IRAN-ART & LITERATURE

ART & LITERATURE

Arts A description and illustration of the marvelous varieties and exquisite harmonies of Iran's artistic heritage took six enormous volumes of the life-long work of the great American scholar Arthur Upham Pope. It certainly induces a spirit of humility in anyone tackling the subject. However, here, in this travel guide, we propose to do no more than give some pointers to the main features of Persian achievement, which may be useful to the traveler or foreign resident before he plunges into whatever branch of the subject takes his fancy most.
Recent archaeological discoveries at Marlik and Cheragh-Ali have furnished new knowledge in support of the fact that the genius of Iranian art evolved as far back as 8,000 years ago. Little has been found in the way of architecture, although when one wanders about the country it is primarily buildings (in the field of art) that catch the eye; and it appears that the people of these ancient times were nomadic and war-like, traveling on horse-back. Most of the discoveries made are of objects small enough to be carried, and there is great emphasis on weapons and horse-trappings. In bronze, these depict animal forms of great vitality. Painted earthenware vessels and long-spouted pots have been recovered, which are of great esthetic beauty in their simple, graceful lines. Since very ancient times, wide use was made of all available materials: stone, clay, wood, metals, glass, terra-cotta, and bone.
In Islamic Iran, as in all Islamic societies, art favors the non-representational, the derivative and the stylized rather than the figurative, the innovative, and the true to life. Accurate representation of the human from has never been a part of traditional Islamic art. However, portraiture is not forbidden by Shiite Islam. Many Iranian art forms predate the Arab invasion, but since nearly all of them reached their peak within the Islamic era, religious influences are there to indicate the presence of Islam. favorite motifs in Iranian art are geometrical shapes and patterns such as lozenges, medallions and meanders; grapevines and other floral patterns, often very complex; and highly stylized real or imaginary creatures such as lions, elephants, peacocks, phoenixes and griffins.
1.Pre-Islamic Architecture: The only substantial remains are those of the remarkable Elamite ziggurat at Chogha Zanbil. The earliest building material was sun-dried mud brick. Baked brick was used for other surfaces by the 12th century BC.
The ancient inhabitants of Persia imbued the mountains with great religious symbolism, and structures were built in imitation of mountains, giving rise to the characteristic pyramidal temples called ziggurat. Purely religious Achaemenian buildings are conspicuous by their absence. However, the two most important religious influences are Zoroastrianism before the Arab Conquest and Islam afterwards. Most of the greatest buildings were built with a religious purpose, and even in secular buildings religious influences are rarely entirely absent- even Persian churches often incorporate Islamic features.
Palaces, on the other hand, abound, and these vary considerably according to the period. In Cyrus's time, for example, they were oblong in shape, of exquisite proportions, and generally executed in contrasting colors as between say wall surfaces and window emplacement. The buildings of Darius and Xerxes were bigger and better; the result was rather heavy and colorless, depending on elaborate carving applied to doorways, staircases and columns. The usual plan was a large hall often with columns surrounded by small rooms; a common feature of these were the recesses about the height and size of windows, probably used by cupboards, which are an invariable feature of the more modest houses of Iran today. The materials used include unbaked brick for walls, local stone for windows, stairways, doorways and some walls and columns, and heavy timber for columns and roofs.
Alexander the Great's conquest (about 330 BC) brought a virtual end to the Achaemenian style in Persia. The following relatively dormant period under the Seleucids marked the introduction of Hellenism to Persia. No great examples remain today, although the Temple of Artemis (Anahita) at Kangavar, with Greek capitals and built to a Greek goddess, is the best preserved.
Under the Parthians (about 250 BC to 224 AD), Hellenism and indigenous styles merged, along with some Roman and Byzantine influences, and several characteristically Persian features arose, including the Ivan.
In the Sassanian period (224-642 AD), buildings became larger, heavier and more complex. Decoration became more adventurous and more use was made of color, especially in frescoes and mosaics. The Sassanians built fire-temples throughout their empire, and the simple plan of the earliest examples was retained throughout the pre-Islamic era, even in the design of churches. But the central features of Sassanian buildings- the four-Ivan plan with domed square chamber, the squinches on which the dome rested and the large arched doorway- are indigenous to Iran and of much significance later. The most important pilgrimage site of the pre-Islamic Persian Empire, Takht-e Soleiman, was established in the Sassanian era. In particular the above-mentioned features influenced the development of a specifically Iranian type of mosque, the so-called Madreseh mosque built on the four-Ivan plan.
2. Islamic Period: In this period, Minarets, Shrines, Tombs, Palaces, Caravansaries and Bridges have appeared in their original Iranian style.
Bronzes It was in Lurestan, south of Kurdestan, that the now famous Lurestan bronzes first came to light in the late twenties and early thirties of the 20th century.
Pottery and Glass Blowing The continuing flow of Iranian artistic tradition is nowhere better illustrated than in the field of ceramic art.
Carpets and Rugs It would indeed be hard to dispute the Iranian claim to have produced the most elaborate, the most decorative, the most valuable, and the most superbly assured carpets, which are considered as our cultural exports in the world.
