Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)

 

Imam Khomeini International Airport is designed with the IATA code IKA and ICAO code OIIE and is southwest of Tehran, the capital of Iran. This airport is the largest and most significant air gateway for international travel. It opened in 2004 to reduce traffic congestion at the Mehrabad Airport and enhance international flight capacity. It is constructed on an area of 13000 hectares and has progressive features.

 

This airport has well-equipped terminals, modern waiting rooms, and diverse services. It is the destination or origin of many international flights. Another feature of this airport is easy access via highways and public transportation, such as taxis and metro. In addition to its vital role in passenger transportation, Imam Khomeini Airport is a central hub for air cargo transportation in Iran for Iran Air and Mahan Air. It plays a key role in Iran’s air connections with other countries worldwide.

 

History of Imam Khomeini International 

 

American stylists started building the airport in 1979, before the Iranian Revolution. After the revolution, the project was abandoned and later relaunched with local experts in charge. The airport opened on May 8, 2004, but due to management changes, it started on October 28, 2007. This international airport is one of Iran’s main airports, located 30 kilometers southwest of Tehran, near the Robat Karim and the Eslamshahr cities. The runway and departure terminal of Imam Khomeini International are the first things most foreign tourists see when coming to Iran. It is worth mentioning that Imam Khomeini Airport is one of the first airports equipped with a flight control tower simulator in Iran.

 

This project was designed in 2014 by an Iranian knowledge-based group. Imam Khomeini Airport is extensive and involves enormous spaces, a vast runway, and high-capacity parking. With the operation of the first phase of Imam Khomeini Airport, the second phase is also under construction.

This airport aims to become one of the main air transport and economic hubs in the region and the world, playing a crucial role in facilitating air transport and related services.

 

With the development of Imam Khomeini Airport City, the center will become a platform for combined transport and logistics that will meet the growing needs of numerous economic sectors and play a key role in the growth of international transport. If travelers want to reach the airport by car, travelers can use the Tehran-Qom or Tehran-Saveh Highway. From Imam Khomeini International Airport, you can reach Imam Khomeini Holy Shrine in 30 minutes, Azadi Tower in 45 minutes, Golestan Palace and Milad Tower in 1 hour, and Tochal Ski Resort in 1 hour and 20 minutes.

 

Hotels near Imam Khomeini International

 

The 5-star Rexan Hotel (Formerly Novotel) and 4-star Remis Hotel (Former Ibis) are two side-by-side hotels near Imam Khomeini International Airport, which started activity in 2016. The French hotel group has constructed these hotels on seven floors. Thus, if you have a long wait between flights in Tehran or prefer comfortable and contentedly accommodation within walking distance of the airport, you can book a room at one of these hotels near Imam Khomeini International Airport.

 

These hotels are in one building connected to the airport terminal by a pedestrian bridge. The good news is that besides 24-hour accommodation, you can have a short stay at Remis Hotel for 6 and 10 hours and Rexon Hotel for 6 hours at an affordable price. If you need some time to relax during your travel, hotels provide this option to you and have a cozy stay enjoying excellent service before continuing your trip. These hotels offer various amenities, including a spa center, sauna, qualified restaurants, a Jacuzzi, and particular rooms for disabled guests. A free shuttle bus is available every 20 minutes to drive the travelers to the airport. For short-time rests, Reclining chairs are available at the airport.

 

Services and Facilities Available inside the Imam Khomeini Airport

 

Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport has many facilities, which we will examine below.

 

Visa: Airport arrival visas for tourists and administrative and commercial matters related to travelers are handled through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa section located at the airport.

 

Banks and Currency Exchange: Multiple banks and exchange offices at Imam Khomeini International Airport offer various services. They are in both the arrival and departure halls for the passengers.

 

ATM: There are also several ATMs in the airport where you can withdraw cash.

 

Wi-Fi: Imam Khomeini Airport provides free Wi-Fi at the arrival and departure lounges. You need to provide a mobile phone number to receive a password via text message. Additionally, internet cafes are available for services such as printing, copying, scanning, and activating SIM cards. All are in the entrance hall.

 

Mobile Charging: Charging stations are available at the departures and arrivals parts.

 

Medical Services: The airport is a long distance from the medical center. So, Imam Khomeini Airport has a fully equipped emergency department that provides emergency medical services to passengers round-the-clock for emergencies. This department, with expert medical teams and emergency equipment, is ready to respond to the medical and emergency needs of passengers and airport staff. Emergency services and assistance include first aid, immediate treatment, and, if necessary, transportation to nearby hospitals. These services are intended to maintain the safety and health of passengers and serve passengers and airport visitors.

 

Baby Care Services: There is a baby care room for families with children.

 

Services for Elders: Imam Khomeini Airport has amenities, such as wheelchairs and special aids. Also, there are helpers for disabled and elderly people. Airport personnel will accompany these passengers at all stages, from check-in to boarding the plane, to ensure a good trip. These measures include assistance with luggage, guidance in waiting rooms, and facilitating passage through security procedures.

 

Duty-Free and Shopping: Imam Khomeini Airport features several shops offering various goods, such as clothing, souvenirs, electronics, and hygiene items. Some of these shops are open 24 hours a day, allowing travelers to access them at any moment.

 

Food and Drinks: Imam Khomeini Airport has numerous restaurants and coffee shops that service passengers hourly and provide a suitable environment for relaxing and eating. Despite hot meals, diverse hot and cold drinks are served at the airport.

