must go to nearby towns to bury their deceased loved ones.

Nourabad Mamasani: The City of Students

Located in Fars Province, Nourabad Mamasani has 18% of its population as students, the highest percentage in the country after Tehran.

Ivan: The City Without Mortuaries

Ivan, in Ilam Province, is an ancient area with large caves indicating early human settlement. Its unique feature is the absence of mortuaries, with traditional practices of washing the deceased in home yards still in place.

Borujerd: The Most Jovial People

Borujerd in Lorestan Province is known for its cheerful and lively residents, considered the most convivial and fun-loving in Iran.

Kish: The City Without Traffic Lights

Kish Island, a popular tourist destination in the Persian Gulf, is known for not having traffic lights, similar to Paveh.

Gachsaran: The Wealthiest Oil City

Gachsaran, in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, is recognized as the wealthiest city in Iran, housing the world’s fifth-largest oil reserve and the largest gas reserves in Iran and the Middle East.

Shadegan: The City Without Hotels

Shadegan, 120 kilometers from Ahvaz, is noted for having no hotels or inns. The residents are so hospitable that they invite strangers into their homes for lodging and hospitality.