Abangah Celebration in ancient Iran

Abangah festival is one of many celebrations of Ancient Iranians that took place on March 30 in ancient Iran. The festival was celebrated in honor of Venus , which was originally a planet and later became the goddess of purification of waters. Generally, Abangah Festival is a celebration dedicated to recognition and appreciation of water and the magnificent power of life that it sustains.

Abangah Celebration in ancient Iran 

Rayen Castle

Iran is overwhelmingly rich with castles each unique in its own way and not failing to impress anyone, who sees them up close. Easily one of the most recognizable castles in Iran, Rayen Castle is just a short drive (around 2 hours) from Kerman, and definitely worth the visit. 
Rayen Castle is the second largest registered adobe structure in the world after Bam Citadel. It is located on top of a hill, at the hillsides of Hazar mountain and in the west of today’s city of Rayen. This enormous castle dates back to the pre-Islam period and Sassanid Dynasty. It is believed that, no army and commander have ever been able to pass through the gate of this citadel, and make it to the other side of its walls.
Not only the castle itself but its surroundings are truly spectacular. it is easy to believe you have suddenly traveled into a fairytale.

Our guests in Reten Castle ,Kerman

Hope Day in Ancient Iran

During Nowruz holiday various cultural activities was held across ancient Iran.
On March 25th, the Iranians wrote and handed over their good wishes to others, as they believed that, hope of something will make it happen. It was a kind way to show the individual that you were impressed with their success in the preceding year and would have good wishes for them in the next year. 
This day is called  "Hope Day" and it was one of the blessed days of the ancient Iranian people.

Happy Hope Day in Ancient Iran

Vank Cathedral in Isfahan

The city of Isfahan in central Iran is known for its popular cathedral. It is generally acknowledged that Vank Cathedral is one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of Iran. This majestic building was built in the half of the 17th century and is also known as the Church of the Sanity Sisters. Much of the cathedral is a treasure of antique stuff. It hosts a collection of illustrated gospels and Bibles, some dating back as far as the 10th century. Plus, the gruesome martyrdoms and pantomime demons is painted on the walls.The ceiling above the entrance is painted with delicate floral motifs in the style of Persian miniature.
Our guests states that this is one of the most important stops on Jolfa district that really worth a visit.

Vank Cathedral in Isfahan

Happy Persian New Year

Wishing a Happy Persian New Year with hope that all Persian- speaking people in the world will have many blessings in the year to come. We wish all the negativity and difficulties also end and this year bring success and health for us.

Happy Persian New Year

Iranian Preparation for New Year

Iranian New Year preparations begin weeks in advance. However, in light of the current outbreak of COVID-19, we’d like to call off this 13-day event.
How you enter the new year sets the tone for the 12 months that follow. With so much to be done, Iranian New Year preparations typically begin a few weeks before. Traditionally, the house is swept, cleaned, and decorated. The deep cleaning that is done before Iranian New Year is usually the most thorough of the entire year, so clean out those old drawers, throw out dead plants, and tidy up all that clutter to make room for better things to come. People thoroughly clean  home to get rid of the bad luck of the past year and gets it ready to fill with the good luck sure to follow in the new one. 
If you’d like to know more about “Iranian Preparation for New Year” follow our posts.

Wood carving Art in Iran

From the beginning of history, human’s chase for beauty and art has never stopped. 
Iranian artists mix unique designs, innovative ideas, different viewpoint and long-lasting value to creat amazing products.
Persian wood carving has a great tradition in Iran. wood carvings are elaborate and amazing crafts that require a lot of skills and effort. Wood carving products are made by highly skilled craftsman. Process of making wood carving is complicated work of art. Woodcarvers have to employ a composite techniques that allow to engrave a single piece of wood elaborately and combine several pieces of woods.
 The eye-catching wood carving pieces are exciting gift that you can buy while you’re in Iran.

Wood carving Art in Iran

Naghshe Jahan Square in Isfahan

Isfahan is attractive and charming with a vibe that balances old-world history with urban atmosphere . Plus, it is surrounded by some of Iran’s most popular sightseeing . From the architecture to the cuisine, discover what gives Isfahan its unique character.