Literature The oldest extant Persian writing is found in Persian inscriptions, but it is only of historical interest. The first major literary works are the scriptures of Zoroastrianism and the Pahlavi writing of Parthian and Sassanian Iran, when there was certainly an active literary life.
Music Iranians are great music lovers and during the course of their twenty five centuries of their recorded history, they have developed not only a very distinctive music of their own but also numerous musical instruments several of which were the first prototypes of the modern musical instruments of today.
The first references to musicians in Iran are found in Susa, Elam, in the 27th century BC. The earliest representation of instruments is on the Elamite relief of Kul-e Fer'awn. An engraved bronze cup from Lurestan at the National Museum of Iran, Tehran, portrays a double nay (reed pipes), chang (harp), and dayereh (tambourine) in a shrine or court processional, as similarly documented in Egypt, Elam, and Babylon where music involved the utilization of large orchestral ensembles. The Assurbanipal relief's (626 BC) in the British Museum show Susan musicians. Other relief sculpture and paintings still extant from early periods depict instruments as they are today, except that some, like the chang (harp) seen on the Taq-e Bostan relief's near Kermanshah, have gone out of use.
Music continued to play an important role in the lives of the Persians throughout their history, with its continuity well documented in the Safavid frescoes of the Chehel Sutun in Isfahan, dated 1647 AD.
A major revival in Persian music has its inception late in the reign of Naser-ad-Din Shah (died in 1896 AD), who commanded the establishment of the House of Crafts, a center where all important craftsmen could be gathered for making and marketing their instruments.
The first musical instrument that was used thousands of years ago in Iran was the reed, a simple tube with several perforations which was played mostly by shepherds. There were several kinds of these reeds: the Nay Labak or the small reed which later developed into the piccolo of today; the Haft Band reed, which was much larger and had seven perforations; and the Nay Anban, a reed which was connected to a wind bag. This looked and sounded much like the bagpipes of Scotland. According to Herodotus such musical instruments were in wide use in the Achaemenian era as many as 2,500 years ago.
There are also several other wind instruments in Iran dating back to ancient times. One of these is the Sorna, a wood-wind instruments very much like the oboe. An other one is the Karna, a long wooden horn which was used for accompanying the Sorna in what was called Naqarehkhaneh music. Both of these instruments have fallen into disuse and their place has been taken by the modern oboe and clarinet as well as other wood-wind instruments.
The Kamancheh, an ancient Iranian musical instrument, is probably the first ancestor of the present-day violin, the cello, the viola and the base. This instrument, having the size of a violin is played cello-like in a vertical position and set on the knee of the player who uses an arched bow. Another bow-string instrument is the Ghazhak, which sound-wise resembles the Kamancheh. The instruments, no longer in general use, can still be found in Iranian Baluchistan. The Kamancheh is widely played in Armenia, Georgia, and Azarbaijan republics, and called by its original Persian name. In Tajikistan and Uzbakistan it is called Ghichak. The Kamancheh is also popular in many Middle Eastern countries like Turkey, Lebanon and Iraq. In India and Pakistan the instrument is called Sarengi.
In ancient times there was another string instrument in Iran, called Robab, which was played with a bow. This instrument, too, is no longer in use in this country. However, it is played in India, Pakistan ,Afghanistan and Tajikistan where it is still called by its original Persian name. Generally speaking, the violin is rapidly replacing the Kamancheh.
An ancient Iranian string instrument was the Barbat, which was very much in vogue prior to the advent of Islam. Iranian minstrels later took the instruments to the Arabian Peninsula and there the Arabs called it Al Ud, giving rise to the English word lute. The lute survived in Iran until the Safavid period, some 500 years ago, when it gradually went into oblivion. However, several years ago efforts were made to revive public interest in the old instrument and today there are several excellent performers in Iran.
Iran's most popular musical instrument is the Tar, which in Persian means the string. this is a string instrument with a pear shaped body and six strings. Then there is the Seh Tar, a three-stringed instrument of the same general shape which is plucked by the fingers.
Another very ancient instrument is the Santoor. This is a large horizontal sounding box over which are stretched numerous strings. It is played with plectrum and sometimes with fingers. It is much like the zither both in shape and in tonality.
There are several percussion instruments of Iranian origin, the biggest and loudest of which is the Dohol, which is played with two heavy sticks. Then there are the Dayereh, the Dayereh Zangi, and the Tonbak.
Theater and Cinema The nearest thing to the theater in Iran used to be the religious re-enactment's of holy stories; but theater in European style was introduced to Iran only in the second decade of the 20th century. Initial work was concentrated in Tehran and Rasht. The quick advent of cinema and later, television in Iran soon after the introduction of theater left little initial opportunity for the lather's development.
The first cinema hall was constructed in Tehran in the late 1920's. However, foreign films were the only source for cinemas, and these were shown with sub-titles. Dubbing into the Persian began in 1948, while serious shooting of Iranian films did not begin until 1950.
After the victory of Islamic Revolution, religious themes and interpretations are playing a much stronger role in the gigantic onward steps taken by the Iranian film makers.

