Iran

Iran is a state occupying the West Asia region and historically, culturally, politically, and economically one of the most important countries in the area. Officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran, country is one of the most populous countries in Middle East with a population of approximately 89.5 million. With a total area of 1,648,000 km², Iran shares land borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east, Iraq and Türkiye to the west, and Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan to the north. It also has coastlines along the Caspian Sea, Basra Gulf and Oman Sea.

Iran has a multicultural structure composed of various ethnic groups. The largest ethnic groups in the country are Persians and Azerbaijani Turks, while Khorasani Turks, Afshars, Halachs, Kurds, Lors, Arabs and Baluchis are also significant ethnic communities. The official language is Persian, but various dialects of Turkish, Kurdish, Arabic and Baluchi are also spoken.

Iranian Rial is the country’s official money unit.

Iran was proclaimed the Islamic Republic of Iran on 1 April 1979. The country’s governance structure is a theocratic system in which the religious leader (Revolution Supreme Leader) holds extensive powers. The President is elected every four years by people, but the highest authority in the country is the Religious Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. Execution, legislative and judicial powers operate under the supervision of the Revolutionary Leader. Iran’s current President is Masoud Pezeshkian, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs is Abbas Iraki.

Iran is one of the countries playing a significant role in regional and global politics politically, economically and militarily. Due to its rich oil and natural gas reserves, Iran holds a critical position in global energy markets. However, economic balances remain volatile due to international sanctions, domestic economic challenges and tensions in foreign policy. Iran continues its policy of deepening economic and political ties with China and Russia, while disagreements with the international community over its nuclear program remain a central issue in its foreign policy.

National Anthem

History

Ancient Period and Early Civilizations

The territory of Iran has been home to various civilizations since the 4th millennium BCE. The earliest state formation process began with the Elamite Civilization, and the Elamites developed a culture relationship with Mesopotamia. After the Elamites, the Medes and Persians came under the control of Indo-Iranian Europe communities.

The Medes gained independence from the Assyrian Empire in the 7th century BCE and became a powerful state under the rule of Cyaxares in 625 BCE. However, Median dominance did not last long; in 550 BCE, the Persians under Cyrus the Great defeated the Medes and founded the Achaemenid Empire.

Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BCE)

Cyrus the Great organized the Persians into a strong administration, conquered Babylon and granted rights to the Jews. Under his rule, an empire extending from Mesopotamia to Anatolia, Central Asia and Egypt was established.

The Achaemenids governed the region through the satrapy system and strengthened infrastructure networks such as the Royal Road. During the reign of Darius I (522–486 BCE), the city of Persepolis became the empire’s capital and administration became more institutionalized.

However, in 330 BCE, Alexander the Great defeated the Achaemenids and seized Persian territories. After his death, Iranian lands came under the control of the Seleucid Kingdom.

Parthian Empire (247 BCE–224 CE)

As the Seleucids weakened, the Parthians, of Scythian origin, took control of Iran. The Arsacid dynasty established a powerful state through sustained rivalry with the Roman Empire. During the reign of Mithridates I (171–138 BCE), the Parthians captured Mesopotamia and became the dominant power in the region.

The Parthians blended Hellenistic culture with Iranian traditions. However, the weakening of central authority led to increased local rebellions, paving the way for the rise of the Sassanian Empire.

Sassanian Empire (224–651 CE)

Ardashir I defeated the Parthians in 224 CE and established the Sassanian Empire, making Zoroastrianism the state religion. Sassanian rule was in constant war with Rome and Byzantium, and during the reign of Shapur I (241–272 CE), the Sassanians captured the Roman Emperor Valerian in a major power display.

The Sassanian state developed a centralized administrative system, and the Zoroastrian priestly class gained significant political power. During the reign of Khusrau I (531–579 CE), the Sassanian Empire made major advances in science, art and law fields.

However, in the 7th century, the Sassanian army weakened in the face of Arab conquests, and the empire was completely destroyed with the death of the last Sassanian ruler, Yazdegerd III, in 651 CE.

Spread of Islam and Islamization of Iran (651–1258)

Iran was conquered by Muslim Arabs in 651 and integrated into Islamic culture during the Umayyad (661–750) and Abbasids periods. However, Iran developed a distinct identity within the Islamic world, and Shiism began to spread during this period.

