| Propaganda | |
Tehran
The Iranian regime can think of nothing more evil than the US Government. Though, in this issue like most others, the regime doesn't seem to be very well connected to its own citizens.
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| Nature | |
Alborz Mountains
Skiing is perhaps not what comes to mind when most people think of Iran, but there are actually several resorts in the Alborz Mountains. The nearest (and biggest) is Dizin, just over an hours drive from Tehran.
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| Under the Bridge | |
Isfahan
One of the many nice things to do while in Isfahan is to have a tea and perhaps also a puff on the shisha in a tea-house under the Si-o-Seh Pol (Bridge of 33 Arches).
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| Travel | |
Best Iran Travel
Extensive site
Iran Cultural Heritage Organization
Official site
Iran Tourism and Touring Organization
Official site
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North Iran: City to Sea
The north of Iran contains the country's economical, cultural and religious centers: Tehran, Isfahan and Qom, respectively. If you've only got a short time to spend in the country you wouldn't do bad spending most of your time in the surroundings of the abovementioned places. Isfahan is a must no matter what your tastes are. When that is said, when the cities get to you there are amazing natural beauties in the region as well, from desert to mountains, to forrest to sea. |
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Isfahan: Half the World
The great Shah Abbas I unified Persia, and with it created the grandeur of Isfahan. It even got the nickname Nesf-e-Jahan, meaning Half the World; to see Isfahan was to see half the world. Despite the destruction by the Afghans in 1722 it has preserved its grandeur, and no one leaves Isfahan without having marvelled at its architectural masterpieces. The highlights are Imam Square, with the mighty Imam Mosque, and the bridges crossing the Zayandeh Rud river. |
Tehran: Megapolis
Tehran is perhaps not the most tourist-friendly city in the world. The mere size of it is enough to intimidate most people; its population has exceeded 15 million! The traffic is horrendous, and a layer of smog usually covers most of the city. Escape to northern Tehran, with its many parks and opportunities to watch liberal Tehranis break as many of the regime's laws as they can get away with. There are also several museums well worth a trip, such as the National Museum of Iran. |
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Isfahan: Khomeini Square
Imam Square in Isfahan is one of the worlds largest squares, and also ranks among the most beautiful. One can easily spend several days just exploring the square, as well as the two mosques, the palace and the bazaar surrounding the square. |
Isfahan: Bridge of 33 Arches
Like many other of the great monuments of Isfahan, the Si-o-Seh Pol (meaning Bridge of 33 Arches) was built under the great Shah Abbas I. Under his rule, from 1587-1629, the Persian empire became one of the most powerful in the world. Abbas was the one who moved the capital from Qazvin to Isfahan, and changing the face of the new capital into becoming one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The Si-o-Seh Pol was built between 1599 and 1602. |
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Tehran: Supreme Mausoleum
Getting to the mausoleum of the former Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khomeini, is quite easy. Take Tehran Metro Line 1 to the end station Haram-e-Motahar. The mausoleum itself is a huge structure a few hundred meters from the station, a mixture between mausoleum, mosque and shopping center. Apparently Khomeini wanted it to be a place for the people, though the budget for building the place doesn't suggest much for this. Go inside to see Iranians mourn their late leader. |
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| Den of Evil | |
Tehran
The former US Embassy to Iran, popularly referred to by Iranian officials as the "US Den of Espionage", is on Taleghani Street in central Tehran. You can still see the faded eagle on the entrance.
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| Facts | |
Jomhūrī-ye Eslāmī-ye Īrān
Capital
Tehran
Largest city
Tehran
Population
68,688,000 (2006)
Area
1,648,000 km²
Official language(s)
Persian
Government
Islamic Republic
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| Highlights | |
Tehran
National Museum of Iran, US Den of Espionage, gondola lift to Tochal or cable car to Darband, Mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini
Isfahan
Imam Square (Naqsh-e Jahan Square), Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque, Si-o-Seh Pol (Bridge of 33 Arches)
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