 

Prayer Rooms: There are 17 prayer rooms available to all passengers in different parts.

 

Commercially Important Person (CIP)

 

The Commercial Important Person (CIP) has been operated since 2012 in a separate building from the main Terminal of Imam Khomeini Airport in a space of 7500 square meters for international flights on three floors. With a decade of experience providing Airport Services to specific customers and recognizing the concerns of travelers who travel a lot and busy travelers, CIP has supplied a wide range of complete and diverse services in an ideal environment full of respect and relaxation, and your valuable time will be saved.

 

CIP passengers do not experience the usual entry and exit procedures, such as waiting in long queues or for a flight card and luggage. Instead, they rest in the CIP Ceremonial Hall before or after their flight, regardless of the congestion of the main Airport Terminal. During their time there, they are welcomed with various Iranian and foreign dishes, cold and hot drinks, and a free buffet. The CIP team handles all processes, from carrying luggage to obtaining boarding passes and transferring passengers to the boarding bridge in private vehicles.

 

Other services are provided for the welfare of respected travelers, such as temporary accommodation in suites, obtaining an airport visa upon arrival in the country, Airport transfer, holding business meetings in the conference room, and buying from the booth by supplying premium products and luxury handcrafts of Iran in a quiet and carefree environment are other benefits of the CIP services.

 

CIP lounge services offer a lift for airplane entry and a wheelchair for elderly travelers or those with physical disabilities. Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran was established before Iran’s revolution and is a crucial communication hub for other countries. This airport provides diverse amenities and facilities for traveler’s comfort. Two old and historic hotels are near the airport, and exceptional travelers can utilize the services offered by CIP.

 

Solo Female Travel Tips to Iran

 

There are new lifestyles that have changed our already-settled expectations. Solo female travel is one of them that is worth addressing the causes and evaluating tips for its safety. Although there are some general rules, which must be considered and the present blog focuses on Solo female travel tips to Iran. Before looking at such precautions, it seems to be of particular interest to briefly review the motivations leading to such a phenomenon. The modern world generally has brought about a feeling of boredom and monotonous life that creates a strong desire for a kind of alteration that restores meaning to the barren modern life. The hassles of today’s world also press people to seek a lonely corner to take refuge in and feel better. Solo traveling would open a window to a peaceful experience.

 

In other words, solo traveling would give travelers a sort of self-protection against intruding factors from work, coping with life, or even different tastes of co-workers or friends. This way, one can focus on her interests and favorite lists. This is rather a relief than pride or self-centeredness. In one word, this is a kind of therapy for a busy, exhausted mind, this is indeed a kind of medication. Now that the motivations are clear and considered to be like medicine, it is vital to approach this fact from a safe viewpoint so that the sugar-coated pill of solo travel turns out to be all sweetness and happiness. Within this context, those females who want to step in and enter the adventurous world of solo travel need to seriously follow up on some tips especially while traveling to a country that has its specific rules and traditions like Iran to enjoy their enterprising experience.

 

Search completely and fully about your destination. Iran is a historical country with a rich cultural and traditional background. Knowing these customs is necessary for a solo woman who wants to travel to Iran. Search to find enough crucial information about public transportation, the right places to eat, the dominant beliefs and social viewpoints of the society like if the society is patriarchal or not, or the general perspective of the society about women or specifically about solo traveling of women. To search about it, it is far better to ask about travelers who have traveled to Iran before or search online travel agencies and read related blogs or reviews. Within this context, try to predict every possible danger or scenario and try to find solutions for them in advance.

 

It is better to inform one or some of your relatives about your travel plan since in solo travels it is reasonable to let another person know about the places you would like to visit or the hotels you would like to stay. Regarding the places you would like to visit in Iran, you need to see if that historical place is free to visit by a woman or not. More importantly, what would be the conditions you need to follow like having an appropriate dress based on the regulations of the country? Moreover, you need to know enough information about the hotels and see which places are socially safe and appropriate for single women travelers. Also better to double-check in advance to see if your target hotel accepts single women travelers. Fortunately, most of the hotels in Iran welcome women solo travelers.

 

Try to be in touch and communicate with the local people and other single women travelers who are staying in your hotel or you may even find them online. Iranian people are naturally very sociable, and amiable and mingle with tourists. So, it is a very good idea to ask local people like the shopkeepers, or those working in your hotels about the safe areas or the visiting spots and the specific features together with the possible limitations. This way, you would receive the information you want exactly from those who are in your target society and already know the culture, customs, and norms. By doing this, you can easily prevent probable dangers that can await every unfamiliar tourist, especially a single woman traveler whose gender might cause extra issues in some societies. 

 

Make enough effort to remain invisible as much as possible. By using the term “ invisible” we mean not doing things or behaving in ways that easily attract the attention of the people ( passers-by stare). This is a very safe social behavior, especially for single women traveling to Iran where some cultural and ideological issues are considered to matter still, especially for some male figures. For example, wearing sharp flashy colors laughing loudly, or mingling too much with male figures might be misunderstood specifically when you are traveling by yourself without any companion. This is in a way respecting the culture of the society you are traveling to as well.

 

Be watchful and try to look simple without wearing jewelry as every kind of decoration makes you the target of thieves. Also, watch your wallet and don’t carry big money. Better to keep your precious things hidden. Do not trust strangers. Please also bear in mind that some actions of lifestyle might put you in trouble. For instance, riding a bike by women is not that popular in Iran but not forbidden. Yet, when you are traveling to Iran alone it is better to avoid it. Also better to choose the time for walking or other activities as night times might not be one hundred percent safe.

