Persian Civilization Rich in Heritage, Culture

Iran is one of the most ancient countries on the planet, which has undoubtedly played the most significant role in the evolution of human civilization.

What we call Iran today is the reminder of an ancient civilization. Archeological finding indicate that people lived in various parts of Iran as long as 15,000 years ago.

But, the history of human life in Iran, prior to 5,000 years ago is still somewhat unclear and requires a great deal more of explorations, excavations and study which are presently under way.

Throughout the years, Iran's culture has influenced different parts of the globe, from the Nile to the heart of Europe.

The unique geopolitical location of Iran has enabled various forms of culture to interact. This source of grandeur is a legacy of the rich Persian and Islamic culture. Thousands of monuments and picturesque attractions make Iran a hot tourism spot.

More than 100,000 historic and cultural places are registered by the Iranian historical organization alongside three places ― Isfahan Imam Square, Shiraz Persepolis and Ahwaz Chogazanbil

They are registered by UNESCO as world heritage sites.

The Iranian style of architecture is unique and creative.

A ``piece de resistance'' such as the Persepolis and the rare extraordinaire edifices of Isfahan as well as the air traps of the central desert region are the hallmarks of the Iranian architecture. Iran is the cradle of most religions.

It has many religious attractions. The holy Shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad, the holy Shrine of Massoumeh in Qom and many other mausoleums of the household of Prophet Mohammad are places of pilgrimage for the Shiite Muslims of the globe.

The Mausoleum of Sheikh of Jam in Khorasan and the Jame Mosque of Sanandaj (Kurdistan province) are particularly important for Sunnin Muslims.

The Aargoshahsb Fire temple in Takht-e Soleiman, Tower of Kashmar in Khorasan, the Lake of Urumieh and Pir Sabz (Old Green) Checkcheck are significant places of worship for the Zorozstrian contingent of the planet.

The churches of Tatavous in Maku, St. Stepanus in Jolfa and Vank in Isfahan are universally regarded as sacred places for the Christians of the world.

The tombs of Esther and Mardkhoy in Hamedan, Higug the Prophet in Toysirkan, Sare Bet Asher in Isfahan and Danial (the Prophet of Susa) are among the important Jewish religious centers.

Among the Iranian cities and provinces, the most important sites are located in the provinces of Shiraz and Isfahan.

1.Shiraz, the gate of nations

Shiraz, is a city of historic monuments, poets and philosophers, warriors and king, orchard, roses, adonises and fragrant blossoms in southern part of Iran.

The famous tourist attractions in Shiraz are Sadi Hafiz and Khajavi, Kermani's tombs, Hazrat Shahcheray, Darvazeh Curan, Persepolis and Takht-e-Jamshid.

Takht-e-Jamshid Palace is a splendor mirror of dialogue among civilizations and the world.

It reminds us of Achaemenid dynasty established by Cyrus, the great Iranian king, who is considered the founder of the land of Iran, genius political management, proclaimer of human rights, liberty and brotherhood. In the holy books of Abraham originated religions, he is referred to as a righteous person.

Achaemenid kings through military expeditions to Egypt, Babel, Lydia and Europe acquired new ideas on architecture and relying on their wealth and power, they employed outstanding engravers and architects to build the Takht-e-Jamshid Palace.

The palace is the fruit of interaction between Iranian and non-Iranian artists that rightfully represents magnificence of different civilizations within itself.

The remaining designs, status, pillars and gates of the palace inspire a kind of ``positive energy'' to visitors. In this complex, there are seven palaces of Achaemenid dynasty.

The entrance of Takht-e-Jamshid, is a number of magnificent stairs which fall in two ways, each includes 110 steps.

At the end of these huge stairs, there is a wide gate that is guarded by two winged bulls with human heads. Xerexes, the Achaemenid king, worshiped God in three languages (ancient Persian, Ilamid and Babelion) who created the earth, heavens and happiness.

Takht-e-Jamshid is proudly constructed by daily paid workers not slaves.

The discovered stone plates in the palace show the bills of payments to workers, waiters and waitresses. Takht-e-Jamshid unlike great architectural remains of the past centuries (like China's Great Wall and Egyptian Pyramids) does not stand an evidence for suffering of human beings, but it is an honorable justice, prudently governing and human rights.

The whole parts of the palace are rich in stone designs, statues and human as well as animal busts.

The images of buffalo, eagle, lion and beautiful flowers of lotus and cedar trees offer the most imaginary and mythical impressions to the visitors of the palace.

2. Isfahan, half of the world

Isfahan is not only an Iranian city, but it is part of the global heritage so that UNESCO has selected it as one of ten museum-like cities in the world.

Some 6,000 historical remains have been registered in the city and nearby areas.

The Britannica Encyclopedia has called this city Gadh and suggests that the place was living resort of Achaemenid kings. It has served as a capital for many Iranian kings, particularly, for Seliughids (1037-1300) who ruled over a large territory ranging from Jeyhoon River to Mediterranean Sea.

In Safavid era, it was also a capital city and widespread relations of Iran with other countries gave a world reputation to this city.

Today, Isfahan is still firm and stable and attracts oriental tourists. This city contains the spirit of the history of Iran and visit to it is a visit to whole Iran. Isfahan, in terms of architecture, like any other old cities, enjoys variation within repetition, balance, symmetry and maximum use of geometry in architecture.

Isfahan is the city of wonders and admiration. Isfahan is called "Half of the World" since further to historical and cultural aspects, a visit to this city involves familiarity with quite distinctive and typical climatic and geographical specifications.

Isfahan is the capital city of a province to the same name.

Carpets woven in some of these cities enjoy world reputation. Some other major handicrafts of Isfahan are: smith works, engraving, inlaying, miniatures, tile works, brocaded silk works, crochet works, fretworks, embroidery and filigreed works. Bazaars, shops and streets of this city are lively places of artists that offer their memorable works.

Naqsh-e-Jahan square is located in the center of Isfahan. It is a square with nine hectares of area.

The most well-known buildings of Isfahan surround this square.

Among these, there are Abbasi Grand Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah, Mosque, Ali Qapoo Palace and Chehel Sotoon (Forty Pillars) Palace.

The square, during the rule of the Safavid Dynasty, was used as a pitch for polo competitions, parades of armies and festivals. There are two polo-stick gates remaining from those times at the north and south of the square.