PreviousNext12Yalda Night CelebrationYalda is one of the most celebrated traditional events in Iran which marks the longest night of the year.
IRAN GETS READY TO CELEBRATE YALDA NIGHTShab-e Yalda or Shab-e Chelleh is an Iranian festival celebrated on the “longest and darkest night of the year,”
Yalda night is one of the most celebrated traditional events in Iran which marks the longest night of the year.
Every year, on December 21st, Iranians celebrate the arrival of winter, the renewal of the sun and the victory of light over darkness on Yalda night.
Family members get together (most often in the house of the eldest member) and stay awake all night long in Yalda night.
Food plays a central role in the present-day form of the Yalda night celebrations. In most parts of Iran the extended family come together and enjoy a fine dinner. A wide variety of fruits and sweetmeats ... “Iran Gets Ready To Celebrate Yalda Night”
Windcatcher (Badgir)An ancient engineering feat that harnessed the wind
Windcatcher in IranBĀDGĪR (wind-tower), literally “wind catcher,” a traditional structure used for passive air-conditioning of buildings.
Iran has a rich and varied architectural history going back over 3,000 years, and the remains of Iranian architectural monuments can be found from Syria to India and China.
Iranian architecture make uses of a great variety of techniques such as stone carving, stucco and plasterwork, tile and brickwork, mirror and glasswork, and other ornamental elements.
As in any architecture, geographical, religious, political, technological, and natural factors determine the quality and quantity of architecture.
A windcatchers or Badgir used in traditional architecture in Iran.
Many of the diverse architectural designs and structures in Iranian lands resulted from the availability of suitable natural resources and consideration of factors such as climate.
The landscape itself is a source of both constraint and freedom. The Iranian kavir (desert) ... “Windcatcher: An Ancient Engineering Feat that Harnessed the Wind”
Zoroastrianism in IranZoroastrianism in Iran: A journey to the depths of religion in ancient Iran
Zoroastrianism (Mazdayasna) in IranZoroastrianism or Mazdayasna is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, having originated in ancient Persia.
Zoroastrianism or Mazdayasna is one of the world’s oldest continuously practiced religions and is officially recognized and protected, and have reserved a seat in the Iran parliament.
Zoroastrians make up one of the smallest religious minorities in contemporary Iran, numbering only about 32,000 (as of 1986).
Sadeh, is an Iranian festival that dates back to the first Persian Empire, Achaemenid Empire. Sadeh celebrates 50 days before Nowruz. Sadeh in Persian means “hundred” and refers to one hundred days and nights remains to the beginning of spring.
It is a multi-faceted faith centered on a dualistic cosmology of good and evil and an eschatology predicting the ultimate conquest of evil with theological elements of henotheism, monotheism/monism, and ... “Zoroastrianism (Mazdayasna) in Iran”
Christians and Jews in IranChristianity, Judaism as the official religions in Iran
Christians and Jews in IranThe constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran recognizes Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism as official religions.
Judaism and Christianity in Iran are represented by small but significant religious communities that can also be regarded, to some extent, as distinct ethnic groups.
Jews have lived in Iran since ancient times, and Iran has a special place in Jewish history and the development of Judaism: Cyrus the Great, who liberated the Jews from the Babylonian captivity and authorized the rebuilding of the Temple, was called by Isaiah the “anointed of the lord”; Queen Esther and Mordechai supposedly lived at the court of an Iranian king (their tombs are still believed to be in Hamadân, home to one of the country’s largest Jewish communities).
Esther and Mordecai is a 1685 oil on panel painting by Arent ... “Christians and Jews in Iran”
Dizin Ski Resort
Dizin, The largest resort in the Middle EastTourists and locals are welcome to ski all season, which runs from late November to late May.
When it comes to hitting the slopes, Iran is probably not the first place you’d think of. But at Dizin ski resort, located about two hours north of Tehran by car, you’ll find some of the highest quality snow in the Middle East.
Tourists and locals are welcome to ski at the Dizin resort all season, which runs from late November to late May.
The ski season is longer than the average American and European season because the base of the mountains sits at 9,000 feet above sea level, with lifts running as high as 12,000 feet.
