Iran Introduction

Iran, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a nation of around 92 million people nestled in the heart of historic Persia. With a land area of over 1.6 million square kilometres, it is one of the largest countries in the region both by population and land area, sitting at the crossroads of the Arab world, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and South Asia, which goes a long way to explain its historical and cultural significance.

Sitting at the heart of western Asia, Iran borders Iraq and Turkey to the west, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan to the north, and Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east. To the south sits the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, whilst the northern regions of Iran also sit on the banks of the Caspian Sea.

The capital city is Tehran, which is also the largest city, although being such a large country, other cities such as Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Yazd form major population and cultural centres. Overall, the country can be split into a few clear regions when it comes to travelling;

The Alborz Mountains dominate the northern regions of Iran, whilst the Zagros mountains form a ridge along the western flank of the country. The central regions of Iran are covered with a desert plateau, which contrast with the dense forests which cover the Caspian Sea coastlines. At the far south of the country, much of the human and physical geography is defined by the Persian Gulf coast, and the internationally significant Straits of Hormuz. Unlike the classic stereotype of Iran as being only desert, there is in fact a huge range of landscapes to discover and explore on any trip to the country.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is the modern form of one of the world’s longest-lived civilisations; Ancient Persia. From the Achaemenid Empire and its ceremonial capital, Persepolis, to the Sasanian Empire and the rapid spread of Islamic-era Persian culture across the region.

Emanating from Iran, and still very much defining culture in the country today, is the distinctive Islamic architecture which still dominates many religious and cultural buildings, not to mention the many historical sites across the country. Similarly, the many bazaars, carpet shops, and tea gardens in towns and cities across Iran create a unique and welcoming atmosphere to any foreign visitors, as well as creating a distinctly Iranian cultural identity.

Iran itself has 29 UNESCO World Heritage sites, perhaps not surprising given its storied history. Some of the most significant pulls for international visitors include the ancient Achaemenid Empire capital of Persepolis, where grand stone carvings towering columns remain abandoned (but preserved), and the Historic City of Yazd, where wind towers and domes dominate the skyline just as they have for centuries. Not to mention, some of the grand palaces, mosques and madrassahs peppering the country, creating highlights in almost every city or town one encounters.

Iran History 

550 BCE

The Achaemenid Empire is founded by Cyrus the Great, the foundational civilisation for modern Iran, and one of the ancient world’s largest land empires.

522-486 BCE

Under the rule of Darius I, the Achaemenid Empire continues to grow into an administrative state, including the construction of Persepolis.

330 BCE

Persia is conquered by the armies of Alexander the Great and Persepolis is burned to the ground.

247 BCE

The Parthian Empire rises, dominating Persia, and representing a counter to the rapid expansion of the Roman Empire. The Parthian Empire controlled many vital trade routes linking East and West.

224

The final great pre-Islamic Persian Empire is founded; the Sasanian Empire. The empire dominates all of Persia and much of the modern Middle East and Central Asia.

651

The Arab Conquests end the rule of the Sasanian Empire across Persia, and Islam arrives in the region.

1501

The Safavid Empire is established in Persia, and “Twelver” Shia Islam becomes the state religion. The impact of this move still impacts the country today, with a majority of the population of Iran being majority Shia.

1796

The rule of the Qajar Dynasty begins amidst growing pressure on the region from the two expanding empires either side of it; the Russian Empire, and the British Empire.

1906

A formal government, parliament, and constitution is established.

1925

Reza Pahlavi takes power as the Shah of Iran, brining a new period of modernisation to the country, but also, a centralisation of power within a new monarch.

1953

The democratically elected Prime Minister, Mohammad Mossadegh, is removed through a CIA-backed coup after attempting to nationalise Iran’s oil reserves, seizing control away from the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (modern day BP). The coup also saw the power of the Shah strengthened, and curbs on the democratic aspects of Iranian society.

1979

The Shah is overthrown in an Islamic Revolution, led by the exiled cleric Ayatollah Khomenei. The Ayatollah returns to Iran, formally proclaiming the modern state ‘The Islamic Republic of Iran’.

Travelling in Iran

When travelling to Iran, there is plenty to discover and explore. From the vast history stretching back beyond the empire of Alexander, to the  stunning landscapes of mountains and deserts which dominate the country. Iran is best suited to a culturally-curious traveller, but nonetheless, has something for everyone.

Some of the greatest highlights in the country sit in the capital, Tehran. Serving both as a gateway to the country itself, but also a real gem of any trip. The UNESCO-listed Golestan palace and the historic Grand Bazaar are popular highlights, alongside the famous Azadi Tower which serves almost as the city’s defining landmark.

Outside of the capital, Central Iran beckons. Home to many ancient cities and stunning examples of traditional Persian architecture. All this, whilst surrounded by desert. Some of the most famous cities of Iran are located in this region. Isfahan, the architectural highlight of the country known for the famous Naqsh-e-Jahan Square and many Safavid mosques and palaces. Also, nearby Yazd, known as the Fire City due to its close historic connection to the Zoroastrian religion, which is maintains to this day.

Heading into Southern Iran and towards the Persian Gulf you’ll find the cultural city of Shiraz with its long association with poetry, gardens, and a more relaxed pace of life. However, it is also home to the ancient ruins of Persepolis and Pasargadae, the ceremonial, and earliest capitals of the Achaemenid Empire respectively. Pasargadae also houses the tomb of Cyrus the Great. Beyond these ancient cities, we reach the Persian Gulf, with Qeshm Island and Kish Island serving as interesting detours to explore life in the mangrove forests and salt caves of the Straits of Hormuz.

In Northern Iran, the coast of the mighty Caspian beckons, with the green, humid atmosphere providing a sharp contrast to the deserts that define Central Iran. The mountain ranges up here provide ample opportunities for skiing, as well as exploring the rural villages and lush forests which blanket this part of Iran.

Finally, the western regions of Iran. The Persian-majority falls away in this region as more ethnically Arabic and Kurdish communities begin to dominate the local settlements. Nestled around the grand Zagros mountain range which runs through the country, this region almost feels like a whole new country.