In the 9th and 10th centuries, local dynasties emerged in Iran:

• Tahirids (821–873): Established an independent administration in Khorasan.
• Saffarids (867–903): Dominated eastern Iran.
• Buwayhids (932–1055): Exerted significant influence over the Abbasid Caliphate.

In the 11th century, the Great Seljuk Empire (1040–1194) dominated Iran, and state organization strengthened under Nizam al-Mulk. However, the Crusades and the Mongol invasions weakened the Seljuks.

Mongol and Timurid Invasions (1258–1501)

In 1258, Mongols destroyed the Abbasid Caliphate and brought Iran under the control of the Ilkhanids. Under the leadership of Hülegü Inn, the Mongols inflicted massive destruction in Iran. In the 14th century, the Timurid Empire (1370–1507) conquered Iran, and Timur controlled the region through harsh governance.

Safavids and the Establishment of Shiism as the Official Sect (1501–1736)

In 1501, Shah Ismail founded the Safavids State and declared Shiism the official religion of Iran. The Battle of Chaldiran (1514) with the Ottomans halted Safavid expansion to the west. During the reign of Shah Abbas (1588–1629), the Safavids experienced their golden age, and Isfahan became a major cultural center.

However, in the 18th century, due to Afghan uprisings and internal conflicts, the Safavids weakened and were deposed by Nader Shah (1736–1747).

Qajars and Modernization (1794–1925)

In 1794, Ağa Muhammad Khan established the Qajar dynasty and restored centralized rule in Iran. However, the They flee period was marked by rivalry between Russia and Britain. In the 19th century, Iran lost territories in Caucasus as a result of wars with the Russians.

Pahlavi Dynasty and Modernization (1925–1979)

In 1925, Reza Shah Pahlavi overthrew the Qajars and initiated modernization reforms. In 1935, the country’s name was officially changed to Iran. In 1951, Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh nationalized the oil industry but was removed from office in 1953 by a Western-backed coup.

Islamic Revolution and Contemporary Iran (1979–Present)

In 1979, the Islamic Revolution led by Ayatollah Khomeini established the Islamic Republic of Iran and ended the monarchy. The Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988) inflicted great harm on the country.

Under the leadership of Ali Khamenei (1989–), Iran has maintained a theocratic governance structure. Following the death of Ebrahim Raisi in 2024, Masoud Pezeshkian was elected Iran’s new president. Iran continues to face economic sanctions, regional conflicts and international pressure.

Geography

Location and General Features

Iran is a country located in Central East and in the southwest of Asia. It lies between 32° north latitude and 53° east longitude. It is bordered by the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea to the south, the Caspian Sea to the north, Iraq and Türkiye to the west, and Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east.

The total area is 1,648,195 km². In terms of area, Iran covers slightly small territory than Alaska.

Iran’s land borders total 5,894 km in length. Border lengths with neighboring countries are as follows:

• Afghanistan: 921 km
• Armenia: 44 km
• Azerbaijan: 689 km
• Iraq: 1,599 km
• Pakistan: 959 km
• Türkiye: 534 km
• Turkmenistan: 1,148 km

Iran has a coastline of 2,440 km, which opens onto both the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea as well as the Caspian Sea to the north.

Physical Geography of Iran

Iran has a mountainous and rugged terrain. Most of the country consists of high plateaus and mountainous areas, while coastal strips are narrow and irregular.

The main geographical regions are:

1. Zagros Mountains: These mountains stretch across western Iran from north to south, parallel to the borders with Türkiye and Iraq. They are the longest and widest mountain range in the country.
2. Alborz Mountains: A mountainous region located south of the Caspian Sea, encircling northern Iran. Mount Damavand (5,625 m) is the highest point in Iran and the Middle East.
3. Iranian Plateau: A vast and arid region in the interior of the country, containing major deserts and plains.
4. Caspian Sea Coastline: A humid and green region with a climate distinct from other parts of Iran.
5. Persian Gulf and Oman Sea Coasts: This region has a low and hot topography.

Elevation and Terrain Structure

Iran’s land structure is highly mountainous and rugged. The average elevation is 1,305 m; the lowest point is the Caspian Sea at -28 m, and the highest point is Mount Damavand at 5,625 m.

