Explore the wonders of Chabahar Port

Located on the shores of the Makran Sea and the Indian Ocean, Chabahar Port is the pearl of Iran’s ports, where so many tourists visit annually. Its stunning tourism sites, which are not only numerous but also impressive, are only one of the reasons why this region is being chosen as a must-visit destination.

Chabahar Port is located in the southeast of Iran and is considered one of the most important cities in Sistan and Baluchestan provinces. People from Chabahar are called Baloch, who are kind-hearted and very welcoming to their guests.

Why is the port called Chabahar?

It is said that the name Chabahar originates from “Chahar Bahar,” which means “Four Springs” in Persian, and Chahar Bahar has turned into what it is called nowadays through time. The reason why people used to call this port, which translates to “Four Springs,” goes back to the fact that Chabahar’s weather is always mild and pleasant, like in the spring.

Reasons Why No Tourist Must Miss Out on Visiting Chabahar Port

Anyone who has ever traveled to Chabahar can confirm that you will not regret visiting this city, and it will absolutely be among the most unforgettable experiences of your whole lifetime. Allow us to explain why. Coming across the remarkable coast of Chabahar on your way to the hotel and visiting amazing landscapes, vivid azure water, rich culture, lovely people, beautiful costumes of the locals, and mouth-watering cuisines of the region will take your breath away. The experience of encountering prepossessing shores will also steal your heart. There are numerous places you might want to visit when you travel to Iran, and Chabahar better be on your checklist, or you’ll frequently find yourself regretting it for the rest of your life. Keep reading to find out about the wonders of the pearl of ports in Iran.

Tourist Attractions in Chabahar Port

Lipar Wetland

On your trip, 40 kilometers from Chabahar, you’ll find a magnificent pink-colored wetland known as Lipar Wetland (some might call it “Pink Wetland”). Being known as the bride of Chabahar, this wetland has one of the saltiest waters in the world, which together with a special species of algae makes the color of the wetland pink.

The Martian Mountains (the miniature mountains)

Wanna feel like you’re stuck with Matt Damon in The Martian movie? Chabahar’s Martian Mountains, which are also called the Miniature Mountains, are the perfect option for you. The solid surface of the gray mountains, alongside the unbelievable landscape they create before your eyes, is worth taking the trip to 50 kilometers outside the city of Chabahar. In case you decide to visit these mountains, it’s better to choose an early morning or evening so that the sun won’t disturb your trip.

Beris Port

It’s a known fact that Chabahar has always been famous for its ports, and Beris Port is the one with such a splendid view. Having a distance of only 60 kilometers, Chabahar Port, Beris Port, and village are places on the way to which you can visit the above-mentioned attractions as well.

Gwadar Port

On your way to Gwadar Port, you will feel like you’re in a movie as well since the road feels strange and not like the Earth at all. This port is located 95 kilometers away from Chabahar Port, very near the border of Pakistan, which is why you must be aware and follow the rules.

Ban Masiti Caves

Only 10 kilometers away from Chabahar Port, in a village called Tis, are two natural and two artificial caves known as “Ban Masiti”. The natural cave dates back to almost 2500 years ago, which in turn is mind-blowing. There is also a temple in the caves. You can visit the caves at night too, turning your experience into a scary one.

Gel Afshan Mud Volcano

Located on the coast of the Oman Sea, 100 kilometers away from Chabahar, mud erupts out of the ground like lava from a volcano. You read it right! Mud flows out of the ground and has been shaped like hills through time. One of these rare phenomena is still active, making the trip to Chabahar Port even more exciting.

Jinn Cemetery

From science fiction to horror movies! Another wonder of Tis village is a mysterious cemetery where it is believed that goblins were buried over 2500 years ago. Still looking for reasons to travel to Iran and put Chabahar on your list? Then keep reading!

Mangrove Forest

What makes this forest amazing? Located almost 16 kilometers away from the city, this forest is not only located in completely salty water but also vanishes into the water at the tide.

Chabahar Diving Cottage

This amazing port in Iran never stops amazing you. In case you are interested in water sports, you should know that other than places such as Kish Island, where you can enjoy great water sports, Chabahar has its own water sports, which you can try in a diving cottage located right in the city.

Konarak Port

Almost 53 kilometers away from Chabahar Port, Konarak city and port are famous for a lot of reasons, the most important of which is economic. The majority of locals in Konarak are fishermen, and the occupation of fishing is typical of people since Konarak wharf is considered the largest fishing harbor in Iran. Also, this city is called Tree City due to the fact that there are countless trees all around the town.

Darak Beach

Iran’s famous beach where the sea meets the desert One of the rarest phenomena in the world is located in Darak village, which is close to Konarak Port. Imagine you are walking under the hot sun of the desert, and then there it is! You encounter the sea! How amazing can it be? The good news is that it is not so far from your main destination, and you can easily visit this stunning wonder of nature, which only exists in a few places around the globe.

Rocky Beaches

The famous port’s rocky beaches are unimaginable. Walking along the coast of rocks, with waves splashing water against the rocks and the vast, clean sea before your eyes, makes you feel a different kind of calmness.

 

Don’t even think that the list is even close to being finished because it goes on and on. Chabahar’s wonders never disappoint you. They are always fixed in your mind, never leaving it, forcing you to relive your experiences over and over again, wishing you could travel to Iran one more time.

Weather Conditions

Chabahar port’s weather condition is one of the best all over Iran since it’s always pleasant, moderate, never so cold, and never so hot, which can turn your trip into a great one. So go buy some sundresses and hats because you’re going to enjoy wearing them with the lovely weather conditions that this beautiful city has. It’s no wonder that in the old days, people used to call the port “Chahar Bahar” which translates to “Four Springs”. It’s actually quite understandable due to the fact that Iran is a land of four seasons, and this southern port has always had great weather just like spring throughout the year, making it more rational to call it as they did.

Although this port is the coolest city among the southern regions in the summer and the warmest in the winter, we highly recommend you check the weather before you decide to travel to Iran and visit Chabahar. However, what makes this port more desirable as a destination is the fact that the rainfall rate is extremely low in this city, which makes it a great option for outdoor activities.

