Visiting Iran?

Just a year ago, I found a new friend on the webbed world, thanks to this Iran travel Blog. She was Italian and was planning to visit Iran. Though we couldn’t arrange a meeting, but when she finished visiting Iran, she was so impressed with what she has seen in Iran, she wrote me some lines about her trip to Iran and I asked her for a permission to publish them here on my blog. So here it comes, just as a testimonial of a foreigner, westerner and European tourist, visiting Iran:

Dear Emad,
I am very sorry if I haven’t replied before, but I left for Iran on Dec 27th during the night and I read your mail only 5 minutes ago. At the moment I am in Shiraz, and we are finishing our tour of Iran, which included Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd and Shiraz, Persepolis. What I have seen so far in your country is absolutely above any expectations; Isfahan and Persepolis are wonderful dreams!
Tomorrow we are coming back to Tehran only for a few hours: we are getting to Laleh Hotel at about 5 pm, but being such a short notice, I understand it can be difficult to arrange something ; unfortunately we are leaving on Saturday morning to go back home.
I have read many things about Iran, and seen films and read about history, but seeing the real thing has been really a beautiful surprise; but apart from the beauties Iran has to offer, what impressed me most is the people: I think I have been together with the nicest people on earth!
I am sorry I got to know only now that your wife studies Italian, I could have brought something nice and interesting to her; by the way, if she thinks I can do something for her or send her anything she may need, let me know.
By the way I will try to phone you as soon as I arrive at the hotel tomorrow.

Iran Water Dance - Tehran, Azadegan Aqua Park

I, by myself, never forget the water kind entertainments I experience in different tourism destinations. For example Wild Wadi water park and Dream land in Dubai, Afa Mousa in Kuala Lampour and the water dance in Singapore - Sentosa Island.
In Tehran we definitely see the lack of such entertainment facilities, but sometimes we have more problems in introducing and advertising these places. one of these places which has stuck unknown, even for most of Tehran citizens is Azadegan Water Park, in the south of Tehran, Afsarieh region, near Basij Expressway. Tehran Municipality owns the 12 acre Aqua Park of Azadegan and has established this park around a decade ago, but there are still many people who don't know about it. Azadegan Aqua park, hosts an average of 15,000 people per month, but it was estimated before that more than 1.5 million people from Tehran would use the park’s entertainment, cultural and sports facilities every year, which should caused more visits during the same time. The park admits women also in a separated schedule from men every week.
near the Aqua park there is a water dance show there are few pictures from the water dance which I've saved before, from Mehr News Agency website:

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.