 

Traveling by yourself does not mean that you always need to stay alone. You can join other women, especially those you might meet in your hotels or even in public. You can also ask to join daily tours by referring to the famous travel agencies of the city you are in or even the one in your hotel. This is very safe and at the same time interesting to get familiar with other women while you are also enjoying your solo travel.

 

Most importantly, in case of trouble, do not try to solve the problem by yourself. Immediately refer to the nearest police station or the reception desk of your hotel and ask for help. This way, you won’t get hurt. If you try to adventurously get involved yourself, this means putting yourself at risk. Within this context, try to request travel insurance before your trip. To be more cautious, try to refer to mobile connection services at the airport or in the city you stay to introduce you to the best sim card choice so that you can stay in touch with your family and friends to keep them always updated about the places you visit or where you stay. It is of crucial importance to inform them via text messages or calls about the place you’re about to visit/stay or have recently stayed.

 

Enjoy your solo travel and stay safe by following the points this article tried to point out.

 

Which Countries Can Travel to Iran Without a Visa?

 

Iran has been always the target of attention for international tourists. Are you also interested in traveling to Iran? Aren’t you sure if you need a visa to visit Iran or not? Surprisingly, some countries don’t need visas to travel to Iran. In other words, traveling to Iran is very easy without any visa applications. Referring to the international negotiations between Iran and some countries, so far, political agreements have resulted in exempting fifteen countries from visa processing. The present article tries to review and examine this issue which deals with the necessary conditions for visiting Iran without a visa application.

 

The countries that don’t need visas to enter Iran without a visa are those that are listed below:

 

• Azarbaijan
• Bolivia
• Turkey
• Syria
• Lebanon
• Georgia
• Armenia
• Venezuela
• China
• Hong kong
• Macau
• Iraq
• Oman
• Malaysia
• Egypt

 

Within this context, the citizens of the above-mentioned countries can travel to Iran only having their valid passports and the entry seal that they would easily receive while entering Iran. Of course, the allowed period of stay is different based on the negotiated deals between the diplomatic parties of each country. For example, as announced so far, the period of stay for the Syrians and Armenians is ninety days, Georgians forty-five days, Lebanese, Iraqis, Bolivian, and Azerbaijanis thirty days, Egyptians twenty days, Chinese, Macau, and Hong Kong twenty-one days, Turkish people ninety days, Venezuelans and Malaysians only fifteen days. If the citizens of these countries need to stay further in Iran, they can contact the agencies of the foreign affair ministry that are capable of accomplishing visa issues and request for updating their visas.

 

For the citizens of these countries, there are specific necessities to travel visa-free to Iran. Although these citizens do not need any visa for entering Iran, they have to complete a particular form available at an entry spot whether at the airport or any entry station. This form is usually referred to as an entry and exit form that is sometimes known as a tourist card.

This card and form are necessary and compulsory to be filled out for everyone who wants to enter Iran. This form should be also completed even for those who don’t require a visa. This form is considered to be the collection of personal information like the visitor’s name, purpose of travel, and other related points. Also important to know that every visitor needs to mention where he or she wants to stay in Iran together with the exact duration of their stay. Noteworthy to mention that, visa exclusion only concerns tourist and business visas. If foreign applicants want to apply for student or work permit visas, they necessarily need to apply for specific related visas.

 

More importantly, it is crucial to know that the citizens of these countries can only travel to Iran without a visa if they travel to Iran from their own countries as the country of origin. Otherwise, if they want to enter Iran from another country rather than their own, they would require a visa. It is noteworthy to mention that the policies that concern visa exclusion are subject to change and might undergo conversion based on international political issues and altering actions. So, it is highly necessary to check every time you want to travel to Iran and be updated before you plan to travel. The only reliable place you can always refer to check this up, without a doubt, is the embassy of Iran in your country.

 

Iranian visa, by itself, is of different categories that need to be applied for in a specific way. What are the different types of Iranian visas? Everyone based on his or her travel plan and purpose needs a specific type of visa. Every kind of visa requires diverse conditions and various documents that will be explained here. 

 

There are generally, six major visa categories for Iranian visas:

 

• Iran Tourist visa
• Iran Student visa
• Iran Work permit visa
• Iran Visitor visa
• Iran Business visa
• Iran Political and governmental visa

 

Every one of the above-mentioned categories requires specific conditions and documents. For example, the documents you need to present for a tourist visa will be completely different from the documents you need to file for a business visa. But, generally, there are basic documents every type of visa necessarily needs to be offered by every applicant:

 

1- The completed form of visa application that is either online or in hard copy available in the embassy

2- A 4*6 passport photo which is a recently taken one not older than 6 months

3- Your valid passport with at least 6 month time- period till its expiry date with at least two blank pages for visa and the related stamps

 

The most important document, as mentioned before, is a valid visa with a valid date by the end day of your trip. Iranian citizens that are staying abroad and need to update their expired passport need to apply for a passport update in the nearest embassy and register their requests. Visa processing time is roughly and takes about seven working days. Referring to this fact, every visitor needs to apply for his or her visa in advance so that he or she can arrange the travel plans on time.

 

How to apply for an Iranian visa?

