We continue the series of publications about natural beauties Iran and present to your attention the magnificent mountain peaks of the country. If most of Iran is covered with deserts, then the second half is mostly considered mountainous. From two sides the country is surrounded by the largest mountain systems Albroz (Elbrus) and Zagros. Below you can see the most beautiful mountain ranges of these two systems:
Mountain peaks in Iran: mountain system Elbrus and its peaks
The Elburs mountain system covers the northern regions of Iran. Some of its peaks attract amateurs, which is actively developing in the country, and the state offers more and more options for rock climbing, hiking tours, etc. to attract tourists.
Peak Tochal
Outside Tehran, the majestic peak of Tochal (height 3933) is already visible. From the capital to the top can be reached in several ways. One of the roads leads through the bed of the river Darbend, on the way you can see two waterfalls Abshar dogulu and Sutak. Another road passes through the Velenjak region. From here to the top leads cable car. The last road leads through the Pelengchal Gorge. This is the most popular route among locals who stop in the Jengel-Kara valley for picnics. Definitely, the mountain peak Tochal is worthy of attention due to its natural beauty.
A ski center is also open here, which has the longest ski lift in the world (length 8 km), mountain trails 17 km long and of various difficulties. The skiing season lasts about 8 months from November to April, and the whole season the ski resort is full of local adventurers and guests. At the top is the hotel Tochal, restaurants and cafes for a good rest.
Volcano Damavend
The highest point of the Elbrus mountain range dormant volcano Damavend (height 5610) (85 km from Tehran). The volcano is considered extinct, but there are still sources of hot gases around the crater, which from afar form a cloud over the mountain. On the way to the volcano, at an altitude of 5100 meters, there is a frozen Obshar Yahi waterfall.
Damavend pretty popular destination extreme tourism. There are 16 routes leading to the mountain with camps for spending the night and rest.
At the foot of Damavend there is a ski resort, which was the very first in Iran. It is most popular among beginners who are not used to extreme trails. At the top there are 10 slopes that are ideal for snowboarding. There are four lifts and two gondola lifts on the slopes.
Another popular ski resort in Iran, Dizin, is located at the southern foot of Mount Elbrus. The steep slopes attract adrenaline junkies and professional athletes from all over the world. In addition, the level of the ski resort meets the standards for international competitions. The peculiarity of the ski resort is that, due to its high location, the season lasts longer than in other resorts (from November to May). All conditions for comfortable rest are created here.
Mountain peaks in Iran: the Zagros mountain system and its peaks
From Tabriz to Bandar Abbas stretches the Zagros mountain range. Travelers who prefer to stay away from tourist centers, in secluded places where you can get to know the life of Iran, choose a route along the Zagros mountain range. Meanwhile, the Zagros mountain range is fraught with unexplored beauties: stormy waterfalls, awesome rocks, salt lakes, gorges and meadows. From here originates the most full-flowing river in Iran Karun.
Mount Dena
Mount Dena and its territories, since 1990, are considered protected areas due to unique nature. The top is ideal for mountaineering and extreme tourism. The 80 km mountain range runs through the provinces of Fars, Isfahan and Kohkiluyeh-Buyer-Ahmad. The river Bechar flows from the south side.
On the slopes of Mount Dena there are many picturesque gorges with springs and hot springs that form large and small waterfalls and mountain streams.
The uniqueness of the territory is a large variety of flora, which has more than 1200 species of plants, including medicinal herbs.
Zardkuh mountain range
73 km west of the city of Shahrikord, the province of Chahar Mahal and Bakhtiyari, there is a part of the Zagros mountain range - the Zardkuh mountain range with peaks reaching more than 4000 m.
Climbing Zardkuh passes through the settlement of Shahri-Korda, where the nomads settled. The life of the settlers has not changed, and that is why tourists are so attracted to the settlement. The path to the mountain passes through glaciers and lakes.
In the southwest of the Iranian Plateau is Zagros - a mountain range that separates the highlands from the plains of Mesopotamia. Partially, the Zagros ranges are also located in Iraq.
As in the old days, it is far from possible to cross Zagros everywhere: if there are quite a lot of roads in the northwest and southeast, then the central section is the highest and inaccessible, there is only one Shiraz pass, along which the Isfahan-Bushir highway is laid, crossing the richest and most flourishing part of the southern half of the Zagros - the Shiraz basin.
In turn, the central Zagros is divided into eastern and western. To the east are high mountain valleys, short and dry. In the west - long narrow river valleys, where the main population of the Zagros lives.
The Zagros is part of the Mediterranean Fold Belt. These mountains are young, they began to grow about 15 million years ago (± 10 million years depending on the site), approximately when the Alpine folding was formed: the Pyrenees, the Alps, the Carpathians, the Balkans and the Elburz. The formation of Zagros itself was caused by the collision of two tectonic plates - Arabian and Eurasian. As for the entire Mediterranean belt, the Zagros orogeny is still ongoing, and the mountains are growing.
The mountains are composed mainly of limestone and shales of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic. Large salt domes come to the surface in the central part and in the southeast - where there are outcrops of the pre-Mesozoic basement.
Due to the presence of limestones and streams, karst landforms are everywhere - numerous caves and sinkholes.
At the western foot in the central part of the mountains is the majority of Iran's oil fields - one of the largest in the world.
The Zagros Mountains stretch for more than one and a half thousand kilometers - from the northwest to the southeast. From the city of Bokan in the province of Western Azerbaijan, presumably about 3 thousand years ago, this city was called Isertu and was the capital of the ancient state of Manna - until 843 BC. e., when the Assyrian king Shalmaneser III invaded the country and destroyed the city, which subsequently recovered for a long time. And up port city Bandar Abbas, who controls the most important, and was named so in 1615 in honor of the Persian Shah Abbas I the Great (1571-1629) from the Safavid dynasty.
The predominant landscape is mountain deserts, the slopes of the mountains are covered with steppe and semi-desert vegetation. Salt marshes, a few and small lakes are common in intermountain basins - the centers of oases in which date palms, citrus fruits and grapes grow. The western part of the Zagros is the most humid: forests and light forests of oak, elm, maple and acacia appear in the middle belt. Above are alpine meadows and undersized shrub vegetation.
The typical wild animals of the Zagros are the gazelle, the mountain goat and the ram. There are many types of birds, including flamingos.
