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Khatamkari

2019/10/06/1 Comment/in Architrcture , Art and Handicraft, Isfahan /by Iran Tourism

Khatamkari literally means decorating objects’ surfaces with small pieces like tiles and it is one of the Persian arts wherein the surface of wooden or metallic articles is decorated with pieces of wood, bone and metal cut in a variety of shapes and designs.

This art, to some extent, has existed in Iran from long ago. Inlaid articles in the Safavid era took on a special significance, as artists used this art on doors, windows, mirror frames, Qur’an boxes, pen and pen holders, lanterns and tombs.

Also, in some royal buildings, doors and various items have been inlaid. The inlaid-ornamented rooms in Sa’dabad and Marble Palace in Tehran are among masterpieces of this art.

Incorporating techniques from China and improving it with Persian know-how, this craft existed for more than 700 years and is still practiced in Shiraz and Isfahan.

How to do it

Gold, silver and etc. can be used for collector coins. These rods are first assembled into triangular beams with geometric patterns, and then these are assembled again and glued into bundles in a strict order to form a cylinder of about 70cm, whose edge shows the unity of the base of the final decoration.

These cylinders are then sheared in shorter cylinders, then compressed and dried between two wooden plates, before undergoing a final cut that makes slices of about 1 mm in thickness. The latter are then ready to be plated and glued on the support object to be decorated before being lacquered. They can be preheated to soften them, if the object is curved, so that they can perfectly marry the curves. The decorated objects are: boxes, chess or backgammon, frames, or even musical instruments.

The Khatam technique can also be applied to the famous Persian miniatures, thus creating true works of art.

Persian Pottery

2019/10/04/1 Comment/in Architrcture , Art and Handicraft, Gilan, Lorestan, Mazandaran /by Iran Tourism

Persian Pottery

Iranian pottery production presents a continuous history from the beginning of Iranian history until the present day. In Iran pottery manufacture has a long and brilliant history. Due to the special geographical position of the country, being at the crossroads of ancient civilizations and on important caravan routes, almost every part of Iran was, at times, involved in pottery making. Yet, recent excavations and archaeological research revealed that there were four major pottery-manufacturing areas in the Iranian plateau. These included the western part of the country, namely the area west of the Zagros Mountains (Lorestan), and the area south of the Caspian Sea (Gilan and Mazandaran provinces).

One of the earliest known and excavated prehistoric sites that produced pottery is Ganj Darreh Tappeh in the Kermanshah region. Another great discovery was made south of the Caspian Sea in a cave, in the so-called Kamarband, (Belt cave) near present day Behshahr.

With the invention and the introduction of the potter’s wheel, it became possible to produce better quality and symmetrically-shaped vessels; the number of pottery types made was greatly increased as well. The decoration of these objects was made with much greater care and artistic skill, and the designs used were greatly enriched and carefully selected.

In general the history of Iranian-Islamic pottery can be divided into three main periods Post-Sassanian or Early Islamic Period; Middle Islamic Period; Later Islamic Period.

In these three periods, which lasted for more than a thousand years, numerous pottery centers were established, which produced innumerable types of wares.

Currently, pottery art is popular in traditional and industrial ways in Iran, and its main centers are: Laljin, Hamedan, Meybod, Yazd, Kalporgan, Minab, Gilan, Gonabad, Shahreza and etc.

Laljin

Laljin is known as the Middle East pottery and ceramic works. 80 percent of the population of the city of Laljin is engaged in pottery and ceramic works.

Local Costume and Food of Khorasan People

2019/10/02/1 Comment/in North Khorasan, Other, Razavi Khorasan, South Khorasan /by Iran Tourism

Local Costume of Khorasaan People

In Great Khorasaan province which is divided into 3 parts, different people are living such as Turkoman, Kurd, Balouch and etc.

Balouch people are settled in southern and eastern parts of Khorasaan Razavi and wear their own costume which is decorated with needlework.