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IRAN Tour 7 : 17Days & Visit 9 Cities

Tour Code :
Day 1
Meet and assist by our Representative in Tehran International Airport.
Departure to Qazvin overland (143 Km).
A half-day city tour visiting of Shahzadeh Hosein shrine, Darb-e-Koushk
and Tehran old gates.
overnight stay in Qazvin.

Day 2
Breakfast in hotel.
A half-day sightseeing and visiting of Aminies house, Jaame mosque and
Qazvin Bazaar.
Departure to Kashan overland (366 Km)
Overnight stay in Kashan.

Day 3
Breakfast in hotel.
A full day sightseeing in Kashan for Broojerdies' & Tabatabaeis' houses, Fiin Garden & historical bath, Agha-Bozorg Theological college.
Overnight stay in Kashan.

Day 4
Breakfast in hotel.
Departure for spends a pleasant day at Abianeh village (71 Km).
Overnight stay in Kashan.

Day 5
Breakfast in hotel.
Departure to Isfahan overland (212 Km).
A visiting of Imam Sq. Complex " Imam & Sheik-Lotf-Ollah mosques, A'ali-Qapou Palace, Qeysarieh Bazaar" and 40Column palace. In addition, a night views visiting at "Zayandeh-Rood" river.
Overnight stay in Isfahan.

Day 6
Breakfast in hotel.
A full day sightseeing in Isfahan with passing through the historical brick made "Si-o-Se Pol" Bridge to "Vank" Cathedral in Armenian zone "Jolfa" and 4 other historical bridges over Zayandeh rood, incredible "Shakable Minaret". Hasht Behesht palace and Chahar-Bagh school.
Overnight stay in Isfahan.

Day 7
Breakfast in hotel
Transfer to Isfahan airport. Departure to Shiraz
A full day sightseeing in Shiraz and visiting two Iranian world wellknown poets " Hafiz & Sa'adi" tombs, Vakils' Citadel, Bazaar and mosque, Eram & Narenjestan gardens and museum
Overnight stay in Shiraz.

Day 8
Breakfast in hotel
The day at your leisure
Overnight stay in Shiraz.

Day 9
Breakfast in hotel.
Departure to visit Persepolis complex " Naghsh-e-Rostam, Naghsh-Rajab,Tombs of Artaxerxes II & III in Rahmat mountain, Museum" and Passargad
A half day sightseeing and visiting Eram & Narenjestan Gardens and its meuseum, Vakil's Bazaar and Citadel.
Overnight stay in Shiraz.

Day 10
Breakfast in hotel.
Transfer to Shiraz airport. Departure to Kerman
A half day sightseeing Kerman visiting Ibrahim-Khan's theological college and historical Turkish bath.
Overnight stay in Kerman.

Day 11
Breakfast in hotel.
A full day sightseeing in Kerman visiting Bazaar, Jaame and Malek mosques, Vakil's Bath, Ganj-Ali-Khan complex and historical Ice -Keeping house.
Overnight stay in Kerman.

Day 12
Breakfast in hotel.
Overnight stay in Kerman.

Day 13
Breakfast in hotel.
Departure to Yazd overland (551 Km)
An afternoon sightseeing in Yazd for Zoroastorians' " Fire Temple & Tower of Silence".
Overnight stay in Yazd.

