Skiing in Iran

I know many European people love skiing! in Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden etc Ski is the main hobby in winter time. with having this in mind, Northern Iran's climate would be a huge attraction for European Tourists in winters. (Just look what Tom has said in his post about Skiing in Iran). we have 4 main ski resorts in Iran, near Tehran: Dizin, Tochal, Shemshak and Ab'ali. I know there much more fields around the country, but regretfully I don't have enough information.
Dizin is the longest ski resort in Iran and among the 30 highest ski resorts worldwide. because of the altitude, which is 11,800 ft, the ski season in Dizin lasts longer than European ski resorts.
Regarding the accommodation facilities, Dizin has got two hotels, 19 cottages and 5 restaurants. These nice hotels, cheap and beautiful villas and private apartments around the Dizin ski resort accommodate thousands of people every year.


Tochal ski resort is another good sample, which you are able to ski for more than 7 months a year. Tochal has the longest cable grip (Gondola lift also called Tele-Cabin).
Tochal tele cabin has 7 stations and is one of the longest and most scenic in the world regarding wikipedia's list. A modern 5 star ski hotel hosts the skiers at the end of the lift.

Gorgan - Golestan Province

Gorgan is the name of a city, as the capital of Golestan province and an ancient region in south east of the Caspian Sea which is also called Khazar Sea. Actually Caspian is the largest lake in the world, so it is commonly called Sea. Gorgan in northern Iran enjoying mild climate has a lot for tourists especially eco-tourism lovers. With the most beautiful waterfalls, great jungle sights and unbelievable green mountains covered with fog more than half of the year. I have been in Gorgan several times for visit, business and tourism. Regardless Gorgan’s great potential for tourism, there are few number of hotels in the city meeting international standards, same problem in other cities of Iran. The most known ones are Nahar Khoran and Azin Hotel, both 4 stars hotels.



More Geographical information:
It is situated along a small tributary of a body of water called the black river (Siah Ab), 37 km far from the Caspian Sea. Gorgan was formerly called Astarabad. The neighbors of the province are Northern Khorasan, Semnan and Mazandaran provinces and also Turkmenistan country. The city is approximately 400 km far from Tehran, with more than 250.000 citizens. The plains of Gorgan (Dasht e Gorgan) are nearly 1700 Square Km and located in the north of the city which creates a spectacular nature. Regarding the climate in Gorgan you have to notice several factors like Alborz mountain, areas height, powerful local winds and at last sea neighbor.




Handicrafts and History:
because of the Turkmen people located in north of the province, Kilims are the most distinguished handicrafts of the region. Also rugs, Jajims and carpets from Turkmen are notable handicrafts. See other Persian Handicrafts also.Having more than 6000 years old civilization, passing historical ups and downs, possessing a creative culture, Gorgan has attained a very high status in Iran's splendid history and civilization and culture.


Attractions:
Nahar khoran road and forests - Ziarat Village a very beautiful village next to gorgan, where the Nahar Khoran road continues - 1000 maze road (Hezar Pich) - Golestan National park - Jahan Nama - Gonbad Kavoos Tower - Agh Ghala Bridge

Arak - Markazi Province

Arak's General information:
The City of Arak is in the southwest of the Markazi province. Arak has cold winters and moderate summers. It is the capital of the province and is 295 km far from Tehran. The city is one of the industrial poles of the country, almost the third important industrial city after Tabriz and Isfahan.

Arak - Mountain view

Arak's Neighborhood:
In the North of city you see Saveh, Tafresh and Komeijan. West meets Malayer and Shazand, East is facing Mahallat and Qom. In the south of Arak there are Khomein and Golpaigan cities.

Arak's Infrastructures:
As the main transportation infrastructure, the Tehran - Khuzestan railroad crosses this city. Also Tehran-Qom highway continues through Salafchegan to Arak city. All Mobile operators in Iran, (MCI, MTN Irancell and Taliya) are active in the city of Arak.

Arak - Haftad Gholleh District

Arak's Establishment:
The Arak city was established during the reign of Fathali Shah Qajar. At first this city was called "Qaleh Soltan Abad". In 1840 its name changed to Arak. Since its establishment till date Arak faced several changes. Until the early 1890 ,Arak was a military city and the base for generals. But from the time of Mirza Hassan Khan, the military status of the city reduced and gradually became a commercial and industrial city. Once the World War I broke out and the Qajar dynasty cracked down, Russian forces occupied Saveh, Soltan Abad, and the nearby regions. When the World War I and the political changes of the country ended, Soltan Abad also faced the changes of that time, and its physical appearance changed immensely. This process continued to the next decades. Presently, Arak is one of the important industrial cities of Iran.

Arak Nuclear Site:
Iranian heavy water nuclear site is placed in Arak city. The Arak nuclear reactor is a heavy water reactor for processing Platinum which Iran has always declared for peaceful purposes.

Arak's Heavy water nuclear plant

Universities of Arak city:
Arak University of Medical Sciences
Arak University of Science and Technology
University of Arak
Islamic Azad University of Arak
Tarbiat Moallem University of Arak
Payam-e-noor university of arak (Distance Learning)
Mashinsazi technological training center

Related website: اراک و کمیجان

Bushehr city - Bushehr Province

History of Bushehr
Bushehr is a port located in south west of Iran by the Persian Gulf. Bushehr is one of the most critical trade and commerce points and zones in Iran regarding its accessibilities to Indian Ocean and world’s free water-ways. Nader Shah founded Bushehr in 1736 by. Before that, the smaller town located there was called Rishehr, and was the seat of the Nestorian Christian expansion of the 5th century. In 1763 the Persian ruler Karim Khan-e-Zand granted a company (called British East India Company) the right to build a base and trading post there. It was used as a base by the British Royal Navy in the late 18th century. Later in the 19th century, Bushehr, as I described earlier, became an important commercial port. Regrading its importance, I think, it was occupied by British forces in 1856, during the Anglo-Persian War. Bushehr surrendered to the British on December 9, 1856. It was occupied by the British again in 1915, the second time due to German intrigue, most notably by a person known as Wilhelm Wassmuss (I’m not sure about his name’s spelling!). In previous centuries, many Africans settled in Bushehr. Although there is no discernible linguistic influence from Africa in Bushehr, there are cultural and genetic influences. Actually the southern Iranian people are dark skin colored (like Hindus) and have a taste of Arab accent in their speaking language. But they speak and write Persian.

