Iran is best known for its rich culture, glorious history, alluring attractions, and tasty cuisine. Iran means the land of Arians. Arians point to the inhabitants of this country who played a significant role in its history and mythology.
During the Safavid dynasty, Iran’s government developed. The king removed local autonomous groups from power; it created profound changes before the Pahlavi empire (in the Pahlavi Kingdom, Tehran was the capital).
The kings of Pahlavi were Reza and his son, who supervised Iran for almost 52 years. A religious person named Khomeini overthrew the Pahlavi Kingdom.
Iran shines on the shoulder of the Middle East, and Persian is its official language, whereas the minority groups speak Arabic, Turkish and Kurdish. Most Iranians are Muslim; however, 2% are Jews and Christians.
Iran Is Best Known For Its Geographic Location
Iran is best known for its geographic location and sits in southwestern Asia and on the northeastern shore of the Persian sea inlet. So, it enjoys the neighborhood of the Caspian Sea and the Gulf of Oman.
Iran’s political and economic situation owes to its mountainous regions, paving the way for constructing many highways and railroads to connect centers. According to the latest statistics, Iran’s population was 75 million in 2011 and, within ten years, reached 85 million.
Iran’s other name is Persia, and it shares borders with the following:
- Iraq to the west;
- Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Armenia to the northwest;
- Afghanistan to the east;
- And Pakistan to the Southeast.
The Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf also surround it. It covers an area of 1,648,195 km² resembling a cat. Iran is the 5th largest country in Asia and second in western Asia, while Saudi Arabia takes the first position.
Iran, as a civilized and historic country, attracts history lovers; in other words, the heart of civilization beats in Iran. Actually, some provinces possess historical fame and attract many tourists yearly.
Where Is The Capital of Iran?
Evidently, Iran is best known for Tehran, its metropolis and its capital. In fact, it is the largest and the most populated city and the house of governmental centers. The following sentences inform you about Tehran and other provinces.
Iran is Best Known for Its Climate
The next critical factor in Iran is the diversity of climates ranging from the Subpolar to the subtropical; in other words, Iran is a four-season country enjoying four climates. For example, the weather is cold in the north and hot in the south. Generally speaking, each corner of Iran has specific weather conditions, consequently showing particular beauties.
What Are Iran’s Provinces?
Iran consists of 31 provinces, including:
- Ardebil;
- East Azarbayjan;
- Alborz;
- Gilan;
- Zanjan;
- Ghazvin;
- Kordestan;
- West Azarbayjan;
- Hamedan;
- Mazandaran;
- Tehran;
- Golestan;
- Kermanshah;
- Lorestan;
- Ilam;
- Markazi;
- Qom;
- North Khorasan;
- Razavi Khorasan;
- South Khorasan;
- Isfahan;
- Yazd;
- Fars;
- Khuzestan;
- Kerman;
- Hormozgan;
- Sistan and Baluchestan;
- Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari;
- Bushehr;
- and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad.
Let’s start our exploration in well-known cities
Tehran
Tehran is the capital of Iran. Besides, it is a large multicultural city with advantages and disadvantages. Fortunately, it has a mild climate throughout the year. It is ideal to find suitable jobs; once in a while, there is no need to refer to its excellent educational facilities.
It has many attractions like the Tehran Museum displaying its history and a zoo that homes endangered rare species. Tehran has beautiful and luxurious hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls; unfortunately, this city has some negativities.
In brief, the most exasperating one is the traffic congestion during rush hours resulting in accidents that need immediate consideration. The second shortcoming is the cost of living; in the past 20 years, the city has witnessed a population explosion.
Tehran includes over 14 million people, so providing enough facilities is challenging. All in all, its positive sides outweigh its drawbacks; however, living in the capital requires a hard worker to handle life expenses.
Razavi Khorasan
Iran is best known for Mashhad, the 2nd populated city, enjoying a burst of lovely sunshine in spring and summer, whereas autumn and winter are brutally freezing. This province is famous for producing saffron, producing 88 Percent of Iran’s saffron.
Mashhad is a sacred city home to the 8th Shia Imam (Imam Reza), so pilgrimages worldwide come here. This holy city has gorgeous attractions like Mellat Park, in the west of the city, with a significant playing ground.
The next place is Chalidare, a touristy complex with numerous recreational places for boating, fishing, and luxurious restaurants. Ferdowsi is the most potent gleeman poet who wrote Shahname, which different people translated into many languages.
He spent 30 years making this masterpiece; he’s laid to rest in Tus. Goharshad Mosque is the most visited attraction in Mashhad; indeed, it is one of the original mosques in the history of Iranian Islamic architecture.
Iran is Best Known for Isfahan
Isfahan is the third most populated city in the center of Iran; during the Safavid dynasty, Isfahan was Iran’s capital. Furthermore, it is well known for its Persian architecture in the Naqsh-e Jahan Square, a masterpiece of the Safavid dynasty.
This rectangular-shaped square covers an area of about 560 in 160 meters; in each corner, you can see other historical monuments such as:
- The Ali Qapo mansion;
- Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque (located in the square);
- Shah Mosque;
- Vank Cathedral;
- and old bazaars.
Iran is best known for touristy attractions like Vank Cathedral. This touristy place attracts many tourists due to its architecture, motivational features, and art. Do not miss the Pariyan and Fereydun cave if you are a cave-lover. The next masterpiece of Isfahan is Chehel Sotoun, which means 40 columns.