The parallel ridges of the Zagros are separated by longitudinal and transverse narrow canyon-like gorges - in Persian they are called tengs.
It is in Zagros and its foothills that one can find wild analogues of wheat and barley, later domesticated by nomads who switched to a sedentary lifestyle.
In the eastern part of the Zagros, the climate is drier than on the western slopes, hotter and arid, with large temperature fluctuations throughout the year and day. In these places are the sources of the most full-flowing (and the only navigable in the country) Karun River. It flows through Bakhtiaria and Khuzestan and flows into the Shatt-al-Arab (Pers. Ervendrud) river, formed at the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates. The largest Iranian hydroelectric power stations - "Karun-3" and "Abbaspur" - were built on Karun.
The Karun River begins to the west of the city of Isfahan, at an altitude of about 4 km, on the slopes of the highest peak of Zagros - Mount Zerdkuh. Its name in Persian means Yellow Mountain. At the top there are several small glaciers, their uniqueness is that they are salty, and some are also black.
Snow-capped mountain peaks are located in the protected area Shalo-i-Mongasht. For those who imagined Iran as a country of sand and heat, traveling along the roads through the many kilometers of snow-covered winter valleys of the Zagros makes a great impression.
On the slopes of the peak Zerdkuh originates and main river Central Iran - Zayanderud. Generally speaking, almost all non-drying rivers of Iran are concentrated in the Zagros mountains.
In ancient times, the tribes of Kassites and Gutians lived in the Zagros region, later - Assyrians, Elamites and Mitannians.
Today, the provinces where Zagros is located are predominantly inhabited by the two largest nomadic tribes of Iran - the Bakhtiars and Qashqais, who largely retained their traditional way of life. Twice a year - in autumn and spring - the nomadic Bakhtiari travel hundreds of kilometers along the Zagros in search of a suitable pasture for huge herds of goats and sheep. Presumably, it was the ancient Bakhtiars who were the first people to tame wild goats.
The Bakhtiars inhabited the lands of present-day Iran even before the Arab conquests and call their direct ancestor Faridun (Traetaon), the legendary hero of the national Persian epic Shahnameh. Bakhtiar women have much more rights and freedom than most Iranian women.
The Qashqai people are sure that they appeared in Iran together with the army of Genghis Khan. The Kurdish population of Zagros considers the mountains sacred and even during Muslim holidays they do not forget the ancient custom: young people make a big fire and jump over it.
The settled inhabitants of the Zagros are mainly employed in the countless rice paddies in the valleys.
Add to list world heritage UNESCO included several sites of global historical and cultural significance located in the Zagros Mountains.
In the south -, and Pasargada. In the center - the Behistun inscription - a cuneiform text on the Behistun rock, the Jami mosque and the Meydan-Imam square in Isfahan. 
general information
Location
: Western Asia, west and southwest of Iran, northeast of Iraq.
Administrative affiliation
: Kurdistan, Kermanshah, Ilam, Hamadan, Lorestan, Isfahan, Khuzestan, Cheharmehal and Bakhtiaria, Kohgiluye and Boyerakhmed, Fars, Bushehr, Hormozgan - provinces of Iran and Iraqi Kurdistan (Iraq).
Cities: Isfahan - 1,945,765 people, - 1,460,665 people, Kermanshah - 851,405 people. (2011).
Languages: Farsi, Bakhtiar dialect, Qashqai dialect, Kurdish, Laki.
Ethnic composition
: Persians, Bakhtiars, Qashqais, Kurds, Lurs.
Religion: Islam (mainly Shiism, in the west and southwest - Sunnism); religious minorities - Christianity, Yezidism.
Currency unit
: Iranian rial.
Rivers: Karun, Zayanderud, Maroon.
Lake: Kukhgol.
Numbers
Square: 533,512 km 2 (Iran - 83%, Iraq - 17%).
Length: from northwest to southeast about 1600 km.
Width: 200-300 km.
highest point
: 4548 m, Mount Zerdkuh.
Other peaks: 4469 m, Ezar; 4409 m, Dena; 4374 m, Lalezar; 4290 m, Putak; 4135 m, Djupar.
Climate and weather
Mountainous and alpine tropical zone, in the north - subtropical.
Dry, with a large range of daily temperatures.
Dry hot summers, relatively cold winters.
January average temperature
: (1500/2000/2500 m): +6/-1.5/-4°С.
July average temperature
: +30/+24.5/+19°С.
Average annual rainfall
: 300-500 mm.
Average annual relative humidity
: from 10% in the highlands, up to 60% on the southern slopes.
Economy
Minerals : oil and natural gas (mainly at the foot), polymetallic ores, chromium, lead, bauxite, rock salt.
Agriculture : oasis plant growing (tobacco, cotton, date palm, citrus fruits, grapes), animal husbandry (grazing - sheep, goats).
Services sector: tourist, transport, resort (mountain ski resort Chelgerd), trade.
Attractions
Natural
Fresh and salt glaciers on the peak of Zerdkuh
Tang-e Meyran Pass (Gate of Persia)
Salt lakes Teshk and Urmia
Reserves of Shalo-i-Mongasht and Arasbaran
Waterfalls Margun, Atashgah, Kuhrang and Shivand
Bakhtegan National Park
Ercan reserve
Stalactite caves Gar-Nul and Gar-Mes
Volcano Sahand
historical
Shanidar Cave (Iraqi Kurdistan, Neanderthal remains, 50-70 thousand years ago)
Early Neolithic site of Jarmo (9 thousand years ago)
The ancient cities of Chogha-Zanbil (XIII century BC), Persepolis (518 BC), Pasargada (546 BC)
Behistun inscription (VI century BC)
Cultural-historical landscape of Ized-Khast (from the 3rd century)
Isfahan city
Temple of the Zoroastrians Ateshgah (III-VII centuries)
Minaret Ali (XI century)
Swinging minarets of Manar Dzhonban (XIV century)
Meydan-Imam Square (XVI century)
Chehel Sotun (Palace of Forty Columns, 1647)
Khaju Bridge (1650)
Vank Cathedral (1655)
Palace of Hasht-Behesht (Eight Gardens of Eden, 1669)
City of Hamadan
A salt glacier is formed when an ancient salt dome breaks through the mountains to the surface. It feeds the glacier, soaked in salt. A necessary condition for the appearance of such a glacier: the salt dome must be very large in order to
don't melt. Salt domes of Zagros are made of ordinary rock salt. The black color of some glaciers is due to the fact that there are oil deposits under them.