Naghshe-Jahan Square in Isfahan, the second largest square in the world

There is an abundance of beautiful buildings and some of the world’s finest mosques have contributed to the city. The city seems to be dominated by one particular architectural period – Safavid dynasty . For example, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Naghshe-Jahan Square , exemplifies Safavid splendor. 

Isfahan as one of the oldest capitals of Iran, was at the centre of some of Iran’s most historically significant art movements. It is home to one of the most famous architectural buildings and unrivalled collections of Persian modernism. Naghshe Jahan square is one of the best places to go when you are visiting Isfahan.  The Square has a stunning view and is the second largest square in the world. 

The best way to discover the Square is to have no plan, just wander around and you will stumble on mosques and charming Ali ghapoo. It is a vibrant area where you may even spot some celebrities.  If you are tired, you can stop for a tea in an authentic tea house. This area is loved by the locals. While you are in this area, you can also buy some handicrafts as souvenirs.

One of the best things to do is to buy  tickets and visit the astonishing mosques and Ali ghapoo around the square.

You can explore every single corner of this ancient city with local tour guides of Uppersia team. 

Millennium after Shahnameh's Composition

Registering  the ceremony for the first Millennium after Shahnameh's composition in the list of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List has long been followed in the country's cultural and research circles. This ceremony is an occasion that was proposed by the Ferdowsi Foundation to be celebrated on its 1,000th anniversary of composition. 
Shahnameh, an epic masterpiece of Persian language, is the work of Hakim Abolqasem Ferdowsi, one of the world's greatest poets. The Shahnameh is a description of the Iranian conquests, victories, defeats and failures from the earliest times to the overthrow of the Sassanid dynasty.

Ferdowsi Tomb in Toos, Mashhad

Ash reshte and Dal adas: Persian popular soups

Persian food relies on simple combinations of rich, natural flavors that come together to create unforgettable, renowned dishes.

Ash reshteh is one of the most a popular Iranian soups that’s simple, easy and very flavorful. This vegetarian Persian soup is made with herbs, legumes and caramelized onion and Persian noodle perfect for any day of the year.

Dal Adas is another simple and wholesome dish from the southern part of Iran. This dish is made with red lentils and has a nice degree of heat because of the ground cayenne pepper that locals use in the recipe. Dal Adas is a vegetarian stew that is served over rice or with a side of bread. 

No matter what day of the year it is, you will enjoy eating these favorite soups!

Ash reshte and Dal adas, two Persian popular soups

Nomadism in Iran

Apart from its wonderful landscapes, the main interest of Iran lies in its people and its traditional and unique way of life. Today, nomads live in various areas of Iran and carry on ancient traditions.

Nomadic lifestyle

Understanding this unique way of life is certainly the main goal of any traveller coming to Iran. Travelling in the land of nomads is a journey through time as well as through space, a discover that puts in perspective the obligations of our modern world. Nomadic accommodation is called yurt. A yurt can be quickly described as a circle tent covered with felt and with a white waterproof hard-wearing hessian.

Join Uppersia nomadic tours  to stay an overnight in nomadic tents and experience their lifestyle.

Nomadism in Iran

The Iranian traditional life is based upon breeding of five animals: yaks, sheep, goats, camels, and horses. The products these animals give satisfy almost all the needs of the family: beef, mutton and goat's meat are an important part of the Mongolian diet; the sheep's wool is transformed in felt and used to make clothes, bedding, and insulating of yurts; horses, camels and yaks are used for transport; and even the hair and bones are used to make music instruments and toys

Nomadic traditional clothes

The Nomadic traditional costume consists of a deel, a hat, boots, and accessories. There are differences between the costumes of the various ethnic groups, but all the deels have the same shape: long sleeves, a wide flap that gets folded up on the chest.

Nomadic food

Because Nomadic culture is based on livestock farming, the Nomqdic traditional diet consists of food that comes from the five domestic animals: cow, goat and sheep.

Nomadic people usually eat a three full meals per day. During the day, they drink great quantity of tea with milk, sometimes mixed with rice, flour, meat, or with small cakes. The dinner includes meat, traditionally boiled, and often served with rice.