• Highest point: Mount Damavand (5,625 m)
• Lowest point: Caspian Sea (-28 m)

Major Deserts and Arid Areas

Desertification and aridity are major challenges in Iran. Two major deserts exist in the eastern and interior regions:

• Great Kavir Desert (Deşt-e Kavir, Great Salt Desert): A vast desert covering much of the Iranian Plateau, characterized by salt flats.
• Lut Desert (Deşt-e Lut): One of the hottest places on Earth, with surface temperatures exceeding 70°C according to NASA measurements.

Major Rivers and Lakes in Iran

Iran has few major rivers, most of which dry up before reaching the sea. However, some of the most important rivers in the region include:

• Helmand River: Originates in Afghanistan and flows into Iran.
• Karun River: Iran’s longest river and one of the few that reach the Persian Gulf.
• Zayandeh River: One of the important water sources in central Iran, though its water level has significantly declined in recent years.

Major Lakes:

• Caspian Sea: The world’s largest saltwater lake and forms Iran’s northern border.
• Lake Urmia: Has dried up significantly in recent years.
• Namak Lake: A salt lake that can dry up completely during arid periods.

Natural Resources and Ecosystem

Iran is a country rich in natural resources. The most important resources are:

• Petroleum and natural gas: Iran possesses one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves and holds a key position in oil production.
• Minerals: Iran has abundant deposits of copper, iron, chromium, lead and zinc.
• Agricultural Products: 30.1% of Iran’s land is used for agriculture, with wheat, barley, rice, citrus fruits and pistachios being the main products.

Climate

Iran is predominantly a dry and semi-arid country. However, due to its geographical diversity, climate conditions vary significantly from region to region. There are notable differences in temperature and precipitation between the northern coasts, interior regions, mountainous areas and southern coasts.

General Climate Characteristics

Iran’s climate can be divided into four main zones:

1. Arid and Semi-Arid Climate (Interior Regions and Deserts)
2. Humid Subtropical Climate (Caspian Sea Coasts)
3. Cold Mountain Climate (Alborz and Zagros Mountains)
4. Hot and Humid Climate (Persian Gulf and Oman Sea Coasts)

Regional Climate Types

Arid and Semi-Arid Climate (Interior Regions and Deserts)

Humid Subtropical Climate (Caspian Sea Coasts)

Cold Mountain Climate (Alborz and Zagros Mountains)

Hot and Humid Climate (Persian Gulf and Oman Sea Coasts)

Natural Disasters and Climate Impacts

Due to its climate, certain natural disasters occur frequently in some regions of Iran:

• Drought: Aridity is widespread in interior regions due to low precipitation.
• Floods: Heavy rainfall periods can cause flooding along the Caspian Sea coast.
• Sand and dust storms: Common in desert regions.
• Earthquakes: Iran lies in a tectonically active zone and frequently experiences major earthquakes.

Demographics

As of 2024, Iran has a population of 88.38 million. When analyzed by gender, the population consists of 44.79 million males and 43.59 million females. The population growth rate is 0.88%, ranking 104th globally. Iran’s urbanization rate is 77.3%, with an annual urban growth rate of 1.32%.

Ethnic Structure and Languages

Iran has a multi-ethnic population structure. Persians and Azerbaijani Turks form the majority, while Turkmen, Khorasani Turks, Afshars, Halachs, Kurds, Lors, Arabs and Baluchis are other significant ethnic groups. The official language is Persian, and Azerbaijani Turkish, Turkmen, Kurdish, Arabic and Baluchi are also spoken.

Age Distribution and Population Pyramid

Iran’s population age structure is as follows:

• 0–14 years: 23.3% (10.5 million males, 10 million females)
• 15–64 years: 69.8% (31.4 million males, 30.2 million females)
• 65 years and over: 7% (2.8 million males, 3.2 million females)

Iran’s average life expectancy is 75.6 years overall, with 74.3 years for males and 77.1 years for females. The average age is 33.8 years, calculated at 33.6 for males and 34.1 for females.

Birth and Death Rates

• Birth rate: 14.3 births per 1,000 people
• Death rate: 5.3 deaths per 1,000 people
• Total fertility rate: 1.91 children per woman
• Infant mortality rate: 14.3 deaths per 1,000 live births

Migration and Population Movements

Iran is an important country for refugees, hosting large refugee populations from Afghanistan and Iraq. As of 2022, there were 750,000 registered Afghan refugees and approximately 500,000 undocumented Afghan migrant in the country. Additionally, 12,000 Iraqi refugees reside in Iran. Iran’s net migration rate is -0.3, indicating it is a country of net emigration.

