The Persian Achaemenid Empire was founded by Cyrus the great in 550 B.C. and defeated by Alexander in 330 B.C.
Extending from Anatolia and Egypt across western Asia to northern India and Central Asia it is known as a vast multicultural empire, ruled by Persians.
Beside the unique architecture of this ancient city of 2500 years ago, the respect to the human rights at that time is considered as a brilliant characteristic of Persepolis:
In constructing Persepolis, there was NO SLAVERY. According to the numerous tablets that have been found in Persepolis, every people had their own salaries.
2500 years ago, female workers of this city have the right of maternity leave, in time of their pregnancy.
There was a day care center for female workers to put their little children there and go to work.
Do you enjoy skiing in high altitudes?
Do you want to spend your time in ski resorts with fresh smell of natural snow?
Are you seeking for powdery snow with fewer competitors for the fresh snow?
Then you are very welcomed in two famous Iranian ski resorts: Dizin & Shemshak.
Maybe for many of you it seems strange. It was also strange for some tourists and ski lovers before their visit to Dizin and Shemshak. But now we have many requests for Dizin and Shemshak resorts from all over the world including European who seeks higher altitude than their ski resorts. Let's check Dizin and Shemshak resorts (we suggest you to also check Trip Advisor and You Tube):
Today is the first day of autumn in Iran. In very ancient Persia this spectacular season was the beginning of New Year. Why? Because this season is the beginning of agricultural year - regard this day as a kind of harvest festival.
The first month of autumn in Iran is called: Mehr. Today is the first day of Mehr. But who is Mehr?
Mehr or Mitra is the name of a legendary god in ancient Persia. He is the god of brightness, friendship and affection. In order to appreciate this god, Mehr, Persian people celebrate this day and called it Mehregan (1500 years later they celebrated Mehregan in 16th day of this month).
But what did ancient Persian do in this day?
Sisakht is a small beautiful city in south west of Iran. It is located in Kokiluye and Boyerahad province. You can easily put step on Shiraz- Isfahan road and after passing cities like Sepidan and Yasooj you will get to this area. This city is a cold snow-covered area during winter which shows off the white picture it has made. During other seasons, the city is replete with delicate wind, filled flowing streams, green forests, and gardens full of fruits and flowers.
We have all got used to our machinery lives. Perhaps it's even so hard to imagine our lives without these facilities for an hour. However, nearly all of us let nature embraces us so that we can ease our minds from life's difficulties. If you are looking for a place far away from today's machinery world, Ista Village in the north of Iran would be a nice choice for you. You can also visit Taleghan Village the people of which seem to be ceased in time.
In north east of Iran, in one of the villages of Sabzevar township that is called Estaj, you will see a fabulous sight as if God has looked at it discriminately. It will excite you to see a green area filled with trees having blossoms and a small river while birds are singing.
In north part of Iran in Orost village of Sari town, you will face with view which seems someone painted earth with incredible colors.
The natural site with two distinct mineral springs and different natural characteristics that located at 1,840 metres above sea level. Place with spring waters that are quite different in terms of color, smell ,taste ,volume of water and even different health benefits.
If you want to get ready to go on a trip, these 5 cities are good suggestions for escaping the summer heat.
If you are running away from the heat of summer and have the opportunity to travel, before you choose other countries for travel, it is not a bad idea to go inside Iran and take advantage of the cool air in the summer and have a tour of our own country. One of the special features of Iran is its four seasons.
While in the south of the country, the temperature reaches above 50 degrees, in some parts of Iran, you will have an air temperature of about 24 degrees in the summer.
Finally, Western sanctions against Iran have been officially lifted. Iran President – Hassan Rouhani - congratulated the Iranian people:
"Implementation Day-I thank God for this blessing & bow to the greatness of the patient nation of Iran. Congrats on this glorious victory!"
Years and years, people of all around the world celebrate winter solstice (shortest day of the year and its longest night). In Iran we call this night Yalda.
Why we celebrate Yalda night:
It is the longest night in year and it means from now on the days will be longer and the darkness will be shorter. In ancient Persia (now Iran) this night regarded as the birth night of the Sun.
According to World Bank Group (http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/iran/overview) Iran is the second largest economy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and also the second largest population of this region.
Iran is known as the second country in the world in natural gas reserves and fourth in proven crude oil reserves.
For years this country was involved with strict sanction but after agreement on the Iranian nuclear program in Vienna on 14 July 2015, the government is now so ambitious for expanding its economic relationships with other countries. This country is now focusing on the development of its economy and progress in science and technology.
Meymand is a very ancient village which is located near Shahr-e Babak city in Kerman Province. This village is approximately 12000 years old and dates back to when human residence was started in the Iranian Plateau. Many of its residents live in the 350 hand-dug houses amid the rocks, some of which have been inhabited for as long as 3,000 years. A lot of stone carvings dating back to thousands of years ago have been found in and around this ancient village.
The village is a UNESCO world heritage site and was awarded UNESCO's 2005 Melina Mercouri prize.
In a remote north-western corner of Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province, south of the provincial capital Tabriz, lies the settlement of Kandovan. Not only is the area famous for its scenic beauty and the healing power of its spring waters, Kandovan is also home to a remarkable modern age troglodyte (cave dweller) community. It is known all around the world for its unique rock-carved houses dating back more than 700 years. The 5 star Kandovan Tourism Cliff Hotel is the first of its kind in Iran and the second in the world, after the luxurious Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel, in Cappadocia, Turkey.
According to a recent article in The Gaurdian newspaper, amid plans for reopening British embassy and
Iranian embassy in Tehran and London respectively, Iran’s semi functional embassy in London has been
issuing visas for British citizens since April.
This is great news for our British guests as it saves them an expensive trip to Dublin and other European
capital.
If you are a British citizen and wish to travel to Iran, please email us now and we will arrange your visa
and tour.
You may already have heard that Iran’s new open door policy has resulted in a surge of tourists visiting the country. Once a niche market in tourism industry, visiting Iran has now become a new hit within the Middle East. Iran's landscape is diverse, attracting thrill-seekers from around the world that enjoy skiing and hiking in the country's Alborz mountains, as well as sun worshippers who frequent beach resorts by the Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf.
Iran has witnessed more than 30% growth in tourism since last year. Administration officials say it’s just the beginning of a boom in the country’s untapped sector, which is set to create millions of jobs and bring billions of dollars to the economy in the near future.
Handshakes
In Islam, physical contact between unrelated males and females is not allowed. Hence, the handshake etiquette between two parties of the same sex is similar to other cultures. However, when it comes to shaking hand between a man and woman, the etiquette is to wait for the lady to extend her hand. Follow this rule or you will see yourself with an extended arm that no-one wants to shake. It is very awkward.
Personal Space
Nothing to worry about on this subject, but only be advised that this space is a few inches shorter in Iran. Don't be surprised if you see people looking over each other's shoulders while waiting at an ATM machine. Or they stand closer than usual to you while asking for direction.
On the morning of Sunday 24th of November, Iranians and many people woke up to the good news of a nuclear deal which would make the world a safer place. Everyone gave peace a chance and without a doubt this deal will improve Iran’s tourism industry, particularly after the open door policy of its news president.A lot of people, surprisingly enough many from the US, have shown interest in visiting Iran as soon as the news of the deal broke to the world.
There is nothing more humbling than a warm smile of welcome from locals when you arrive in a country, especially when you are well aware that inflammatory comments from leaders, threatened boycotts, talks of war, sanctions and complaints to the UN have been raging for decades. This is exactly how our Americans feel when they first land in Iran and that is just one of the joys – and privileges – of travel.
Bavanat 
Tehran