During excavations in the Zagros Mountains, near the villages of Haji Firuz and Godin, archaeologists discovered traces of the oldest wine in the world in one of the clay vessels. It is believed that it was made in the era of the Sumerian city-state of Uruk - 5 thousand years ago.
Shah Abbas I, after whom the city on the southern tip of Zagros is named, was the first to recognize the new Romanov dynasty in Russia in 1613 when Mikhail Fedorovich Romanov was elected king. As a token of friendship, the shah gave the tsar a loan of 7,000 rubles (a huge amount at that time). And in 1625 he sent him as a gift, among other things, a luxurious riza and a throne.
The meaning of the name of the mountain Zardkuh - Yellow Mountain - is interpreted by different peoples living around this mountain in different ways.
In the folklore of some, the mountain is likened to a golden stallion. Others point to yellowish rocks at the foot of the mountain. Still others compose poems about the yellow flowers that cover the slopes of Zardkuh in the spring.
The cuneiform text on the Behistun rock, known as the Behistun Inscription, was carved in three languages - Old Persian, Elamite and Akkadian - by order of King Darius I and tells how the king defeated the Medes rebels. The inscription made it possible to begin deciphering the cuneiform writing of the peoples of the Ancient East. The inscription was deciphered by the British archaeologist, linguist and diplomat Henry Rawlinson (1810-1895), while exposing his life to mortal danger. The reason is that, by order of King Darius I, the lower part of the rock under the inscription was hewn and made impregnable so that no one could destroy the inscription. Sir Rawlinson 1837-1844 climbed the Behistun rock dozens of times, copying the inscription piece by piece.
Geographical position
Iran is one of the largest states in Southwest Asia. His total area is 1.648 million square meters. km. In the north-west, Iran borders on Turkey, in the east - on Afghanistan and Pakistan, in the west - on Iraq, in the north - on Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. In the north, the territory of the country is washed by the waters of the Caspian Sea, in the south - by the Persian and Oman gulfs.
The relief of Iran is predominantly elevated and mountainous. The Elburz Mountains stretch along the northern borders of the country. The highest point is the Damavend volcano. Its height is 5604 meters. Kopetdag, Sabalan, Bogrovdag and Talysh also lie here. In the west of Iran, the Kotur mountain range stretches, in the southwest - the Zagros mountain ranges. The central regions are occupied by an elevated plain (Iranian Plateau), in the east there are vast deserts: Deshte-Kevir (Great Salt Desert, the area of which exceeds 200 thousand square kilometers) and Deshte-Lut (more than 166 thousand square kilometers). They are surrounded by mountains of the Iranian plateau. The lowest point in Iran is located 28 meters below sea level.
Few in the country major rivers. The main ones are Karun and Sefivrud, the length of which does not exceed 600 km. Most of the rivers have internal flow.
The largest lake in Iran is Lake Urmia (salty).
The reserves of surface and ground waters depend on the amount of precipitation. They are mainly concentrated in the northern part of Zagros, in the mountains of Elburs and Iranian Azerbaijan.
The capital is the city of Tehran.
There is little precipitation - up to 1000 mm on the slopes of the mountains, up to 600 mm on the flat areas of the country. Most of the country is dry. In summer, rains usually do not fall for 2-3 months, and in some years - even for 7 months.
The annual rainfall in Tehran is 250 mm. They fall mainly during the cold season, which lasts from November to March.
In the north of the country and in the highlands in the south, in winter, precipitation mainly falls in the form of snow. In Elburz and Zagros above 1200 m above sea level. snow lies 4-5 months a year, and in some places it remains until June.
snow has importance V economic life Iran. Its slow melting makes it possible to replenish water supplies that are needed for irrigation.
The best time to visit the country is the period from mid-April to early June, as well as from late September to early November.
The Persian Gulf coast is great for relaxing all year round.
Visas, entry rules, customs regulations
Russian citizens need to apply for a visa to enter the country. You can do this in consular department Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, located in Moscow, as well as in Consulates General Iran in Kazan and Astrakhan. A visa is also issued upon arrival at the international airports of Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz, Bushehr, Isfahan, Tabriz and about. Kish. The visa fee is 60 euros.
Visa processing takes from 7 to 10 days if there is an invitation from the Iranian host. Sometimes it takes a month. A tourist visa entitles you to stay in the country for 2 weeks.
Must be issued prior to departure visa permission on the website of the Iranian Foreign Ministry. It is filled in English language in online mode.
Women traveling unaccompanied by men are required to have a hotel reservation confirmation with them.
Entry into the country is prohibited for citizens of Israel and those who have visas and marks of this country in their passport. Women in defiant clothes may not be allowed into Iran, as well as if their hair is not covered with a scarf. Tourists during passport control should also not behave noisily or defiantly.
All foreigners must register within 8 days of arrival. Do this at the police office at the place of stay.
Import and export of local currency is allowed in the amount not exceeding 500 thousand rials. For larger amounts, permission from the Central Bank of Iran must be obtained. Import and export of foreign currency is not limited, but a declaration is required.
You can bring into the country duty-free a large number of cigarettes and perfumes for personal use, gifts and souvenirs, if their amount does not exceed $80.
It is forbidden to import printed materials containing female and male photos of an erotic nature into Iran. Moreover, this applies even to simple photographs of women in swimsuits or without a hijab.
It is also prohibited to import into the country any kind of alcoholic beverages, old books and magazines, drugs and weapons, video products of erotic and propaganda content, printed materials in Hebrew. It is also forbidden to import berries, fruits, tubers and seedlings of plants, seeds, soil, any species of wild animals and birds, leather and feather products.
Unconditionally to death penalty those who violated the ban on the importation of drugs are sentenced.
It is possible to export personal belongings, Persian products from the country self made, but no more than one large carpet or two small rugs. It is forbidden to export from Iran any antiques (more than 50 years old).
Population, political condition
The population of the country is 69.1 million people. largest city is Tehran (population - 7.1 million people).
More than 60 nationalities, ethnic groups and tribes live on the territory of Iran. The most numerous of them are: Persians (51%), Azerbaijanis (24%), Gilaks and other representatives of Turkic tribes (8%), Kurds (7%), Arabs (3%), Lurs (2%), Turkmens (2 %), Balochi and Armenians.