Urbanization and Major Cities

In Iran, the population is concentrated in the western and northern regions. The location of the Zagros and Alborz Mountains has led to population clustering in the west and northwest, while eastern and central Iran’s desert regions (Deşt-e Kavir and Deşt-e Lut) are sparsely populated.

The country’s largest cities and populations (2023 data):

• Tehran (Capital): 9.5 million
• Mashhad: 3.36 million
• Isfahan: 2.25 million
• Shiraz: 1.72 million
• Tabriz: 1.66 million
• Karaj: 1.59 million

Socioeconomic Indicators

• Literacy rate: 88.7% (92.4% for males, 88.7% for females)
• Years of schooling (from primary to university): 15 years
• Educational expenditure: 3.6% of GDP
• Healthcare expenditure: 5.3% of GDP
• Doctor density: 1.58 doctors per 1,000 people
• Hospital bed density: 1.6 beds per 1,000 people

Iran has a significant social structure characterized by fast urbanization, changing demographic patterns and ethnic diversity. Although the majority of the population is young, declining fertility rates and rising elderly population proportions are expected to cause demographic shifts in the coming years.

International Relations

Due to its geographic location, energy resources and political structure, Iran is a major actor in international relations. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the country experienced serious tensions with the West, particularly severing diplomatic ties with USA. Iran has been subjected to sanctions by the United States and the European Union (EU) over its nuclear activities, links to terrorism and human rights violations.

Relations with the United States and the West

Iran’s relations with the West reached a breaking point with the 1979 U.S. Embassy Hostage Crisis. Diplomatic relations were severed in 1980, and Iran has been labeled by the U.S. as a “state sponsor of terrorism” since 1984. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for easing economic sanctions, but the U.S. withdrawal from the agreement in 2018 and reimposition of sanctions worsened relations. As of 2023, the EU and the United Kingdom have also decided to maintain arms and missile embargoes against Iran.

Relations with China and Russia

Iran has adopted a strategy of increasing economic and political cooperation with China and Russia in response to U.S. sanctions. China is Iran’s largest trading partner and holds a significant share of its oil imports. Russia collaborates with Iran in military and nuclear technology fields. Iran cooperates with these two countries in defense, energy and infrastructure projects.

Regional Policies and Relations with Neighbors

Iran’s regional policy involves complex and often tense relations with neighboring countries.

Relations with Türkiye

• Iran and Türkiye share a fixed border of 560 km and have long maintained relations based on non-interference and good neighborliness. The High-Level Cooperation Council established in 2014 has institutionalized cooperation between the two countries. Türkiye and Iran engage in joint efforts in economics, security, energy and regional developments, while also experiencing competition at times. During former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to Türkiye on January 24, 2024, ten agreements were signed between the two countries, bringing the total number of agreements to 50.

Relations with Iraq

• Iran shares a 1,599 km border with Iraq. Although relations were severely damaged during the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988), after the fall of Saddam Hussein, Iran developed strong ties with Shia groups in Iraq.

Relations with Gulf States

• Iran occasionally experiences tensions with countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Persian Gulf region. Given that a significant portion of global oil trade passes through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, military and diplomatic developments in the region hold major importance for international economy and security.

Relations with International Organizations

Iran is a member of various international organizations and participates in regional cooperation, particularly in economic and security fields. Important international organizations of which Iran is a member include:

• United Nations (UN)
• Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
• Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
• Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO – as an observer)
• Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)
• Economic and development groups such as G-77, G-15 and G-24

Recent Developments

President Ebrahim Raisi, who took office in 2021, pursued policies to strengthen economic ties with China and Russia in response to U.S. sanctions, and Iran joined the BRICS group. However, protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022 and internal political developments negatively affected Iran’s international image. It remains unclear how foreign policy will evolve following the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian in 2024, as change has not yet yet clarified.

Iran’s Armed Forces

Iran’s military structure is divided into two main components established after the Islamic Revolution: the Islamic Republic of Iran Regular Armed Forces (Artesh) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC – Sepah). Both building operate in different areas of the armed forces and play decisive roles in Iran’s defense strategy.

