The Many Faces of Iran

Iran is a country waiting to be rediscovered. Foreign visitors can travel freely and will receive a warm welcome wherever they go. There are many facets to this extraordinary country, Iran is blessed with a vast cultural wealth. The architectural and artistic production of the great dynasties - the Kingdom of Elam, the Medes, the Persians, the Sassanians, the Safavids and the Qadjars, to name but a few - have reached us in a perfect state of preservation, and are true wonders to behold. The beauty and diversity of the landscapes is breathtaking. From the lush shores of the Caspian Sea with their luxuriant vegetation to the wild shores of the Persian Gulf; from the towering snow-capped peaks of the Alborz and Zagros mountains to the vast salt deserts, you will never tire of exploring the natural beauty of Iran.The people of Iran breathe life into their surroundings in myriad ways. The population ranges from farmers and peasants to city-dwellers, with extremely varied homes, costumes and customs across the multitude of regions that make up the country. Iran is a modern state that has striven to preserve its heritage. In almost every town and city you will find old quarters with sumptuous bazaars, 'the face of the Orient that used to be', where tourists can soak up the magical atmosphere during a stroll through the maze of alleyways. Iranians retain great interest in their cultural heritage, particularly in the works of their great poets and miniaturists, but they are nonetheless familiar with Western art and literature. The country's future is in the hands of its young - 60 per cent of Iranians are under twenty-five years of age.