The best time to travel to Chabahar Port

No factor can be more important in choosing the best time to travel somewhere than the weather. As previously mentioned, Chabahar port has pleasant weather conditions throughout the year, which means spring or winter is the best time to plan your trip. However, it’s better to travel to Iran in order to visit this adorable port from November to March. Don’t worry about the name winter,” because the average temperature during the winter in Chabahar port is reportedly 13 to 18 °C.

Also visit “The Best Time to Visit Iran”.

 

Cuisines

Iranian cuisine has always been so famous and exceptionally loved by foreign tourists. Chabahar and, generally, the southern cuisines of Iran are no exception. Here are some examples you can order at any restaurant in Chabahar Port:

Bat Mash: A great option for vegetarians

Tabahag: A Baloch dish for meat lovers

Local omelet: an option for breakfast

Tanoorcheh: A traditional Baloch dish that can also be found in India

Prawn Karahi: For seafood lovers

Moreover, you can order any other Iranian cuisine you might want to try in restaurants since food diversity in Iran is so much more varied than you think, and trying it will make your travels to Iran much more exciting.

Souvenirs You Can Take Home

Souvenirs you can take from your trip to Chabahar are varied, from edible to handmade. Iranians have long been masters at handicrafts, and Baloch people are no exception. Since most tourists are more interested in handmade goods than edible products, we will introduce these types of souvenirs first. If you are interested in learning more about things you can take home from Iran, visit Iranian souvenirs.

Handicrafts:

needlework

A long-known artwork that women in Chabahar are into is needlework. A delicate artwork that is done on cloth or clothes. Needlework can also be found in the northern regions of Iran, with some slight changes. Needlework from the north of Iran is mostly bright-colored and simple-sketched, whereas needlework from Chabahar is made of warm and dark colors with complex designs.

Mat Weaving

One of the oldest handicrafts in Chabahar that is always interesting for tourists is mat weaving. There are two types of mat weaving: one is done using reed stalks and the other using palm tree leaves. Baloch people make different kinds of pots, baskets, bags, and so forth using this method.

Mirror and coin embroidery

Sewing small mirrors or coins on clothes is a rare artwork you cannot find anywhere but in Chabahar Port. These objects can also be sewn on bracelets, wall hangings, etc. Sometimes, to make the objects more pretty, sequins, beads, and pearls are sewn on the clothes as well.

Carpet Weaving

One other craft that the locals of Chabahar Port have mastered is carpet weaving. The carpets being made this way mostly have geometrical designs, and the color is almost a reddish brown. These carpets are made of nomad’s livestock wool.

Decorative objects

Objects that Chabahar Port locals make out of shells, tiny snail shells, coral, pearls, and scallops can be a great option for tourists to remind them of their travels to Iran.

Edible souvenirs:

Landoo sweets

A very delicious sweet made of date, wheat, and sesame that is specific to the region of Chabahar Port.

Tropical fruits

Due to the port’s weather conditions, some trees have the ability to grow in this region. Consequently, some rare fruits can be found in Chabahar Port, such as mango, papaya, and guava.

These are only some examples of what you can find in Chabahar Port. Walking around the bazaars of Chabahar, you may find various things to take home that may be more desirable to you.

Investing in Chabahar Port

As it is now well known to you, Chabahar Port and the cities and ports near it are in a great financial situation due to the fact that they have direct access to the Indian Ocean, which makes it easy for people to engage in activities related to the importing and exporting of products. Accordingly, if you are interested in investing in Iran or you are on a business trip or maybe a MICE tour, you might want to try investing in Chabahar. This can be considered a great opportunity for the Chinese who would like to travel to Iran and establish a business in Chabahar Port.

As a Chinese tourist or investor, going through travel to Iran from China and how to trade with Iran may be interesting for you.

How to go to Chabahar Port

There are three ways in which travelers can get to Chabahar Port, namely:

By Car

In order to get to Chabahar using your own car, you must drive for a considerable amount of time since Chabahar is really far from Tehran. However, for road enthusiasts, the journey will be extremely exciting since you will go through different kinds of landscapes to get to your destination. The average amount of time you will be driving from Tehran to Chabahar will be approximately 20 hours, not counting the stops for rest.

By Train

Another option for those who enjoy traveling to a faraway destination while admiring Iran’s appealing nature is by train. But unfortunately, currently, there is no direct train going from Tehran to Chabahar. Therefore, you will be required to take the train from Tehran to Bandar Abbas and then get to your final destination by bus. You can book your bus ticket beforehand so as to avoid having any trouble finding one.

By plane

Chabahar airport is only 45 minutes away from Chabahar Port, which makes traveling by plane even more comfortable since you won’t have to go a long way from the airport to reach your destination. Moreover, the airport is located in Konarak city, which means you can arrange your trip in a way to explore Konarak city as well. There are flights available to Chabahar from Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz, Bandar Abbas, Kerman, Kish Island, Zahedan, and Dubai.

Chinese restaurants in Iran

We’ll talk about Chinese restaurants in Iran in this article. Why? Because if you’re a Chinese tourist planning a trip to Iran from China, you’ll probably want to consume both Iranian food and food from your own nation. So that you may get the most out of your vacation to Iran, we advise that you continue reading.

Are there any Chinese restaurants in Iran?

It might surprise you to know, but the truth is that there are actually a lot of Chinese restaurants in Iran that are currently active. One of the reasons why there are Chinese restaurants in Iran is that Chinese tourists have always chosen Iran as their destination, and opening a Chinese-based restaurant has always been a great idea for locals. Moreover, Chinese food is a type of food that is very popular all around the world, and Iran is no exception, which means locals go to Chinese restaurants in Iran just for the sake of Chinese food.

How is the quality of food in Chinese restaurants in Iran?

It’s a known fact that when someone decides to open a restaurant to serve a kind of food from another land, the most important issue is the quality of the food they are serving. Therefore, all of the owners of Chinese restaurants in Iran have made sure to hire chefs who are masters at cooking Chinese food, so do not worry about the quality or taste of the food you will eat in Chinese restaurants in Iran since they are on the list of the best in Asia.