Islamic Republic of Iran Regular Armed Forces (Artesh)

Artesh serves as Iran’s traditional military and consists of land, air, sea and air defense forces. Its mission is to protect Iran’s borders against external threats.

Ground Forces (Iranian Army):

Air Force:

Naval Forces:

Air Defense Forces:

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC – Sepah)

The Revolutionary Guard Corps was established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and is a military force directly subordinate to Iran’s religious leader. It is responsible for internal security, ideological protection and external operations.

IRGC Ground Forces:

IRGC Naval Forces:

IRGC Aerospace and Space Forces:

Quds Force:

Basij Militia Forces:

Iran’s Military Expenditures and Defense Industry

• As of 2023, Iran allocates 2.1% of its GDP to military expenditures.
• It has heavily focused on domestic production, developing drones, ballistic missiles and radar systems.
• Due to U.S. and EU sanctions, Iran engages in military technology cooperation with Russia, China and North Korea.

Iran’s International Military Presence

• Has sent troops to support the Assad regime during the Syrian Civil War.
• Maintains connections with Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Conducts naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz against the U.S. and its allies.

Economy and Trade

Iran’s economy has traditionally been state-controlled, but recent years have seen various initiatives to reform financial institutions and industry. The country possesses rich natural resources, primarily oil and natural gas, which form the backbone of its economy. However, international sanctions, exchange rate fluctuations and domestic economic uncertainties affect Iran’s economic growth.

General Economic Situation

• Iran’s GDP as of 2024 is estimated at $464 billion.
• According to purchasing power parity (PPP), Iran’s GDP reaches $1.442 trillion, ranking 22nd globally.
• The real GDP growth rate in 2023 was 5.04%.
• Iran has recorded high inflation rates; the 2023 inflation rate was 44.58%.

Economic Structure and Sectors

Iran’s economy consists of three main sectors:

Agriculture:

Industry:

Services:

Trade and Foreign Economy

Trade Balance and Impact of Sanctions

Iran’s international trade faces severe restrictions due to economic sanctions. The U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 reinstated nuclear-related sanctions on Iran. In 2023, the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom also continued sanctions due to Iran’s failure to meet its nuclear commitments.

• Exports (2022): $110.88 billion
• Imports (2022): $102.47 billion
• Current account balance (2017): $9.49 billion surplus

Although Iran runs a trade surplus, it faces severe restrictions on oil exports due to sanctions.

Main Export Items

Oil and natural gas exports, Iran’s primary source of income, constitute a large portion of total export revenue. As of 2022, main export items include:

• Ethylene polymers
• Refined copper
• Linear alkylbenzenes
• Aluminum
• Natural gas

Main Import Items

Iran is dependent on imports for industry and consumer goods. As of 2022, the most imported products include:

• Broadcasting equipment
• Corn
• Soybeans
• Vehicle parts and accessories
• Rice

Main Trading Partners

Iran’s foreign trade partners are limited by sanctions, leading it to focus on Asian and regional countries. As of 2022, Iran’s largest export and import partners are as follows:

• Export partners:
• • China (36%)
  • Türkiye (20%)
  • Kuwait (6%)
  • Pakistan (5%)
  • India (4%)

• Import partners:
• • China (28%)
  • United Arab Emirates (19%)
  • Brazil (13%)
  • Türkiye (9%)
  • India (6%)

Energy Sector

Iran is a major actor in the global energy market. The country possesses vast oil and natural gas reserves and uses these resources as the foundation of its industry, exports and state revenues.

Oil and Natural Gas Reserves

• Oil production (2023): 3.985 million barrels per day
• Natural gas production (2022): 263.28 billion cubic meters
• Natural gas reserves: 33.987 trillion cubic meters (2021)
• Crude oil reserves: 208.6 billion barrels (2021)

Electricity and Renewable Energy

• Installed electricity capacity: 80.74 million kW (2022)
• Electricity generation: 315.84 billion kWh (2022)
• Electricity consumption: 315.84 billion kWh (2022)
• Energy generation from fossil fuels: 93.5%
• Hydroelectric generation: 4.4%
• Solar and wind energy: 0.4%

Labor Force and Social Structure

Iran’s total labor force is approximately 29.78 million. The unemployment rate in 2023 was calculated at 9.1%.

