Iran - انگلیسی - دانشگاه خواجه نصیر طوسی
About Iran
Iran, also called Persia and officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in western Asia. With over 81 million inhabitants, Iran is the world's 18th most populous country. Comprising a land area of 1,648,195 km², it is the second largest country in the Middle East and the 17th largest in the world. Iran is a multi-ethnic and multicultural country with vast cultural heritage, multi climate Arena and friendly people.
Climate
Iran has a diverse climate. In the northwest, winters are cold with heavy snowfall and subzero temperatures during December and January. Spring and fall are relatively mild, while summers are dry and hot. In the south, winters are mild and the summers are very hot, having average daily temperatures in July exceeding 38°C (100°F) and can hit 50°C in parts of the desert. On the Khuzestan plain, summer heat is accompanied by high humidity.
Iran has about 500 towns, with more than 100,000 inhabitants in 100 cities. Below is a list of just 10 of the most notable provinces and cities:
Hamedan
Hamedan is one of the oldest cities in Iran and the world, it has some features remaining from the Medes.
Isfahan
Isfahan is the former capital with stunning architecture, great bazaar, and tree-lined boulevards. Most popular tourist destination in the country. There's a Persian saying, "Isfahan is half the world".
Yazd
Yazd, also known as the city of wind catchers, it was a Zoroastrian center during Sassanid era. The city has the most wonderful desert style architecture.
Kermanshah
Kermanshah is one of the oldest cities in Iran with a great anthropological heritage in Taqe Bostan and Bistoon; the center of medical care in the west of Iran.
Mashad
Mashad is the greatest city of Eastern Iran with an important mosque, the shrine of the Imam Reza.
Shiraz
Shiraz is a former Persian capital and home of such famous poets such as Hafiz and Sa'di; known for gardens, especially roses. Very close to the famous ruins of Persepolis.
Tabriz
Tabriz is one of the historical capitals of Iran, and the present capital of East Azerbaijan Province with one of the oldest and the largest covered bazaars in the world.
Gilan
Gilan or Guilan is a beautiful region of Iran along the coast of the Caspian Sea. The forested coastal plains rise up quickly into the Alborz Mountains.
Mazandaran
It is south of the Caspian Sea. Due to its unique climate and natural reserves, Mazandaran has cradled one of the oldest civilizations in Iran's history in its generous bosom.
Other Destinations
Persepolis
Persepolis has the impressive ruins of a vast city-like complex built over 2,500 years ago, near Marvdasht town and the modern city of Shiraz. It was set on fire by Alexander of Macedon and further ruined by Arabs. Called TakhteJamshid in Persian, Persepolis is the symbol of Iranian nationality.
Kish Island
Kish Island, a free trade zone in the Persian Gulf, it is regarded as a consumer's 'paradise', with numerous malls, shopping centres, tourist attractions, and resort hotels. Kish is the home of Dariush Grand Hotel, one of the ten best hotels in the Middle East.
Qeshm Island
Qeshm Island, is Iran's and the Persian Gulf's largest island. It is famous for its wide range of ecotourist attractions such as the Hara marine forests. About 1.5% of the world birds and 25% of Iran's native birds annually migrate to Hara forests which is the first national geo park.
Naein
Na'in or Naein is a small and quiet town at the edge of desert, famous for its carpet design and Qanats.
Fahraj
Fahraj is a gem of Lut Desert. Located on 35 km southeast of Yazd, this agricultural village is home to the oldest mosque of Iran and several other historical sites. Fahraj is best for a stopover outside of the busy cities and go to see one of the most beautiful sand deserts of Iran.
Dizin
Dizin is one of the highest ski resorts in the world located two hours north of Tehran. Great powder snow, cheap prices and few international visitors makes this is a great place for a ski holiday.
Varzaneh
Varzaneh is the best desert town of Isfahan province. Having one of the most beautiful deserts of Iran, extremely quiet, and being close to salt lake, Gavkhooni wetland and 1000-year-old Ghoortan citadel, it's a must-stop spot for travelers between Isfahan and Yazd.
