About Iran

Iran covers 1,648,195 sq. kilometers in southwestern Asia. Its strategic position, along with vast resources, including petroleum, natural gas and minerals, population of more than 80 million, and its unique cultural aspects make it a country of high importance.

The history of Iran can be divided into the Pre-Islamic period and the Islamic period. The pre-Islamic period includes six civilizations: Elamites (4^th millennium to 1^st millennium B.C), Maiden (1^st millennium B.C), Achaemenids (550-330 B.C), Sulucids (312-247 B.C), Parthians (247 B.C-224 A.D), and Sassanians (224-651 A.D).

In 651 A.D, Muslim Arabs conquered Iran and declined Zoroastrianism. It was the beginning of the Iran-o-Islamic period which lasts until today.

Islamic period

After the Arab invasion of Iran, the Tahirids were the first independent Iranian Muslim dynasty established in Iran (820 A.D). The Samanids and the Buyids also made great attempts to bring to fruition the Iranian Renaissance. In 1216 the Mongols, sweeping in with a relentless fury, obliterated many Iranian cities.

In the Safavid period (1501-1736) when Iran gained a powerful dynasty, the country made great progress. The Afsharids and Zands were the next dynasties that ruled Iran successively in the 18th century. The 19th century, when the Qajars reigned over Iran, was a time of disintegration for the country. Many events, both internal and external, caused it to fall into decay. In 1925, after the deposition of the last Qajar shah, Reza Khan transferred sovereignty to himself.

Under the reign of Reza Shah and his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the increasing political and economic dependence on western countries as well as disrespect to religious values raised hatred of people for the Pahlavi regime. This hatred was manifested in demonstrations against the government under the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini in 1978. Eventually, these demonstrations lead to the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979.

Both the history and geography of Iran make it highly popular for visitors. The former gives it numerous spectacular monuments and the latter provides it with a climate full of variety.

The northern coastal region with luxuriant forests; southern coasts with forests of tidewater (mangroves); deserts with their mysterious calmness; impressive lake such as Urmia, Hammun, Parishan, Ne’ur, Sama and Zarivar; and snow-clad mountains of Damavand, Dena, Karkas, Sabalan, and Tochal are among the beauties of Iran’s nature.

Iran’s complex climate ranges from subtropical to subpolar. It is mild and humid in the Caspian region, but warm and humid in the southern shores. The north-western and north-eastern areas are cold and dry, while the central part has a desertic climate. In the heights of Zagros and Alborz, you can enjoy mild weather in summer.

Despite all these, two-thirds of Iran is covered with deserts. Lut desert which is the hottest spot in the world is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, salt lakes located in this dry climate, such as Qom Salt Lake and Aran-o Bidgol Salt Lake are other examples of Iran’s natural attractions.  

Iran is a vast and historical country with a varied culture. By moving from north to the south or east to the west you can see and feel this diversity in every aspect of Iran culture, like music, architecture, art, etc.

During history, Iran inspired other cultures and also has been inspired by neighboring countries. This is why Iranian culture became a dynamic one. The following are some brief descriptions of each aspect of this rich culture.

Festivals

There are several festive occasions. The most important one is the Nowruz celebration. The Persian New Year is on the 21st of March. The main iconic tradition of Nowruz is a table with seven symbolic objects all beginning with the character of “S” in Persian. This is why it is called the Haft-Sin Table; meaning seven S.

The celebration continues until the 13th day of the new year. The 13th day is called Sizdeh-be-Dar, which somehow means “outdoor thirteen”. As it could be understood from its name, Sizdeh-be-Dar is a family outdoor day; people appreciating nature by going to picnics and camping.

Literature

In addition to arts, Persian literature is another aspect of significant Iranian culture. Hafiz, Sa’di, Khayyam, Rumi, and Ferdowsi are some of the very well-known Iranian poets. English readers know Khayyam especially through the translation of his Rubaiyat (quatrains) by Edward Fitz Gerald. Hafiz is considered the greatest name in Persian Lyric poems.

