H. E. Abdullah Sohrabi Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of In Qatar

33 YEARS OF PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY Iran is located in the heart of the Middle victims of terrorism given the fact that non-diversion of the routine programs of East and it bridges the Caspian Sea to the since its establishment it has been getting Iranian nuclear activities, limited number Persian Gulf. In 1997 uprising of the Iranian targeted by numerous internal and external of countries are to politicize this issue and people, headed by Imam Khomeini (RA), terrorist acts as the result of which many divert the public opinion from its peace- led to overthrow of Pahlavi regime which of its citizens and officials have lost their ful nature with the purpose to continue ended 2500 years of royal rule over Iran lives. Therefore the Islamic Republic of their monopoly in this field. Accusations and establishment of the Islamic Republic Iran has always been calling for elimina- are leveled against Tehran for carrying out political system with %99.8 of the votes tion of this type of crime in all its form secret programs for manufacturing nuclear cast by Iranian people in a free referen- by tacking its root causes irrespective of weapons by certain countries while practi- dum. On the 33th anniversary of its estab- selective approaches.Among other inter- cal use of nuclear weapons by one of them lishment the Islamic Republic of Iran, after national problems now the world is fac- which resulted in massacre of innocent passing through many ups and downs, has ing we can refer to illicit drugs, drug traf- people is indelibly embedded in the minds been able to gain valuable achievements. ficking, different types of drug abuse and of people of the world as well as the his- Now in Iran, freedom seeking, indepen- methods for combating this unpleasant tory. dence seeking, and anti-colonialism drives phenomenon. This occurs while based on the sublime as three principled policies are valued in Islamic Republic of Iran has incurred teachings of , the Islamic Republic of the light of national understanding. On heavy financial costs and human losses in Iran is basically opposes massacre of peo- the other hand Iranian approach towards combating and eliminating drug gangs as ple and use of weapons of mass destruc- development and promotion of the rule of well as drug distribution while given the tion and these types of weapons have no law, justice seeking, tolerance, active par- high volume of illicit drugs and numerous place in its military and defense doctrine. ticipation of civil institutions, is consid- methods used for doing this dreadful trade It is notified that the Islamic Republic of ered as a dynamic and perpetual approach. it has not received sufficient and required Iran has always been calling for making Recent political and social developments international assistance. the region and by extent the whole world inside Iran have been manifested in the On the Nuclear case, the Islamic Republic free from weapons of mass destruction in Iranian foreign policy so clearly. of Iran believes that use of nuclear energy all its forms.The plan proposed by H.E. Dr Islamic Republic of Iran has always been for peaceful purposes is the indisputable Ahmadi Nejad, President of the Islamic re- attaching high importance to observance right of all nations and this energy shall public of Iran, for creation of a global front of good neighborly relations and expan- not be monopolized by those countries for establishment of peace and justice sion of relations at bilateral regional and who wish to impose their hegemony over which has presently has been turned into international levels with its neighboring others in this field. In the same context, the common position of freedom seeking countries and others. History is a good Tehran has always been intending to use nations in the 21st century, is considered witness to the Iranian behavior towards this type of energy for peaceful purposes as one of the manifestations of Iranian ide- other nations. under supervision of the sole competent ology in the International political arena. If you go through the history you will not authority from scientific as well as legal In the light of these policies promotion of find any trace of Iranian aggression against point of view namely IAEA. Monopolis- relations between Iran and Qatar has been others’ territories. This occurs while Iran tic policy of a few countries in this respect quite clear in the recent years. In conclu- has repeatedly been invaded by its neigh- has faced Tehran with unjustifiable politi- sion I pray to the Almighty for the success boring countries and others in the course cal pressures due to the means of threat, of the Government of the Islamic Republic of history. sanction, resorted to by these countries. of Iran and Government of Qatar in their One of the main challenges we are facing Despite repeated emphasis of the Islamic efforts for further expansion of their rela- in the today world is the heinous phenom- Republic of Iran on Tehran intention for tions as well as prosperity and well being enon of terrorism. The Islamic Republic peaceful use of this type of energy and of the two nations of Iran and Qatar. of Iran is considered as one of the main repeated confirmation of the IAEA on ( 2012 - 1390 ) 1 General Information of Iran