It is a Persian pavilion constructed by Shah Abbas II For entertainment and includes various spacious salons to welcome ambassadors and royalties. Isfahan is the cleanest city in Iran that houses the Vank Church in the center of Julfa.
Si-o-se-pol is a touristy place in Isfahan, nicknamed Allahverdi Khan Bridge. It locates on Zayanderud (the largest river in Isfahan, supplying water). The designers constructed it at the beginning of the 17th century. Undeniably, it is one of Iran’s most famous examples of architecture from the Safavid dynasty.
This stone bridge was constructed from 1599 to 1602 during the kingdom of Abbas I. It has lovely scenery absorbing people’s attention. Its length is about 297.76 meters, and its width is almost 14.75 meters.
This attraction is notable because its vaulted arch consists of two superimposed rows of 33 arches. Si-o-se in Persian means 33, and the bridge consists of 33 arches and channels to navigate the water.
Iran is Best Known for Fars (Shiraz)
Iran is best known for Fars, which sits in the southern center of the country and is home to over 2 million people. Without a doubt, it has splendid historical monuments. Shiraz is a pathway to Persepolis in the northeast of the province. Iran is best known for Persepolis, which is one of the most critical documents in civilization.
Consequently, it draws all prominent scientists and archaeologists worldwide. It is the monument of ancient Iran’s kings from 2500 years ago. Archaeologists have studied the progress of civilization in ancient Iran based on their study of inspiration and artifacts from this region. In this case, Persepolis displays the glory of the Achaemenid Kingdom in ancient Iran.
There are stony palaces in the heart of a mountain near Shiraz, visualizing history for the next generations. The construction of Persepolis took about 120 years. Due to the glory and prestige of this place, Iranians preserved it until Alexander invaded Iran in 334 BC, bringing a tragic end to the Achaemenid Empire.
Regardless of principles, the world council of handicrafts studies sits on the UNESCO list. Shiraz houses the mausoleum of Saadi and Hafez (two famous Iranian poets); as a result, it is known as the city of poetry and literature. Every year Shiraz holds ceremonies in memory of these famous figures.
East Azarbayjan
East Azarbayjan (Tabriz is its center) is in the northwest of Iran, and your travel to Iran is not complete without visiting Tabriz. Unquestionably, it is the safest place in Iran and has much potential. Surprisingly, Alborz and Zagros, two significant mountains of Iran, join each other in this province.
Also, Sahand Mountain is East Azarbayjan’s highest mountain. In addition, East Azarbayjan is a top province in non-oil exports and plays a crucial role in Iran’s industry. Due to its mountainous situation, it is primarily cold and freezing.
Besides, East Azarbayjan is famous for its high-quality hand-woven carpets. Equally important, it is worth mentioning that Arasbaran Jungles and the historical bazaar of Tabriz are on the UNESCO heritage list.
West Azarbayjan
This province sits beside East Azarbayjan, Turkey, and Iraq and is the mountainous part of Iran. Moreover, Lake Urmia and its island add to the touristy aspects of this city. It is a highly salty lake, never freezing. Altogether, this part of Iran is best known for producing famous chocolates and sweets.
Iran is Best Known for Yazd
Yazd geographically locates in the central plateau of Iran. It has a hot and dry desert climate and houses rare species in protected areas. This city’s attractions are heights and peaks, wildlife, caves, hunting grounds, and desert attractions drawing many tourists.
It also produces different types of cloth and candies as souvenirs for tourists. Yazd witnessed the most glorious and brilliant manifestations of culture, heritage, and ancient civilization of different historical periods of Iran.
Khuzestan
Khuzestan is one of the 31 provinces sharing borders with Iraq and the Persian Gulf; it is the 5th populous city in Iran. This province of Iran is best known for Hamam Sefid, or the white bathroom is one of the top attractions dating back to the Qajar period that is worth visiting.
Due to its historical value, it has been registered in the list of national monuments of Iran, numbered 32907. The summer of Khuzestan is scorching hot, and nights are not mild. The Karun River, the largest water-rich river in Iran, provides water to all city dwellers.
The attractions of Khuzestan are Moeinottojar Building, constructed during Qajar. Pole Sefid, or the white bridge, is the first suspension bridge in Iran on the current river and creates a beautiful scene.
It was registered in the list of national monuments of Iran, numbered 2493. This city is primarily known for a kind of sandwich named Falafel, with exceptional taste. There are many things that words fail to describe Khuzestan.
Iran Is Best Known for Kermanshah
Kermanshah is located in the western part of Iran and is 525 kilometers from Tehran. The heart of history and civilization has a delightful climate, making it a suitable destination for traveling. With a height of almost 100 meters, Piran Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Iran, has become a popular destination for climbers in Kermanshah.
Quri Qaleh Cave’s history dates back to 65 million years ago and possesses natural and historical attractions. The cave consists of two parts: easy to reach for the public and tourists and a rough part accessible by particular equipment.
Taq-e Bostan is one of the most well-known attractions of this province and a relic leftover from the Sassanid dynasty. Kermanshah is the birthplace of many inscriptions and carvings of old dynasties illustrating the coronation of kings.
The Bottom Line
On the whole, this article helped you understand different points about Iran and, more specifically, its famous cities. Now, you know Iran is famous for its history, attractions, and culture. If you want to learn more please explore related articles. You may be interested in learning Farsi with us; hence, explore the many Persian learning e-books on our website. Visit the GetBookOnline Store.