 

First of all, it is necessary to remember that the diplomatic relations between Iran and other countries affect visa conditions. This is the first step, foreigners need to refer to the website of the Ministry of foreign affairs of Iran and fill in the visa application form. It is also possible for them to refer to authentic travel agencies that have the authorized license for visa application services.

 

Generally speaking, issuing visas for the neighboring countries and those countries that have friendly relationships with Iran, is very easy and relatively fast. Personalized tours can facilitate the visitors’ travel to Iran easily and happily. So, do not hesitate to search for and consider various tours and packages for Iran and select the best available choice to enjoy your trip to the legendary land of Iran.

The 10 Best Budget Hotels in Tehran

Tehran has several many hotels, but some hotels have very reasonable prices which you could choose for your accommodation in Tehran. Let’s talk about them.

Asareh Hotel, which is among the modern ones, is a budget hotel in Tehran. Its location in Tehran, which is on Azadi Avenue, is a highly accessible place. Every guest is easily able to reach different governmental offices, tourist spots, and historical areas like the city theatre, museum of contemporary arts, museum of Persian Rugs, and more importantly Tehran Airport. This hotel is a four-star hotel that has 11 levels with 58 rooms and suites. Every room is fully furnished and does have full facilities every guest would need. The staff members are highly trained and would create a memorable stay for the quests.

Pars Tehran Hotel Apartment is located exactly in front of Tehran University and was renovated about ten years ago. The hotel does have ten levels and twenty rooms with good facilities. It is situated in the very heart of the city highly accessible to different visiting areas and entertainment spots, like the museums and historical places. Variously, it does have four bedrooms, twin-bed rooms, three bedrooms, and single ones. It is only 8 mins to Mellat city train station and less than 10 mins to the embassies of major countries like Germany, Russia, and Italy. It does have free Wi-Fi and a public pool that is half-price for the guests. 

Tehran Shahr Hotel is a three-star hotel with luxurious architecture in traditional style. It is a four-level hotel with 108 rooms and sites. This complex is located at the eastern entrance of Tehran close to the wood garden “ Sorkheh Hesaar”. This fact which is related to its distance from the city center, in a calm and peaceful area, has caused this place to be able to offer a very pleasing situation with clean weather suitable for every guest. It has luxurious single rooms which include breakfast, same quality rooms in a double bed, twin, and triple (three single rooms). It has a restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and a public pool half-price for the quests.

Pamchal Hotel is another three-star, budget hotel in Tehran. This hotel is Ten years old, and quite modern in style and facilities. Its location is near the center of the city, very close to medical centers, shopping areas, and business cores. BRT buses are available here, and Dowlat train station is so close to it, about 6 mins. Museums and good restaurants are also in its close neighborhood. It has 45 rooms with 90 beds that are single, double, and triple in variety as the guests prefer. 

Shahriar Hotel is a good and clean two-star hotel in Tehran that is located in a cultural and business center. The building has five levels and 74 rooms. It is easy to go to the traditional Bazaar of the city from this hotel. Interestingly, it is very close to Golestan Palace and Mirror Museum. It is a good example of a budget hotel in Tehran as it also offers five bedrooms to the guests in addition to private single and double rooms. It takes only four mins to reach Baharestan train station. 

Atlas Hotel is another two-star hotel in Tehran that is more than 40 years old. The old part of the building is only on three levels and doesn’t have an elevator but is very convenient. The new section of the hotel has four levels and elevators. It has 40 rooms with good facilities. The location of the hotel is also good, quiet in the neighborhood of the city center. It is situated only five mins from the two main train stations of the city. It does offer unlimited Wi-Fi in its single, double, and triple rooms. It is, fortunately, breakfast included. 

Pasargad Hotel is also a good two-star hotel in Tehran that is surprisingly about 50 years old. This fact reveals how experienced the staff is. The rooms are simple but well-equipped and very comfortable. It does offer twin, double, and single rooms with high-speed internet. There is a nice and clean restaurant with delicious Persian food. The famous Azadi square is close to this hotel together with Mehr Abaad Airport. The railroad station is only 15 mins from this hotel. It offers many facilities like daily city tours, traditional tea shops, ATMs, and entertainment like a game net and sauna bath. 

Saeed Hotel is a single-star hotel in Tehran located on the fourth level of a four-story apartment. It has 24 rooms and suites very close to historical and tourist spots like the National Museum of Iran and Golestan Palace. The rooms are neat but simple. However, they are enough comfortable to have basic facilities in the room like TV and internet. One of the major train stations of the city is only 6 mins from this hotel. It is worth mentioning that its single rooms only have windows that have access to outside light.

Arad Hotel is another single-star hotel in Tehran with 30 clean and comfortable rooms. The rooms are highly clean, well-lit, and well-designed. It does offer twin, double, four-bed and three-bed nice rooms. Its distance from the main train stations is only 5 mins. The location is so close to the official buildings.

Hotel Golestan is also one of the single-star hotels in Tehran. It is a three-level hotel very close to the main shopping center of Tehran and good medical centers. The rooms range from twin-bed rooms, double and triple. Interestingly, the rooms are very well-designed and so well-lit. it is about 7 mins to one of the main train stations of Tehran. 

Other similar budget hotels in Tehran are as great as these ten hotels but the ones mentioned above are those that are selectively very close to the city centers or the ones outstanding in one or two aspects like being located in a calm and peaceful areas. Enjoy your stay in such comfortable, nice hotels.