Name of the country: Islamic Republic of Iran National Slogan: Independence, Freedom, Islamic Republic Capital: Tehran Geographical condition: 35 41 N 51 25 E Capital: Tehran Language: Persian Religion: Islam Leader: Great Ayatollah Ali Khameini President: Dr. Mahmud Ahmadinejad National Day: 11 February Population: 75/292/000 Currency unit: Iranian Rial Internet Domain: ir (especially refining sugar and extracting edible oil), International Tel code: 0098 Agriculture: wheat, rice, grains, fruits, oily seeds such Exports: oil, carpet, fruits, dry fruits (pistachios, raisins as pistachios, almond, walnut, cotton. and dates), leather, caviar, petrochemical products, ap- Transportation: 7286 kilometers of railways and parels and dresses, foodstuffs. 158000 kilometers of roads. Imports: machineries, industrial metals, medicines, Pipelines: oil derivatives 3900 kilometer, natural gas chemical derivatives. 4550 kilometer. Industries: oil, petrochemical, textile, cement and other Ports: Abadan, Ahwaz, Shahid Beheshti port, Abbas materials for building construction, food derivatives port, Anzali port, Bushehr port, Imam Khomeini port, Mahshahr port, Turkman port, Khoramshahr, Noshahr.

Georgraphical Location: on the north, Afghanistan and Pakistan on the east, and Iran is a county in southwest Asian, country of moun- Turkey and Iraq on the west. Tehran is the capital, the tains and deserts. Eastern Iran is dominated by a high country’s largest city and the political, cultural, com- plateau, with large salt flats and vast sand deserts. The mercial and industrial center of the nation. Iran holds plateau is surrounded by even higher mountains, includ- an important position in international energy security ing the Zagros to the west and the Elburz to the north. and world economy as a result of its large reserves of Its neighbors are Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Armenia petroleum and natural gas. 2 Climate Average summer temperatures exceed people of many religions and ethnic Iran’s climate ranges from arid or 38 °C (100.4 °F). The coastal plains of backgrounds cemented by the Persian semiarid, to subtropical along the the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman in culture. The majority of the population Caspian coast and the northern for- southern Iran have mild winters, and speaks the , which is ests. On the northern edge of the very humid and hot summers. The an- also the official language of the coun- country (the Caspian coastal plain) nual precipitation ranges from 135 to try, as well as other Iranian languag- temperatures rarely fall below freez- 355 mm (5.3 to 14.0 in) es or dialects. Turkic languages and ing and the area remains humid for dialects, most importantly Azeri lan- the rest of the year. Summer tem- History guage, are spoken in different areas in peratures rarely exceed 29 °C (84.2 Recent archaeological studies indicate Iran. Additionally, Arabic is spoken in °F). Annual precipitation is 680 mm that as early as 10,000 BC, people the southwestern parts of the country. (26.8 in) in the eastern part of the lived on the southern shores of the Religion in Iran is dominated by the plain and more than 1,700 mm (66.9 Caspian, one of the few regions of Twelver Shi’a branch of Islam, which the world which according to scien- in) in the western part. To the west, is the official state religion. About 4% tists escaped the Ice Age. They were settlements in the Zagros basin ex- to 8% of Iranians belong to the Sunni probably the first men in the history of perience lower temperatures, severe branch of Islam, mainly Kurds and mankind to engage in agriculture and winters with below zero average dai- Iran’s Balochi Sunni. The remaining animal husbandry. ly temperatures and heavy snowfall. 2% are non-Muslim religious minori- The eastern and central basins are ties, including Zoroastrians, Jews, and arid, with less than 200 mm (7.9 in) People Christians. of rain, and have occasional deserts. Iran is a diverse country consisting of