Where can I find Chinese restaurants in Iran?

Due to the reasons explained above, Chinese restaurants in Iran are widespread, which means finding a Chinese restaurant is easy in almost every big city in Iran that has tourist attractions. There are great Chinese restaurants in Tehran (visit tourist attractions in Tehran), Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, and so forth, so no worries. You can eat the delicious food of your own country on your trip to Iran.

Please note that if eating Chinese food is vital to you as a Chinese tourist, you can request that we organize Tailor-made Tours of your choosing for you to cities in Iran that feature Chinese restaurants.

The most famous Chinese restaurants in Iran

Let’s start with the capital city, Tehran:

There are countless Chinese restaurants in Iran, and many of them are located in Tehran. We will give you the names of the best Chinese restaurants in Iran, their directions, and their phone numbers. The most famous ones are called:

TBI Chinese

With three active branches, two in Tehran and one on Kish Island (visit Kish Island Tour), this restaurant can be a good choice among Chinese restaurants in Iran as well.

Bamboo Express

This restaurant is located in one of the best regions in Tehran, Elahiye, where you can order high-quality Chinese food.

Monson Lounge

Located on Jordan Street, this restaurant serves every kind of Chinese food you might be looking for.

Golden Dragon Chinese Restaurant

Working since 1968, this restaurant is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Iran, with a complete Chinese menu.

Chinese restaurants in Iran

Tehran Chinese Restaurant

Established in 1961, one of the other old Chinese restaurants in Iran is this one, which is located on Valiasr Street.

It’s time to discuss Chinese restaurants in the beautiful city of Isfahan.

Celsius Suchi Restaurant

The best place in Isfahan where you can eat Asian food Every detail.

Shiraz, being an absolute destination for numerous tourists, has its own Chinese restaurants:

Dragon Chinese Restaurant

Located in one of Iran’s greatest cities, this restaurant serves various kinds of Chinese food.

One of the cities that annually hosts so many tourists is Mashhad. Some of the best Chinese restaurants in Iran are located in Mashhad. The best one is:

Sushi Nine

With a professional team, Sushi Nine in Mashhad is a place you can try and enjoy your stay.

What kind of Chinese food do Chinese restaurants in Iran serve?

Every kind of Chinese food can be found in Chinese restaurants in Iran. The ones that Chinese people like and the ones that locals can enjoy as well. Various kinds of sushi, fried rice, noodles, Chinese soup, Chinese salad, bao zi, and so many other types of Chinese food

How much does Chinese food cost in Iran?

Generally speaking, you won’t have any money problems in Iran because it is an inexpensive destination. We advise you to go to: Since you might wish to know what currency to bring with you to Iran: Which money is better to bring to Iran?

Do locals go to Chinese restaurants in Iran?

Among locals, Chinese restaurants in Iran are considered popular since Iranian people love to eat Chinese food once in a while. Also, so many of them know how to use chopsticks. So, yes. You will meet Iranians in Chinese restaurants in Iran as well as Chinese tourists.

How varied is the cuisine in Iran?

Not everyone gets homesick while on a trip to a new land. So, you may be among those who would like to try Iranian cuisine during their stay in Iran and take a break from eating Chinese food. In case you are not interested in going to Chinese restaurants in Iran but would like to know more about Iranian cuisine, visit Food diversity in Iran.

All in all, Iran is a must-see destination among Middle Eastern countries, and Chinese tourists have long travelled to this wonderful land. Visiting Iran from China can give you some first-hand information about how to travel to Iran, which can lead to you having the time of your life.

Our colleagues are always ready to answer any questions you might have. You can contact us via email at info@zhivar.net

 

 

Chaharshanbe Suri

Fire is a fundamental element, often celebrated or used as a tool of celebration in many old nations, still practicing traditions dating back as far as centuries or millennia ago.

Iran, as one of the most ancient civilizations still standing, celebrates a festival mostly dedicated to fire known as Chaharshanbe Suri (also pronounced Charshanbe Suri) translating to The Scarlet Wednesday in English

What is Chaharshanbe Suri?

Chaharshanbe Suri is celebrated on the eve of the last Wednesday of the Persian year followed closely by Nowruz Eid on the (usually) following week when the Iranian new year is celebrated on the spring equinox. The festival is also in practice in many other countries by a great number of people namely Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Iraqi Kurdistan; but Chaharshanbe Suri is generally mostly recognized as an Iranian festival celebrated by all the different ethnic groups of Iran from the west to the east and from the north to the south. Our Classical Cultural Tours of Iran might be suitable for those who are passionate to know more about the culture and history of Iran outside of Chaharshanbe Suri.

What does Chaharshanbe Suri mean?

The word ‘Chaharshanbe’ means Wednesday in Persian, and ‘Suri’ is most probably derived of the old Persian word for Scarlet (still used in some local dialects in some regions of Iran) as to refer to the red color of the fire. Although some might argue that the word ‘Suri’ might have roots in the Persian word for festive too. As a result, Chaharshanbe Suri ended up with ‘The Scarlet Wednesday’ in the English translation.

History of Chaharshanbe Suri in ancient Iran:

Chaharshanbe Suri, like many other ancient Iranian traditions, comes from a Zoroastrian background and clearly originates from the importance, holiness and purification of fire in ancient Indo-European religions and beliefs.

In the ancient Iranian rituals, which later turned into what we now know as Chaharshanbe Suri, the ancient people of Iran would celebrate the last five days of each year to honor their dead ones and believed that the spirits of the dead would show up within those days for a reunion with their family and loved ones. The festival of Chaharshanbe Suri would also be accompanied by celebrating the creation of fire.

Chaharshanbe Suri shares some interesting similarities with the Obon event in Japan and the Ghost Day of China, both coming from a Buddhist origin.

How is Chaharshanbe Suri celebrated by Iranians?