 

Bridges in Iran

 

“Bridges in Iran” is a topic that could be extended to books with many pages. 

The vast land of Iran is a high plateau with many elevations. The central part of Iran is formed by the desert and Lut plain, surrounded by the Alborz Mountains in the north and the Zagros Mountains in the west and the eastern mountains. 

The existence of these low and high altitudes has caused climatic diversity so that in the northern and western districts, the amount of rainfall is relatively high and in the central part of the rainfall is very low.

However, Iran has a vast network of running water, both as permanent rivers and as temporary rivers.

Rivers were major obstacles to caravan routes. Inevitably, the need to build a bridge for road construction was strongly felt. 

It may be difficult to answer the question of who started the construction of the first bridge, but undoubtedly when humans were able to build a dam by accumulating rocks or soils in front of the water and direct the rivers to their desired routes, bridge construction started by using tree trunks to cross the rivers.

In Iran, there are enough ruins of old bridges to study the art of bridge construction from ancient times. 

The oldest bridge in Iran is the one built by the Urartu on the Aras River, which is now the border between Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Although the bridge was destroyed around the eighth century BC, there are still enough traces of it to understand the existence of the bridge and its design and size.

In the Achaemenid period, which was the era of conquests and military campaigns, the biggest obstacles were rivers that stood in their way. But, the experts always solved the problem with tact and solutions.

Historical texts of this period show that during the establishment of the royal roads, several bridges were built in Iran along the road, of which there are few traces today.

Only in the corners of the vast country of Iran can be seen the ruins of bridges attributed to this period, which were built around ​​palaces and gardens of Pasargadae in the fifth and fourth centuries BC and a few years ago archaeologists excavated them.

No Parthian bridges have been found in Iran, but it is inconceivable that new roads were not constructed in the middle of this period, especially the Silk Road, which began in China and through Kashgar, Samarkand, Merv, Balkh, and northern Iran to Asia Minor and Rome. Could you imagine this possible without a bridge?

Considering the remnants of the Sassanid reign in Iran, we find that the Sassanid had a brilliant history in construction and architecture, in addition to the necessary conditions which at the time required that bridge construction.

This need was most noticeable in the Khuzestan region, which had roaring rivers.

Bridges attributed to this period in the Fars region are Pirin and Khair Abad bridges, Sassanid bridge of Darrehshahr, Dokhtar Mamolan bridge, Sassanid bridge of Kashkan in the Lorestan region is a proof of the importance of roads and bridge construction in this era.

In Khuzestan, there are several cases of combining bridges and dams. At a distance of 300 meters west of the dam, the ruins of a bridge can be seen, which is known as Shadirvan Bridge.

Some of the bridges attributed to the Sassanid have only Sassanid foundations and were built in Islamic periods.

Bridge construction stagnated in the first two centuries of Islam, and if a bridge was ever built across the country, it was the result of the efforts of rulers and wealthy natives, not the government.

There are no reliable documents and sources about the construction of the first bridge in the Islamic period. Hamdollah Mustawfi writes: The first bridge in the Islamic era was built by Bakr bin Abdullah on the Aras River.

The fourth-century AH coincides with the rule of two Shiite sects in Iran, the Buyid dynasty, which ruled in Hamedan, Rey, Isfahan, and Iraq, and the Hassanid Kurdish tribe, which ruled in Lorestan and Kurdistan.

The Daylamites paid a lot of attention to the development of the areas under their eye, and for this reason, not only were most of the ruined bridges at that time repaired, but they also built large bridges and huge dams. Band-e Amir Bridge and Talkan Bridge are examples of works of this period.

Several dams and bridges remain from the Ghaznavid era. Perhaps the most famous of these is the Tus Bridge, which overlooks the Kashafrud River on the road that connected Tus to the cities of Herat and Balkh.

There are credible documents that show that bridge construction was of special importance during the Seljuk period. Band-e Qesar on Karbal River in Fars is one of the well-constructed examples of this period.

During the Ilkhanate dynasty, after the establishment of peace in the country, the construction of bridges and roads continued. One of the most important bridges of this period is the strong and beautiful bridge that Alishah Jilani built on the Zayanderud River.

The chaos that had arisen throughout Iran after the death of Sultan Abu Sa’id Teymouri subsided with the advent of Shah Ismail Safavid and the severe repression of the enemies, and peace based on power emerged and paved the way for reforms during the reign of Shah Abbas.

Since Shah Abbas choose Isfahan as the capital of all Iran, this city expanded as one of the most wonderful cities in the East and became a full-fledged mirror of Safavid architecture.

In this city, several bridges were built on the Zayanderud River. Sio- Se- Pol Bridge, Khaju Bridge, and the wooden bridge, in addition to providing traffic, the place of recreation of the king and courtiers and sometimes ambassadors of foreign countries in this era.

Most of the bridges that can be seen in different parts of Iran today are valuable works related to this period.

Unfortunately, during the Afsharid dynasty, not much attention was paid to road construction and bridges in Iran. More or less during the Zand dynasty, bridges gained some attention from the government like the bridge of Khoshk River in Shiraz, which is one of the innovations of Karim Khan.

During the rule of the Qajar sultans, due to the Shaky foundations of independence, disorder, hypocrisy, and betrayal of agents, no important action was taken to reform the country.

Bridges in Iran in the last century have followed new architectural methods, often made of iron and reinforced concrete, or in which cut stones have been used.