Culture lim world. The Iranian New Year (Nowruz) is an ancient Iranian culture has long been a predominant culture of tradition celebrated on 21 March to mark the beginning the Middle East and Central Asia, with Persian consid- of spring in Iran. It is also celebrated in Afghanistan, ered the language of intellectuals during much of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Ta- 2nd millennium, and the language of religion and the jikistan, Kazakhstan and previously also in Georgia and populace before that. The Sassanid influence carried for- Armenia. It is also celebrated by the Iraqi and Anatolian ward to the Islamic world. Much of what later became Kurds. Nowruz was registered on the list of Masterpiec- known as Islamic learning, such as philology, litera- es of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity and ture, jurisprudence, philosophy, medicine, described as the Persian New Year by the United Na- and the sciences were based on some of the practices tions Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization taken from the Sassanid Persians to the broader Mus- (UNESCO) in 2009. 3 Handicrafts Recent archaeological excavations have shed new light on the earli- est arts of the Iranian plateau. These newly discovered prehistoric sites date back to at least 5000 BC, and handsome decorated pottery, some of which is eggshell thin, has been found in great quantities at sites dated 3000 BC and later. Persian art and architecture reflects a 5,000-year-old cultural tradition shaped by the diverse cultures that have flourished on the vast Iranian plateau occupied by modern Iran and Afghanistan. The history of Persian art can be divided into two distinct eras whose demarcation is the mid-7th century AD, when invading Arab armies brought about the conversion of the Persian people to Islam. 4 Traditional Food of Iran extensively and importantly consists of are the rice, bread. There are varieties of rice preparation, the Cuisine of Iran is of a wide variety and the culinary of preparation differs with region and course of the meal. Iran reflects the tradition of the country and the region Chelow, Damy, Pollo and Kateh are the most common in a great way. Cuisine of Iran comprises of both cooked and raw foods. The cooked foods are mostly rice preparation famous in Iran. The bread are referred non-vegetarian and the raw foods comprises of fruits to as Nan. Iranian Cuisines also stands famous because and nuts, herbs and vegetables. Cuisine of Iran speaks of the wide range of drink that they make from several of the wide variety of appetizers and desserts that is fruits. The traditional drink that Iranian people have more famous all over the world. Cuisine of Iran goes with the meal is known as Doogh. Sharbat and Khak bland without the spices used in a special way in most sheer are the types of drink that is popular and famous of the dishes. Some of the major dishes that Cuisines in Iran. Architecture Building first evolved out of the dynamics between needs (shelter, security, worship, etc.) and means (available building materials and attendant skills). As human cultures developed and knowledge be- gan to be formalized through oral traditions and practices, building became a craft, and “architecture” is the name given to the most highly formalized and respected versions of that craft. Architecture is integrate part of history, economy, social issue, culture and tradi- tion of each society. The architecture in Iran dates back to 5000 BCE to the present with characteristic examples distributed over a vast area from Syria to North India and the borders of China, from the Caucasus to Zanzibar. Persian buildings vary from peasant huts to tea houses, and garden pavilions to «some of the most majestic structures the world has ever seen. Most important properties of traditional Architecture of Iran in- clude: harmony with the nature and environment and take benefit from natural facilities of the location, harmony with the traditions of all provinces, portray detail of life, beliefs, moral, ethic code and some other. The essence of traditional Archi- tecture of Iran consists of math and theosophy. As, in ancient Iranian books architecture is named as “alhaseb” and “almohandess”. The traditional architecture of the Iranian lands throughout the ages can be categorized into the six following classes or styles: Pre-Islamic:The Parsian style (Achaemenid, Median, Elamite eras), The (Parthian, Sassanid eras). Islamic: The , The Razi style, The Azari style, The Available building materials dictate major forms in traditional Ira- nian architecture. Heavy clays, readily available at various places throughout the plateau, have encouraged the development of the most primitive of all building techniques, molded mud, compressed