Day 14
Breakfast in hotel.
A halfday sightseeing in Yazd visiting of Jaame mosques Dome and Entrance Portal, Bazaar entrance Portal of Mir Chaqmaq-Khan.
Transfer toYazd airport, Departure to Tehran..
Overnight stay in Tehran.

Day 15
Breakfast in hotel.
A full day sightseeing in Tehran for X-Shah's residence and office at "Sa'ad-Abad Palace", Tehran Grand Bazaar (Carpet & Gold) and a museum.
Overnight stay in Tehran.

Day 16
Breakfast in hotel.
The day at your leisure
Overnight stay in Tehran.

Day 17
Breakfast in hotel.
Transfer to Tehran International Airport

For more information please visit: www.discoverpersia.com

IRAN- HISTORY

In this short account of Iranian history, the subject was not treated from the beginning and we didn't go into details- which would require a dozen of volumes at last. There are many other aspects of Iranian civilization that you as the foreign tourist will discover for yourself- when you are here in Iran.
Pre-Achaemenian Iran (Before 7,000 BC)
c 4,000-2,000 Bronze Age settlements of Tappeh Sialk, Susa, Tappeh Gyian, Tappeh Hasanlu, and Teppeh Hessar.
c 1,200 Zenith of Elamite Kingdom. Iron Age. Settlement of Chogha Zanbil in Khuzestan.
844 First mention of Iranians in Assyrian texts.
825 Rise of the Medes.
728 Deioces founds Median Empire.
722 Founding of Hagmatana ( next Hamadan).
Achaemenian Iran (700-330 BC)
c 700-675 Achamenes.
c 675-640 Teispes.
648 Assyrians destroy Elamite Susa.
c 640-600 Cyrus I.
c 630-533 Zoroaster and founding of Zoroastrianism.
612-606 Medes and Babylonians over overthrow Assyrian empire.
Destruction of Nineveh.
c 600-599 Cambyses I.
c 599-530 Cyrus II (the Great). The first Human right issued by Cyrus the great.
550 Cyrus defeats the Medes at Pasargade.
547 Cyrus defeats Croesus and takes Lydia.
539 Cyrus conquers Babylon and Syria.
530-522 Cambyses II.
525 Cambyses conquers Egypt.
522-486 Darius I, the Great. Rock relief at Mount Bisotun.
Revival of Susa. Persepolis. Darius broadens the Empire from the Indus to the Nile and Danube.
Tomb of Darius at Naqsh-e Rustam.
490 Battle of Marathon, won by the Greeks.
486-464 Xerxes I.
480-479 Battle of Salamis and Battle of Plataea, won by the Greeks.
464-425 Artaxerxes I.
420-404 Darius II.
404-358 Artaxerxes II.
336-330 Darius III.
330 Alexander the Great invades Iran, destroys the uncompleted Persepolis, and takes the Iranian Empire.
323 Death of Alexander.
Seleucid and Parthian Iran(312 BC-224 AD)
312-281 Seleucid I Nicator, founder of the Seleucid Greek dynasty.
281-261 Antiochus I Soter.
261-246 Antiochus II Theos.
250 The Arsacid dynasty of Parthians capture Khorasan from the Seleucid.
246-225 Seleucid II Khallinikos.
225-223 Antiochus Hierax Seleucus Soter.
223-186 Antiochus III Megas.
187-175 Seleucus IV Philopator.
175-163 Antiochus IV Epiphanes.
163-162 Antiochus V Eupator.
161-138 Mithridates I founds Parthian Empire.
138-124 Phrates II.
129 Phrates II and the Parthians defeat Seleucids.
124-123 Artabanus II.
123-87 Mithridates II. Zenith of Parthian Empire.
87 BC-Decline of the Parthian Empire
000- Jesus and founding of Christian.
224 AD-Rise of Rome.
Sassanian Iran (224-651)
224-241 Artaxerxes I over throws the Parthians and founds the Sassaniian Empire , his capital Ctesiphon.
241-272 Shapur I invades Roman Empire(252-261), capturing the Emperor Valerian in 260.
242-273 Preaching of Mani (executed in 273).
250-300 The conversion of Armenia to Christianity.