The country is also home to hundreds of thousands of refugees from Afghanistan and Iraq.
The official language is Persian (Farsi). Also, Turkic dialects, Kurdish, Turkish, Arabic, etc. are used in the country. English and French are used in business circles. It can be said that, in general, the local population is not very good at foreign languages. This is due to the fact that the country is not very popular with tourists.
In administrative terms, the territory of Iran is divided into 26 regions ("Ostans"), 277 urban regions ("Sharestan") and 604 districts ("Bakhsh", "Bakhshesh"). At the head of the regions are governor-generals ("ostandar"). They head all local government agencies.
Politically, Iran is an Islamic republic (Jomhuriye Eslamiyeh Iran). Until 1935, this state was called Persia.
The Iranian constitution was adopted in November 1979. According to this document, all cultural, social, political and economic institutions of the country are based on Islamic laws and norms.
Iran's highest official is the Ayatollah ("Wali-e Faki", leader of the Islamic Revolution) and the Guiding (Expert) Council.
The highest official post is the president. He is elected by popular vote for a term of 4 years.
Legislative power is vested in the unicameral Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis-e Shura-e-Islami). It consists of 270 members who are elected for a four-year term.
The country's constitution also provides for a Council of Wise Men (Council of Guardians of the Constitution, "Shura-e Negahban-e Kanum Assassi"). He has the right to approve the decisions of the Mejlis.
Another governing body is the Assembly of Experts ("Majlis-e Hebregan"). It is responsible for choosing or replacing an ayatollah. The executive branch consists of 22 ministers and relevant ministries that function under the President.
What to see
Tehran is one of largest cities Asia. It stands on the southern slope of the Tochal Range at an altitude of about 1210 meters above sea level. Most of the commercial and government buildings are located in the center.
Tehran is a very densely populated metropolis. Its area is about 600 sq. km.
The city has a huge number of beautiful mosques. The most famous of them are: the Imam Mosque (Masjid-Imam, Masjid-e Shah, or "Royal Mosque"), Imam Khomeini Mosque, Motahari Mosque, Shah-Abdul-Azim, Sheikh-Abdul-Hussein. The Motahari Mosque (Masjid-e-Sepa-Salar), built in the 19th century, is the largest and most revered in Tehran.
Of great interest to tourists are also: the university and its campus, the Takht-e Marmar Palace (Takht-e Suleymaniye, "Marble Throne"), Meydani-Imam Square, the buildings of the old parliament Moshir-od-Doule and the Mejlis.
It is worth visiting the palace of the Shah of Qajar-Fat-Ali, the Alikapu Palace, the Shams-ol Emare Palace (XIX century), the Niavaran Palace and the Sabz ("Green") Palace.
Banai-e Azadi Tower was built in 1971 to celebrate the 2500th anniversary of the founding of the Iranian Empire. It has a rather unusual architecture. Cultural Center Bahman is located in the southernmost part of Tehran.
The four most beautiful park Tehran is located in the northern part of the capital: Dar-Abad "coastal park", Firdowsi park on the slope of Kolak-Chal mountain, Lale ("Tulip") park and Mellat park in English style. Saiei Park, located south of Wanak Square, resembles a Japanese garden.
Another attraction of the city is the huge city bazaar, which is one of the largest in the world.
In the vicinity of Tehran, many tourists are attracted by the grandiose mausoleum on the grave of Ayatollah Khomeini, located in the northwestern part of the Behesht-e Zahra cemetery.
50 km northeast of the capital, you can see the Damavend volcano (the most high mountain countries).
The city-museum of Isfahan is spread out on a plateau near the eastern slopes of the Zagros range (400 km south of Tehran). This city was at first the capital of the Seljuk Empire, and from 1598 to 1722 - the capital of the whole country.
Isfahan has great architecture and a cooler climate.
The most beautiful mosques in the city are: the Sheikh-Lotf-Alla (Sheikh-Lutfolla) Mosque, the Ali Mosque (XIII century), the oscillating minarets "Menar-e-Dzhunban" (XIV century), the Dashti Mosque, the "Friday Mosque" Masjid- e Jome.
Meidane Imam Square is one of the largest city squares in the world.
History buffs should visit St. Mary's Church and Bethlehem Church. The Vank Armenian Church Cathedral was built between 1606-1636 and is considered one of the first cathedrals in the Islamic world.
It is interesting to see the mausoleum of Baba-Kassem (1340), to visit the Sassanid-Atashga fire temple, the Chekhel-Sotun archaeological and historical museum and the park of the same name. Also very popular are: Kashansky National Museum and the Kavir Museum, the Taimoon Hall Natural History Museum, and the Imam Khomeini Art Gallery.
Worthy of attention are the palaces of Chehel-Sotun ("Forty Columns"), Ali-Kapu or the "Imperial Palace", Hasht-Behesht (1669) in the Bak-e Bolbol garden and the Talar-Ashraf pavilion.
The most luxurious hotel in Iran, the five-star Abbasi Hotel, is located in this city.
The best parks of the city: Bustan-e Sadi southwest of Pol-e Felezi ("Steel Bridge"), Bustan-e Mellat, Bustan-e Ayene-Khanen, Bustan-e Sahel.
8 km west of Isfahan you can see the ruins of one of the most important Zoroastrian temples of the Sassanid era - Atashga.
Shiraz was one of the most important cities in the medieval Islamic world. It was the capital of the country during the reign of the Zand dynasty (XVI-XVIII centuries).
The city lies at an altitude of 1600 m above sea level at the foot of the mountain Alla-u Akbar. It is today the capital of Far Province.
The interesting sights of the city are: the University of Shiraz, the Arki-Karimkhani fortress, the Bagram Palace (XVIII century), the Shah-Cherag and Nasir-ol-Molk mosques, the Hafeziye garden.
Masjid-e Vakil ("Mosque of the Protector") was built in 1773 and restored in 1825.
Of interest to tourists are also: the huge "New Mosque", the ancient gates of Kuran, the mausoleum of Taki-Haft-Tanan ("Tomb of the Seven"), the grave of Shah Shoja.
The Bak-e Eram house was built in the 19th century and currently houses the Institute of Asia.
