Weaving Art in Iran

 Different kinds of artifacts that are made by means of needle, hook and similar tools or natural

fiber are considered among woven products in Iran. Iranian weaving’s visual diversity in terms of patterns, color, and motifs, and the extent of geographical location’s effect on traditional hand woven production is an effective factor in development and export of this traditional hand woven, due to its usability as effective field of cultural activities. Traditional hand woven products, are recognized as an effective and impressible branches of handicrafts which transfer native culture and art from past to present. 

 

Public Transport in Iran

 Iran is dotted with cities renowned for architectural beauty, vast historical centers, and fascinating monuments. The Iranian public transportation systems have recently developed in so far as you can travel between many of Iran’s main urban regions and centerswithout a hitch. Iran offers a wide range of public transport, most of which is very affordable even to travelers on the tightest of budgets. There are a number of public transport options including trains, local and long distance buses and domestic flights. Make sure you know which mode suits you best so that you are armed with the information before getting on board.

Bus

Traveling between cities with buses is easy and usually the preferred option for those traveling on a budget. Buses go almost everywhere in Iran and are the only way to get around mountainous areas. They tend to be the cheapest way to travel. All buses make snack and toilet stops (some more frequently than others), providing a break but possibly adding hours to journey times. The VIP buses are in great shape and their seats are very comfortable for long trips.

Train

The Iranian rail system is one of the best in the region, and trains serve almost every town and city in Iran.  Train travel is a safe, comfortable and inexpensive way to get around.  In fact, it can be more enjoyable to use Iraniantrains in some routes than internal flights! Chair car and sleeper are general classes of Iranian trains. In Chair car train, all seats are reserved in advance and it’s a safe, cheap and comfortable way to get around Iran.  Even long distances such as Mashhad to Shiraz, can be covered more time-effectively than flying, using overnight Sleeper trains, city centre to city centre, saving a hotel bill into the bargain. Food and drink vendors will also make their way through the compartments, mostly in sleeper class. It's possible to buy food on the platforms when the train stops, but don't count on a station arriving at mealtimes.

Domestic flight

There used to be several small airlines operating domestic air services in Iran. One of the main issues with domestic flights within Iran is that many people prefer the trains as the cost is an important issue and domestic flights in Iran aren’t that. If you want to fit everything into your busy schedule, it’s more wise to book a domestic flight for long journeys such as Tehran to Shiraz. Also, it is highly recommended to buy flight tickets in advance particularly during high season. 

Getting around Iran via Private driver

Having a rental car can give you a huge advantage over having to wait for public transportation or having to pay for a taxi every time you want to go somewhere that not within walking distance. But the hidden costs can come back and get you if you're not aware of them. If you’re planning to explore the untouched spots of Iran, hiring a private driver is the best way. There are various car rental services in Iran that offer cars with and without drivers. Needless to say that, driving in Iran calls for special skills to cope with the different habits of driving in the countryand it’s better to hire a car with a driver not to experience a problem.

 

While online booking of Iranian domestic transportation tickets including flight, train, bus, and ferry is not possible outside of Iran and there is no chance for accepting any foreign credit card for online ticket booking, Uppersia by accessing to all of Iranian domestic and International transports, manages it on your behalf in Iran.

Languages in Iran

 Language

Different states of Iran have different official languages. Iranian languages are derived from Indo-Iranian/Aryan languages, branches of Indo-European languages. Ancient languages contain Avestan, Old Persian whose written documents are, fortunately, also available at the present time. New Iranian languages are as follows: Pashto, Pamirian, Yaghnabi and Ossetic, which belong to the eastern groups and New Persian/Farsi, Kurdish, and Baluch which belong to the western groups of Iranians. After the invasion of Iran by Arabs and the influence of Arabic words, a new form of language was put into use which was called the Persian/Farsi language. The official language of Iran is only one: Persian. As the names for regions, people, and languages are mostly the same, seven more languages are recognized as regional languages: Azerbaijani, Kurdish, Lori, Mazandarani, Gilaki, Baluchi and Arabic.

• Azari is the name of the ancient language of Azerbaijan which belongs to a branch of the northwestern Iranian language.

• The majority of the Baluch tribe whose language is called Baluchi, are settled in Baluchistan, in the southern district of Iran, Pakistan, and some parts of Afghanistan in the southeast.