There are two very large bridges on the Iranian railway, which are different from ordinary bridges due to their grandeur. One of them is the Veresk Bridge in the Alborz Mountains, built by German engineers, and the other is the Ghotour Bridge in West Azerbaijan, built by Austrian engineers.

The 153-meter-long White Bridge, which was inaugurated in 1930, and Ahvaz Grand Bridge over the Karun River are also masterpieces of bridge construction in the recent century.

Bridges in Iran, like any other place, were not just to ease the traffic, they were also connection routs for people in different districts. Can you see the cultural trade when you look at a bridge? 

 

 

Persian Gulf

 

The great economic upheavals and the strategic and political situation of the Persian Gulf from ancient times to the present day have made the colonialists thirsty for presence and hegemony in the region and have made them try to always impose their policy on this region.

Hence, the Persian Gulf has always been the scene of conflict and battle, and its peripheral lands have also been affected by these conflicts. In such a way that the political and economic life of these countries is oriented according to the current issues and currents in the Persian Gulf.

The Portuguese first entered the Persian Gulf in 1506 AD under the command of the famous Portuguese sailor Albuquerque, and after a while, they completely occupied Qeshm, the islands of Hormuz and Gambron (Bandar Abbas). Imam Qoli Khan was one of the famous commanders of Shah Abbas I who fought with a strategy to free the islands and Bandar Abbas and thereby, he took the Persian Gulf back.

April 30 has been named the National Day of the Persian Gulf, which is the anniversary of the expulsion of the Portuguese from the Strait of Hormuz by Shah Abbas I Safavid and the Persian Gulf.

This large area of ​​water with its islands and long beaches, the cradle of various civilizations, the center of cultural and commercial exchanges, and one of the most well-known and most famous seas in the world. 

In the geography of Strabo, this sea is referred to as the Persian Gulf or the Persian Sea, and the sea between the Arabian Peninsula and the east coast of Africa (Egypt and Sudan), now called the Red Sea, is called the Arabian Gulf. 

Names appear on maps and in authentic historical documents in a variety of languages, and research in any of the historical and geographical sources, the sea between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, has no name other than the Persian Gulf.

Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr Al-Zahri, an Arab geographer, mentions the Persian Gulf in his book Al-Geography, which is almost a thousand years old:” The land route of the Egyptian people to Syria, Iraq and the Persian Gulf it is here (Sinai Peninsula).”

Indian Ocean water advance through the Sea of ​​Oman and the Strait of Hormuz to the Zagros Valley, a crescent-shaped bay that is what exactly the Persian Gulf is.

It is said that its length has formed the “Persian Sea” or “Persian Gulf” east-west, which has been 900 km for hundreds of years and its average width is 250 km. Eight countries are located around the Persian Gulf. 

This large area of ​​water is located in the south and southwest of Iran, in the neighborhood of Khuzestan, Bushehr, and parts of Hormozgan provinces. 

Countries like the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait, with different coastlines, other than Iran, surround the Gulf.

The Persian Gulf is essentially the remnant of the seas of the third geological period that covers the entire Zagros region. However, due to the declining water level of the oceans, not only has its water decreased, but according to some evidence on the seabed, it has also been completely dry at times.

The present Persian Gulf is a part of the land on which the ocean water has re-collapsed through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, this long depression is the result of the folding of the Zagros Mountains and due to its low level above sea level, it is submerged. 

In the past, the Persian Gulf was larger than what it is today. The Mesopotamia and Khuzestan plains have been formed as a result of the filling of the northern part of the Persian Gulf by the alluvium of rivers that now have to travel farther inland to enter the bay.

The most important rivers that flow into the Persian Gulf are Karun, Karkheh, Dalaki, and Mond. Karun is the longest navigable river in Iran.

These rivers are located in a large part of the west, southwest, and south of the country and often originate from the huge Zagros Mountains.

The Persian Gulf has many important islands such as Khark, Kish, Abu Musa, Greater, and Lesser Tunbs, Lavan, Hengam, Lark, Hormuz, etc. Qeshm is the largest island of the Persian Gulf.

The Persian Gulf is a semi-enclosed sea between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula that runs through the Strait of Hormuz to the Sea of ​​Oman and from there to the Indian Ocean. 

In the National Atlas of Iran, the area of ​​the Persian Gulf has estimated at around 225,000 square km, its length is 900 km2 and its width is 180-300 km2, and elsewhere it has a width between 185 to 333 km and an average depth of 25 to 35 m.

From Bandar Abbas to Faw estuary, Iran has 45.3% of the total coastline of the Persian Gulf, i.e. Iran has the longest coastline compared to other Persian Gulf countries.

There are several port cities on the coast of Iran that, in addition to their strategic importance, also have commercial and economic opportunities.

The ports of Khorramshahr, Abadan, Deylam, Bushehr, Bandar-e Deyr, Kangan, Asaluyeh, Lengeh, and Bandar Abbas are among the important centers of the country’s maritime connection with the world.

Some of these ports, such as Khorramshahr, Abadan, Bushehr, and Bandar Abbas are also important population and tourism centers of Iran.

The Persian Gulf, with its vast reserves of oil and gas and other exploitable resources and its export outside the region, as well as the existence of suitable and safe ways for trade exchanges, has always been considered by regional powers and colonial governments.

One of the reasons for the importance of this bay is the maritime trade and the existence of huge oil and gas resources underneath the Persian Gulf’s floor and all kinds of fish and shrimp.