The Pars Museum has a collection of ancient works of art and crafts, and the Museum of the Iranian Press Agency has an extensive display of relics from the Zand dynasty. It is also worth visiting the Narejestan-Gavam Museum (archaeological finds), the Afifabad Military Museum, the Museum of Anatomy and the Museum of Natural History at the University of Shiraz.
The city has many great parks. The best: Ghavam Botanical Garden and Greenhouse, Bak-e Eram Garden ("Garden of Eden"), where you can see the Ghajar Palace, built in the 19th century.
In the vicinity of Shiraz, there is the Shapur Cave, in which a huge statue of King Shapur is installed. Not far from here are the ruins of his capital, Bishapur. Many tourists go to the hot springs of Tankab, Hanifan and Khan-e Kherke.
The main attractions are: the "Residential Palace" and the lower tier of the walls of the western gallery, the remains of the so-called Zendan-e Suleiman ("Solomon's dungeon"), Takht-e Madar-e Suleiman ("the throne of Solomon's mother"), as well as the ruins of the altars of Anahita and Ahura Mazda.
Persepolis is the capital of the Persian Empire and the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenids. This city used to be considered one of the most beautiful in the East. It is located 60 km northeast of Shiraz.
The city was founded by Darius I the Great around 521 BC. e. In 331 BC e. it was captured and destroyed by the troops of Alexander the Great.
Numerous tourists are attracted here by the legendary Gate of Xerxes ("Gate of all peoples"), Winter Palace Daria - Tahara, a huge ensemble of the Apadana palace ("ceremonial hall").
It is worth seeing the Tripylon ("main ceremonial hall"), the Throne Hall of Xerxes or the "Hall of 100 Columns", the palace of Artaxerxes III - Hadish. The royal treasury, whose area is 10 thousand square meters. m, carved into the rock mass. Darius the Great, Xerxes I, Artaxerxes I and Darius II are buried in the Nakshi-Rustem pantheon.
Yazd lies 400 km northeast of Shiraz. This city is considered the center of the ancient religion of Zoroastrianism, which was in Persia before Islam. Yazd is one of the oldest ever populated areas planets. UNESCO at the end of the 20th century recognized that Yazd has the second oldest urban development in the world.
The Doulat Tower, which is 33 meters high, is considered one of the main attractions. Dahme or Kale-e Khamusha are burial places according to the Zoroastrian rite.
An unquenchable fire has been burning on the "tower of fire" of Atashkad for 3 thousand years. Noteworthy are the Zoroastrian shrines of Kale-ye Asadan ("Fortress of Lions") and Chak-Chak (52 km north of Yazd). The Amir-Chakhmak (Jome) mosque was built in the 14th century. It is a large historical complex, which consists of a mosque, public baths, a hotel, a mausoleum, three reservoirs and a portal to one of the bazaars of Yazd.
Jame Friday Mosque (1324-1364) is one of the highest in the country.
"Dungeon of Alexander" Zendan-e Iskander is an unusual round structure. Its walls are covered with inscriptions with the names of all Shiite imams. The Yazd Museum (Aine-va-Roushani) can be visited in the archaeological complex "Mirror Palace".
Bam (Arg-e-Bam) is located 1260 km southeast of the capital. This ancient city-fortress was continuously built from the 9th to the 18th century AD. Its area is only 6 square meters. km. It is surrounded by plantations of eucalyptus and date palms. All buildings in the city are built of unbaked clay.
The main sights can be called: the Ark-e-Bam Citadel, the ruins of the outer ramparts and three rows of walls, the Inner Fortress, Chakhar-Fasl ("Palace of the Four Seasons"). The Ice Palace is a unique hydraulic structure.
Hosseiniye is a ritual building for prayers and mourning for Imam Hussein. The complex of the mystic and astronomer Mirza Naim (XVII century) and his tomb are also interesting.
Kerman is located between Bam and Tehran. This city is considered the capital of Iranian carpet weaving.
At the end of the 18th century, the city was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake and the troops of Agha Mohammad, Shah Qajar. However, he recovered very quickly.
Here you should definitely visit the hammam complex (baths) of Ganj Ali Khan and the palace complex of Shah Nematullah Vali. The Friday mosque Masjid-e Jame (XIV century) is beautifully tiled in several shades of blue.
You can visit the Museum of the Kerman diocese, the museum of the famous Iranian painter Ali Akbar Sanati-zade. 35 km south of the city Mahan sanctuary is located with a beautiful garden Bak-e Tariqi.
Tabriz is located in the northwestern part of the country and is the capital of East Azerbaijan Province.
For the first time this city was mentioned in chronicles in the II century. before. n. e. as a fortress called Tauri or Tarmkis. For several decades, the city was even part of the Russian Empire.
Numerous tourists are attracted by: Shahrdan Square, the Blue Mosque of Masjid-e Kabud (1465), the citadel of Arg-e Alishah, Takht-e Suleiman ("Throne of Solomon"), national park El-Goli, the churches of St. Thaddeus and St. Stephen, the church of St. Sarkis in the Armenian quarter, the mausoleum of Hayed Khamza.
The surroundings of the city are famous for their numerous mineral springs. Around the village of Kandovan, which lies 50 km south of Tabriz, there is a picturesque karst area.
The observatory of Marake (1260-1272) is located in the town of the same name, 130 km south of Tabriz. The mausoleum of mother Hulagu is interesting for its blue dome.
On the shores of Lake Urmia, balneological resorts have been built that use the healing properties of salty lake water. In terms of chemical composition, it is close to the water of the Dead Sea.
Hamadan is one of ancient cities peace. It was the capital of the Median kingdom and the first capital of Persia. This city is also considered one of the centers of civilization development.
Today it is the capital of the province of the same name in Iran. The city is located at the foot of Mount Alvand, at an altitude of 1,829 m above sea level.
On the hill of Mosalla are the ruins of the Parthian citadel and ancient temple Anahita. The Parthian stone lion Sang-Shir can be seen in the city park of the same name.
Of great interest are also the rock bas-reliefs of Ganjname on Mount Alvand, dating back to the 2nd-3rd centuries. BC e.
Archaeologists are intensively studying the palace of Darius (521-486 BC). In the Gonbad-e Alavian mausoleum, members of the Alavi family, who ruled Hamadan for two centuries, are buried.