as solidly as possible, and allowed to dry. This technique used in Iran from ancient times has never been completely abandoned. The abundance of heavy plastic earth, in conjunction with a tena- cious lime mortar, also facilitated the development of the brick. Iranian architecture take advantage of abundant symbolic geometry, using pure forms such as the circle and square, and plans are based on often symmetrical layouts featuring rectangular courtyards and halls. All traditional Persian houses have following sections: and Dalan-e-vorudi. Entering the doorway one steps into a small en- closed transitional space called Hashti. Here one is forced to re- direct one’s steps away from the street and into the hallway, called Dalan e Vorudi. In , the Hashti enables the ar- chitect to turn the steps of the believer to the correct orientation for prayer hence giving the opportunity to purify oneself before entering the . A central pool with surrounding gardens Important partitionings such as the biruni (exterior) and the (interior) Persian houses in central Iran were designed to make use of an ingenious system of wind tower that create unusually cool temperatures in the lower levels of the building. Thick mas- sive walls were designed to keep the suns heat out in the sum- mertime while retaining the internal heat in the winters. Famous Architectural Sites in Iran are; Meidan-e-Emam, Takht-e- Soleyman, Bisotun, , , Bam, Ifahsan, Soltani- yeh, Tchogha Zabnil. Iran also enjoys some number of world known villages that has unique architectural feature like Abyaneh in the central part of Iran and Masouleh in the northern part of the country in both of villages it is the nature who is architecture. 6

Persian Gardens hambra show the influence of Persian philosophy and style in a Moorish Palace scale from The tradition and style in the garden design of Persian the era of Al-Andalus in Spain. The Taj is one gardens has influenced the design of gardens from of the largest Persian Garden interpretations in the Andalusia to India and beyond. The gardens of the Al- world, from the era of the Mughal Empire in India. 8 Iran’s Attractions Iran is one of the few countries that east of the country. The peaks exceed- There are two major ranges of have all four distinguished seasons. ing 2,300 m in these two ranges mountains called the Alborz and the And at any time of the year, in each capture a considerable amount of Zagros. section of the country, one of the four moisture coming either from the Cas- seasons is visible. Iran’s variety in pian Sea southward or the Mediter- - The Alborz have been extended all terms of temperature, humidity and ranean eastward. the way from Azerbaijan to Afghani- rainfall differs from place to place stan passing through the southern part and season to season. Length of the - Deserts of Iran of the Caspian Sea. seasons differs in different regions. Iran is situated in a high-altitude pla- - The Zagros have covered a region teau surrounded by connected ranges from Azerbaijan to the west and SE - Natural Regions of mountains. The well-known des- of the country. One of the world’s most mountainous erts of Iran are at two major regions: The highest peak of Iran (Middle countries, Iran contains two major 1) Dasht-e-Kavir, and 2) Kavir-e-Lut. East) called “Damavand”, 5671m ranges of mountains, the Alborz They are both some of the most arid ASL. It is a burned-out volcano with with the highest peak in Asia west of and maybe hottest areas of their kinds a crater of 400m width. At times, sul- the Himalayas, Damavand (5671 m in the world. fur gas ascends to the top and covers above sea level) and the Zagros that the peak like clouds. cuts across the country for -The Desert Pits of Iran more than 1,600 km Kavir-e-Lut is the largest pit inside - Rivers of Iran extending from the Iranian plateau and probably There is a vastly extended network of riv- north west one of the largest ones in the world. ers in Iran most of which seasonally are to the Kavir-e-Lut is a pit formed by broken filled with water. Some permanent rivers south layers of the earth. run from the Alborz or the Zagros to the - Mountains of Iran Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf and Oman Sea. The whole area of Iran can be Some temporary rivers either run into a divided in to four parts: 1/2 body of water or get dried before reaching mountains as one part, any watershed. and 1/4 deserts - Sea, Gulf & Lakes of Iran and 1/4 fertile Persian Gulf is situated at the south plains as of Iran. It is almost 900km long from the other the Strait of Hormoz to Arvand Rud, part. the border river between Iran and Iraq. The Persian Gulf is one of the warmest bodies of water in the entire Middle East.