Jumping Over the Fire:

The oldest, most popular and most traditional way to celebrate Chaharshanbe Suri of course, would be to jump over the fire. To do so, people create a huge bonfire in a safe, open area in public and then gather around and jump over the fire one by one and turn as they sing: ‘sorkhi-ye to az man, zardi-ye man az to’ which roughly translates into: ‘Let your redness be mine, my paleness yours!’. Redness signifies health and paleness is supposedly sickness, so the song is asking for the fire to take away the illness and gift the person with health instead. As fire is considered to purify things, this is also a purification ritual that is widely done on Chaharshanbe Suri. Jumping over the fire is the best option to feast Chaharshanbe Suri with your friends, family and loved ones.

Burning Rue:

Burning rue seeds (in Persian: Esfand) is generally an old practice done all over in Iran in order to pry away the evil eye as well as to prevent demons, evil spirits or Jinns from getting close to a person or a place or to banish them. It is commonly done during Chaharshanbe Suri while reciting songs specific to burning rue as the seeds are thrown into the bonfire.

Spoon-banging on Chaharshanbe Suri:

Spoon banging or Ghashogh Zani as it is called in Persian, is a Chaharshanbe Suri tradition in which children (and in some cases adults too!) cover their faces, usually with sheets and go door to door around the neighborhood in disguise with bowls and spoons in their hands. They knock on doors and then bang the spoons on the bowls as a way to ask for treats and snacks from the owner of the house. The tradition is evidently very similar to the trick or treating costume of Halloween in English-speaking countries.

Unfortunately spoon banging is dying out in bigger cities and is not as popular as it used to be in the older days of the past decades, but is still practiced in villages and smaller cities in some areas of Iran during Chaharshanbe Suri and has not completely faded away.

Modern celebration of Chaharshanbe Suri in Iran:

In modern day Iran, and throughout the few past decades, fireworks of any kind or shape have grown in popularity among the people of Iran as tools of celebrating Chaharshanbe Suri.

If you’re spending your Chaharshanbe Suri in Iran, it’s impossible to miss or even forget the event! As soon as the sun starts to set on the eve of the last Wednesday of the year, you can hear and see the fireworks going off everywhere and lighting up the dark sky of the night. The fireworks won’t stop up until it’s almost midnight.

Fireworks exploding in a dozen different colors all night as people sing, dance and jump over the fire is a sight to be seen and the modern way to celebrate Chaharshanbe Suri. Perhaps the desire to witness such an event can become one of the reasons to travel to Iran, of course after Iran’s tourist places.

What do Iranians eat during Chaharshanbe Suri?

Iranians usually snack on Ajil as the evening of the festival goes by. Ajil is a mix of salted nuts and dried fruits served for special events and family gatherings. In Persian traditions a special mix of Ajil is made specifically for Chaharshanbe Suri and is said to grant the wishes of the person who feeds on it on the night of Chaharshanbe Suri.

Different cities of Iran each have a different main dish dedicated to Chaharshanbe Suri and the dish varies from a place to another. Most northern cities serve Sabzi Polo ba Mahi (herbed rice with fish) for Chaharshanbe Suri and some towns around the center of the country serve Polo (rice) with pasta soup. The longer the pasta strands, the longer family members live. Food Diversity in Iran is one of the most interesting things about the country which is highly affected by the peculiar geography and diversity of the many ethnic groups residing within the land. Our Eco Tours and Island Tours might interest you if you’re curious about the nature of Iran.

Chaharshanbe Suri proves to be one of the most ancient and popular traditions of Iran, having lasted for thousands of years to be still celebrated by Iranians in the present time. To learn more about old Iranian traditions check out Nowruz Eid, Sepandarmazgan and Yalda Night: an Iranian celebration of the first night of winter and know more intriguing facts about celebrations and events in Iran.

FAQs

  1. When is Chaharshanbe Suri?

Chaharshanbe Suri is celebrated on the last Wednesday of the Persian year.

  1. How is Chaharshanbe Suri celebrated?

Chaharshanbe Suri is celebrated by people making a bonfire and jumping over the fire, fireworks, burning rue, spoon-banging and snacks specific to Chaharshanbe Suri.

  1. What does jumping over the fire symbolize?

Jumping over the fire and singing for the fire to take away illness is most probably originated from a purification ritual and symbolizes burning away your problems.

  1. Why do people celebrate Chaharshanbe Suri?

Chaharshanbe Suri is celebrated on the last Wednesday before Nowruz (Iranian New year) in hopes of bringing health and happiness for the incoming year.

  1. Where is Chaharshanbe Suri celebrated?

Chaharshanbe Suri is widely celebrated in Iran and Iranians outside of Iran and also by some groups of people in some of the neighboring countries.

Turkman Horses: The Most Beautiful Breed

The history of human beings’ life demonstrates that man has always done everything in his power to get the best out of nature. Among all animals and plants man has conquered and has been using for his own purposes, horses have always been different. They have been by humans’ side being used for various purposes. Upon taming, man used these creatures only for riding and carrying things. After the invention of cart, man used horses to make it move. Soon, they were used for agriculture, transportation, contests and entertainment and also, for wars and battles. Anyone who had better horses, could do better at wars and rule over more regions of the world. This also goes for Nader Shah Afshar in Iran, who used Turkman horses and seized India. Back in the old days, people knew that possessing horses of genuine breeds played an important role in their social life. Therefore, they started improving the breeds which resulted in appearance of various horses. As our knowledge of genetics grew, the breed improvement of horses got better. Over the years, nothing, even the invention of cars has been able to stop horse races. Nowadays, after thousands of years since horses were tamed and crossbred, the variety of horses are so much that noticing the difference between breeds will not be easy for everyone. Some groups of horses have been created by combining the best breeds.

  • Different breeds of Turkman horses

Among genuine horses of the east, Turkman horses have been one of the prominent ones. The evidences remained from the old ages clearly show that Turkman horses have always been used by royals and people. Turkman horses have different breeds that Akhal-Teke, lomud (or Yamud or Yomud) and Chenaran are the most popular ones. The loyal and smart Akhal-Teke is one the purest breeds of Turkman horses that its elegant body and glow has turned it into a unique horse.

 

  • External characteristics of Turkman horses:

A strong skeleton, slender body, tall and thin legs with strong and proper joints, which has made their steps soft and glorious, alongside a flat stomach, a bony face with glossy, noticeable pupils, long and slim ears and sparse mane are special features of Turkman horses. Although they are 148 to 150 meters tall and thinner than other horses, this has not made Turkman horses to be less powerful than the others.