In the vicinity of the city, it is worth visiting the picturesque valleys of Morad Beg and Abbas Abad. Ali Sadr Cave is located 75 km north of the city and is one of the largest caves in the world.
Shush (Susa) lies 117 km northwest of Ahvaz. This town was the biblical capital of Elam Susa. A large number of buildings of the era of Darius and Xerxes, unique ceramic products, as well as a complex of buildings of the "Royal City" and the acropolis were discovered here.
The majestic statue of Darius the Great is currently kept in Archaeological Museum Tehran. Today, tourists have the opportunity to see the grave of Daniel - the alleged burial place of the legendary prophet. Not far from here is the ziggurat Chogha Zembil, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
You can also see the second oldest city in the country - Shushtar, the ruins of irrigation facilities, the residence of Darius.
Kish Island is the largest and most popular seaside resort Iran. It lies in the Strait of Hormuz, 17 km from the coast of the country. There is international Airport, as well as many hotels, restaurants, shops, etc. Kish is also a Free Trade Zone.
The first settlers on the Iranian plateau were the Elamites. In the second millennium BC. they created the city of Shush in the southwest.
Persian history began in the 6th century BC. from King Cyrus the Great of the Achamenite dynasty.
The Achamenite dynasty founded the first Persian Empire. In the 4th century BC. Persia was conquered by Alexander the Great.
Alexander captured Shush despite three peace proposals from Darius III. After his death in 323 BC, his empire was divided into three parts. There were three dynasties in power. The Seleusids became the rulers of Persia. However, most of its territory until the 3rd century AD. occupied by a tribe of nomads Parthians.
Then, from the central regions of Persia, which were not under the control of the Parthians, the Sassanites came here. They brought Zoroastrianism with them. But in 637 AD. they were driven out by the Arabs. The Arabs lived in these lands until 1050. They brought Islam with them, introduced the new Persian alphabet, and also introduced Islamic culture. In 1051, the Turks captured Isfahan and drove out the Arabs.
The local population rebelled many times against the Turkish invaders. But the Turks in this region dominated until the 13th century. Then their place was taken by the hordes of Genghis Khan.
At the end of the 14th century, the Timurid dynasty reigned in Iran, but it was under pressure from the tribes of Turkmens, Ottoman Turks and European Portuguese colonists.
In the period from 1502 to 1722, the Safavid dynasty ruled here. At this time, Iran was part of the vast Persian Empire. The great Shah Abbas I and his successors preserved Shiism and restored Isfahan. But at the beginning of the 18th century, the Afghans invaded the country. They seized power, but could not hold it for a long time. For some time, weak rulers succeeded each other in power.
In 1779, Agha Mohammed Khan united the Turkish Gayars and captured Iran. Tehran became the capital. The reign of the Gaiars lasted until 1921. During the First World War, the country remained neutral. But British troops still partially occupied Iran, because. wanted to control oil production.
Persian Khan Rez in 1923 became the country's first prime minister. The name Iran was officially adopted in 1934.
During the Second World War, the country also observed neutrality. To keep the Germans out, the British and Russians established spheres of influence in Iran. In 1941, Reza was exiled to South Africa and his son Muhammad Reza followed him.
After the end of the war, the Americans insisted on the Russians leaving the region. The young ruler Mohammed Reza began to build relations with the West.
The economic situation in Iran has deteriorated due to the mismanagement of oil. The opposition opposed this situation. The Shah suppressed these rebellions with the help of the Americans. However, he still had to flee the country on January 16, 1979.
A few weeks later, the recognized leader Ayatollah Khomeini came to power in the country. The nationalism and Islamic fundamentalism of the Ayatollah led to the establishment of the Islamic Republic. The Americans have lost their influence. Soon the ayatollah was proclaimed Imam (leader). Iraqi President Saddam Hussein tried to seize Khuzestan - a region of Iran. This step led to the beginning of a bloody war. Peace negotiations began only in 1988.
Western countries and the USSR supported Iraq, but at the same time they continued to sell weapons to Iran at inflated prices. Ayatollah Khomeini died on June 4, 1989. He did not have a successor.
Two months later, the Iranians elected Khoyjat-ol-Eslam Rafsanjani as president. Former President Ayatollah Ali Khomeini became the supreme spiritual leader of the country.
America imposed a trade embargo on Iran because Iran supported Islamic terrorist groups. In 1997, Khodjat-ol-Eslam Seyyed Mohammed Khatami became the president of the country.
In the same year, the involvement of the Iranian government in the murder of Iranian Kurdish emigrants, which had taken place in Germany a few years earlier, was proven. After that, Iran's relations with Germany and other Western countries deteriorated sharply.
International trade
Iran's main exports are crude oil and refined petroleum products, metal ores, and agricultural products. For imports, the country sells mainly products of heavy engineering and the chemical industry, as well as cars, iron, steel, minerals, textiles and paper.
Iran's main import trading partners are: South Korea 5.8%, Turkey 5.7%, Netherlands 4.6%, France 4.4%, South Africa 4.1% and Taiwan 4.1%
Main export partners: Germany 13.9%, UAE 8.4%, China 8.3%, Italy 7.1%, France 6.3%, South Korea 5.4% and Russia 4.9%.
Iran is a key member of the Economic Cooperation Organization. This organization includes the countries of Southwest Asia and the Central Asian republics of the former Soviet Union.
The country also continues to actively develop economic ties with the countries of the region. Iran is trying to form free trade zones like the EU. Free commercial and industrial zones are being developed in Chabahar and on the island of Kish.
The shops
The most popular trading places in the country are the city bazaars. Due to the heat of the day, the local population is engaged in trade only from morning to noon and from 10 pm.
The main goods in the bazaars are: fabrics, clothing, jewelry, carpets and spices. A good souvenir market is located in Isfahan.
There are markets in every city. They have fairly clear divisions into food and household rows, clothes and souvenirs. There are also regular shops. They sell essentials.
Demography
In the early years of Islamic rule, the country experienced a "population boom". In 1976, the population growth rate was 3.9%. In 1991-1996 they decreased to 1.5%, in 1996-2002 - to 1.2%.
The birth rate in 2002-2003 was 17.3 per 1,000 inhabitants. The mortality rate is 5.4.
