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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.
Iran
is a vast country (630,000 square miles). Located in
the Middle East and 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 many invasions.
Nonetheless, the Iranian people have always retained
their unique cultural identity. As a result of their
advanced culture, Iranians usually influenced the
invaders more than the invaders influenced them. 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
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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 Fridays and at certain hours of the day
devoted to prayers. Only a small number of sanctuaries
in the holy cities of Qum, Mashhad, and Rey are out of
bounds to non Muslim visitors.
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, 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.
Come
to Iran to see the ancient past and the progressive
present of this fascinating country
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