Skiing in Dizin ski resort, the largest in the Middle East
Dizin as the largest resort in the Middle East
Because of the high altitude, it ... “What it’s like to ski at the biggest resort in the Middle East”
PersepolisBeautiful Ruins of the Majestic Persian Empire
When viewing the ruins of Persepolis from a distance, one word comes to mind: Breathtaking. As you near closer and actually come up to the Grand Stairway leading up to Persepolis, this feeling does in no way pass.
In front of you at the top of the stairway is the Gate of All Nations — where foreign delegations that were subjects of the Achaemenid Empire would enter — probably one of the most known images of Persepolis.
View of the Gate of All Nations palace.
A pair of massive, bearded male heads atop the bodies of bulls with the wings of eagles stand facing the Western threshold, with another pair on the Eastern threshold. realize here how advanced this civilization was — over 2,400 years ago — as you stand beside these extremely ornately carved statues.
Another beautifully carved, well-known carvings near the ... “Persepolis: Beautiful Ruins of the Majestic Persian Empire”
IRAN the PeoplePeople of Persian descent make up roughly 50 percent of Iran’s population, yet many other ethnic groups, including Azaris, Armenians, Assyrians, and Jews, have settled on the land.
The People of Iran: Ethnicities and CulturesPeople of Persian descent make up roughly 50 percent of Iran’s population, yet many other ethnic groups, including Azaris, Armenians, Assyrians, and Jews, have settled on the land. Historically, many groups have had little contact with one another because large distances separated them. This has meant that the groups have been able to retain their languages and customs for hundreds, or even thousands, of years.
Persians
Persians are descendants of the first Aryan settlers. They live mostly in the central desert plateau and in Iran’s northern provinces. They speak Persian, which they call Farsi, and most are Shia Muslims. Their traditional dress varies by region, but men usually wear wide, loose pants, a long ... “The People of Iran: Ethnicities and Cultures”
Tehran hotels can really adapt to all budgets, from five-star hotels, to boutique hotels with traditional and modern designs, and, of course, some very affordable accommodation for budget travellers.
We have compiled here a great collection of the best hotels in Tehran at great rates, all sorted into different style and location categories to simplify your search for the right Tehran hotel.
Without a doubt the most popular area to stay when you’re visiting Tehran is Golestan Palace – a locale closest to Tehran Grand Bazaar and many excellent museums and sites.
In such places, as well as in contemporary cafes, traditional tea houses and on the walking in the Old texture of Tehran, you can experience and enjoy all that’s good about Tehran. To help you get started on your holiday in the capital city of Iran, see a list of the best hotels in Tehran.
Espinas Persian Gulf ... “The best 5 star luxury hotels in Tehran, Iran”
PreviousNext12345678Travelling to Iran during Muharram and AshuraA Lifetime Opportunity To Witness The Ashura Ritual
Travelling to Iran during Muharram and Ashura
There are various traditions such as Ta’ziyeh, a kind of street theater in costume inspired by historical and religious events which happened in Karbala battle about 1400 years ago and Nakhl Gardani, carrying a majestic wooden Nakhl – a symbol of Imam Hussein’s coffin – on the shoulders of mourners.
Experience Muharram and Ashura in Iran
Visiting Iran during Ashura and Muharram can be a truly extraordinary experience – and a perfect time to experience one of the most important and significant events of Shia Muslims in Iran.
You might think it sensible to avoid Iran during the Ramadan month or travel to Iran during Ashura followed by the most important religious holiday, just as you might skip China during the Lunar New Year or Europe during Christmas.
But ... “Travel to Iran During Ashura and Muharram”
Iran launches direct flights to SpainIranian embassy in Spain announced that Iran air will resume flights between Tehran and Madrid in September 2020.
Iran Air To Resume Tehran-Madrid Flights After 17 YearsIran’s Embassy in Spain announced the resumption of weekly flights of Iran Air between Tehran and Madrid after 17 years.
The airline will operate its first flight along the Tehran-Madrid route in September after a five-month hiatus, Iranian embassy in Spain announced on Monday, saying that the license of airline’s normal and weekly flights on the Tehran-Madrid-Tehran route have been issued by the Spanish aviation authorities.
Flights between Iran and Spain were suspended about five months ago from the closure of borders due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Based on the coordination between Iranian and Spanish officials, four special flights were conducted from Madrid to Tehran to bring home the Iranians stranded in Spain.
Stories, expert tips, & inspiration to ... “IranAir To Resume Tehran-Madrid Flights After 17 Years”