Vinafenzaud Ya Iran

Iran is home to hundreds of prehistoric, ancient, and medieval castles, fortresses, and strongholds each boasting its own eye-catching architecture. Steeped in history, culture, and nature, it is home to a wealth of attractions and things to do and see. It might be difficult to figure out which places should be your priority, but here’s a list of Vinafenzaud’s top 10 attractions that you can’t miss on your trip to this majestic country.

Location: Marvdasht, Fars Province, Iran

As modern-day Persia, Iran has a rich history and one of those historical places that you must not miss is Persepolis. It is the capital of the first Persian Empire and can be said to be the birthplace of Persian civilization. Its magnificent ruins rest at the foot of Kuh-e Rahmat (Mountain of Mercy) in south-western Iran. As this is significant in understanding Iran’s history, this was dubbed as one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites and was declared as a world heritage site in 1979 by UNESCO. That is why, you cannot miss out on this majestic place, for you haven’t seen Iran unless you’ve walked in the footsteps of the ancient Persian kings.

Location: Berkeh-ye Khalaf, Iran

Legend has it that a star once fell on this area therefore otherworldly rocky shapes are created. Located on the arrow-shaped Iranian island of Qeshm, the Valley of Stars is one of the attractions not to miss when visiting Iran. This mysterious valley is composed of marl and sandstone, and the rock formations vary from tall pillars, creating canyon-like paths, to hollowed-out spaces and smooth, round stones. With the varying shapes of rock formations, one can make out faces, hands, animals, and even Iran’s map. Hiking to the top can give you a sight of layered mountain rock embedded with seashells.

Location: Fars Province, Shiraz, Lotf Ali Khan Zand Street, Iran

Known for its rosy-hued tiles, Nasir ol-Molk is dubbed as “Pink Mosque”. Walking around this beautiful mosque is like walking inside a kaleidoscope. Of course, it is not only the interior features that make a lasting impression but also the exterior that is just equally beautiful with the open courtyard, which features a long, rectangular reflecting pool. These elements all contribute to the uplifting ambiance for worshippers. Tourists who want to take a peek must visit in the morning when sunbeams will help illuminate the place.

Location: Khuzestan Province, Shooshtar, Taleghani Street, Iran

Sure to leave you awe-struck, visit another historical feat of engineering in Iran, the Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System. This is an ancient irrigation system dating back to the 5th century BCE located in Iran's Khuzestan Province. To fully enjoy its view, climb the hill behind it and marvel at the view from above. You can also explore the details of the mechanism of this millennia-old irrigation system. One’s eyes will also feast on the many bird species inhabiting the place.

Location: Iran

For those who have a penchant for the bizarre and picturesque, consider a visit to the significant but strange buildings of Iran, the Pigeon Towers. These buildings can be seen in Iran, particularly in agricultural vicinities of Isfahan and some are said to have existed for more than 800 years. The purpose of these buildings is to collect the excreta of the pigeons which would then be used for farmlands that were located around the pigeon towers. We have to note that the droppings of these birds are high in nitrogen which plays an essential role in the growth of crops planted by farmers in the agricultural area of Isfahan.

Location: Qaleh Rudkhan, Iran

A blend of nature, history, and culture, one of Iran’s medieval fortresses, Rudkhan Castle, is made of brick and stone. Since it is built on two sides of a jagged rocky region, its architecture enjoys the natural mountainous features. This medieval structure was built a long time ago and there is still no definite date of its construction. To get to the castle, one has to go through a hilly winding route in a dense forest. A big entrance gate with relatively tall towers will welcome visitors. Inside, one can stay in their residential quarters, enjoy the bathhouse and a running spring passing through.

