The magical sound of Dotar.

The ancient land of Khurasan (also spelled Khorasan) covering eastern Iran is home to a big share of Iranian literature, art and culture. Many of great Iranian poets like Ferdowsi, Khayam and Mehdi Akhavan Sales, who is a legendary contemporary poet in Iran, have been grown in the sunny land of Khurasan. Besides literature and poetry, Khurasan is the provenance of fabulous folkloric music. Listening to lullabies and traditional pieces of music in Khurasan is one of those unique experiences that any traveler should be lucky to have while traveling in Iran.

Having traveled through the time since thousands of years ago, Dotar (Dutar) is the most fabulous instrument of Khurasani music which is played by the local music masters like Haj Ghorban Suleimani in different cities of Khurasan province including Torbat e Jaam, Neishabour, Ghouchan, Shirvan and etc. The deep and magical sound of Dotar and folkloric songs including old mythical stories sang by vocal masters with their strong and emotional voice, offers the unforgettable sound of Khurasani music which is the oral conveyor of Iranian culture.

Visiting Tehran Grand Bazaar

Tehran Grand Bazaar is a historical roofed bazaar located in the heart of modern Tehran, the chaotic and stunning capital of Iran. According to historical documents this bazaar was founded during Safavid dynasty and developed to the current form during the kingdom of Mohamad Shah and Nasereddin Shah during Qajarid times.

Barberry : Irresistible Sour Fruit

From cool and fresh summer drinks to traditional cuisines, Barberry has its own place in many Iranian foods, drinks and snacks. The sharp red color, the naughty sourness and its benefit for body has caused this fruit to be so irresistible. The tiny barberry fruit which are rich in vitamin C are grown on 1 to 5 meter high shrubs with small leaves and thorns.95 percent of world’s barberry is cultivated in Iran, known as the largest barberry producer in the world. Iran’s barberries are widely cultivated in Khorasan province in the east of Iran. While travelling in Iran and enjoying a gastronomy adventure in this uncovered destination, make sure to taste some cuisine made with barberries, called Zereshk in Persian, like Zereshk polo which is a great combination of chicken, barberry, and different tasty nuts and spices. If you are brave enough in sour taste, don’t forget to offer yourself a big glass of barberry juice which is so sour and fresh.

A traveler visiting fresh barberry

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.