Goor e Dokhtar, Bushahr

Bushehr Handicrafts and Souvenirs
Bushehr’s most known handicrafts are Carpets, Kilim, Gabeh or a traditional form of carpet, felt, mats, baskets, Giveh or a local foot ware, brooms, earthenware, hookas, musk, fishing nets and sweet meat. Local Music and Dances, Bushehr The local music and dancing of this area is very similar to the Africans. The local anthems are traditional the most important of which are known as Sebalo, Shirveh and Yazleh.

Raiis Ali statue, Bushehr

Universities:
Bushehr University of Medical Sciences
Islamic Azad University of Bushehr
Iran Nuclear Energy College
Persian Gulf University

Persian Gulf Coast, Bushehr

Abadan - Khuzestan Province

In the south west of Iran, in the Khuzestan province, where the sun warms your skin even in the middle of the winter, where the humidity can completely get saturated up to 100% with 60 Centigrades degree heat! there is a city: Abadan

Welcome to Abadan sign, in the international airport of Abadan

Abadan reminds all Iranian about things, nostalgically, the Karoun river which is the longest and the largest in Iran, which is the source of folkloric music of Bandari. this native and old kind of music is based on ragtime rhythm. But as a modern issue, Abadan reminds Iranian of oil, which is our main treasure. Oil was discovered in Abadan in 1908. Abadan also recalls the warm people living in it to me. Abadni people are really friendly, calm and smooth, easy going also.

two views from Karoun River

Abadan has nearly half a million population (2007) while it was dropped nearly to 10,000 people during the imposed war (Iran-Iraq). Abadani people are Persian and Arab but most of both parties are very patriot and nationalist.

Abadan is well-known for its refinery complex which was the largest in the region for years, but not now. also Abadan Institute of Technology AIT is very famous which is founded in 1939.

The city is still beautiful and attractive especially in winter time when the northern regions in Iran are pretty cold.

A night view of Abadan

Abadan has very good tourism facilities regarding the business attractions it makes for companies like hotels, airport and transportation services. Hotel Azadi (Parsian), Karevansara Hotel, Abadan Hotel and some others are samples of 5 or 4 star luxury ones.
You can go to Abadan on air from Tehran, Kish Island, Isfahan, Dubai and some other cities in Iran. Abadan has a train station also for passengers and general transportation. It's also just 80 minutes from Ahwaz by car.

Vegeterian

I am simply becoming a Vegetarian! If you ask me why, I have to say: half for spiritual reasons and half for my concerns about the world I live in. I think people are changing the world's nature. we are killing animals, destrying woods, warming the eart and ... changing the climate.
We kill lots of animals, but many people remain hungry and dying. This is a lose-lose game.

Zanjan city - Zanjan Province

Zanjan

Province and the City

Zanjan Province is located in North West of Iran (Persia). The province has been divided in two in 1996. Qazvin province formed by taking Qazvin and Takestan cities from Zanjan province and 7 other major cities/countries remained in Zanjan province: Zanjan, Abhar, Khorramdarreh, Tarom, Mahneshan, Eejroud and Khodabandeh.

Zanjan Grand Hotel

Zanjan is mostly an industrial province with its major industries in Automobile, Electrics, Metal works and Textiles. Iran Khodro, Iran Transfu Company, Iran Zinc Mines Development Company and Pars Switch are some samples of them.

Tourism and Economy


Zanjan has a great position in different kinds of Tourism like business tourism, Eco Tourism and historical sites tourism. There are many business & investment opportunities in the province for foreign investors and companies. Some of these fields are listed below: …
For tourists interested in historical sites and monuments Zanjan has many things to be visited. The most famous places among them are Rakhtshooi Khaneh (a place where people used to wash their clothes there), Soltanieh citadel tower and some Karevansaras (Places for travelers and ancient letter carriers, Chapars) etc.

Soltanieh Citadel

Two Soltanieh Inside views

One of the most Significant points of Zanjan city, is Caspian Exhibition complex. Caspian is in the suburb of Zanjan, close to El Daghi complex. I think Caspian Exhibition can play a great role in Zanjan’s economy growth. Caspian is designed in 3 phases and right now (July 2007) the 1st phase is completed in three salons (1600, 3200 and 3600 Square meters) and the second phase is 40% completed. One the most important issues that Caspian suffers from, is car parking area for visitors.

Modern Zanjan

Nowadays, Zanjan city with a population of nearly half a million (1.2 million people the whole province) is almost a modern city in Iran but still with traditional culture and life style. I really felt the lack of entertainment facilities in the city, since the only places to get some rest for residents are El Daghi and Mellat complexes. There are two lakes in Zanjan which I really missed some Jet Skies and boats, but there isn’t any.

El Daghi Complex

Education

Today’s Zanjan is a good place for education. There are many universities in Zanjan and there are lot students from other cities especially from Tabriz and Tehran. Professor Sobouti, who is a Zanjani himself, has made a well equipped university for post graduation which is one the most beautiful and pleasure places I’ve ever seen as an academic center in Iran.

Post Graduate - Zanjan University (Prof. Sobooti)