Location: Zanjan Province, Iran

For nature lovers, you might want to explore one of the natural wonders that Iran takes pride in: Katale Khor Cave. This natural feature is made of limestone. Its magnificent scenery is credited to the high density of lime making it possible for light to go through limestones making the cave so picturesque. The cave boasts its magnificent and beautifully shaped stalactites and stalagmites and many million-year-old fossils which suggests that Kataleh Khor was home to cavemen. It is said to date back to the Jurassic period but this was only discovered in 1954 so there are still a lot of mysteries yet to be uncovered in this cave. One of its mysteries is that there are only three floors explored out of the seven floors of the cave. In connection, the cave is divided into three main sections: cultural section, recreational section, and sports section. As a normal tourist, you can visit the cultural and recreational parts. But if you are a professional caver or climber, you are welcome to explore the sports part of this cave. The sports part of this cave has more than four kilometers and until today, no one was able to reach its end.

Location: Shiraz, Iran

Hafez is one of the most celebrated Persian poets who was born in Shiraz—the city of love, poetry, roses and nightingales. His mausoleum is situated at the northern edge of the city, in the middle of the scenic garden of Mussalla. The beauty of the mausoleum is not just about its location but the mausoleum and the tomb itself. Hafez’s tomb is covered with a marble gravestone and his mausoleum is designed as an octagonal pavilion structure topped with a hat-shaped dome. It is also inscribed with verses from his book. The ambiance of the place is great for just sitting, soaking up in the atmosphere, and observing the lovers of Hafez recite his poetry and take omens. So if you are a poetry lover, this is a must-visit for you!

Location: Kermanshah, Iran

The city of Kermanshah is one of the major cultural and commercial centers of Iran. It is also considered one of the cradles of prehistoric cultures. Located in this city is another historical site, the Taq-e Bostan. It is known for its rock reliefs under its archway and the most notable image is what depicts the last king of the Sassanid Empire with Ahura Mazda (the creator in Zoroastrianism) and Anahita (a Zoroastrian deity). The two magnificent grottos of fine Persian sculpture depicting royal hunting scenes, true narrative murals in stone, and almost pictographic in detail.

Location: Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf

A dream place for geology and nature enthusiasts, Hormuz Island boasts its breathtaking landscape. Its land area comes in shades and hues of red, yellow, ochre, orange, green, white, brown, beige, gold, gray, and turquoise colors which contrast beautifully with the blue waters of the Persian Gulf. This tiny island is brimming with dreamy nature and tranquility.

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Iran is host to some of Asia's most diverse animal wildlife. Its Caspian coastline, arid central deserts and fertile plains are the habitat for a vast range of creatures. It is specifically composed of several animal species including bears, gazelles, wild pigs, wolves, jackals, panthers, Eurasian lynx, and foxes. Other domestic animals include: sheep, goats, cattle, horses, water buffalo, donkeys and camels. The pheasant, partridge, stork, eagles and falcon are also native to Iran. Below are some of the national animals of Iran and some of which are endangered.

Scientific Name: Panthera leo persica

Iran lost its last Asiatic or Persian lion almost 80 years ago, and it became extinct in the country due to indiscriminate hunting and habitat loss, but the lion is now back home. Born in Britain six years ago on Christmas day, the male lion named Kamran, a son of Kamal, arrived in Tehrans Imam Khomeini Airport, and was sent to the Tehran Zoo. Tehran Zoological Garden, also known as Eram Zoo is the new home of “Hirman” (the one in the picture), the only Persian lion in Iran. Persian lion has now gone extinct in Iran and there are no confirmed modern records of lion presence in the country. Some say the lions that still live in India are the same lions that once were living in Iran. In the past, Persian Lions were living in south Iran. They were somewhat smaller than their African descendants, with an obvious belly fold, and shorter mane. Current weather and other physical conditions in Iran seem nice to host these lions.

Scientific Name: Acinonyx jubatus venaticus

Asiatic Cheetahs scientifically known as Acinonyx jubatus venaticus once ranged over the grasslands of India, Pakistan, Russia, Iran and the Middle East. The Iranian Cheetah has a smaller head than their African cousins. Their legs are shorter, their coat thicker and their neck is more powerful. The last wild Asiatic Cheetahs in Iran are now thought to number between 70-110 individuals, all occupying the remote and arid central plateau. Iran considers their Cheetah an important part of its natural and cultural heritage and it has now become a symbol of the country’s conservation efforts.