The Persian Gulf is one of the most important centers for pearl fishing and breeding. The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Gulf to the Sea of ​​Oman, is one of the most important strategic places in the world.

The Persian Gulf is a name standing still and solid mentioned even in the oldest sources. Because it dates back to centuries BC and it represents Persia. The name of the land of the Iranian nation.

Iran the Land of Four Seasons

 

When you decide to travel to a specific destination, you cannot ignore its climate. Iran’s climate has a special chapter for itself.

Climate is important. Not just because of how it designs the geographical landscape and natural features but also because it directly has an impact on how cultures and traditions, even the belief system of civilizations are built.

When Iran for instance, has faced drought most of its lifetime, many rituals are formed precisely to bring the water back. Water goddesses emerge and every pond becomes sacred.

If you stay as a guest and your departure date arrives, just watch the tradition. They escort you to the door with a bowl of water. If Iran’s climate was like the Amazons, would water still make these tractions?  

On the other hand, the climate of each region is undoubtedly an effective factor in determining the architectural form of that region. The solutions that the inhabitants of different regions have taken for centuries to build their shelters and adapted to the climatic conditions of the region are praiseworthy.

These methods have amazingly reduced the difficult conditions of the region and benefited from its useful aspects. Therefore, getting to know Iran’s climates will hopefully, make you more prepared for your trip.

To start you must know that, twenty-five to forty degrees desert and semi-desert areas occupy more than half of the country and affect Iran’s climate. 

About one-third of Iran is mountainous and then there is a small part of Iran like the southern plains of the Caspian Sea and the plains of Khuzestan are fertile plains.

Iran’s climate has a high diversity. From the north to the south of the country, one could gradually experience different climatic zones. 

Iran’s climate could be considered as arid and semi-arid in terms of rainfall. The annual rainfall varies in different parts of the country and different seasons of the year.

Now, why do they call it “the Land of Four Seasons”? 

Iran’s climate has made the land, one of the few countries in the world where four seasons are well visible. Not just in the whole country but even in one province, at a specific time, you could enjoy all the climate changes possible.

This climate characteristic of the country is because of the Siberian high-pressure systems, the Mediterranean rain system, and the southern low-pressure system.

In addition to that, the existence of high mountains, vast plains, deserts, rivers, and different lakes are other factors to diversify Iran’s climate.

The difference in temperature in winter between the hottest and coldest point of Iran sometimes reaches more than 50 degrees Celsius. Meaning that when the temperature of a town in Kurdistan province reaches 30 degrees below zero at night in winter, the temperature in Ahvaz is about 25 degrees above zero.

To sum it up Iran’s climate code goes like this: the northern coasts of Iran have hot and humid weather in summer and moderate in winter, the northwestern and western regions have mild summers and cold winters, the southern and southeastern regions of Iran have extremely hot summers and mild and spring winters, while the central provinces experience all four seasons.

The northern coasts of Iran’s average rainfall are higher than any other region. The tall Mount Alborz in those parts has abundant vegetation and forests. 

In most seasons the Caspian Sea region is 25 to 30 degrees during the day and between 20 and 23 degrees at night and the humidity very high. Precipitation and humidity in the temperate and humid areas along the coastline, from east to west.

If you move down, to the central parts, you would find Iran’s climate different. The central parts are where the Deserts and salt-pans are located, a significant hot and dry region. 

The dry winds in these areas could be very annoying though the desert sky is clear and cloudless most of the year and beautiful to watch. Rainfall is low and haze and storms occur a lot. 

Low rainfall has reduced the level of vegetation in this area. There is a big difference between day and night temperatures in hot and dry climates. If it rains it is usually very heavy but short.

Despite the deserts, Iran has two main mountain range that has a clear impact on creating “the Land of four seasons”.

The Alborz and Zagros mountain ranges separate the central regions of Iran from the Caspian Sea in the north and the Mesopotamian plain in the west. There are also mountains individually in central and eastern Iran, including Mount Taftan and Shir Kooh. The western slopes of the Zagros Mountains, are among the coldest regions of Iran.

 

Consecutive snow covers most of their peaks. There is always snow at altitudes above 3000 meters and these mountains are the source of rivers and aqueducts in the country.

Then again, there is a narrow and relatively long coastline that is more than two thousand kilometers which starts from Arvand River in the southwest of Khuzestan province and ends at the Gwadar Bay in the southeast of Sistan and Baluchestan province.

Iran’s climate in this region is also humid but because it is closer to the Equator, it is also very hot and winter is short.

Since most of the soil on these coastlines is calcareous and vegetation is rare, rain cannot sink into the ground. Even a little could cause a flood.

Having special geographical conditions creates “the Land of Four Seasons”. Therefore, Iran’s climate change is unique and so, as a natural result, it has made Iran rich and beautiful in terms of natural attractions.

Each corner has a specific natural landscape. Iran is an ancient land yes, we must give it that but “the Land of Four Seasons” also has a series of mountains, plains, deserts, salt-pans, waterfalls, forests, rivers, lakes, coastlines, islands, volcanoes, and caves.

These aspects of nature have their exclusive wildlife too. Many different types of species live here because of Iran’s climate variety.  

It all comes to this, what are you looking for in a destination. Sometimes the purpose of your journey gives you the clues to look for special destinations. 

Iran offers everything. It’s like the perfect package.

Iran Desert

Long ago, it seemed only those seeking solitude would ever plan a journey to a desert. Now, it’s the most adventurous thing a person could do.

