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Geographically a Southwest Asian country, Iran is officially called as 'The Islamic Republic Of Iran'. Iran is a dominantly Shia Islamic country. Here's a quote of very famous saying about the country "Iran's glory has always been its culture". The enticing Persian architecture. Because it was one of the early countries to be invaded by Islamic soldiers, it frame up a range of distinct Islamic culture and architecture.
Official Languages:
Persian is the official language of Iran, in which even the historical books as well as the present documentation is done. The language of the country is such an integral part of it that it is formally known as 'Persia. It belongs to the family of Indo-European languages. Persian has always been the channel to scientific, cultural and philosophical studies for the Iranian people.
Independence, Republic and Government:
On 1 April, 1979, Iran was declared as the Islamic Republic of Iran after the fall of Shah with over 98% of votes against his regime. Due to months of violent protests, Shah's had to leave Iran. Citizens of Iran wanted Ayatollah Ruholla Khomeini back. Shah Muhammad Reza Pahlevi was notorious for his westernized life style and attitude. The major reason for protest was the 'illegal government' (as supporters of Ayatollah called it) created by Shah, which was headed by Dr. Shah Bahktiar. People celebrated the Ayatollah's return from a long exile. But there were also protests against the people appointed by Shah after his leaving the country. Military government appointed by him too failed to sustain before the rage of Ayatollah's supporters.
Presently, Iran is run by the constitution of 1979 called "Qanun-e-Asasi" (the fundamental law). It is a Theocratic Islamic Governed country. In a revised form the Prime Minister's post was eliminated, thereby diverting the powers to the President. He is the head of military, judiciary and even selects members of the Guardian Council as well as of Expediency Discernment Council.
Top Cities of Iran:
Tehran:Officially known as Tehran Bozorg, the capital of Iran is full of greenery. You will find parks, gardens at every nook and corner. The city bears an inclination towards dry climate, but offers a pleasant weather in the evening due to mountains around it. Places like Park Mellat, Bagh-e-Melli Gate, Boulevard Keshaverz, Albourz Mountains, Golestan Palace etc are one of the most preferred places by tourists.
Shiraz: Darvazeh Korean, that is, the entrance to Shiraz itself is an amazing place to visit. Amidst the greenery and mountains the tourist is welcomed into a living paradise. The beautiful palace that belonged to the Ghavan's, is another interesting place to see.
Isfahan: The city showcase a beautiful assortment of Islamic architecture stretching from 11th Century to 19th Century. If you are interested in the historical moments of Iran, then this is the best place to visit. Isfahan is completely soaked into the Persian culture. While you go to Isfahan, don't forget to buy some items with a silver filigree and metal work, which is among one of the specialties of that place.
Shomal: North of Iran is called as Shomal. Northern Iran is full of mountains, jungles and seasonal snow. Places like Mazandaran and Gilan are any tourist's delight. While Mazandaran offers mouth watering and appetizing range of juices, Gilan has forests and mountains to see.
Culture and Heritage:
Iranian culture represents the culture of Middle East and Central Asia. Persian culture is one of the oldest as well as the largest existing in the world. Due to foreign exposures, it has come up in a different manner in contemporary times. During Sassanid's regime, Persian culture came into contact with the Roman one and the influence is very apparent. Asian countries like China and India too have been influencing European world, which was carried forward to the Iranian culture. The element of respecting elders, warm treatment to guests are very much existing in Iranian etiquettes. The culture of Persia is predominantly aristocratic. The trend of familial nuclear culture strikes a contrast with the Westerners.
From the archaeological remains of the city of Bam in Iran to the Mausoleum Of Maussollos, Iran has a long list of national heritage to feel proud on. Persian architecture is unique in it's own style and has a rich historical past to back. One era after the other, it has gained new shapes and forms. Arthur Pope said once about the heritage of Iran "Architecture in Iran has at least 6,000 years of continuous history, The supreme Iranian art, in the proper meaning of the word, has always been its architecture. The supremacy of architecture applies to both pre-and post-Islamic periods". Fifteen of them are a part of the list of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.
Tourism
Iran is mostly visited as a pilgrimage to Mashhad and Qom. However, Iranian tourism received a setback after US attacked Iraq to end the regime of Saddam Hussain. With facilities of good infrastructure, communication mean, regulatory norms etc, the country has a good lot of tourists every year. Due to it's historical importance, the country is among the ten mostly visited countries. As we have discussed earlier, Iranian people are already known for it's hospitality towards guests.
For further information on Tehran, the capital city of Iran you can log on to countriesandcapitals
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