Turkoman people live in northern parts of Khorasaan Razavi. The most important part of Turkoman women’s wear is a red dress called “Chavak”. For men this long dress is called “doon” and it’s the major part of their clothing. There are two types of hats called “Boorik” with needlework and “Talpak” with long wool. In Ghouchan, Dargaz and Kalaat, Turkish and Kurdish people wear their own costume. Kurdish men’s wear are similar to the ones in Kurdistan.

In Kermanj, women wear “Shilvaar” which is a corrugated skirt with detailed fringe.

The main women’s wear in Khorasaan is “Shalite”. A layered and corrugated skirt with vest and scarf.

Finally, when we talk about Khorasaan Costume, we all remember the bust, white pants and turban which people wear during a dance called “Choub Baazi”.

Khorasaan Local Food

One of the most amazing parts of traveling to a new province is tasting its local food that can get us familiar with their taste. Great Khorasaan province has its own local food like Kome joush, Khorasaan lentils halim, saateri polo,reshteh suzmeh, ghorouto, Neyshabour oatmeal soup, tougi sardaaghi and etc.

Lut Desert (Dasht-e Lut)

2019/07/30/0 Comments/in Natural Attractions /by Iran Tourism

Desert areas constitute about a quarter of Iran. The Lut desert is a desert in southeastern Iran with a length of about 900 km and a width of 300 km. The world’s tallest sand pyramid is located in this plain.

In this vast plain, traces of human habitation from the fourth millennium BC have been observed. There have been huge earthquakes in this plain in the past time.

The plain of Lut has many spectacular views in its heart. Every year, countless desert enthusiasts are eager to see these wonders in the plain of Lut. Wide sand and gravel areas with bright brown to light gray and black, wavy sandy areas, multiple polygonal zones, are some of the beauties of Lut Desert.

According to some geologists, the desert has been a shallow sea called “Tis” in the past, which has dried over time due to the warmth of the air. During 2004 to 2009, this region was recognized as the warmest surface of the Earth.

The largest population of the Lut plain has settled in the Shahdad (in the past called “Khibiz”). One of the few vegetation coverings in this area is the Gaz Shrubs located 20 km from Shahdad.

Top 10 of Traditional Cuisine in IRAN (Part 2)

2019/06/19/224 Comments/in Other /by Iran Tourism

In the first part, we introduced 5 of the most famous traditional dishes in Iran. Here are five other famous traditional dishes.

6. Khoresh Gheimeh

Khoresh Gheimeh is a beef and split pea stew made with dried limes and cooked in a tomato base, usually served with fried potatoes on the top.

7. Zereshk Polo Morgh

Zereshk Polo Morgh is one of the prettiest Iranian dishes wich the most widely used in all kind of parties. Zereshk Polo Morgh is a rice dish usually made with saffron and barberries alongside a chicken and tomato stew.

8. Bademjan (Eggplant and Tomato Stew)

Eggplant is one of the most popular Iranian cuisines that is used in many foods. Eggplant stew is one of the most delicious foods that are cooked with eggplant.

It is eaten usually with white rice and saffron.

9. Baghali Polo

Baghali Polo is made with saffron, fava beans and green dill, and is usually served with lamb. Baghali Polo with lamb is one of the most stylish and delicious Iranian foods.

10. Tahchin

Tahchin is a pretty and delicious Persian food that is prepared with chicken, meet, eggplant and so on but the chicken Tahchin is more popular.

Top 10 of Traditional Cuisine in IRAN (Part 1)

2019/06/11/9 Comments/in Other /by Iran Tourism

Persia’s geography, history and cultural influences have shaped the diversity of ingredients and the methods of cooking in one of the world’s oldest and most sophisticated cultures.

We plan to introduce top 10 of traditional cuisines in Iran

1. Chelo Kabab

Chelo Kabab is undoubtedly the most famous Iranian cuisine, and many people know Iranian cuisine with Chelo Kabab. All kinds of Kababs, especially Koobideh, are very popular among Iranians and tourists.

Chelo Kabab are usually served with tomatoes, grilled peppers, saffron rice and fresh vegetables.