Iran’s nature could amaze people in ways they never had ever thought. Iran Deserts are like a great magician, Merlin perhaps, or Dumbledore himself. Many lands with many different shapes could change.

It’s not like if you go to Shahdad salt-pan for instance, the next time, those yardangs would be the same.

Iran offers you various types of deserts and salt pans. Each have their unique features, each has their atmosphere, and spiritually take you to places you have never explored inside you. 

The Desert and Salt-pans of Iran could be divided into five sections. Each section contains a different type of desert and salt-pan that has been known so far.

Iran’s central desert is bounded on the north by the eastern Alborz mountain range and Mount Binalud on the east. 

 

 

Masileh Desert

This is limited from the north to the eastern and central Alborz mountains, from the south to the Rig-e Jenn desert, from the west to the central mountains of Iran and the Karkas mountain range, and from the west to the western deserts.

This particular desert includes the deserts of Maranjab, Rig Dam, Nakhjir Valley, and mountains such as Siah Kuh and also located in the central parts of Iran and the western margin of the central desert. Maranjab desert is located in the south, and Kavir National Park is located in the west.

 

Lut Desert or the Dasht-e Lut 

It is another impassable desert not just in Iran but also in the world. In some parts of this desert, there are no living creatures, not even one single bacteria. The hottest spot on earth is located in this desert.

 

Darreh-ye Khoshk Rud 

Or in English, “the Valleys of the Dry River”, are located in Kerman province and 150 km from Shahdad city in the direction of Nehbandan, northern Dasht-e Lut.

Kal Shor is the only permanent river in Lut. At the same time, other channels flow into the area of ​​Lut pits, the most important of which is the Khoshk River. This route does not have permanent water, but it is the passage of seasonal waters in northern Lut. 

Three parallel paths with a steep slope from north to south fall into Lut’s salt pit.

Water erosion in a vertical direction has affected sedimentary strata with different pressure and has created scattering systems and sedimentary blocks. 

It looks like the ruins of a city known as the city of Lut. This example and complications are specific to this region and have not been created in other areas of Lut.

It extends 20 km to the south of the corner of the dry valley in the form of a claw and is about 400 m above sea level, with vertical walls that intersect in a pyramidal shape. The grooves are created vertically as a result of techno-kite movements.

 

Shahdad Desert

The yardangs of Kerman are located in a plain that is on the southern edge of the Lut desert. 

The shapes you see in Shahdad are the result of wind and water erosion over many years. They seem to be the ruins of an old city doorway, walls, and everything but these shapes are compacted masses of soil, sand, and tall pebbles.

Although, some archaeologists believe that this desert was once inhabited.

Shahdad is full of eerie wonders. You could easily feel invisible people staring at you, and if you shout, the mighty winds will steal your voice.

 

Gandom Beryan

From above it looks like a ladle, and on the surface of the earth, it has almost flat basaltic rocks. These rocks are the result of the eruption of several volcanic craters.

Within the heart of these volcanic plains lies the hottest spot on earth. In Persian, they call it “Gandom Beryan”. In English, it means, roasted wheat.

Some locals believe that travelers would place their wheat grains on black basalt stones and after a while, they would roast due to the heat. Color-infrared Aerial Photography has proven that this special spot is the hottest place on earth.

 

Rig-e Jenn

Ok, the thing about deserts in Iran is that they have weird names. In Persian, Rig means pebbles, that’s fine but Jenn is the word for “Goblin”.  It is the boundary between Tabas and Yazd deserts. This dessert is one of the most impassable areas in the world due to its vast swamps, high and vast dunes. Only a limited number of people have crossed it so far. Tabas and Yazd deserts are also the boundary between the Dasht-e Lut and the Great salt-pan. Gavkhouni swamp is located in this area.

The Lack of water resources in this vast expanse of dunes, along with natural barriers such as salt marshes, have been the reasons why this region has out of human’s reach for centuries. Therefore, it was known as the goblins’ territory.

Folk tales, obscure myths, and legends about Rig-e Jenn have generally originated from the inability of travelers to cross this desert.

Anyway, there is no clear boundary for the goblins’ territory. Briefly, this region is located in central Iran in the western part of the central desert and salt-pans. 

 

Maranjab Desert

Located in Isfahan province and its average altitude is about 850 meters above sea level. Most of this desert is dunes and is rich in vegetation. The vegetation of this area includes saline plants such as turmeric trees and arches and shrubs.

The Maranjab Desert and its beautiful nights can compete with any forest or sea. Maranjab Desert’s features have attracted around 120% of the tourists who come to Kashan in the first four months of the year. 120 percent means over one and a half million people.

Along with the dunes that are the main attraction of the desert, the presence of Maranjab Castle and the island wandering in the Maranjab Desert, gives more motivation to tourists to come and explore this region. 

Contrary to popular belief that the desert plain lacks a sign of human life and livelihood, we must hand it over to the deserts that were once magnificent places for the early humans to live in. 

Evidence from the desert reflects the fact that in prehistoric times, human groups continued to live in their particular social forms in today’s desert, which had different living conditions.

However, because of gradual climate change and under the impact of certain geographical and historical conditions, they have been forsaken.

This is perhaps why, nowadays they look as if they are weird, mysterious, and even scary. But planning a journey to the desert could change your life forever. There is more to the desert and salt-pans than what we hear about or see in pictures. It’s a journey from within.