Iran, Islamic Republic Of
festivites
1. Nowruz: Nowruz, also known as Persian New Year, is celebrated on the spring equinox (usually March 20 or 21) and marks the beginning of the Iranian calendar year. It is a time for family gatherings, visiting friends, exchanging gifts, and feasting on traditional foods. One popular tradition is the setting up of a "haft-sin" table, which includes seven symbolic items starting with the Persian letter "sin". These items represent various concepts such as health, wealth, and fertility.
2. Eid al-Fitr: Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. It is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. The day begins with a special prayer in mosques followed by visits to family members and friends, exchanging gifts and sweets, and feasting on traditional dishes.
3. Eid al-Adha: Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is celebrated on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. On this day, Muslims sacrifice an animal (usually a sheep, goat, or cow) and distribute the meat to the poor, family, and friends.
4. Ashura: Ashura is observed on the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. The day is marked by mourning processions, self-flagellation, and recitations of elegies and poems.
5. Yalda Night: Yalda Night, also known as Shab-e-Yalda, is celebrated on the winter solstice (usually December 21 or 22) and marks the longest night of the year. It is a time for family gatherings, sharing meals and stories, reading poetry, and playing traditional games. Pomegranates, watermelons, and nuts are among the most popular foods eaten on this night.
These are some of the major festivities celebrated in Iran, Islamic Republic Of.
seasons
Iran has four distinct tourist seasons:
1. Spring (March to May): This is the best time to visit Iran when the weather is mild and pleasant. The days are longer, and the landscapes are covered in beautiful flowers and greenery. It is advisable to bring light jackets, as temperatures can vary between cities.
2. Summer (June to August): Summers in Iran are hot and dry, with temperatures soaring above 35°C. It is recommended to avoid traveling to central desert regions during this season.
3. Fall (September to November): Fall is an excellent time to visit Iran as the weather is cooler, and the landscapes are still lush and colorful. It is best to pack layers of clothing, including warm jackets, as temperatures can drop significantly at night.
4. Winter (December to February): Winters can be extremely cold in some parts of Iran, especially in the mountainous regions. However, it is also a good time to visit if you want to experience snow and winter sports. Warm clothing, including heavy jackets and boots, is essential during this season.
visa
There are special visa rules for citizens of different countries who want to visit Iran. Here are a few examples:
1. Citizens of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom must be accompanied by an authorized tour guide throughout their stay in Iran. They must also obtain a visa authorization number from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs before applying for a visa. The cost of obtaining a visa authorization number varies but can range from $30 to $80.
2. Citizens of many countries can apply for a visa on arrival at certain Iranian airports. However, this is not available for citizens of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The cost of a visa on arrival is approximately $75.
3. Citizens of some countries, such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, and Pakistan, must apply for a visa in advance at an Iranian embassy or consulate. The cost of a visa application varies depending on the country and the type of visa but can range from $50 to $150.
It's important to note that visa regulations and costs can change over time, so it's always advisable to check with the relevant authorities or a trusted travel agency before planning a trip to Iran.
souvenirs
Here are some popular souvenirs to buy from Iran, along with their average prices and places to buy them:
1. Persian Carpets - Prices range from $300 to several thousand dollars depending on the size and quality. You can find them in traditional bazaars such as Tehran's Grand Bazaar or Isfahan's Naqsh-e Jahan Square.
2. Miniature Paintings - Prices range from $20 to $100. You can find them in galleries and shops in Isfahan and Shiraz.
3. Saffron - Prices range from $5 to $30 per gram. You can find it in spice markets such as Tehran's Tajrish Bazaar.
4. Pottery and Ceramics - Prices range from $10 to $100. You can find them in workshops and stores in cities such as Hamedan and Mashhad.
5. Calligraphy Art - Prices vary widely depending on the size and complexity of the piece. You can find it in art galleries and calligraphy workshops in cities such as Tehran and Isfahan.
6. Pistachios - Prices range from $5 to $20 per pound. You can find them in markets such as Tehran's Grand Bazaar or Kerman's Ganjali Khan Bazaar.
Note that prices may vary depending on the location and the quality of the product. Always make sure to bargain when shopping in traditional bazaars.
If you have 1 week
Thank you for sharing your location, and I'm happy to suggest a one week itinerary for you! Here are some places that I suggest you visit in Iran:
Day 1: Tehran
Begin your trip by exploring the vibrant capital city of Tehran. Start with a visit to the National Museum of Iran to learn about the country's rich history and culture, followed by a stroll through the beautiful Golestan Palace complex. Then, head up to the Milad Tower for panoramic views of the city, and finish off the day with a visit to the bustling Grand Bazaar for some shopping and authentic Iranian cuisine.