Turkman horses’ skin and hair are thready but resistant. The skin on Turkman horses glows in a way that you won’t be able to stop staring. The variety of colors is so much among Turkman horses but they are mostly dun, brindled, grey and light-bay which is probably the most beautiful and expensive among Turkman horses.

  • Where to find Turkman horses

According to Dr. Gus Cothran, a researcher in University of Kentucky, Turkman horses are among the oldest and the purest breeds of horses. You can see the hoof marks of these horses in different parts of the world. Besides Turkmenistan, Russia and some other European countries, north east regions of Iran are one of the most important regions for preserving and training Turkman horses.

  • Who are the Turkmen and how they take care of their Turkman horses

As you might already know, Iran, aka Persia, is an ancient country which has more than a few tribes who have special culture and they believe in their own customs and traditions. Those who have traveled to Iran might already be familiar with the fact that some of these tribes are actually nomads. They live in tents, produce their own food and dairy and use animals, especially horses for transportation. In order to get acquainted with nomadic life, visit Iran nomad tour.

One of the biggest tribes in Iran are Turkmen. Since they live in the most parts of Golestan Province and Jargalan in North Khorasan Province, you can see Turkman horses in these two provinces much more than others. After all these years and even now that technology has an important role in humans’ lives, Turkman horses have maintained their special place in Turkmen’s lives, especially in the countryside. Turkmen people love and adore their Turkman horses in an unexplainable way. Regardless of gender, they live their whole life tied to Turkmen horses. Men ride them, go to horse matches on them, feed them and take care of them like a family member. Women make the felt needed for covering and protecting Turkman horses’ bodies using wool through a very difficult process. They believe that felt protects Turkman horses’ skin against changes of the temperature and helps the skin and hair to glow. They don’t believe in keeping their beloved horses in stables and covered areas, instead they cover and protect them with special felts made for each season. Turkman women are also professionals in knitting carpets, some of which can be used to cover Turkman horses. These people believe that ‘A Turkman horse supports Turkman men and a carpet is the voice of a Turkman woman’s heart’.

Some poets have talked about Turkman horses in their poems, too. There is also a saying between Turkman people that shows their love towards this creature. It goes like this: ‘A horse for a human is just as a wing for a bird’. They believe that the breeze touching a human’s cheeks through ears of Turkman horses is a heavenly one.

Over the years, globetrotters who have traveled to Iran, have wrote a lot about Turkman horses. Some of them have played a prominent role in introduction and maintenance of pure breeds of Turkman horses. Ms. Louise Firouz was one the best researchers who was able to breed the Iranian horse with the help of Dr. Gus Cothran. She also proved that Turkman horses were a key in creation of eastern horses.

These days, since breeding and maintaining Turkman horses have been a great success, the auctions take place to sell and buy Turkman horses. In these auctions horses are being sold to the highest buyer.

Tourists have always been interested in Turkman horses. Not only the ones who have some information about horses but also, people who have no idea what a horse actually is, enjoy being among Turkman people which is why we believe for a nature-lover, taking a trip to see this tribe and Turkman horses will be a exciting experience. Do note that in case you were interested in these kinds of trips, you can always ask us to arrange Classical Cultural tours of Iran or Tailor-made tours in a way that you will have the opportunity to check out Turkman horses in person.

 

Noushabad, the Biggest Underground City in Iran

Out of all the wonders found in lands as old as Iran, underground cities are by themselves intriguing enough to stand out among Iran’s tourist place, maybe even to those who aren’t particularly crazy about architecture or history. You might have already heard things about an underground city or two; Derinkuyn of Turkey (the most famous underground city of all), the underground city of Naours in France or Cavernous vaults in Edinburgh are quite popular with visitors.

A good number of the underground cities were initially built to function as refuge and shelter for people during the raids or war time and the underground city of Noushabad (also spelled as Nushabad) was no exception. Although it is a genius example of human creativity and adaptation to the environment, Noushabad is not much heard of, at least not as often as the underground cities formerly mentioned. The blame probably falls on the late discovery, only about two decades ago.

It’s worth mentioning that not long ago another underground city was discovered in Iran, the Abarkuh underground city of Yazd province. It’s safe to assume underground cities are not sparse in Iran. The Abarkuh underground city encompasses wells, water channels and space suitable for storing food and water and is under the process to open doors soon and finally accept visitors!

In this article, we are going to get you familiar with Noushabad underground city or “Ouyi”, as it is called in the local dialect, which is currently known as the largest underground city in Iran.

 

  • Where to find and how to access the underground city of Noushabad:

Noushabad is located only a couple kilometers north of city of Kashan, Isfahan province which means it’s very easy to reach this underground city as Kashan is a popular destination among tourists and only a three-hour ride away from Tehran. There are many different routes to Kashan and there are buses, trains and airplanes available, the last two options suitable for those who don’t feel like sitting through the road trips or have a full schedule and not enough time on their hands.

Once visitors find their way to Kashan, they can simply move around the city from one tourist attraction to another, including the Noushabad underground city without having to worry.

  • A brief history of Noushabad; the largest underground city in Iran:

This underground city was built almost 1500 years ago during the Sassanid era and by the command of a Sassanian king who supposedly drank water from a well in the area and later asked for a city to be built around it.

The underground city of Noushabad is situated in the central desert region and the climate of the region proves to provide a harsh living environment, but people of the past found their own creative ways to adapt, as they often do. It is believed that one of the reasons the Noushabad underground city was built, had been the unmerciful sun rays of the desert during the day time for the towns people to trudge through the city, visit each other’s houses and participate in social gatherings without having to actually walk on the surface. If the culture and architecture created around deserts interest you, check our Iran desert tours for more information.

The more prominent reason already mentioned was the many raids the city endured in the past. The labyrinth underneath the city was most likely thought out as a way to keep the citizens safe from numerous attacks and was utilized as a shelter.

A huge maze of passages was formed, connecting the whole city from beneath and creating the biggest underground city in Iran, still standing strongly even though it’s masterfully hidden away from the sight of the trespassers.