272-273 Hormuzd I.
273-276 Bahram I.
276-293 Bahram II.
283 The Emperor Garus takes Cteisphon, cedes Armenia and north Mesopotamia to Rome.
302-309 Hormuzd II.
309-379 Shapur II.
363 Shapur III defeats Julian the Apostate in battle, regaining Armenia and north Mesopotamia.
379 Peace is established with Rome.
379-383 Artaxerxes II.
383-388 Shapur III.
388-399 Bahram IV.
399-420 Yazdegerd I.
410 Alaric captures Rome.
420-438 Bahram V.
425 White Huns raid Khorasan.
438-457 Yazdegerd II.
457-459 Hormuzd III.
459-484 Firuz.
484-488 Balash.
488-497 Kavadh.
c 489 Nestorian Church founded.
479 Kavadh deposed.
499-531 Kavadh restored. Zenith of Sassanian power.
529 Justinian closes the schools. Scholars emigrate to Iran.
531-579 Khosrow I (Chosroes).
c 570 Birth of the Prophet Mohammed. Yemen under Iranian control.
579-590 Hormuzd IV.
591-528 Khosrow II.
608 Sassanian attack Byzantium.
614 Khosrow II captures Damascus and Jerusalem, bringing the True Cross to Ctesiphon.
622 Khosrow III defeated by Heraclius. Year of the Prophet's light from Mecca (Hijra).
632 Death of the prophet Mohammed.
632-651 Yazdegerd III, the last Sassaniian Monarch.
635 The Arabs take Damascus.
636 The Arabs defeat the Iranians at Qadisia.
637 The Arabs take Ctesiphon (Tisphoon).
641 The Arabs defeat the Iranians at Nahavand. Iran is Formally annexed to the Arab empire.
651 Death of Yazdegerd III, whose family and followers flee to China.
Early Islam (661-1036)
661 Death of Imam Ali, by Kharijia fanatics, at Kufa.
661-750 Ummayad Caliphate, ruling from Damascus.
744-749 Shiite revolt, led by Abu Muslim, to establish the Abbasid Caliphate.
750-1257 Abbasid Caliphate, ruling from Baghdad.
756-1031 Western Caliphate of Cordoba, founded on the fight of the last Ummayad.
861-872 Tahirid Dynasty in Khorasan ( First Iranian Governor after Islam founded at North -East of Iran).
872-903 Saffarid Dynasty in Khorasan.
903-999 Samanid Dynasty in Khorasan.
935-1055 Rise of the Buvayhids near Shiraz, ruling Kerman, Khuzestan, Fars, Isfahan, Rey, Hamadan, and Baghdad (in several branches).
c950-1020 Ferdowsi, poet of the Shahnameh.
962-1040 Ghaznavi dynasty rises in the east, challenging the Samanids.
980-1036 Avicenna, philosopher and physician.
Seljuks and Mongols (1037-1335)
1037 Seljuk Turks invade Iran under Tughril Beg.
1055 Tughril ends Buvahid rule.
1063-1072 Alp Arsalan.
1073-1092 Malik Shah. Zenith of Sejuk power.
1090-1257 Ismailii Society of Assassins under the Master of Mountains terrorize northern Iran from the Valley of Alamut.
1117-1157 Sanjar. End of Seljuk rule in Iran.
1136-1320 Attar, mystical poet of Mantiq at-Tair.
1140-c1202 Nizami, poet of the Makhzan al-Asrar.
c1184-1291 Sa'di, poet of the Bustan and Gulistan.
1207-1273 Rumi, poet of the Masnavi, and founder of the Molevi Order of whirling dervishes.
1219-1227 Changiz Khan devastates Iran.
1256-1265 Hulagu Khan.
1258 Mongols sack Baghdad. End of Abbasid Caliphate.
1260 Mongols capture Aleppo, Hama, Damascus.
1265-1284 Abaqa.
1284-1291 Arghun.
1291-1295 Gaikhatu.
1295 Baidu.
1295-1304 Ghazan, greatest of the Ilkhans, a Muslim convert.
1304-1316 Olijaitu.
1317-1335 Abu Sa'id. Collapse of the Ilkhanid State.( The First Iranian Governor after Mongols)
1320-1389 Hafez, Shirazi poet.
Timurid Iran (1380-1500).
Iran Captured once again by Turk-Mongols.
1380-1393 Timur conquers Iran. Suspension of the Nestorian Church.
1397 Timur invades India.