2. Ghormeh Sabzi

Ghormeh Sabzi is one of the most popular Iranian cuisines, Ghormeh Sabzi stew are prepared with a lot of aromatic vegetables, onions, red beans and mutton or veal or lamb.

3. Dizi

Dizi, also called the Abgoosht, is one of the most authentic Iranian cuisines. For preparing Dizi, it is used mutton, beans and potatoes. Dizi is usually eaten with bread, vegetables and onion.

4. Fesenjan

Fesenjan is a stylish and delicious Iranian stew which is prepared by walnut, Pomegranate paste and meat or chicken.

5. Ash Reshte

Soup dish (Ash Reshte) is one of the popular Iranian traditional dishes which is generally served in the winter. This soup is made from chickpeas, beans, noodles and plenty of herbs.

Handicrafts of Isfahan – Part 2

2019/06/04/0 Comments/in Architrcture , Art and Handicraft, Isfahan, Isfahan /by Iran Tourism

In the first part, we reviewed 5 items of Isfahan handicrafts. In the following, there are other items from Isfahan Handicrafts.

6. Moaragh

The word “Moaragh” actually means something tidy, the art of making art is the laying of colorful and valuable wood, such as ivory, oysters, and metal, to achieve the desired design.

Wood art mosaic can be one of the most beautiful and finest wood arts and crafts in Iran. The Isfahan art scene in Iran has a special place, the best and most diverse works of the world about this art to the Iranians. In fact, this art is really about making different kinds of different types of different colors and patterns.

7. Ghalamkari

Ghalamkari is derived from the Persian words ghalam (pen) and kari (craftsmanship), meaning drawing with a pen. This is a type of hand-painted or wooden block-printed cotton textile, using natural dyes. It is an old craft that has been used as a conduit for their artistic creativity by the Iranian graphic designers, since the antiquity.

8. Firoozeh Koobi

Firoozeh Koobi (Turquoise) is one of the most popular arts in Isfahan. In this art, small pieces of turquoise appear on the surface of dishes, jewelry and decorative objects. This works on copper, brass, silver and bronze surfaces.

9. Carpet Weaving

Carpets are one of the first artistic handicrafts which have been woven since ancient times in Persia. Iranian Carpets have always been famous all over the world. Almost all international tourists buy even a small Iranian carpet during their trips in Iran. During the Safavid era, Isfahan was considered one of the main centers of carpet weaving in Iran and there were a lot of workshops. Today, the city of Meyme is one of the important centers for producing handmade carpets in Isfahan province.

10. Pottery and Ceramics

Pottery is the process of forming vessels and other objects with clay and other ceramic materials, which are fired to give them a hard, durable form. This art is considered in the city of Isfahan, as well as in the cities of Natanz and Shahreza

11. Miniature

Miniature is a kind of painting that has long existed in Iran. This type of painting can be sold as decorative panels or used in the architecture to decorate the walls.

Handicrafts of Isfahan – Part 1

2019/05/26/166 Comments/in Architrcture , Art and Handicraft, Isfahan, Isfahan /by Iran Tourism

The handicrafts of Isfahan represent the industry and art of the ancestors and displays of the taste and art of the people of Isfahan, which has been attracting domestic and foreign tourists over the years.

Natural Attractions In Iran

2019/05/01/0 Comments/in Amol, Hamadan, Hamadan, Hormozgan, Isfahan, Isfahan, Mazandaran, Natural Attractions, Qeshm Island, Sari /by Iran Tourism

For those who crave to visit Iran whose historical monuments are not satisfactory enough, the numerous awe-inspiring landscapes surrounding Iran ranging from mountains to deserts, to forests and caves offer travelers a fantastic and memorable experience. In the following, you will find a glimpse over the most wonderful ones.

Alisadr Cave:

Ali Sadr Cave originally called Ali Saadr (meaning cold) is the world’s largest water cave which attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is located in Ali Sadr Kabudarahang County about 100 kilometers north of Hamadan, western Iran.