• Youth unemployment rate (15–24 years): 22.8%
• • Among males: 20%
  • Among females: 35.5%

The Gini coefficient for income distribution is 34.8, indicating moderate income inequality.

Tourism

Although Iran possesses significant tourism potential due to its rich history, cultural heritage and natural beauty, the tourism sector has not developed meaningfully due to international sanctions, political conditions and infrastructure deficiencies. Throughout history, Iran has hosted numerous great civilizations and possesses many important structures listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Cultural and Historical Heritage

Iran has served as the center of the Persian Empire and has preserved important structures from that era. Iran has a total of 28 World Heritage Sites, 26 cultural and 2 natural entity.

Main UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• Persepolis: The ancient capital of the Achaemenid Empire.
• Chogha Zanbil: A large temple complex of the Elamite civilization.
• Bam and its Cultural Landscape: A historic city damaged in the 2003 earthquake and subsequently restored.
• Golestan Palace: An important palace complex from the Safavid and Qajar periods.
• Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System: One of the engineering marvels of antiquity.
• Pasargadae: The ancient capital containing the tomb of Cyrus the Great.
• Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan: One of the most important cultural centers of the Safavid era.
• Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex: One of the key centers of trade routes between Central Asia and Europe for centuries.
• Historic City of Yazd: An ancient city known for its adobe architecture.

These historical structures enhance Iran’s cultural and tourist appeal, but religious and political restrictions limit foreign tourist inflow.

Natural Tourism and Ecotourism

Iran’s geographical diversity encompasses a wide range from mountainous areas to deserts, forests to coastal regions. Natural areas such as the Hyrcanian Forests and Lut Desert in northern Iran are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Main Natural Areas and Ecotourism Routes

• Lut Desert: One of Iran’s hottest and driest regions, known for its geological formations and sand dunes.
• Hyrcanian Forests: A unique ecosystem dating back 40 million years, shared with Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan.
• Alborz and Zagros Mountains: Important areas for winter sports, hiking and camping.
• Caspian Sea and its Coasts: Hold a significant place among Iran’s resort towns due to their subtropical climate.

Religious Tourism

Iran is considered one of the major religious centers of the Islamic world. Due to its central position in Shiism, it hosts important religious sites for Shia Muslims.

Main Religious Centers

• Mashhad: Iran’s most important religious city, home to the Imam Reza Shrine.
• Qom: One of Iran’s largest theological centers, housing many seminaries.
• Shiraz: Notable for the Shah Cheragh Shrine and other important religious sites.
• Kashan: A city known for its traditional architecture and historic mosques.

These cities attract visitors primarily from Iran and neighboring countries with large Shia populations.

Modern Tourism and Urban Life

Iran’s capital, Tehran, reflects the country’s modern face through its modern museums, art galleries and cultural events. Major cities also offer various opportunities for commercial and tourist activities through shopping centers and traditional bazaars.

Prominent Cities and Tourist Sites

• Tehran:
• • Important historical sites such as Golestan Palace and Tehran Grand Bazaar.
  • Milad Tower, one of the symbols of modern Iran.
  • Museum of Contemporary Art, which houses significant collections of Western and Iranian art.

• Isfahan:
• • Naksh-e Jahan Square, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
  • Isfahan Friday Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Iran.

• Shiraz:
• • Tombs of Hafez and Saadi, dedicated to Iran’s most famous poets.
  • Eram Garden, one of the important examples of Persian garden architecture.

• Tabriz:
• • Historic Bazaar, an important commercial center reflecting Iran’s trade history.

Challenges Facing Tourism

Several factors hinder the development of tourism in Iran:

1. International sanctions: Restrictions on the banking system make financial transfers and payment processes difficult for foreign tourists.
2. Political instability: Periodic internal unrest and protests negatively affect tourist inflow.
3. Visa and travel restrictions: The visa application process for visitors from some countries can be lengthy and complex.
4. Restrictions on women: Female tourists must adhere to specific dress codes, which can be discouraging for Western tourists.
5. Internet access and communication issues: State-controlled media and internet restrictions limit the development of tourism through digital platforms.

Culture and Art

Throughout history, Iran has been a meeting point of various civilizations and cultural currents, possessing a rich heritage in art, literature, architecture and traditional crafts. Iran’s Persian culture has developed through Islamic artistic sensibilities and local traditions. Iranian culture has established a unique identity in fields such as literature, music, cinema, architecture and handicrafts.