• Mazandarani and Gilaki languages refer to the people who live in the north.

• Kurd tribes live in west of Iran, a part of Turkey and Iraq, and speak Kurdish languages. They come from different religions.  

• Lori dialect is between Kurdish and Farsi and is commonly spoken in western and southwestern parts of Iran.

While travelling in Iran never forget to pack with you some basic Iranian words and phrases and enjoy chatting with local people.

Soltaniye Dome

 Situated in the province of Zanjan, Soltaniyeh dome is one of the outstanding examples of the achievements of Persian architecture and a key monument in the development of its Islamic architecture. The octagonal Soltaniyeh dome is crowned with a 50 meter tall dome covered in turquoise-blue faience and surrounded by eight slender minarets. It is also known as the largest brick dome in the world and the Mausoleum of Ilkhan Oljaytu. The 8 porches and the 8 minarets are inspired by the 8 legendary doors of paradise and are ornamented with stunning brickworks. It is the earliest existing example of the double-shelled dome in Iran. The mausoleum’s interior decoration is also outstanding and scholars have described the building as ‘anticipating the Taj Mahal’.This dome is absolutely one of the masterpieces of Persian- Islamic architecture which is inscribed as a world heritage site by the UNESCO. The hemispherical structural style of domes were adopted by many civilizations in different period of time. Today it is one ofthe most familiar architectural styles and it continues to use for decorating temples, churches, mosques, monuments and even government buildings. If you are interested in visiting one of the most incredible domes in the world, we will accompany you. Just check out Zanjanworld heritage tour.

Karimkhan citadel

 Karimkhan citadel

While getting ready to travel to Iran, you will notice there are lots of authentic landmarks and monuments to visit in each part of the nation. Shiraz is also an antiquated city with several ancient attractions still remaining in good conditions. The Citadel of Karimkhan, one of the most magnificent fortresses in Iran, is a remarkable example of the 18th century combination of two military and residential architectures. The most important building of Zand dynasty is a square-shaped citadel located in the center of Shiraz. It was built as part of a complex and is named after Karim Khan, and served as his living quarters.  

It has four circular towers on the corners, one of which on the southeastern side has a distinctive slope. The citadel is spread over 5 hectares and the height of each tower is 14 meters. There is a large tile depicting the scene of killing of the white devil by Rostam, a hero of Shahnameh, at the entrance gateway of the citadel. Actually, the ornamented decoration of building is typical of that era. At times, the citadel was used as a prison. Today, it is a museum operated by Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization. While traveling in Shiraz, do not hesitate to offer yourself this masterpiece of architecture which is registered as a National heritage site.

Miniature

 Iranian art has engendered great public interest and involvement, resulting in the consistent production of monumental and spectacular works. One of the most enduringly Persian art which is flourished in Safavid era is miniature. A richly detailed painting which depicts religious or mythological themes and can only be achieved with a very fine hand is known as miniature. These delicate, lush paintings are typically visually stunning and many of them are quite small, but they feature rich and complex scenes. Content and form are fundamental elements of Persian miniature painting, and miniature artists are renowned for their modest and subtle use of color. Many of the mythological creatures depicted in early Persian art, for example, bear a striking resemblance to animals in Chinese myth. Over time, however, Persian artists developed their own style, themes, and distinctive features. The allure of Persian miniature painting lies in its absorbing complexities and in the surprising way it speaks to large questions about the nature of art and the perception of its masterpieces. Mahmoud Farshchian, a world renowned master of Persian painting and miniatures, has played a decisive role in introducing Iranian miniature art to the international art scene.

Wrestling in Iran

 Wrestling is one of the most well-known sports that has been held in different forms since ancient times. On the vast continent of Asia, the sport of wrestling has always been popular among the tribes, but the prevalence of this sport in Mongolia - Japan, Iran and India - is still higher than in other parts of Asia. As the history of wrestling in Iran dates back to Safavid and Zandieh era, there are almost no tribes and villages and cities in Iran that are not familiar to this sport. Because of those sports' roots in the pre-Islamic Varzesh-e-Bastani tradition, Iranian might do particularly well in wrestling competion. Since old times in Iran, there have been wrestling and lifting athletics in every city and town who were known for their heroic and helpful ego, therefore wrestling has always been connected with morality and positive athletic behavior.

