The Ancient and Sacred Yazd Atashkadeh For nearly 2,000 years, it has been the strong Zoroastrian’s faith which has kept the sacred fire of the Yazd Atashkadeh (Fire Temple) or Atash Behram consistently alight through the ages in Iran. Attracting travellers and tourists from the farthest distance, this temple is one of nine Atash Behrams....
The Majestic Bagh-e Dolat Abad Wandering through the desert-city of Yazd, it’s not unlikely for the heat to make one start wishing-for or even hallucinating on stumbling into a miraculous oasis of some sort, however Bagh-e Dolat Abad is certainly no hallucination. Built in 1747 and also known as Dolat Abad Garden, this lush eight...
The Spectacular Alluring Amir Chaqmaq Complex Passing by the three bronze old men by the fountain, through Amir Chaqmaq Square, visitors to the Amir Chaqmaq Complex can’t help but get gently drawn-in towards the fantastic array of sunken arched alcoves. The near 600 year-old complex, built circa 15th century by Jalal-al-Din Amir Chaqmaq, is a...
Shiraz’s Hidden Gem: Masjed-e Nasir Ol Molk Although many of the historical attractions of Shiraz are very obvious from afar, Masjed-e Nasir Ol Molk (Nasir Ol Molk Mosque) sits silently and unpretentiously just as any other traditional mosque in Iran. However on the inside is nothing less than what seems like a building filled with...
The Awe-inspiring and Captivating Vank Cathedral A traveller’s dream, birthed post-disaster after the Ottoman war very early 16th century, the extraordinary Vank Cathedral (former Amena Perkich – ‘All Saviors Cathedral’) was established by Armenian immigrants settled by Shah Abbas I in Isfahan. What was first a monastery with a small healing church (Amena Perkich), transformed...
Built in the peak of the Safavid Dynasty in 16th century Iran, in order of Shah Abbas II, the illustrious Pol-e Khaju (Khaju Bridge) is a very unique gem in Iranian and global architecture. Since it was built, travellers and visitors from all across the nation and globe came to value its beauty. Lavishly decorated...
The Enchanting Chehel Sotoun Palace Built on the beautiful landscape of Isfahan city during the reign of Shah Abbas II in 1646; Chehel Sotoun (Forty Pillars) is one of the most magnificent palaces in Iran. The astounding palace served as a place of leisure and entertainment for the king and his royal family. Surrounded by...
In planning a visit to a foreign destination, eager travellers like to do a little bit of studying on the location’s geographic situation before they go. This sort of planning comes in very handy in understanding where you are once you arrive. Knowing the type of terrain and the place you are treading on puts...
Ever wondered if it would be possible to ski in the middle east? Or Better yet, on one of the forty highest ski resorts in the world, at 3,600 meters (11,800ft) above sea level? Dizin Ski Resort, located approximately 70 kilometers (45 miles) from Tehran, is the first internationally recognized winter sports resort by the...
Dubbed ‘a masterpiece of creative genius’ the Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System, of the Khuzestan province, is the pumping-heart that turned this expansive semi-desert land into urban residences, farms and orchards. Dating back to the time of Darius the Great, 5th century BC, this ancient collection of dams, bridges, basins, mills are a testament to the...