Day 2: Shiraz
Take a morning flight to Shiraz, known as the city of poets, literature, and flowers. Begin your day with a visit to the stunning Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, also known as the Pink Mosque, which is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows. Next, head to the historic Vakil Bazaar for lunch and some souvenir shopping, before visiting the beautiful gardens of Eram and Narenjestan-e Qavam. Finish the day off at the Tomb of Hafez, one of Iran's most beloved poets.
Day 3: Persepolis and Pasargadae
Take a day trip to the ancient ruins of Persepolis and Pasargadae, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. See the remains of the former capital of the Achaemenid Empire at Persepolis, and visit the Tomb of Cyrus the Great at Pasargadae.
Day 4: Isfahan
Travel to Isfahan, the former capital of the Persian Empire, and explore the beautiful Naqsh-e Jahan Square, which is surrounded by stunning examples of Islamic architecture such as the Imam Mosque and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. Visit the Chehel Sotoun Palace and the historic Armenian quarter of Jolfa, before taking a sunset stroll along the beautiful Zayanderud River.
Day 5: Kashan
Make your way to the charming desert oasis town of Kashan, known for its beautiful traditional houses and gardens. Visit the historic Fin Garden, one of Iran's most famous Persian gardens, followed by the beautiful Tabatabaei House and Borujerdi House. Finish off the day with a visit to the Agha Bozorg Mosque and the atmospheric bazaar.
Day 6: Qeshm Island
Take a morning flight to Qeshm Island, the largest island in the Persian Gulf. Spend the day exploring the unique geology of the island, including the stunning Chahkooh Canyon and the mysterious Stars Valley. Relax on the beautiful beaches and visit the historic Portuguese Fort and the colorful Hara Forest.
Day 7: Tehran
Return to Tehran for your final day, and spend it at the beautiful Darband Mountain Resort in the Alborz Mountains just north of the city. Take a scenic hike through the mountains, enjoy some fresh air and stunning views, and finish the day off with a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants in this popular tourist destination.
I hope you enjoy this itinerary, and that it gives you a taste of the rich history, culture, and natural beauty that Iran has to offer!
If you have 2 weeks
Oh, the beautiful country of Iran! There are so many interesting places that you can visit within your country. Here's a two-week itinerary that will introduce you to some of the most fascinating sites and experiences that Iran has to offer:
Week 1:
Day 1-3: Start by visiting the beautiful city of Isfahan. It is famous for its stunning architecture, beautiful mosques, bazaars, and bridges. You can visit Naghsh-e Jahan Square, which is one of the largest squares in the world and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The square is surrounded by historical monuments such as Ali Qapu Palace, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and the Imam Mosque. You can also visit the Vank Cathedral in the Armenian quarter of the city.
Day 4-6: After Isfahan, travel to Yazd, which is known as the city of Windcatchers. Here you can visit the Amir Chakhmaq Complex, Jameh Mosque of Yazd, Towers of Silence, and the Fire Temple of Zoroastrians. You can also walk through the traditional bazaars and narrow alleys of the old town, which will take you back in time.
Day 7-8: Travel to the desert oasis of Kashan, which is famous for its beautiful gardens and historical houses. Visit the Fin Garden, Tabatabaei House, and Borujerdi House, all of which have intricate designs and beautiful architecture.
Week 2:
Day 9-10: Head to Shiraz, which is known as the city of poets, literature, wine, and flowers. Visit the splendid Pink Mosque, Narenjestan Qavam Garden, Eram Garden, Tomb of Hafez, and Saadi Mausoleum. You can also visit Persepolis, which was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire.
Day 11-12: Next, travel to Kerman, which is famous for its textiles and carpets. Visit the Ganjali Khan Complex, which includes a mosque, bazaar, bathhouse, and caravanserai. You can also visit the Rayen Castle, which is similar to the more well-known Bam Citadel.
Day 13-14: End your trip in the north of Iran, in the beautiful Caspian Sea region. Visit Ramsar, which is known for its mineral springs and lush forests. You can visit the Ramsar Palace Museum and enjoy walking along the beach.
Each of these cities has a unique history, culture, and architecture that you should experience firsthand. The itinerary includes visits to historical sites, natural wonders, and cultural experiences. I hope this itinerary helps you plan a memorable trip!
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