1405 Death of Timur. Accession of Shahrokh. Anarchy in Iran.
1411-1492 Jami, poet of the Haft Awrang.
1447-1452 Ulugh Beg.
1452-1466 Abu Sa'id the Timurid.
1500 Overthrow of the Timurids.
Safavid Iran (1502-1736).
The First Islamic-Iranian government raised from Ardabil by Sheyk Saffi-Ald'din-e Ardabili.
1502-1524 Ismail I. Conversion of Iran to Shiite Islam.
1514-1555 War with Turkey.
1524-1576 Tahmasb I.
1576-1577 Ismail II.
1577-1578 Mohammed Khodabandeh
1587-1629 Abbas I. Capital transferred to Isfahan. Zenith of Safavid power.
1629-1642 Safi I.
1642-1666 Abbas II.
1666-1694 Suleiman I.
1694-1722 Hossein.
1722 Afghans capture Isfahan.
1722-1732 Tahmasb II.
1724 Mahmud takes Shiraz. Massacre of Safavid princes.
1732-1736 Abbas III. Downfall of Safavids.
Modern Iran (1729 to date).
1729 Nader Quli expels Afghans.
1736-1747 Afsharid dynasty founded by Nader Quli.
1747-1748 Adil.
1748-1750 Shahrokh the Afsharid.
1750-1779 Karim Khan founds Zand dynasty.
1779-1785 Ali Murad.
1785-1789 Ja'far.
1789-1794 Lutf Ali Khan.
1795-1797 Mohammed Qajar overthrows Zand dynasty and founds Qajar dynasty.
1797-1834 Fath Ali Shah.
1812 Treaty of Gulistan. Iran cedes Armenia, Qafqaz (later Azarbaijan Rep.), territories to Russia.
1827 Russia seizes Tabriz.
1834-1848 Mohammed Shah.
1848-1896 Naser ad-Din Shah.
1896-1906 The Constitutional Revolution.
1907-1909 Promulgation of the Constitution.
1906 Mohammed Ali Shah.
1908 Nationalist uprising.
1909 Anglo-Iranian Oil Company ( later British Petroleum ) formed.
1909-1923 Ahmad Shah. Reza Khan appointed as Prime Minister ( 1923 )
1924-1925 Qajar dynasty over thrown and plans prepared to establish a republic , with Reza Khan as its President.
1925-1941 Proclamation of Reza Khan as Reza Shah , founder of the Pahlavi dynasty.
1941 Invasion of The Allied Forces. Reza Shah abdicates in favor of his son Mohammed Reza.
1941-1979 Mohammed Reza Shah.
1943 Tehran Conference ( 3 world war leaders Churchill , Roosevelt, and Stalin congregated in Tehran. )
1951 Dr. Mohammad Musaddeq becomes Prime Minister and presses for the nationalization of oil industry.
1952 The Mohannad Reza Shah flees the country , appointing General Zahedi Prime Minister.
1953 CIA coup d'etat against Dr. Musaddeq (19 August ). Musaddeq was arrested.
1954 Oil concession granted to a consortium of companies , of whom British Petroleum ( 40% ) held a majority interest.
1955 Iran joins the Baghdad Pact.
1959 Iran signed defense agreement with the USA
1963 (05 June) Religious nationwide uprising led by Ayatollah Khomeini , in protest to the so-called White Revolution
1967 Coronation of Mohammed Reza and his Queen Farah Diba on October 26.
1969 Flood disaster in Azerbaijan. Renewed tension between Iran and Iraq on the Arvand Rud ( Arab calls Shat Al Arab ) question.
1971 2,500th anniversary of the Iranian monarchy celebrated.
1978 Islamic Revolution over throws Pahlavi 's dynasty.
1979 Islamic republic of Iran founded .
Mr. Abol Hasan Bani Sadr, First president of Islamic republic of Iran elected.
1979 Iraq attacked to Iran.
1988 The Iraqis offence was repelled after 8 years irreconcilable war.
1989 Ayat-ollah Khomeini the leader of revelotion Died.
2003 Earthquake destroyed 80% of Bam Citadel and city of Bam.
Sogol Tehran Tour & Travel Agency takes great pleasure in presenting to you its new high quality, low price package tours & city, click for a complete list of our Tours and Services