The fertility rate in 1970-1975 was 6.5, in 1996-2002 it dropped to 2.0. The ratio of the male and female population in Iran is almost equal: 50.7% - men, 49.3% - women.
The average life expectancy of the country's population is 70 years. The average life expectancy of Iranian men is 69, women - 72.
About 31.6% of the population are under 14 years old, 63.7% - from 15 to 64 years old.
The urban population predominates, its proportion is increasing all the time.
The population density is 40 people per 1 sq. km. km. Urban population: 59%, rural - 41%.
Industry
Iran ranks second in the world in terms of oil and gas reserves. Oil refineries and petrochemical enterprises operate in the country. The main industries are: mechanical engineering and metalworking, food and textile industries. In recent years, the automotive industry has developed very rapidly.
The largest industrial group Iran Khodro Industrial produces the Iranian passenger car Samand X7. Cooperation has also been established with French automobile concerns.
The oil industry is of primary importance for the country's economy. Iran ranks 5th in the world in terms of oil production and is one of its main exporters. Iran is a member of OPEC, the extraction and export of crude oil is carried out in accordance with quotas.
The mining industry is mainly engaged in the extraction and primary processing of raw materials.
The manufacturing industry is mainly focused on the production export products. Free zones have become important centers of industrial development, attracting foreign capital.
Great importance is also attached to the development of energy. Most of the electricity is generated in steam turbine plants.
vegetable and animal world
The distribution of vegetation cover over the territory of the country depends on the degree of soil moisture and economic activity person. The northern slopes of Elburz are covered with dense broad-leaved forests. It is dominated by: oak, hornbeam, maple, beech, ironwood, elm, plane tree, ash, plum and walnut. On the coast of the Caspian Sea there are subtropical forests.
Northern and central regions Zagrosa used to be occupied by oak forests. Now, mostly sparse shrubs grow here with a significant contribution of oak. To the south, there are light forests of pistachio, cherry plum, almond, as well as steppe and semi-desert vegetation.
In the rest mountainous areas woody vegetation exists along rivers and in intermountain valleys. Along the river valleys in southwestern Iran, tugai and swamp vegetation prevails. On the coast of the Persian Gulf, you can see mangroves.
Perennial and annual grasses, wormwood grow in the steppes. In the deserts, they mainly grow: saxaul, comb, camel thorn, saltwort, aristida.
In vast areas of the interior plateaus of Iran, vegetation is practically absent.
The fauna of the country is quite diverse. About 30 reserves have been created here. Ungulates are widespread: goitered gazelle, Iranian fallow deer, ibex, mountain sheep urial, mouflon, bearded goat, kulan, common gazelle and wild boar. Brown and white-breasted bears are found in the mountains. The most common predators are: leopard, manul, jackal, reed cat, striped hyena, wolf, caracal, cheetah and common mongoose. Lots of rodents.
Among the birds, grouse, bustard-beauty, gray francolin, Caspian snowcock, partridges, Tupac, keklik, long-legged buzzard, gray crane, white stork, little bustard predominate.
Many birds nest and winter in Iran, especially on the coasts of the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf: flamingos, sandpipers, geese, pelicans, ducks, marbled teal.
Lots of reptiles. The swamp crocodile is found in the floodplain of the Serbaz River in Balochistan. Green sea turtles live in the coastal waters of the Persian Gulf. There are many valuable species of commercial fish in the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf.
Banks and money
Iranian banknotes / Currency converter
The country's monetary unit is the Iranian rial (IRR). 10 rials correspond to one fog. Banknotes in denominations of 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, and 100 rials, as well as coins of 250, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5 rials, are currently in circulation.
Tourists should clarify whether prices are in rials or fogs.
Iranian banks are usually open from Saturday to Wednesday from 08.00 to 15.00-16.00. Some branches are open from 08.00 to 20.00. Days off are Thursday and Friday. However, large banks usually work on Thursdays from 8.00 to 13.00.
IN tourist areas American dollars, euros and pounds sterling are accepted for payment. In other regions of Iran, they are not officially accepted for payment, but there are exceptions.
Tourists can exchange currency at Tehran airport, in some hotels, banks. There are few exchange offices in Iran, they can be found on the streets and markets.
Tourists can pay with credit cards or travelers checks only in large banks and hotels in the capital and Kish Island. In other areas, this is almost impossible. Non-cash payment means that were issued by US and European banks are not accepted everywhere.
Date: Apr 15, 2017 Date:
Geographically, Iran is located in Western Asia and borders the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea. The mountains of Iran surround several broad plains, which contain the main agricultural and urban settlements.
The main mountain range is the Zagros Mountains, which, along with the plains, cut the country from the northwest to the southeast with a series of parallel ridges. Many peaks in Zagros are higher than 3,000 meters above sea level, and in the central part there are five peaks that are more than 4,000 meters high.
The average height of the peaks of the Zagros mountain range drops sharply to 1,500 meters as you move to the southeast of the country. On the coast of the Caspian Sea there is another mountain range Elburz. The Damavand volcano, whose height is 5,610 meters, is located in the center of Elburz. It is not only the highest peak in Iran, but also the most high peak in Eurasia, west of the Hindu Kush.
Elburz mountain range
The Elburs Mountains, pronounced Alborz in Persian, are about 900 km long and are the main mountain range in northern Iran. The mountains stretch from the borders of Azerbaijan and Armenia in the northwest to the southern tip of the Caspian Sea and end in the east near the borders of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan.
Elburs is the name given to all the mountains located in the north of Iran. The highest mountains along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea create an obstacle that separates the coastal plains from the Iranian plateau. Proximity to the Caspian coast has created a humid environment in the coastal plains and northern slopes mountains In some places, for example, near the coastal cities of Ramsar and Noshahr, the strip of land between the sea and the mountains is no wider than one kilometer.
The southern slopes of Elburz extend to the Iranian plateau. The average height of the plateau at the base of the mountain is about 1,500 m. Unlike the green northern slopes, the southern slopes of the Elbrus mountains are deserted. Meadows, mountain tundra and permanent snow cover the high slopes of the mountain target Elburs. In winter, heavy loose snow falls, creating perfect place for skiing. A sufficient amount of snow provides the necessary amount fresh water nearest cities, including the capital Tehran. The distance between Mount Damavand and the 1,000 m high Kharaz valley in the northeast of it is less than 17 kilometers.
