The expressive dance of Qashqai nomads.

One of the most wonderful faces of Qashqais lifestyle is their traditional dance which is more like a metaphoric and cultural show. Qashqais are one of the biggest nomadic populations of Iran, classified into different tribes living in the west and southwest of Iran mostly in Fars province. Qashqais’ tribal life, their migration, their festivals and handicrafts are the alive presentation of pure culture and tradition. Qashqais life is connected with the nature around whether in terms of agriculture and animal husbandry or the legends and artistic aspects including the motifs on their carpets and the movements while they dance. Qashqai women are strong women who take as big responsibilities as the men do.

Qashqai nomads, Fars-Iran.

Iran to change national currency into Tomans!

One of the interesting things that the first time travelers to Iran face, is that Iran has two currencies. Iranian Rial which is the national currency and Toman which is used by the public for daily purchaces and deals. One Toman equals 10 Rials and this have caused fun confusions for the travelers and even Iranians. You might have also experienced such confusions while traveling in Iran.

Now, the central bank of Iran has decided to change the national currency to Tomans. This will cause a raise in the value of Iran currency and a stop to all the mistakes! :)

Iran currency changes into Tomans.

The glorious Soltaniyeh dome.

Soltaniyeh Dome of Zanjan is absolutely one of the masterpieces of Persian- Islamic architecture which is inscribed as a world heritage site by the UNESCO. This fabulous structure, built in 10 years from 1302 to 1312 B.C is the grave of Oljaito, the Ilkhanid king.

The ornaments in Soltaniyeh Dome.

Yazd named as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Yesterday (July 9th), the historical city of Yazd known as the bride of Persian cities and the city of sunshine, got inscribed as a world heritage site by the UNESCO, as the first Iranian city and the 22^nd Iranian historical site which has been inscribed by the UNESCO so far. Even for me as an Iranian, Yazd is the most charming city with the purest oriental mood among the cities of Iran and I don’t know any person who has visited Yazd without falling in love with its mythical serenity and culture.

Travelers visiting old texture of Yazd, Iran.

Fun activities to enjoy around Neor Lake.

Neor, the biggest lake of Ardebil province, is laid on the heights of northwestern Iran and is one of the best refugees from the summer heat in Iran. The beautiful lands in northwest of Iran offer a pleasant and fresh chill to nature lovers. With 210 hectares width, the water in the beautiful Neor Lake is supplied by the numerous sweet water springs around it and the aromatic herbs around the lake like mints, buttercup, clover and etc. make the whole atmosphere fragrant and fresh. Many bird species live around this lake and the good thing is that hunting is forbidden in this area. Neor Lake is a wonderful place for different nature based activities:

 

Neor Lake, Ardebil-Iran.

Fishing

This lake is home to different types of fish like the unique Rainbow Trout. A fun and exciting fishing competition is held around Neor Lake every year during September.

Biking

Biking on the flat plains and breathing the peaceful and clean air around Neor Lake is an experience that might not be reachable anywhere during summer.

Horse riding

The strong and healthy horses nurtured in this area and the vast lands lead to an amazing horse riding experience around Neor Lake.

Winter sports

As the winter arrives, Neor Lake is frozen and the hills are covered with snow. At this time, this area changes into a wonderful hangout for winter sport lovers like the skiers and patinage players.

There are many more fun activities that can be done around Neor Lake like, boating, trekking, photography, and having a tasty fresh fish kebab.

Biking around Neor Lake, Ardebil-Iran.

Why you should visit National Museum of Iran?

National Mueum of Iran or the Museum of Ancient Iran is the oldest museum of this country founded on 1937. This building is designed by Andre Godard, the French architect and the exterior of this building resembles the glorious Sassanid monument named Tagh e Kasra.

National Museum of Iran hosts the most complete and fabulous collection of ancient objects like potteries, coins, textiles, statues and jewelries related to pre-Islamic eras like Elamite, Medes, Achaemenid, Parthian and post-Islamic dynasties, exhibited in two separate buildings. 

National Museum of Iran.