For more information please visit: www.discoverpersia.com

IRAN Tour 6 : 16 Days & Visit Zagros Ancient

Tour Code : ZAG7C.B16D
Day 1
Meet and assist by our Representative in Tehran International Airport.
A Half day Sightseeing in Tehran.
Overnight stay in Tehran.

Day 2
Breakfast in hotel.
Departure to Hamedan - a 7000 years of age of civilization- overland(343 km).
A half day Hamedan sightseeing and Visiting of Shir-e-sangi, Ganj-Nameh and Ekbatan (Ancient Hamedan)
overnight stay in Hamedan.

Day 3
Breakfast in hotel.
A half day visiting of Alisadr Cave
Overnight stay in Hamedan.

Day 4
Breakfast in hotel.
Departure to Khoram Abad overland (250 km).
The rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Khoram Abad.

Day 5
Breakfast in hotel.
A Half day visiting of Falac-ol-Aflak Citadel at Khoram Abad
Departure to more than 2000 years of age Kermanshah (192 km) overland
A short visiting of Bisetoon and Tagh-e-Bostan
Overnight stay in Kermanshah.

Day 6
Breakfast in hotel.
Departure to Zoroatr's birth place Urmieh overland (579 km).
A short visiting of ancient remain Takht-e-Soleymon.
Overnight stay in Urmieh .

Day 7
Breakfast in hotel
A full day Urmieh sightseeing, visiting of Jameh and Sardar mosques,Se-Gonbad and Bazaar or the public resort of Sarband .
Overnight stay in Urmieh.

Day 8
Breakfast in hotel
The day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Urmieh .

Day 9
Breakfast in hotel.
Departure to Tabriz (291 km) overland
A Full day Tabriz city tour and visiting of Kabood and Alishah mosques, Maghbart-ol-Sho'Ara and public resort IL-Gully
Overnight stay in Tabriz.

Day 10
Breakfast in hotel.
A full day visiting of Kandovan Valley and enjoy with the medical unti-Kidney stone water.
Overnight stay in Tabriz.

Day 11
Breakfast in hotel.
Departure to Ardabil (216 km) overland
The day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Ardabil.

Day 12
Breakfast in hotel.
A half-day Ardabil sightseeing and visiting marvelous tiles work of Sheik-Safis' temple.
Departure to Anzali Port overland (226 Km).
Overnight stay in Anzali.

Day 13
Breakfast in hotel.
Departure to intact ancient village Masouleh (80 Km) which is protected by UNICEF.
Overnight stay in Masouleh.

Day 14
Breakfast in hotel.
Departure to Qazvin overland
A Half day city tour in Qazvin..
Overnight stay in Qazvin.

Day 15
Breakfast in hotel.
A morning sightseeing in Qazvin
Departure to Tehran overland
Overnight stay in Tehran.

Day 16
Breakfast in hotel.
Transfer to Tehran International Airport

For more information please visit: www.discoverpersia.com

IRAN Tour 5 : 15 Days & Visit 7 Cites

Tour Code : V7C.BA13D
Day 1
Meet and assist by our Representative in Tehran International Airport.
A Half day Sightseeing in Tehran.
Overnight stay in Tehran.

Day 2
Breakfast in hotel.
Transfer to Tehran Domestic airport and departure to Hamedan.
A half day sightseeing in Hamedan and visiting of old city, Shir-e Sangi,and Gnj-Nameh.
overnight stay in Hamedan.

Day 3
Breakfast in hotel.
A half day visiting of Alisadr Cave.
Transferto the airport to departure to Tehran.
Overnight stay in Tehran.

Day 4
Breakfast in hotel.
Departure to Kashan overland (223Km).
A Full day visiting the Fiin Garden and its' historical bath, Broojerdy and Tabatabay's houses.
Overnight stay in Kashan.

Day 5
Breakfast in hotel.
Departure to Yazd overland (448 Km).
The rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay in Yazd.

Day 6
Breakfast in hotel.
A Half day sightseeing in Yazd and visiting the Zoroastrians' Fire Temple and Tower of Silence.
Departure to Kerman Overland (351 KM)
Overnight stay in Kerman.

Day 7
Breakfast in hotel
A full day sightseeing in Kerman and visiting of Theological college, historical Turkish bath of Ibrahim-Khan, Vakil's Bazaar and Carvansaray.
Overnight stay in Kerman.

Day 8
Breakfast in hotel
A Full day visiting of Shah-Nemat-Ollah-e Vali's Masuleum and Shazdeh Garden in Mahan.
Overnight stay in Kerman.

Day 9
Breakfast in hotel.
Departure to Shiraz overland
A half day sightseeing and visiting Eram & Narenjestan Gardens and its meuseum, Vakil's Bazaar and Citadel.
Overnight stay in Shiraz.

Day 10
Breakfast in hotel.
Departure for Persepolis Complex to visit " Naghsh-e-Rajab, Naghsh-e-Rostam, Tombs of Artaxerxeses II & III, Palaces and Museum"
Transfer to the airport and departure to Isfahan .
Overnight stay in Isfahan.

