It’s a civilization of its own, very diverse and immensely rich, proud and hospitable.
It’s a country for lovers of history, architecture, religion, classical or contemporary art, literature, films, nature and landscapes – and, most of all, fellow human beings.
The Iranians are easy to get in contact with anywhere you go, also no animosity against Westerners. They are eager to talk politics and culture and if you are open yourself you’ll soon find yourself at a family table. And the food is high quality, things taste nature more than industry.
You’ll get much more value for your foreign currency in Iran than in most other countries.
It is safe – as safe as any European country and much safer than the rest in the Middle East. It is comparatively cheap. You may obtain your tourist visa at the local embassy but also upon arrival. (Special procedure for U.S. citizens, though).
By just going there you’ll get a more balanced view of Iran than you can possibly get from your media.
You’ll build people-to-people bridges and gain mutual respect and – for sure – make friends. And – who knows? – make a little peace too.
So, we’ve put together just a few of links to a diversity of aspects of what the visitor is likely to experience – just to wet your appetite…
UNESCO World Heritage sites in Iran
Rick Steves – the most surprising country…
Why is Rumi the best-selling poet in the U.S.?
Dick Davis, author, “The Face of Love: Hafez and the Poets of Shiraz
Love and Pomegranates – Artists and Wayfarers on Iran
Life in Iran – An Australian journalists explorations
Yazd – centre of Zoroastrian culture
UNESCO world heritage – Tabriz Basar complex
Women photography – Shadi Ghadirian
Iran’s new wave of women fashion designers
Oberg art photography from Iran
Photos of Iran’s contemporary art
A variety of books about and from Iran
One of the largest fruit producers in the world
Photos here © Jan Oberg