Literature

Iran holds an important place in world literature. Persian literature, especially poetry, has had a major influence, and classical Persian poets are renowned worldwide.

Prominent Poets and Works

• Ferdowsi (940–1020): Wrote the Shahnameh, one of the most important works in Iranian literature, presenting Iran’s mythological and historical past in an epic narrative.
• Hafez (1315–1390): Renowned for his ghazals, Hafez is one of the greatest masters of Persian poetry. His Divan holds a significant place in Iranian culture.
• Saadi (1210–1292): His works Bustan and Gulistan are important texts containing ethical advice and wise sayings.
• Omar Khayyam (1048–1131): Famous for his rubaiyat, Khayyam also made contributions to mathematics and astronomy.
• Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi (1207–1273): Born in the Khorasan region, Mevlana became one of the most important figures in Islamic Sufi thought through his work Masnavi.

In Iran, poetry and literature have been not only literary fields but also integral parts of social and cultural life.

Architecture and Urban Planning

Iran’s architectural heritage can be examined across a broad spectrum from ancient times to Islamic art. A dominant architectural approach features rich ornamentation, symmetry understanding and prominent religious motifs.

Prominent Architectural Structures

• Persepolis: The most important structure from the Achaemenid period.
• Imam Square in Isfahan: A square from the Safavid era, notable for its symmetrical design.
• Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz: A structure famous for its colorful stained glass and interplay of light and shadow.
• Historical desert architecture of Yazd: Known for its traditional wind towers (badgir).

In Iranian architecture, especially under Islamic influence, mosque and madrasa architecture developed, with domes and mosaic decorations becoming prominent features.

Traditional Handicrafts

Iran possesses a broad cultural heritage in handicrafts. Iranian artisans have produced world-renowned works in carpet weaving, Ceramics, miniature painting and gilding.

Prominent Handicrafts

• Iranian Carpets: World-famous Iranian carpets are primarily produced in cities such as Tabriz, Kashan and Isfahan.
• Ceramics and Pottery: Ceramics, one of Iran’s most important artistic heritages, have been widely used in mosque decorations and palaces.
• Miniature Painting: Iranian miniature, which greatly influenced Ottoman and Indian miniature art, flourished especially during the Safavid period.
• Calligraphy: Decorative writing using Arabic script holds an important place in Islamic art.

These handicrafts continue to be an essential part of Iran’s artistic identity.

Music and Traditional Instruments

Iranian music has a structure that incorporates both traditional and modern elements. Classical Iranian music is based on modal systems, with improvisation and rhythmic structure taking center stage.

Traditional Iranian Instruments

• Setar: One of Iran’s oldest stringed instruments.
• Tar: A stringed instrument used in both Turkish and Iranian music.
• Santur: A type of dulcimer played with mallets.
• Kamancheh: A bowed instrument frequently used in folk music.
• Daf: One of Iran’s traditional percussion instruments.

Iranian music has been enriched by Shia Sufism music and traditional folk melodies, evolving through classical and modern styles over different periods.

Cinema

Iranian cinema has achieved significant international success in recent years. Directors such as Abbas Kiarostami, Asghar Farhadi and Majid Majidi have made Iranian cinema internationally renowned.

Prominent Directors and Films

• Abbas Kiarostami: Taste of Cherry (1997), The Wind Will Carry Us (1999).
• Asghar Farhadi: A Separation (2011), The Salesman (2016) – won Academy Awards.
• Majid Majidi: Children of Heaven (1997), The Color of Paradise (1999).

Iranian cinema stands out through social realism, symbolism and minimalist storytelling techniques.

Traditional Celebrations and Festivals

One of the most important elements defining Iran’s cultural identity is its traditional holidays and festivals. These celebrations incorporate elements from both Islamic and ancient Persian culture.

Main Traditional Celebrations

• Nowruz: The Iranian New Year, symbolizing the beginning of spring.
• Shab-e Yalda: A festival celebrated on December 21, the longest night of the year.
• Tasu’a and Ashura: Religious ceremonies commemorating the events of Karbala.
• Chaharshanbe Suri: A traditional fire festival held on the Wednesday before Nowruz.

These celebrations are vital events sustaining Iran’s cultural continuity.