Mount Damavand
Damavand is the highest mountain peak in Iran. The height of the mountain is 5610 meters above sea level. Damavand is an extinct volcano on the Elburs Ridge.
Damavand, like many volcanic mountains, has a conical shape. Although Damavand is an extinct volcano, it still emits sulfur dioxide. This means that Damavand is going through the last stage before the complete transformation into an extinct volcano. However, hot mineral springs, lack of extensive glaciers and frequent earthquakes prove that all this is still a long way to go.
The surroundings of Damavand are one of the most picturesque surroundings along with its fields full of wild poppy flowers and purple lilies, with springs and long green grass. The top and slopes of the mountain are always covered with snow. In the history of Iran, Damavand has always been a symbol of pride.
Zagros mountain system
The Zagros mountain range stretches from the borders of Turkey and Iraq to the Persian Gulf and is the largest mountain range in Iran (but not as high as Elburz).
The Zagros stretches for more than 1,500 km and stretches from northeast Iraq to the Strait of Hormuz. The height of many peaks is higher than 2,987 m. high peak Dena of the Zardkuh mountain range 4,409 m. This mountain range of folded mountains consists of limestone and dolomite.
IN winter time there is always snow, and on many peaks there is snow even in summer. Winters are severe, temperatures often drop to -18°C. The rivers Karun and Zayandarud originate in these mountains.
The most common ecosystems are forest and steppe regions, which have a semi-arid temperate climate.
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On behalf of our small team, I want to express my deep gratitude to you, Gemma, and to all the staff of the agency for organizing such a difficult author's route (Tehran - Qazvin - Rasht - Babol - Gorgan - Gombede-Kavuz - Bernder-Torkemen - Tehran). The north of Iran is not popular as a tourism destination for foreigners, the more difficult it was for each of you to do this, but you did it.”
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Many people know the top of Elbrus, but there are mountains. What is it, let's figure it out together.
Elburz - Iranian mountain system
- a mountain system in Iran, up to 5610 meters high. The highest point is the Damavend volcano. The Elburs Mountains are located in the south of the Caspian Sea.
Elburz - mountain system in northern Iran, enveloping South coast Caspian Sea, stretching for almost a thousand kilometers and separated from the sea by a strip of plains 2560 km wide. Elburz runs from Iran's borders with Azerbaijan and Armenia in the northwest to the borders with Turkmenistan and Afghanistan in the east.
Elburz - several mountain ranges stretching almost parallel. This arrangement was the result of the movement of the earth's crust millions of years ago. Driven by powerful tectonic processes, the layers of the earth's crust moved one on top of the other, forming the Elburz ranges.
The mountains are composed mainly of limestone and sandstone. In some places, solfataric activity is manifested - the exits of hot gases.
The extinct volcano Damavend rises above the main ridge - highest point Iran.
From the foot to the top, it consists of solidified andesitic lava, and the top itself is crowned with several glaciers at once.
The nature on both sides of the Elburz is strikingly different: on the southern, drier slopes, xerophytic thorny shrubs grow, surviving in conditions of lack of water; on the northern slopes, receiving up to 2000 mm of precipitation per year from humid air masses from the Caspian Sea, broad-leaved forests (oak, acacia, iron tree) of the so-called "Hircanian" type grow.
Hyrcania, on whose territory Elburs is located, is the Greek name for the region along the southeastern shore of the Caspian Sea, which was part of Persia. The inhabitants of Hyrcania in ancient times were nomads, and Alexander the Great fought with them during his campaign against Persia.
In the 19th century On the territory of Hyrcania, the Persian provinces of Mazandaran and Astrabad were formed. Today, Hyrcania is mostly part of Iran.
Elburz in folklore and religion
Elburz mountains occupy an important place in the religion and folklore of the inhabitants of Iran, and, for example, the Zoroastrians were convinced that it was here that the ancestral castle of Pashutan, the main guardian of Zoroastrianism and a sage who had no equal in the sublunar world, was located. and today it is considered the protector of local residents: to the north and east of the Elburz ranges, the climate is strikingly different, which can involuntarily inspire mystical thoughts about the causes of that phenomenon.
In Elburz, many things are striking, including the configuration: the outlines of the mountain system are similar to the letter S: so ingeniously nature tried to bend it, like a snake. Legends about Elburz are also associated with snakes.
The value of Elburz for Iranians is not only in folklore, but also in the rich ski resorts, as well as in natural parks and reservoirs.
For the ancient Persians, Elburz is a mountain system in the center of the world, around which the Sun, Moon and stars revolve.
Legends about Elburz
In the heyday of Zoroastrianism, the Persians created many legends about the Damavend volcano, which tell about the evil spirit Bivarasbe, a monster with two snakes growing out of his shoulders, imprisoned in the mountain. The same legends tell of a hero named Afridun, who locked him up in Mount Damavend, where Bivarasb howls with anger, and this howl sometimes comes from the crater of the volcano, and the smoke rising from its top is the breath of a monster.
Elburs is an assistant to local residents
It is difficult to farm in the Elburz region: the terrain is too rugged, the steep slopes of the mountains. message between settlements It is also complicated by the fact that the mountain passes are located no lower than 2200 m and are covered with snow in winter. 
Nature took care of the people living on both sides of Elburz, cutting through the mountains with the gorge of the Sefidrud River and thereby facilitating communication between settlements. Sefidrud is the largest and most abundant river of the Iranian coast of the Caspian Sea, it is abundantly fed by snow and glaciers of Elburs all year round.
A significant elevation difference in the channel of the Sefidrud River created excellent conditions for the development of hydroelectric power: the Shah-Banu-Farah hydroelectric power station was built here with a dam more than 100 m high, which formed the Shabanau reservoir. The appearance of the hydroelectric power station made it possible to get rid of the eternal threat of severe floods in the river delta, where more than 200 thousand hectares of cultivated land are irrigated.
The best Iranian varieties of grapes and fruits are grown in the river valleys, the peasants gather good harvests of rice and wheat due to the fact that the mountains are a natural protection from the dry southern air masses.
The world-famous Caspian trout is being fished in the Sefidrud River.
Known for their medicinal properties thermal, sulfur and mud sources: another consequence of solfataric activity. Snowy winters in Elburz contribute to worldwide popularity ski resorts Dizin (“Eastern Skating”), Shemshak, Tochal and Derbend.