 

 

Iranian Bath

 For Iranian, having a bath in addition to cleansing the body, is a religious ritual. In all pre-Islamic religions like Zoroastrianism bathing was one of the necessary conditions of participating in ceremonies. Many signs of the existence of baths were found in Persepolis by archeologists, and it was concluded that the construction of public baths was common in all cities of Iran since the Achaemenid era.

The architecture of these bathrooms or Hammams arevery different from the design of modern bathrooms. In the old days, the bathroom was composed of four parts called Sardine, Garmkhane, Khazine and Chalhoz, and those who had to enter the bathroom had to pass through these spaces; each of them has its own therapeutic properties. In Sardineh, which has a cool and dry space in the bathroom, people still had their clothes on, and at the time they came to greet and chat with other people to purify their souls as well as their bodies. Alongside Sardinah, however, there was the main bathroom space called Garmkhane with a warm and dry texture, which in fact was a space for bathing and having massage. After this, there was a warmer and more natural space called Khazine and thereafter it was a cold water pool which was named chalhoz. There was a strict rule saying that the water of Khazine and Chalhoz should be entered on one side and out of the other side so that the water inside of these two pools would remain constantly clean, which if they were not, they considered the bathroom unhealthy. Enjoying a warm Iranian bath is a unique cultural experience. For first timers it may be a little daunting, but once you get used to it, the Iranian bath often becomes an addiction; relaxing, healing, and regenerating its followers. 

While you are in Kerman and Shiraz, don’t hesitate to visit Ganjali khan Hammam of Kerman or Vakil Bath of Shiraz where suggest you the relaxed and alive atmosphere of Persian Hammams.

Ali Qapoo Palace

 Built at the very end of the 16th century, Ali Qapu, is one of the most magnificent palaces of the Persian Empire’s Safavid Era. This six-storied monument is located on the western side of the Naqsh-e Jahan Square opposite to Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and had been originally designed as a vast portal. The elegant Ali Qapu mansion on the sixth floor has a large completely plastered hall, which is also known as the music hall. The interweaving beauty of architecture and science of acoustics performed in this hall, proves the ingenuity of Iranian architects. This hall’s ornamentation is a smart decorative invention of Safavid era, based on the physical recognition of the sound and its reflective characteristic. Besides providing beauty to this glorious hall, this jar-shaped cornicescaused the sound of music to spread more clearly and vividly. In ceremonies and feasts Iranian music masters gathered in music hall and played heavenly music pieces by traditional music instruments such as setar, kamancheh, tonbak, daf and etc. This magical hall still echoes the sounds of Iranian history and peaceful culture. Walk through the ancient yet alive remains of Naqsh e Jahan Square and touch the memories of Safavid days in Isfahan.

 

Things to Do in Ian

 

Things to do in Iran

Iran has an amazingly rich and varied history, visible in the supreme Islamic architecture of Isfahan and Shiraz, the ancient Achaemanid capital of Pasargadae and the splendid bas-reliefs of the Palace of Persepolis.

Once you meet Iranians, you get that it is a very different place than the Iran you know from the news. Read ahead for the best things to do in Iran, along with some insider tips that will make your trip a real eye-opener

 

Wander bazars

Bazaars are the beating heart of every city in Iran. A visit to the Grand Bazaar in Tehran is bound to overwhelm your senses with the smell of spices, sights of colourful Persian carpets, and friendly smiles. Iranian bazaars are more than a place to shop for souvenirs; each one is uniquely designed with mosques, tea houses, bathhouses and traditional restaurants where you can spend a good couple of hours.

               

Try Persian dishes

To experience the flavourful and aromatic food of Iran, make your way to traditional Iranian restaurants or better yet, Persian homes. The culinary delights of Persian food are endless, elevated by coveted ingredients including saffron and pistachios which are native to Iran

 

Walk through the history of Persepolis

A trip to Iran is not complete without a visit to Persepolis, which is only an hour drive from Shiraz. The First Persian Empire was once one of the most powerful empires in history, and its capital, Persepolis, remains as a symbol of its glory today. 

 

Visit Yazd city as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The desert city of Yazd in central Iran is an UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a rather unique experience compared to other cities. Here, be prepared to get lost in the charming mud-brick old town, learn about Zoroastrianism in the Zoroastrian Fire Temple, and go rooftop hopping for some unforgettable views.