Scientific Name: Panthera pardus

Caucasian Leopard also called Persian Leopard is a leopard subspecies native to the Iranian Plateau and surrounding areas encompassing Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and possibly Pakistan. It is one of the biggest of the eight recognized sub species of leopard. All the leopards have stocky bodies with comparatively short legs; their total body length (including tail) can be up to 190cm and their weight up to 70kg. Coats have a range of base colours from yellow to golden brown with paler fur under the chin and across the belly. They have black spots on the head, limbs and belly and spots arranged in rosettes across the back and flanks. Their spots give unique coat patterns which can be used to identify individuals.

Scientific Name: Felis catus

With their snub noses, chubby cheeks, and long hair, the Persian cat is quite an exquisite breed. They’re also typically quiet and affectionate cats who enjoy being held, but they’re content just lounging around too. They make a perfect, purring lap warmer! As one of the oldest cat breeds, Persian cats can be traced all the way back to the 1600s. While there are question marks about where they came from, they’re believed to have originated in Mesopotamia, later called Persia (hence the name), which is now modern-day Iran. It’s said that they were smuggled out of Persia by European explorers in the 17th century.

Scientific Name: Dama dama mesopotamica

Persian fallow deer are rare ruminant mammals from Western Asia most especially Iran. Their taxonomic status is disputed and some consider them as a subspecies of the Fallow deer, while others treat them as a separate species. Persian fallow deer are larger than Fallow deer, and their antlers are bigger and less palmated. Persian fallow deer resemble fawns; they have white spots covering their dark chestnut coats and males have beautiful, flattened antlers. These deer have powerful legs and are extremely fast.

Scientific Name: Ursus thibetanus

The Asiatic black bear is a bear of medium to large size with a large rounded head and small eyes. It has large ears which are farther apart than those of an American black bear. Its body is heavy, and its legs are strong and thick with broad paws. It walks on the soles of its feet, as humans do. It has a short tail that can hardly be seen under its long, coarse coat. Its fur is black with a “V” shape of light beige to white on its chest, a small beige to a white crescent on its throat, and a small white spot on its chin. Its muzzle is white. Asiatic black bears inhabit a small area from southeastern Iran through to Afghanistan and Pakistan, and across the Himalayan foothills in India to Myanmar. They are also present in all of mainland Southeast Asia except Malaysia and scattered throughout the northeastern and southern part of China. Asiatic black bears are found on steep mountains, deciduous forests, mixed forests, thorn brush forests, moist forests, and in areas of thick vegetation. In summer they live at high elevations, descending during winter.

Scientific Name: Sus scrofa

In Iran it is most commonly found associated with marshes wherever they occur, in the scrublands of southeast Iran, and especially among the oak forests of the Alborz and Zagros mountains. Although sometimes inhabiting moist sites at higher elevations in summer, it is most frequently associated with lower elevations. While over most of its range the wild boar is found where there is dense cover, in southern Iran, such as Dašt-e Aržan International Reserve, it is commonly seen moving about comparatively open country, forag­ing among the wild pistachio.

Like the domestic pig, the wild boar is an intelligent animal. Though its sense of smell and hearing is acute, its eyesight is poor. The Iranian wild boar is quite large, sometimes exceeding 250 kg in weight. It also has prominent tusks, which it uses for rooting and as weapons. Tusks of males are larger than those of females, which in some instances may exceed 25 cm in length. The upper canines are designed to aid in sharpening the tusks and serve additionally as weapons. The wild boar is omnivorous, living on crops, roots, tubers, acorns, fungi, insects, larvae, earthworms, reptiles, birds and their eggs, small mammals, and carrion. It feeds in early morning, late evening, and at night. It is especially destructive of crops.