One chilly summer night, Ali, a passionate astrophotographer from Tehran, found himself standing in the vast, dark plains of Dasht-e Kavir. Armed with his camera, a tripod, and a star map, he had traveled hundreds of kilometers to witness the Milky Way in its full glory. As he adjusted his camera to capture the ethereal beauty above, the serene silence was only broken by the faint whispers of...

Iranian cuisine is a delightful journey for food lovers, and vegetarians will find plenty to enjoy among the array of flavors and dishes in this ancient culture. While Iran is known for its rich meat-based dishes, its cuisine also offers a wide range of vegetarian foods, from stews and rice dishes to unique Persian snacks. This guide will walk you through some of the most popular and flavorful...

Emma, a history teacher from Australia, had always dreamed of visiting Iran to see its ancient sites. When she finally arrived at Persepolis, the capital of the Achaemenid Empire, she was amazed by its magnificence. "Pictures and books don't do justice to this place," she said while walking through the Gate of All Nations, where massive stone columns stood proudly despite centuries of...

Last year, I had the opportunity to speak with Reza, a young Iranian filmmaker, during a film festival in Tehran. Reza shared his story about how the restrictions of Iranian cinema shaped the way he approaches filmmaking. "We don't have the luxury of making films that are just for entertainment," he told me. "Every shot, every word, every frame is carefully thought out, not only because of the...

A Personal Encounter with Iranian Snacks It was during a vibrant bazaar stroll in Tehran that Maria, an adventurous traveler, discovered the rich variety of Iranian snacks. She was initially drawn to the stalls by the aroma of freshly roasted nuts and the colorful displays of dried fruits. "I couldn’t stop myself from sampling everything," Maria recalled, smiling. From crunchy Lavashak (fruit...

Iran is a country of breathtaking natural diversity, from its lush forests and arid deserts to towering mountain ranges and stunning coastlines. Its landscapes offer travelers the opportunity to experience diverse ecosystems, each with its own beauty and charm. Let’s explore some of Iran’s most spectacular natural wonders, each revealing a unique side of this captivating land. Dasht-e Lut Desert...

The Persian Empire stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, renowned for its advanced culture, impressive architecture, and enduring influence on the world. Spanning from around 550 BCE to 330 BCE, the empire covered vast regions, from present-day Turkey and Egypt to parts of Central Asia and India. Founded by Cyrus the Great, the Persian Empire was known not only for its...

Imagine stepping into a home during Nowruz, the Persian New Year. The air is filled with the scent of freshly baked sweets and the joy of family reuniting. As you enter the living room, you are greeted by the sight of a beautifully arranged Haft-Seen table—a traditional setup of seven symbolic items. Each object on the table tells a story, from the green sprouts symbolizing growth to the...

Iran is often mistakenly considered part of the Arab world due to its geographical location in the Middle East and cultural interactions with Arab nations. However, Iran is not an Arab country. It has its own distinct identity, language, and culture, separate from the Arab world. In this article, we will explore the differences between Iran and Arab countries, clarify common misconceptions, and...