If you are dedicated to culture or simply love it, Iran, the land of One Thousand and One Nights and the heir of ancient Persia is a good destination.

Iran recognizes 27 public holidays per year. The majority of Iran’s holidays are based on Islamic religious culture as well as political milestones commemorating a long struggle to obtain political freedom and equality. But, Iranian New Year is based on a Pre-Islamic ancient tradition called Nowrouz.

Iran Calendars

Three calendars are commonly used in Iran. These calendars include:

Iran Weekends

When you decide to travel to Iran or when you get an Iran visa, you will probably have questions about Iran’s currency exchange. “What is the rate of converting Iranian Rial to my currency?”, “How much cash should I have?”, “Which international credit cards are in use in Iran?”.

The most important though a little confusing  thing about Iran currency is Rials vs Tomans. As you might know, The official currency is Rial, however Toman is what you hear at the stores and streets. The difference is one zero. if you drop out a zero from Rials, you will have Tomans. As an example, a bill of 50000 Rials is called 5000 Tomans in everyday use!

According to reports such as the World Economic Forum, Iran is one of the cheapest destinations in the world. So no worries about your budget. Of course, due to restrictions imposed by US sanctions, there is no possibility to use international credit cards like Visa Card and MasterCard in Iran.

Therefore, it is recommended to use internal credit cards (called Tourist Card in Iran) to cover your expenses in Iran. You can either convert a portion of your currency to Rial -To the rate of the day- at the airport or at the city by visiting banks such as Mellat Bank, Saman Bank, Pasargad Bank or Tourism Bank and receive a credit card. This card is usable in all stores, ATMs, shoppers. So you should not worry about having cash. At the end of the trip, you can also convert the remaining money into your preferred currency.

Types of electrical sockets in Iran

If you are planning to visit Iran, you should check if you need a power plug adapter or voltage converter for the power sockets (outlets) used in Iran. Electrical sockets (outlets) in Iran are one of the two European standard electrical socket types. The “Type C” Europlug and the “Type E” and “Type F” Schuko. If your appliance’s plug doesn’t match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance’s plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. 

If the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 – 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa), you can use them in Iran. Manufacturers take these small deviations into account. But, if the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V – 127 V (as is in the US, Canada, and most South American countries), you need a voltage converter in Iran.

If the frequency in Iran (50 Hz) differs from your country, we do not advise using your appliances. Otherwise, there is no voltage difference, you could (at your own risk) try to use the appliance for a short time. Be especially careful with moving, rotating and time-related appliances like clocks, shavers, and electric fan heaters.

Different labels

To be sure, check the label on the appliance. Some appliances never need a converter.

• If the label states ‘INPUT: 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz’ the appliance can be used in all countries in the world.
• If your device is 220 volts or is dual voltage and your plug will fit in an Iranian power outlet then it will work in Iran.
• Whether your device is 220 volts or is dual voltage but your plug won’t fit in an Iranian power outlet you’ll need to bring suitable a plug adapter for Iran. For example Type F plug adapter. Please note that a plug adapter for Iran (or power adapter) is designed to change the actual shape of the plug on your device to fit into a plug outlet found in Iran. But is unable to convert the voltage from 220 volts to use with another voltage.
• If your device is unable to run on 220 volts and isn’t dual voltage you will also need a power converter for Iran to convert the voltage from 220-volt volts to the correct voltage on your device. You’ll still need to use a suitable plug adapter for Iran if your power converter doesn’t include the correct Type F plug adapter.
• In case you want to power one or more USB devices such as a cellphone or tablet then a USB travel power adapter is recommended. Also, it should be dual voltage. However, make sure that you choose a USB travel adapter which includes a Type F plug adapter. Otherwise, you’ll also need to use a suitable plug adapter for Iran.