Capturing Iran: A picture journey with This misinterpreted nation

The middle Eastern country of Iran is misinterpreted by many. Western media portrays this nation as a location full of nuclear weapons, a sinister ruler as well as women dressed from head to toe in black. just like every country, Iran isn’t without its faults. However, any type of misconceptions we may have had were totally shattered the minute we crossed the border from Turkmenistan, into Iran.

We made the decision to travel to Iran to discover about the interesting history as well as culture, satisfy the regional people as well as feast on a cuisine made with intriguing spices as well as ingredients….a decision we’ll never regret!

The People

The people of Iran are extremely kind. On numerous events we were invited to sit as well as talk about life, shown into the houses of total strangers as well as were often provided assist as well as directions. everybody we satisfied was friendly as well as at times, overwhelmingly hospitable!

Men taking a break in the afternoon sun – Tabriz

Three people we now phone call good friends – Shiraz
 

The owner of our desert homestay played the pots! incredible noise – Garmeh
 

We were invited in for tea by these guys in Yazd
 

Singing poetry in the park, incredible sound! – Esfahan
 

We were invited to stay for 6 nights with these remarkable people! – Esfahan
 

Everywhere we went, people desired pictures with us – Persepolis
 

Hanging out enjoying tea as well as great business – Tabriz
 

Two wonderful good friends – Esfahan
 

The Troglodyte (cave dweller) village of Maymand has been constantly populated for 3,000 years!
The Landscapes

From crystal remove seas to sandy deserts as well as rocky mountains, Iran has a extremely diverse landscape. much of the country is a dry desert as well as we spent some delightful days enjoying the peacefulness that only this parched landscape can provide.

Amazing formations as well as cave houses at the Kandovan Troglodyte village – near Tabriz

The Kaluts are towering sand formations in the desert outside of Kerman
 

The desert village of Garmeh is a lovely oasis
 

Salt flats in the desert – Garmeh

The mud village of Karnaq
 

Hiking up mountains as well as multi-coloured rocks to get to a spectacular perspective – Garmeh

Enjoying the views from the rolling dunes at sunset – near Garmeh Village
The Food

Iranian cuisine isn’t extremely prominent in the west, which is a shame! The different flavours as well as spices integrate to make unique, must-try meals. Stews as well as grilled meats are typical for primary dishes, while both fresh & dried fruits, nuts as well as pastries are commonly eaten as snacks. Street-food is typical as well, with some tasty bites on offer.

Beets on the street! A excellent street food choice – Tehran
 

This traditional dish, Tah Chin is a savory saffron rice meal with chicken

date-filled delights, the very best cookies ever – Kerman
 

A nice lunch in the desert, camel patties! – Garmeh

Roast poultry meal with saffron rice as well as barberries – Mashad
Ghormeh Sabzi (stewed greens) with beans as well as camel meat, so great – Garmeh

The Architecture

The buildings in Iran are gorgeous. The intricate details on ancient mosques, palaces as well as bazaars are outstanding. From glittering tiles to vaulted ceilings as well as crumbling forts, the structures in Iran are extremely impressive.

The tomb of Hafez, the biggest master of Persian lyric poetry – Shiraz
 

The Shah Cheragh Mosque & Funerary Monument – Shiraz

The UNESCO world Heritage site of Persepolis was developed around 515BC! The ruins right here are incredible
 

The Van Cathedral in the Armenian Quarter – Esfahan

Totalling 598,657 m2 (6,443,890 sq ft) the Imam Reza Shrine as well as mosque complex is the largest in the world
 

The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque (Pink Mosque) has lovely tiles as well as discolored glass inside – Shiraz

The Markets

Markets as well as bazaars play a significant part in Iran’s daily life. Vendors offer whatever from carpets, water pipes as well as food, to clothing, materials as well as kitchen area ware. the markets right here are usually covered with high vaulted ceilings. even if you’re not thinking about buying anything, the design as well as environment right here is a must-see. The covered market in Tabriz is one of the oldest in Iran, the largest in the world as well as is a UNESCO world Heritage Site!

A vendor evaluates out some nuts in Kerman
 

Vaulted ceiling at the market

Nap time at the carpet market – Shiraz
 

Waterpipes to buy in the sun – Kerman

Colourful spices on screen – Kerman market
 

Courtyard at the market in Kerman

Colourful material to buy – Esfahan
 

A beautiful, intricate, costly Persian carpet – Tehran

Iran may be a country that you never believed you’d visit. having backpacked right here for over a month, we can honestly state that it’s a traveller’s dream destination, one we extremely recommend! many people are afraid to find to this far-off land because of political reasons, or, they can’t be bothered with the (sometimes) prolonged visa process, meaning you’ll have the country virtually to yourself.

Note: as of February 2014, Canadian as well as British passport holders have joined the ranks of Americans as well as now have to be gone along with by a guide for the entire duration of their stay in Iran. Sorry guys! unfortunate news…

With extravagant transportation & accommodation, historical sites, natural wonders, incredible people as well as tasty cuisines…why wouldn’t you go?

What do you believe about travelling to Iran? Do you believe it’s a risk-free location to go? show us!

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