  • Architecture of Noushabad underground city; A timeless masterpiece

The magic of a city built fully underground surviving from destruction for such a long time lies in the effort and the sharp minds of the ancient architects of the time.

The construction in the Noushabad underground city contains three different levels and can vary from 4 to 18 meters in depth in different parts of the city. The network of tunnels and chambers of this amazing underground city stretches up to almost 4 kilometers and there are several channels planted vertically and horizontally to work as a ventilation system in order to let the air flow in the tunnels.

Accessing this underground city wasn’t easy even though there were openings and passages hiding in many citizens’ homes. Some openings hid as holes dug on the floors covered by stones and some hid behind the ovens. There were many entrances planted in social centers such as masques, castles and qanats, but the intruders could not find their way into the underground city easily. The entrances in the citizens’ houses were exactly that: entrances.

The tunnels of this underground city were designed in a way that people could simply walk in but couldn’t climb back out the way they came into the houses so of course, there wouldn’t be many security issues with the passages accessed by homes.

The overall design of this underground city also includes dead ends and booby traps- as if walking into an Indiana Jones movie- as to confuse and discourage the possible intruders. The corridors are narrow enough to force the passerby to move in a single line with the person in the front carrying a source of light. Remains of torches from 700 years ago were found in the underground city of Noushabad to serve the same purpose.

Every family seeking refuge would have their own chambers carved in stone with water pipes and qanats pouring in the needed water, enabling them to reside in the underground city for long periods of time.

There were many tools and human remains discovered in Noushabad underground city, demonstrating the constant use of the city throughout the centuries after the construction even up to Qajar era, as an affective and practical refuge for people during many different eras.

This underground city is now a touristic site welcoming visitors every day of the week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to walk through some of the passages and corridors, as people before them did 1500 years ago and admire the design and construction of architects and workers who even though lacked the modern tools we are now dependent on, made up for it with intelligence. The genius and complex labyrinth and the precise measurement are clear evidences to such intelligence used in construction of this underground city.

After all, as travelers, sometimes we want to enjoy the present and the intact nature of earth by going on ECO tours or Island tours and sometimes we want to look at the remains of our ancestors as a way to understand the long way the humankind has come to reach where it is now. In this case, visiting the underground city of Noushabad can be an excellent choice for you if you ever decide to travel to Iran.

It is worth mentioning that those who are infatuated with such subjects should check out our Classical Cultural tours of Iran or our Tailor-made ones for something mostly planned to your taste.

FAQs:

  1. What is the largest underground city in Iran?

Noushabad is considered as the largest underground city of Iran and was initially built to keep people safe from the desert heat and intruders.

  1. Are there any hotels around Noushabad underground city?

Noushabad is located a few kilometers north of Kashan and is easily accessible from the city via taxis. Anyone wishing to visit can simply seek accommodation in Kashan.

  1. How old is Noushabad underground city?

Noushabad underground city is about 1500 years old, dating back to the Sassanid era, although evidently it has been in use up to Qajar era.

  1. What is the working hour of Noushabad underground city?

Parts of this city are open to visitors every day of the week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Yalda Night; An Iranian Celebration of the First Night of Winter

Yalda Night or Chelle Night or in the original Persian, Shab-e Yalda, is one of the old celebrations of Iranian people such as Chaharshanbe Suri or Nowrouz. Yalda Night can be considered as a remainder of Iranians’ ancient culture.

 

What and when is Yalda Night?

As already mentioned, Yalda Night is an ancient celebration and Iranians have been celebrating this night, which is the last night of autumn and the first night of winter, by gathering together and having fun. The last night of autumn which coincides with the first night of winter, aka Yalda Night, is the longest night of the year since it is one minute longer than the other ones. Iranians’ ancestors have been celebrating Yalda Night for centuries and they have left some traditions for people which we will talk about. Yalda Night and all these traditions occur on 21st of December and on the leap years, on December 20th. If you really are interested in getting to know Iranians’ traditions on Yalda Night, you can ask us to arrange your Tailor-made tours or customizable Classical Cultural tours in a way that will coincide with this magical night.

 

How old is Yalda Night?

Yalda, which also is a name for girls in Iran, means ‘Birth’. The history of this ancient celebration dates back to thousands of years ago which is not completely identified. Some archeologists believe that the tradition of celebrating Yalda Night is 7000 years old according to the discoveries from the inscriptions. All this being said, Yalda Night entered the Iranian calendar on the year 500 BC. during Dariush the First’s period.

 

Why do Iranians celebrate Yalda Night?

There are diverse reasons and tales explaining why Iranians take Yalda Night into account and why they love it so much.

The first tale relates to the victory of light over darkness. In the old days, through time, people had understood the impact of seasons and the length of day and night on their agriculture. They were convinced that day, light and sun were the symbols of goodness and kindness as opposed to night, darkness and coldness that were symbols of evil. Therefore, they believed that longer days meant light was winning the battle and shorter days were a sign that darkness was defeating the good. So, they celebrated the longest night of the year, aka Yalda Night, since after this night, days become longer, which means light has taken the power.

The second tale that can be considered as the origin of this festival is the fact that ancient Christians, who lived in Iran before Zoroastrians, celebrated Yalda Night since they believed it was the birthday of Mithra, who was the goddess of light in Iranian and Indian culture. They believed that on this magical night, the goddess of light known as Mithra or Mehr appeared and brought the sun and light with herself.

What do Iranians do on Yalda Night? What are their customs?

Iranian people have always loved this night and celebrating it has always been one of the most irresistible activities of the year for them. They gather together, usually in homes of their grandparents or elderly people of the family. They eat delicious, special food and fruits of the occasion, they dance and play games, they read poems, especially Hafez poems (Divan-e Hafez) and Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh and they laugh and have fun.

Eating watermelon, pomegranate and nuts is kind of a necessity on Yalda Night. Iranians tend to have colorful, delicious and beautiful tables ready for their guests to enjoy alongside them.

The color red, wearing red clothes and having red-based tables is also a tradition they love to be faithful to. Maybe the reason why Iranians eat the two fruits that are red comes from this custom, as well.

