Mesopotamia Tour | Summer 2023

 

Our Autumn Iran tours have just launched, and we've said farewell to some of the most epic adventures with our globetrotting friends during the last summer. We explored every nook and cranny of Iran, even braving scorching temperatures of 55 degrees Celsius in places like Shushtar (as seen in this epic snapshot). But we also explored cooler, refreshing spots like Ardabil. Want to join us for an unforgettable journey? Hop on board!

The Remarkable Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System

Shushtar's astonishing hydraulic system, consisting of waterfalls dug into the rocks and diversion canals that supply water to the city, has been recognized as a masterpiece of creative genius. The mills, considered masterpieces for over 1,600 years, can be traced back to Darius the Great in the 5th century BC. The hydraulic system is complete, with numerous functions, making it exceptional. It is a homogeneous hydraulic system, designed globally and completed in the 3rd century CE, as rich in its diversity of civil engineering structures and its constructions as in the diversity of its uses (urban water supply, mills, irrigation, river transport and defense systems). The Shushtar hydraulic system is a testament to the heritage and the synthesis of earlier Elamite and Mesopotamian know-how, and it was probably influenced by the Petra Dam and tunnel and by Roman civil engineering. The system includes the Salasel Castle, the operation center of the entire hydraulic system, the tower where the water level is measured, dams, bridges, basins, and mills. The Gargar Canal, a veritable artificial watercourse, made possible the construction of a new town and the irrigation of a vast plain, at the time semi-desert. Shushtar historical hydraulic system demonstrates outstanding universal value as in its present form which dates back to the 3rd century CE and probably on older bases from the 5th century CE. It is considered a wonder of the world, not only by the Persians but also by the Arab-Muslims at the peak of their civilization, and sits in an urban and rural landscape specific to the expression of its value.

The Leaning Tower of Azadi, A Symbol of Iran

 All over the world, there are a great number of incredible architectural structures. Many of them grand, elegant and vast in their size and influence. Azadi Tower, a forever symbolic sign of Tehran, known for its grandness, elegance and size. Thousands of tourists rush to its premises to take pictures of this tower. This white marble tower is built by using both pre- and post-Islamic architecture. This masterwork was named The Shahyad Tower, signifying "Kings' Memorial", but was dubbed Azadi (Freedom) after the Iranian Revolution of 1979. Ali, a knowledgeable tour guide of Uppersia, took a great photo of our American guests, while walking through this monument.

Our American guests took a great photo of , while walking through Azadi Tower

Lake Urmia in Iran

Situated about 15 km east of the city of Orumieh, Lake Urmia is the largest lake in the country after the Caspian Sea. This endorheic salt lake, with a surface area of 4,868 km², is elongated from northwest to southwest and has 102 islands. The maximum depth barely reaches 20 meters, although it varies depending on the time of year. Due to its biological wealth - its waters are visited by 186 species of birds so it is the best place for birdwatching in Iran- and because of the special environmental conditions, it is considered one of the ecosystems in serious need of protection for its delicate balance. Lake Urmia is considered a World Natural Reserve by UNESCO and also protected as a national park by the Iranian Department of Environment. It is said that the mud which is formed on the beaches and under the waters, has therapeutic properties. One of the attractions of Lake Urmia is a mushroom rock, called Mosht-e Osman.

 

Take a birdwatching tour with Uppersia team and experience a different adventure in the beautiful environment of Lake Urmia.

Lake Urmia in Iran

 

Delgosha Garden; A Piece of Heaven in Shiraz

Situated in the extreme southeast of Shiraz and very close to the mausoleum of Sa'di, Delgosha garden is one of the historical gardens which belongs to the pre-Islamic era of the Sassanian Empire. The protagonists of Delgosha garden are the beautiful flowers, the sour orange trees and, above all, the water which runs through this charming piece of heaven. A three-story old mansion of the Qajar period, with beautiful ceramic tiles, mirror work and oil paintings, is found in the center. It has two entrances on the sides and a porch in the middle floor. On Fridays the garden is full of people that come to eat under the shade of the sour orange trees; while, the chess players are playing on the tables scattered among flowerbeds, hedges and trees and take advantage of the holiday time to entertain themselves. 

Take a tour with Uppersia team to spend a lovely spring evening in this marvelous garden and drink a cup of tea under its fragrant sour orange trees.

Delgosha Garden, Shiraz, Iran