Iran is one of the most important states in the Middle East, whose high culture dates back thousands of years according to countryaah.
Due to the volatile domestic political situation and the rather explosive foreign political situation, it is advisable to pack more than just basic common sense when traveling to Iran, and it is not advisable to go to the border areas even for a more experienced traveler.
IRAN AS A TOURISM COUNTRY
A long history of conquests
Iran’s location in the region of ancient Mesopotamia, the Twin Streams, is a guarantee of the country’s rich cultural heritage. The earliest written evidence of civilization in Iranian territory dates back about 5,000 years.
Since then, Iran has been the target of numerous conquerors. Persia, formed more than 500 years before the beginning of time, was left at the feet of Alexander the Great only a couple of centuries later. Since then, the country has experienced, among other things, the Islamic conquest and the power of the Mongol Empire. During the colonial period, Russia and Britain fought for domination of the region.
Military history often means the destruction of cultural heritage. In Iran, however, this has not been the case, as the country’s conquerors have mostly become Iranian. Therefore, Iran can still admire historically and culturally significant achievements from millennia.
Cultural heritage is looking for peers
Colored by mountains and deserts, Iran finds significant cultural and historical achievements on a global scale. UNESCO has recognized more than a dozen Iranian sites on its World Heritage List.
The havina of the wings of history can be witnessed, for example, in the ruins of Persepolis. Although the city was partially destroyed in the aftermath of Alexander the Great’s conquest, the more than 2,500-year-old city is still a special attraction.
Even older than the former is the city of Chogha Zanbil, whose ruins date back more than 3,000 years. It is the only remnant of the land from the ancient kingdom of Elam.
Also worth seeing are the Armenian monasteries, of which the monasteries of Stefanos and Taddeus and the Temple of Dzordzor have been awarded World Heritage status.
Tehran, an Islamic metropolis
In addition to the UNESCO sites mentioned above, the Iranian capital, Tehran, also offers the traveler real exoticism in the form of a metropolis.
Including the suburbs of Tehran, the capital of Iran is one of the largest metropolises in the world: with a population of just over 15 million. However, it is distinguished from Western metropolises by literal adherence to Islamic law.
However, the city is not easily distinguished from the western shore by the western ones, as the traffic is similarly busy and the buildings rise almost as high as in the west.
The absolute number one attraction of the city is the Azad Tower, built in honor of 2,500-year-old Iran in 1971. The tower is for Tehran like the Eiffel for Paris – a symbol of the whole city.
Security situation in Iran
Basic security in Iran is surprisingly good. Crime is not large-scale and cities tend to run smoothly, as long as you avoid the darkest areas and, if necessary, move around in the dark.
The biggest threats to the safety of tourists in Iran are the country’s explosive relations with foreign powers and internal brawls.
Despite international pressure and sanctions, Iran has pursued its nuclear program, leading to reservations about the world. The tourist should closely monitor the media in case the situation escalates.
Demonstrations and larger crowds, without exception, are worth going a long way, as encounters between the authorities and the people regularly turn violent. At times, the actions of the authorities also seem very arbitrary, and tourist status is not enough to save you from potential arrest.
You should be especially careful when moving the camera. Namely, the description of buildings classified as military and important state institutions may lead to imprisonment. Actually, filming is only recommended in the vicinity of clear tourist attractions.
Instead, border areas should be avoided in all situations. Ethnic unrest and criminal gangs torment areas where kidnappings and terrorist attacks are significantly more likely than elsewhere in the country. The borders with Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan in particular must be avoided in all situations.
Respect Islam in Iran
In addition to the political situation, Iran’s strict sharia law also places restrictions on a tourist’s daily life.
The most visible phenomena of the law are related to dressing: women have to cover their hair and neck with a scarf, and it is not appropriate to glance at the ankles either. For men, long trousers are standard.
Short for IR by abbreviationfinder, Iran is not an ideal destination for a feasting holiday, as public demonstrations of affection may, at worst, be the responsibility of the police. The country’s strict substance abuse law, in turn, prohibits the importation and use of both alcohol and drugs.
A traveler to Iran should learn more about Sharia, as in this Islamic state, breaking religious rules is a sure way to get into trouble.