Reading the Divan of Hafez and placing this beloved book in the middle of the table is a tradition Iranians never stop doing. This custom goes like this; a person makes a wish and does not tell anyone about it. Then another one opens the book of poems and randomly chooses one poem and reads it out loud. The interpretation and analysis of the selected poem is called “Fal” in Persian and is an old activity Iranians tend to do on Yalda Night. The interpretation can, in some cases, relate to the wish they had in their mind.

Moreover, it is worth mentioning that since Iran has so many tribes, it is likely that each tribe living in different parts of the country has its own traditions aside from the national ones we just discussed. Therefore, in case you attended our Iran nomad tour or any other tour exploring different parts of Iran and you saw other traditions, do not be shocked.

Furthermore, another custom on Yalda Night relates to men and women who are engaged to each other. According to this tradition, the groom-to-be and his family have to buy some gifts and pastries and go to the bride’s family’s house and give it to them as a present showing their love and respect.

All in all, nowadays, Yalda Night has become an important festival Iranians love and respect and is also an excuse to spend time with the loved ones while having fun and making core memories, especially for children.

There are a lot of reasons to travel to Iran, and over the past few years observing Yalda Night’s celebration has become another reason for some people to travel to Iran. Do not forget that Yalda Night is usually on 21st of December so, in case you decide to visit Persia on Yalda Night, this is the time for you.

Which countries celebrate Yalda Night?

 

A Fun fact about Yalda Night is that people in Iran are not the only ones celebrating it. Apart from the Iranian people who live outside Iran all across the planet, other Asian people in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and some parts of Armenia, India and Russia celebrate Yalda Night with a little bit of difference in culture and customs, as well.

Iran’s Tourist Places

Iran, with all its mesmerizing beauty and glory, stretches for miles and miles embracing many different geological structures, cultures, and ethnicities uniting them as one nation and one marvelous country full of wonders and a long history of civilizations, having such unforgettable sites to visit that has made tourists to never stop thinking about Iran’s tourist places.

Iran’s Tourist Places are many, if not infinite. Therefore, picking out Iran’s Tourist Places and putting them on a list is not an easy job. Many breathtaking beauties inevitably have to be left out in order for you to wrap it all up in an article.

Every tourist starts packing up for Iran with a goal in mind but quite often, most end up receiving more than what they initially bargained for. Why is that? Because no matter where your field of interest lies, history, architecture, art, music, nature, poetry, culture; Iran has it all. Traces of all are found easily in numerous cities of Iran and are entirely accessible for travelers in search of Iran’s Tourist Places. Our Tailor-made tours and Classical Cultural tours of Iran often interest travelers with diverse tastes who are looking for something different or more personalized tours adjusted to their demands.

Now, let’s take a look at a brief list of the most popular sites in the list of Iran’s Tourist Places.

Persepolis:

Persepolis, also known as Takht-e Jamshid, was built around 500 BC as the famous Achaemenid Empire’s ceremonial capital. After the attack by Alexander the great, the complex and the five palaces within were mostly burnt down by the fire but the ruins were rediscovered again in 1620 by Garcia de Silva Figueroa and then later on turned into one of Iran’s Tourist Places. With pillars still standing high and many other remains on display, Persepolis is now located in Marvdasht, within the 60 km distance of Shiraz city, and it frequently visited as it is one of the most popular sites between Iran’s Tourist Places.

The complex was built by king Darius the first and was particularly used for celebrating the spring equinox which is an important event in Iran and some of the neighboring countries, and is still widely celebrated by them in this day and age. The event is called Nowrouz and is considered to be the Persian new year and the starting point of the Persian calendar. Rest assured that visiting Persepolis will be an exceptional experience while visiting Iran’s tourist places.

Thinking of Iran’s Tourist Places, Persepolis is always one of the first few to pop up in mind.

Choghazanbil ziggurat:

Choghazanbil is a historical complex built by an Elamite king at 1250 BC with the intention of replacing the city of Susa as a religious center. The construction is the most ancient between Iran’s Tourist Places and now can be found in Khuzestan province which contains one of the very few ziggurats in the world (beside Mesopotamia).

The ziggurat is consistent of five levels with a temple on top as a mean to reach out to God. There are walls separating the space into three and ziggurat is placed in the center with temples of higher gods while the middle holds the temples of the lesser gods and the outer area consists of royal palaces and royal tombs.

Back in 1979, Choghazanbil was the first of Iran’s tourist places to be inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage list.

Knowing the ziggurat was considered as the best example of stepped pyramidal monument, those infatuated by history always put it on the list of Iran’s Tourist Places to visit.

Fin Garden:

Fin garden, located in the city of Kashan, is a classic Persian garden completed in 1590 and contains the famous Kashan Fin bath in which Amir Kabir, a great historical figure of Iran and chancellor to Nasereddin shah was murdered. Now the spot of his assassination is one of the most frequently visited between Iran’s Tourist Places.

The garden may originally be traced back to the Safavid period, but went through several developments, expansions and a period of neglect up until 1935 when it was listed as a national property of Iran. It was later also declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 2012. An obvious must-see star among the Iran’s Tourist Places.

Nasir ol-Mulk mosque:

Also referred to as the pink mosque, the Nasir ol-Mulk mosque was built during the Qajar era in Shiraz. Being one of the most eye-catching sites among Iran’s Tourist Places, the traditional mosque showcases multi-color glasses which the mosque is mostly characterized with as well as its Panj Kase design.

Even though the mosque is under protection, it is still used and visitors are also accepted. Some of the most gorgeous pictures taken by tourists in Iran’s Tourist Places belong to the interior and façade of this mosque.

Shushtar historical hydraulic system:

Situated in island city of Shushtar, Khuzestan province, the Shushtar hydraulic system consists of many bridges, dams, canals and some other structures that make up a still functioning hydraulic system.

The majority of the system is ancient and is one of the oldest amid Iran’s Tourist Places and was built during the Sassanid era while some parts are speculated to even date back to the Achaemenid dynasty and Darius the great.

The Shushtar hydraulic system has been called ‘a masterpiece of creative geniuses’ by the UNESCO and is one of the greatest complexes built before the industrial revolution era.