Day 11
Breakfast in hotel.
A full day sightseeing in Isfahan and visiting the Imam Sq. Complex "
Imam & Sheyk-Lotfollah Mosques, and A'ali-Qapou Palace", 40 culumn Palace and incredible Shakeable Minarets
Overnight stay in Isfahan.

Day 12
Breakfast in hotel.
A Full day sightseeing in Tehran for X-Shah'S Residence and Office in "Sa`ad Abad Palace", Tehran Grand bazaar(Carpet & Gold) and national Museum.
Departure to Tehran.
Overnight stay in Tehran.

Day 13
Breakfast in hotel.
A full day sightseeing in Tehran and visiting the X-Shah's residence and office at Sa'ad Abad Palace and Museum, and Niavaran Palace.
Overnight stay in Tehran.

Day 14
Breakfast in hotel.
A visiting of Golestan Palace, and Tehran Grand Bazaar.
Afternoon at your leisure.
Overnight stay in Tehran.

Day 15
Breakfast in hotel.
Transfer to Tehran International Airport

For more information please visit: www.discoverpersia.com

IRAN Tour 4 : 13 Days & Visit 5 Cites

Tour Code :V5C.BA13D

Day 1
Meet and assist by our Representative in Tehran International Airport.
A Half day guided sightseeing in Tehran.
overnight stay in Tehran.

Day 2
Breakfast in hotel.
Departure to Isfahan overland (435 KM)
Visiting of Zayandeh-Rood river in the night.
overnight stay in Isfahan

Day 3
Breakfast in hotel.
A full day sightseeing in Isfahan for Imam Square Complex " Imam and Sheikh-Lotf-Ollah mosques,Qeysarieh bazaar, A'ali-Qapou Palace" and 40 Column Palace.
overnight stay in Isfahan

Day 4
Breakfast in hotel.
A Full day sightseeing in Isfahan and passing through the historical brick made Bridge "SI-O-SE POL" over Zayandeh-Rood river to wail "Vank Cathedral" in Armenian zone "Jolfa", also visiting one of the incredible sights "Shakable Minaret"
overnight stay in Isfahan

Day 5
Breakfast in hotel.
Departure to Yazd overland (308 KM)
The rest of the day at your leisure.
Overnight stay in Yazd

Day 6
Breakfast in hotel.
A Half day sightseeing in Yazd and visiting the Zoro Astoriants "Fire-Temple and Tower of Silence", Over more the goal of Alexander, Entrance Portal of Friday Mosques
Departure to Kerman overland (351 KM)
Overnight stay in Kerman.

Day 7
Breakfast in hotel.A Full day sightseeing and visit one of the worl incredible sighting Bam , the 2000 years " Bam Citadel", returne to hotel in Kerman after a short stop in mahan to visit "SHAH-Nemat-Ollah- e- Vali " Mausoliumes ' and Shazdeh Garden.
Overnight stay in Kerman.

Day 8
Breakfast in hotel
A Half day sightseeing in Kerman and visiting Ibrahim Khans Theological College and Historical Bath Kerman Bazaar
Departure to Shiraz overland (555 KM)
A visiting of "Quran Gate"
Overnight stay in Shiraz.

Day 9
Breakfast in hotel.
A Full day sightseeing in Shiraz for two Iranian world wellknown poets"Hafiz & SaadiI" Tombs,Eram & Narenjestan Garden and Museum,Vakils' bazaar, Citadel Mosque.
Overnight stay in Shiraz.

Day 10
Breakfast in hotel.
Departure to visit the sights in "Persepolis Complex " Naghsh-E-Rajab, Naghshe-E-Rostam, The Tombs OF Artaxerxes II, III and Musuem "
Overnight stay in Shiraz.

Day 11
Breakfast in hotel.
A Full day sightseeing in Shiraz
Transfer to Shiraz Airport, Departure to Tehran.
The day at your leisure.
Overnight stay in Tehran.

Day 12
Breakfast in hotel.
A Full day sightseeing in Tehran for X-Shah'S Residence and Office in "Sa`ad Abad Palace", Tehran Grand bazzar(Carpet & Gold) and National Museum.
Overnight stay in Tehran.

Day 13
Breakfast in hotel.
Transfer to Tehran International Airport

For more information please visit us st: www.discoverpersia.com

Flight to Tehran, Iran

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