Introduction to IRAN

The original Iranians were the Persians (Pars or Fars) who settled on Iran high central plateau around one millennium B.C they were descendants of Indo-Europeans known as Aryans who migrated from the north. It is after these Aryan ancestors that the modern name of Iran (land of the Aryans) was chosen in 1953 to replace the ancient name of Persia. Thus, Iranians are close relatives of the Germanic or European races and speak a Indo- European based language.

Persian (Farsi) using Arabic letters is the language used and understood by the whole nation. There are a number of other dialects and national languages- Turkish (Azarbaijani), Kurdish, Luri, Guilaki, Baluchi and Arabic - used by the corresponding provincial population for daily life purposes.

Iran is a vast country (630,000 square miles). Located in the Middle East forming the western part of Asia, Iran covers a large portion of the extensive plateau which has an average height of some 1000 meters. Iran is surrounded by Iraq (Mesopotamia of old) to the west. Pakistan and Afghanistan to the East, the steppes of Russia to the north and the Persian Gulf to the south. Iran forms a great connecting land bridge between Asia and Europe. Its area is roughly equal to the combined areas of France, England, Germany, Italy, Belgium. Iran can be divided roughly into three regions: one third mountains, one third deserts, and one third forests.

Over the centuries, Iran has suffered prevailing in an Islamic country where more than 90% of the population are practicing Muslims. Churches and temples belonging to the world's major religions function freely. Mosques can usually be visited any time except on Friday and at certain hours of the day devoted to prayers.
Iran is one of the oldest cradles of human civilization. Persepolis, alone, is worth a visit to Iran. The list of significant ancient attractions is endless. Tourism's main focus, however, has always centered on the cities of Iran. The cities are alive with the building of new factories, government buildings, schools, universities, hospitals, hotels, many invasions. Nonetheless, the Iranian people have always retained their unique cultural identity. Iran has a great deal of ethnic diversity throughout the country coupled with great tolerance for differences. Iranians are a proud people known for their open-mindedness, intelligence, respect for education, hospitality and friendliness.

In addition to ethnic diversity, a variety of religions exists in Iran. The uninitiated tourist may be surprised at the spirit of tolerance as well as residential housing. Streets are enhanced by trees, shrubbery, flowers, and fountains. Parks and gardens are open to the public for their enjoyment. Shopping in the Bazaars is a unique experience for the tourist. But, perhaps the greatest drawing card to the cities are the beautiful and unique mosques.