TRAVELING
Persian tone
Iran still remains unrenowned country for most of Russian tourists, and a trip here can be compared to a journey to another world – full of mysteries and dangers. Meanwhile, there is a lot of interesting things to see, and those who will brave enough to overcome their prejudices will find amazing beauty of the desert, colorful oriental bazaars and, of course, objects of the ancient Persian culture. Our colleague Ekaterina Toropchina, Internal Auditor, working in the department of the assistant to the general director for financial issues, shared her impressions of the trip to Iran.
– In May 2024, I've got a chance to visit the capital of Iran – the city of Tehran. You can find direct flights from Moscow to Iran every day, I recommend choosing the Iranian airline Mahan Airlines. I chose the travel route myself, but as for me it will be more easy to delegate accommodation issue to specialized agency if you want to stay in the country with comfort. Citizens of the Russian Federation need a visa to visit Iran, which can be obtained in advance for 40 euros at the embassy or for 70 euros upon arrival (if you have a reference code). Passports upon entry and exit from the country are not stamped, in order to avoid possible problems in future when entering countries unfriendly to Iran.
The most famous sights are located to the south of the center, and the areas to the north are considered elite districts: here, at the mountains foot, you will find Saadabad gardens, in which greenery the former palaces of the shahs, which became mowadays museum, are buried. The northernmost district of Tehran is Darband, located in a beautiful gorge: from here you can take a funicular to the top of the mountains and admire the beautiful panoramic view of the city.
The most famous sights are located to the south of the center, and the areas to the north are considered elite districts: here, at the mountains foot, you will find Saadabad gardens, in which greenery the former palaces of the shahs, which became mowadays museum, are buried. The northernmost district of Tehran is Darband, located in a beautiful gorge: from here you can take a funicular to the top of the mountains and admire the beautiful panoramic view of the city.
Persepolis, the legendary capital of the Achaemenid Empire, is located 50 km from Shiraz
Main attractions to visit are:
- Azadi (or Freedom Tower), is the visit card of Tehran.
- The palace of Shah Golestan and the country residence of Saadabad, surrounded by luxurious gardens, created for the shahs by the best architects of the East. Today it workes as the museum complex.
- Ab-o-Atash (Water and Fire) Park, which is divided by the Tabiat Bridge, was designed by an award-winning female architect.
- Milad Tower is the tallest building in Iran, providing the opportunity to observe the best panoramic views of the city, mountains and desert. The tower ranks sixth among the tallest television towers in the world. Many different country exhibitions and events take place here.
- The Grand Bazaar is the largest one in the city, the biggest indoor market of the world, with unique fusion of traditions and modern trends, some kind of the crossroads between the past and future. A special pleasure is to choose delicious fruits and freshly squeezed juices.
- There are also many monuments dedicated to various events or outstanding figures who played an important role in the life of the country, among which the most famous one is Imam Khomeini, the leader of the Islamic Revolution. My personal recommendation is to visit the former US Embassy and the library in Iran Mall where you can buy a handcrafted chess set.
The Persian people pleasantly surprised me; the local mentality is characterized by friendliness, responsiveness and hospitality. Iranians love to spend weekends in parks, having a picnic with their families.
Prices in Tehran are very affordable, the average bill in a cafeteria is 500 rubles for a large portion for two persons, with drink and dessert. Restaurants are a bit more expensive, especially if they are located at hotels in the city north, but the quality of the food, variety of dishes, atmosphere and the beautiful view are worth it for sure. There are also fine dining restaurants.
Prices in Tehran are very affordable, the average bill in a cafeteria is 500 rubles for a large portion for two persons, with drink and dessert. Restaurants are a bit more expensive, especially if they are located at hotels in the city north, but the quality of the food, variety of dishes, atmosphere and the beautiful view are worth it for sure. There are also fine dining restaurants.
"Iran Mall" is a shopping center with the total area of 1.6 million m2
The signature dish of local cuisine is, of course, kebab in a number of variations. It is cooked from lamb, beef or chicken meat, generously seasoned with spices. Meat is traditionally served with rice, stewed, fresh or canned vegetables, olives, sauces, freshly baked bread, and "Dugh", a drink similar to tan or ayran, which is used to decrease acuty of the main dishes.
The tour has crushed many stereotypes; the closed character and danger of the country turned out to be a myth. I recommend visiting thıs country, but my advise is to use the services of a reliable tour operator.
The tour has crushed many stereotypes; the closed character and danger of the country turned out to be a myth. I recommend visiting thıs country, but my advise is to use the services of a reliable tour operator.
Interesting Facts
1
One of the most important objects of historical heritage are the ruins of the Persepolis, an ancient Persian city in southwestern Iran that arose in the 6th–5th centuries BC, and has been one of the capitals of the Persian Empire.
2
Iranians still use the Muslim calendar, so it is now 1403 there.
3
Within the state territory there are a Great Salt Desert, which occupies a total area of more than 77 thousand km2. This is one of the last natural habitats of the Asiatic cheetah.
4
It must be said that medical tourism is developed in Iran very good.
5
The currency of Iran is the Iranian rial. 100 rials are worth about 0.21 Russian rubles, which makes visiting Iran very affordable for Russian tourists.
6
Although Iran is a religious country, it is also one of the friendliest and safest countries in the Middle East. Tourists can expect genuine assistance from Iranians, access to high quality of private medical care services, and comfortable accommodation.
7
In winter, you can ski in the mountains in northern Iran orand swim in the bay in the south of the country.
8
Direct flights are available from Tehran to London, Vienna and Germany.
© Beko 2024