Eul Goli Park in Tabriz

El-Goli also known as Shah Guli is the name of a large park in Tabriz, where has been the campus of former Qajar Dynasty's Crown Princes. It has an artificial lake surrounded by side walk in four sides. There is also a building in the middle of the lake, with traditional architecture of Tabriz. In South of the lake there is a hill covered by trees. Two beautiful stairways connecting the side walks to the top of the hill. At top of the hill there is a hotel building with modern architecture.
This garden gives you the opportunity to meet locals and breath fresh air while enjoying the green atmosphere around. If you are lucky you may see boat riders who circle around the pool with a drummer whose music takes you to the ancient times!

Eil goli Park in Tabriz

Nezami Ganjavi, a giant Persian Poet

Persian literature is a unique spiritual treasure-house for its people and there is no doubt that Nizami Ganjavi is one of the greatest representatives of this literary heritage. Nizami Ganjavi is a 12th-century Persian Muslim poet. He is considered the greatest romantic epic poet in Persian literature, who brought a colloquial and realistic style to the Persian epic. His heritage is widely appreciated and shared by Iran Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran and Tajikistan.
Although he is a well-known Persian poet, his tomb is located roughly 7 km north of Ganja, one of Azerbaijan’s most important religious sites.
Organizations both in Iran and abroad commemorate the birth anniversary of this great Iranian poet on today.

Nezami Ganjavi tomb

Persian tea

Tea plays an important role in Iranian lives. A great deal of the population admires this drink. When asked to describe a hot summer day, a cold winter day, a visit to family or friends, a quick way to relax and especially a full breakfast, tea will be part of it. This national drink is served black in tulip-shaped glasses and sweetened with sugar according to the drinker’s preference or it is served with date or cookies.
When visiting Iran, keep an eye out for the local customs and traditions and you will be pleasantly surprised at how much they can enhance your holiday.

Persian tea is served with date or sweet 

Persian Hospitality

If you visit Iran, especially in rural areas, you will know the true meaning of Iranian hospitality, which is based on authentic customs and traditions. Once you arrive in Iran, the invitation will undoubtedly be for to have tea, lunch or dinner,  especially if you are a foreigner. Without need to be sure who you are. In fact, visiting a Persian home is a great opportunity to discover a different aspect of life and the culture of ancient Iranians. Persian hospitality is a good experience that you do not have to miss. However, it will show you the Iranian family charm and will introduce you to one of the oldest traditions in the world.
Have you ever been to Iran and tasted the Iranian hospitality and generosity, tell us more about what you experienced there !

Persian hospitality in Iran

Happy Women’s Day

On this day we are so pleased to commemorate hard-working ladies! We wish you to meet your lives with happiness and joy. We hope you achieve considerable success and God bless you with good health. Congratulations on March 8.

Swan Lake

Iran has so much for travelers to see and do, it's the perfect country for a mix of activities combining culture, adventure, and relaxation. 
After passing jungle roads of Mazandaran , you will reach a place where you can walk on clouds, This is Javaher Deh village, A place that you can hug the clouds. By visiting this village, you can enjoy living with locals and having a new experience. In the way, there are lots of natural attractions like Swan Lake.
Swan Lake in South of Javaherdeh Village is located in 26 km of Ramsar in West of Mazandaran Province. A rather small artificial lake sits right down the suites with the reflection of souring mountains in its mirror-smooth water.  If you are interested in nature Uppersia Northern tour can be a good choice.

Swan Lake in Javaher deh,Mazandaran province

Shiran Hotel in Isfahan

The Safavid dynasty was one of the most important ruling dynasties of Iran. Abbas I was a great builder and moved the capital of Persia from Qazvin to Isfahan, making the city the pinnacle of Safavid architecture.
Over several decades, major monuments were built during this era in Isfahan. According to one description, Safavid kings built 162 mosques 1,802 buildings, and 283 baths in Isfahan. Most of those buildings no longer survive, but the structures that remain constitute some of the finest monuments of Islamic architecture.
We are so thrilled to announce that Shiran Hotel, a masterpiece where created by Isfahani artists from Safadid dynasty till now, opens presently. If you’re history and art buff, this impressive and dazzling architecture would be a right choice for your stay in Isfahan.

Shiran Hotel in Isfahan