Why Iran?
7000 Years Of History & Civilization
Iran is home to one of the world’s oldest living civilizations, with historical and urban settlements dating back to 7000 BC. The southwestern and western part of the Iranian Plateau contributed to the traditional Ancient Near East with the Elamite Civilization, from the Early Bronze Age, and later with various other peoples’, such as the Kassites, Mannaeans and Gutians. Hegel once named the Persians as the first Historical People. The Medes unified Iran as a nation and empire in 625 BC. The Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BC), founded by Cyrus the Great, was the first of the Persian empires to rule from the Balkans to North Africa and also Central Asia, spanning three continents, from their seat of power in Persis (Persepolis).
It was the largest empire up to that time, and the first world empire, spanning 5.5 million square kilometers, larger than any previous empire in history. Iran has also endured invasions by the Greeks, Arabs, Turks and Mongols. Nevertheless, it has continually reasserted its national identity throughout the centuries and has developed as a distinct political and cultural entity. Iran was reunified as an independent state in 1501 by the Safavid Dynasty, which converted Iran to Shia Islam as the official religion of their empire, marking one of the most important turning points in the history of Iran and also Islam.
Mosques
Main mosques to visit in Iran
Mezquita Nasir ol Molk
The Pink Mosque at Shiraz. The mosque was built during the Qajar dynasty, and is still in use under protection by the Endowment Foundation of Nasir al Molk.
Address
Fars Province, Shiraz, Lotf Ali Khan Zand St, Irán
What I like about it
The mosque includes extensive coloured glass in its facade, and displays other traditional elements such as the Panj Kāse ("five concaved") design.
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Shahcheragh Holy Shrine
Shah Cheragh is a 12th century funerary monument and religious complex, centred around the mausoleum of Sayyid Ahmad, who is known as Shah Cheragh (King of the Light) in local traditions.
Address
District 8, Shiraz, Fars Province, Irán
What I like about it
The mosque is known especially for its fabulous interior of mirror mosaics, the Shah Cheragh shrine is one of the most prominent sites of pilgrimage in Iran.
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Jameh Mosque of Isfahan
The Jāmeh Mosque of Isfahān has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.This is one of the oldest mosques still standing in Iran, and it was built in the four-iwan architectural style, placing four gates face to face.
Address
Isfahan, Majlesi St, Iran
What I like about it
The main entrance lies in the Grand Bazaar of Isfahan, towards the southwest wing of the mosque.
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