Certainly, a site to catch the eyes of those more interested in architecture among the other Iran’s Tourist Places.

Hormuz Island:

Hormoz or Hurmuz Island, situated mere kilometers off the Iranian coast of the Persian Gulf, is barely inhabited but is one of the popular locations among Iran’s Tourist Places.

Also called the rainbow island, Hormuz has been characterized and heavily associated by the colorful sand, particularly the rose-colored beaches creating an illusion of the sea-soaked blood for the viewers. The unusual red color of the sea is caused by a high concentration of Iron oxides in the sand.

With such rare and unique landscapes, it’s safe to put it in the list of most anticipated Iran’s Tourist Places.

Fortunately, booking our Island tours could be easily done for those already intrigued to visit one of the most beautiful of Iran’s tourist places.

The Lut desert:

What is an Iran’s Tourist Places checklist without an honorable mention of its unmatched vast deserts?

The Lut desert, with a temperature going as high as 70.7 C or 150 F has been listed as the first natural monuments of Iran by UNESCO since 2016. Lut is one of the largest deserts in Iran along with the Kavir desert and is spread in three provinces making it one of the very accessible options between Iran’s Tourist Places as it’s reachable from many cities of Iran.

One of the things making the Lut desert a remarkable choice among Iran’s Tourist Places is the discovery of archeological monuments dating back to 7000 years ago. And of course, there are exciting desert activities waiting for curious tourists as you would expect, along with the clear sky and lack of light pollution for star-gazers and astronomers and golden dunes for those looking for unique sceneries on their visit to Iran’s Tourist Places. An Iran desert tour would help making an unforgettable time as a traveler.

Martian Mountains:

Mountains make up a great proportion of Iran’s natural echo-system and many mountains of Iran are world-famous for the beauty, hiking route or ski resorts and therefor always find their way in a list on Iran’s Tourist Places.

Martian mountains of Chabahar with millions of years of age are named so because of their peculiar and unique shapes and unusual gray and white color creating beautiful sights that mark them as one of the natural sites amid Iran’s Tourist Places. Of course, if you’re looking to connect with the nature of Iran, our Eco tours and Cultural intense-specialty tours are options you might want to consider.

Museums of Iran:

There are more museums inside Iran than you might expect. The abundance of historical, cultural and artistic objects and remains results in 689 museums across the whole country (as of 2019) and although only naming a few would be an injustice to the rest, we’ll try to introduce some of the more prominent ones mostly mentioned as Iran’s Tourist Places.

The National Museum of Iran located in Tehran is divided in two complexes named: ‘the Museum of Ancient Iran’ and ‘the Museum of Islamic Archeology and Art of Iran’. The first showcases ancient artefacts from the lower Paleolithic period to Sassanid era. The second complex mostly exhibits Islamic artefacts two of the floors available in the building. When one thinks of Iran’s Tourist Places to visit, the National Museum of Iran is an obvious option.

Sa’dabad complex, built by Pahlavi and Qajar dynasties, is a construction in Tehran consistent of many museums inside such as: the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Glassware and Handicrafts, et cetera. It would be a shame to miss out the Sa’dabad complex while visiting Iran’s Tourist Places.

The carpet museum of Iran is also a great pick as carpets are very important elements of Iranian and Persian culture and Persian carpets are one of the most favored in the whole world. For those who take interest in looking at the colorful shapes masterfully and artistically put together in those Iranian carpets, this is one of the most unique choices between Iran’s Tourist Places.

Vakil Bazaar:

Located right in the middle of the historical heart of Shiraz, Vakil bazaar was named after Karim Khan Zand in the 18th century.

There are great courtyards, bath houses and old shops inside the bazaar which is surrounded by mosques like other bazaars of the middle east, making it a different place for tourists while visiting Iran’s tourist places.

If you’re looking to take home some souvenirs as a reminder of your visit to Iran’s Tourist Places, Persian rugs, handicrafts and spices are laying ready to be sold which make Vakil bazaar the place to go.

Chehel Sotun:

Placed in Isfahan, and built by shah Abbas for entertainment purposes, Chehel Sotun is a pavilion with a long pool in the front and one of the most popular sites among Iran’s Tourist Places. In Persian, Chehel Sotun translates to forty columns. The interesting bit about Chehel Sotun is that unlike the name there aren’t forty columns but only twenty surrounding the pavilion. With each column making a reflection in the pool water, the number of the columns doubles, hence why the name of Chehel Sotun was earned in the first place.

Chehel sotun is one of those Iran’s Tourist Places you definitely have to pay a visit to.

Si-o-se-pol (The bridge of thirty-three/ Allahverdi Khan Bridge):

Si-o-se-pol, one of the most heard of Iran’s Tourist Places, was originally built in the 17th century to function as a bridge and also a dam which is a great example of the Iranian architecture during the Safavid era. The historical bridge is the largest one spanning over Zayanderud, the largest river in the Iranian plateau placed in Isfahan. This bridge is also a great place to take beautiful photos of you and one of Iran’s tourist places.

 

Ali-Sadr Cave:

Ali sadr is the largest water cave in the world placed in the west of Iran, province of Hamedan. Naturally the 11-kilometer-long cave is one of the top Iran’s Tourist Places highly recommended to every traveler; Iranian or not. The visitors are provided with boats and guides in order to explore through the cave containing several lakes, enjoying one of the most spectacular locations of Iran’s tourist places.

There has been an archeological discovery of artworks belonging to 12,000 years ago as well as jugs and pitchers in Ali-sadr which makes an even more interesting trip to the cave and a reason for its prominence among the other Iran’s Tourist Places.

At the end of the day, sadly, time limitations and many other obstacles prevent tourists from visiting every single of Iran’s Tourist Places. Organizing a plan and making a personalized list can really help you prioritize your preferred Iran’s Tourist Places and spend a stress-free vacation while you visit Iran. So, make sure to do your research on Iran’s Tourist Places and find your favorites beforehand to avoid confusion and waste of time. We’ve only barely scratched the surface by introducing a few possible options, but with a few clicks you can learn about a thousand more of Iran’s Tourist Places to visit.