Chahkooh Canyon:

In the Northwestern part of Qeshm Island, Chahkooh Canyon (Mountain of Wells) is located 15km away from Tabl Village. The Chahkooh Canyon is known as The Great Canyon of The Middle-East and is inscribed as a UNESCO Global Geopark site. This Geosite is an exceptional example of erosion through rainstorm water.

Mount Damavand:

Mount Damavand is known as the highest mountain in Iran and the highest volcano in the Middle East. It is located in the central part of the Alborz mountain range (central Alborz), and in the south of the Caspian Sea, in the Larijan district of Amol.

Varzaneh Desert:

Varzaneh Desert is one of the beauty deserts of the eastern part of Isfahan and the central part of Iran. At the heart of this desert, sandy hills make a wonderful view that wind beautifully crafted them in various shapes, including longitudinal hills, crests and sandy pyramids.

Hormuz Island:

Hormuz, mostly barren, hilly island of Iran on the Strait of Hormuz, between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, 8 km off the coast. The population may decline by half in summer through migration. Hormuz village is the only permanent settlement. Resources include red ochre for export.

Badab Soort Springs:

Badab Soort has become the world’s second largest Spring Saline water. Badab Soort’s springs are two distinct mineral springs with different natural characteristics, located at 1,840 metres above sea level. The first spring contains very salty water that gathers in a small natural pool. Its water is considered to have medicinal properties, especially as a cure for rheumatism and some types of skin diseases and skin conditions. The second spring has a sour taste and is predominately orange mainly due to the large iron oxide sediments at its outlet.

About Iran

2019/04/28/1 Comment/in Other /by Iran Tourism

Formal name: Islamic Republic of Iran

Location of Iran: Iran is situated in Western Central Asia in the area commonly referred to as the Middle East. It was geographically known as Persia until as recently as the twentieth century. In the North and Northwest, it is bordered by the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Armenia and the autonomous Nakhchivan enclave. To the West lie Turkey and Iraq. Its southern boundaries extend to the scenic shores of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. It is adjacent to Afghanistan and Pakistan in the East and Turkmenistan to the Northeast.

Capital: Tehran

Area: Total 1,648,195 km2: land 99.3%, water 0.7%

Land boundaries: Total 5894 km

Population: over 81 million inhabitants

Language: Linguistically diverse, Persian (Farsi) is spoken by the majority of Iranians. Several other related Indo-Iranian languages belonging to the Indo-European language family are spoken – Kurdish, Gilaki, Mazandarani, et al. Sizeable minority languages include Armenian, Azeri Turkish, Caucasian languages such as Georgian and Circadian, and Arabic, among others.

A large percentage of millennial Iranians speak moderate to advanced English. Tourist information is available in English at many hotels and cultural attractions. As expected, signs, services and general information in rural and remote areas are less likely to accommodate the Anglophone tourist than in more populated areas.

The Persian-Arabic alphabet is the national standard. However, some signs, menus and general information are posted in English.

Administrative and territorial structure: 31 Provinces, 324 counties, 89 cities.

Religion: Islam is the national religion. Zoroastrianism remains active in small pockets throughout the country.

Currency: The official currency of Iran is the Iranian Rial.
USD, Euros, GBP and other currencies can be exchanged for Rial throughout Iran.

Climate: The climate of Iran is as diverse as its topography ranging from mild and wet subtropical rainforest on the Caspian coast at Gilan to the Mediterranean climate of Shiraz; very cold mountains of the Zagros and Alborz to the hot dry deserts of Lut and Kavir Buzurg; semi-desert of Tehran to dry coastal climate on the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman coasts.

Summers in the North are usually temperate with high temperatures averaging about 27 oC. Winters are generally mild in the South with average low temperatures around 13 oC. Summers are hot and sometimes humid, pending on the region.

Iran’s diverse climate allows for an amazing array of leisure and adventure activities. Skiing and extreme snow sports, scuba diving and snorkeling, ecotourism and safari are all within a short distance of each other almost year round.