9 A Paradise Gilan North of Iran A Paradise, Gilan North of Iran internationally are: tures, and are linked to each other by a Gilan Province is one of the 31 prov- Harzavil Village, Roodbar- Manjil staircase, such that the terrace of each inces of Iran. It lies along the Caspian The history of this village dates back house is the court-yard of the house Sea, just west of the province of Ma- to over a thousand years, and is situ- above. The presence of the ancient zandaran, east of the province of Ard- ated near the city of Manjil. Nasser Own Ebne Ali and Own Ebne Mo- abil, north of the provinces of Zanjan Khosrow, the famous Iranian poet hammad in Masooleh are pilgrimage and . The northern part of the had traveled to this village and had sites and hold cultural importance. province is part of territory of South mentioned this vicinity in his travel Museums (Iranian) Talesh. At the center of the accounts. There is an ancient cypress MianPoshteh Palace Museum (Navy province is the main city of Rasht. tree in the village that attracts crowds Exhibition), Anzali Other towns in the province include of people every year. The tomb of The historical structure of MianPoshteh Astara, Astaneh-e Ashrafiyyeh, Fu- AqaSeyedMahmoodMarandi and is located in one of the most beautiful man, Lahijan, Langrud, Masooleh, ImamzadehEbrahim are other attrac- locality of Bandar Anzali. In the year Manjil, Rudbar, Roudsar, Shaft, tions of this area. 1924, this palace was reclaimed by Reza Talesh, and Soumahe Sara. Kiashahr Village, Rasht Shah from its owner who was a Russian The main harbor port of the province This village has made impressive merchant. In 1977, this museum was is Bandar-e Anzali. progress during the years and has inaugurated as the Navy museum. In The province has an annual average turned into a city. Kiashahr is located this double storied structure, paintings of 2 million tourists, mostly domestic. on the banks of a beautiful wetland, and intricate plaster adornments can be Although Iran’s Cultural Heritage Or- and enjoys a wonderful landscape noted. There is also a portrait attributed ganization lists 211 sites of historical and pleasant weather. Here there are to Nasseredin Shah Qajar. and cultural significance in the prov- wooden docks and some cottages for Rasht Museum, Rasht ince, the main tourist attraction in Gi- temporary use and fishing. Rest houses The Rasht Museum extends over an lan is the small town of Masooleh in and restaurants have been constructed area of 560 sq. m. and is a double the hills south-east of Rasht. The town in the forest park close to the sea, so storied structure. These premises be- is built in a fashion not dissimilar to as to provide services to visitors. This longed to MirzaHossein Khan Kas- the Pueblo settlements, with the roof village is one of the beautiful attrac- maie, (an ally of MirzaKuchak Khan of one house being the courtyard of tions of Gilan. Jangali). The same was purchased by the next house above. Masooleh Village, Fooman the Cultural and Arts Organization in Villages This village is situated in the south 1970. After the required renovations, The most beautiful vicinities of Iran west of Fooman, 63 km. from Rasht. the structure was converted into a mu- are found in northern Iran, and espe- It enjoys a moderate climate. Local seum. The said museum is under con- cially in Gilan Province. Coverage architecture, springs, waterfalls, the trol of the Cultural Heritage Organiza- of green forests, diverse sources of ‘Rood Khan’ River and dense forests tion at present, and was inaugurated water, local architecture, and cul- all make it an attractive tourism spot. in the year 1989. The museum com- tural specifications are eye-catching; Masooleh’s integrated architecture and prises of three sections named as, the forming a basis for the development its houses are of two storied. These archaeological, anthropological and a of tourism. Some of these rural at- comprise of an entrance corridor, cel- sector displaying documents. Objects tractions, known both internally and lars and other unique architectural fea- discovered in the excavations of hill-

10 ocks such as Marlik, Tukam, Dayla- tional cobblestone floor of this nar- panied by a beautiful balcony. The hall man, Cheraq Ali and the Tegran cave row rural route. is adorned with paintings and valuable are on exhibit here. The artificial wooden fence on the plaster work of the Qajar period. The Gilan’s Rural Heritage Museum two sides of this corridor extends all interior adornments of this house are About 15 Kilometers far away from around the museum that is designed the important historical and artistic Rasht, there is a green and calm high- exactly such as a small village and works of Gilan. way, with its two sides surrounded via includes all parts of a real hamlet MonajemBashi House, Langerood rush and pine trees. such as teahouse, playground, mu- The said is located in the Feshka- Stepping or driving a little forward, nicipality, stable and lake. lay locality, near the SabzehMaidan you’ll reach an open and wide area Mainly, this museum is dedicated to square in Langerood. This house be- decorated with wooden tableaus and anthropology and is considered a good longs to the MonajemBashi house- billboards including the text “Musee- and reliable source for sociological hold, and is composed of the inte- patrimoine rural de Guilan” next to studies especially to researchers who rior and exterior segments, private “UNESCO” and “Aix Du Province want to gather more valuable informa- quarter, a mosque, bath and stables. University” logos. tion on Gilak’s life. Between the entrance and hall is a That French title remembers the glori- The Eco-museum shows the cultural vestibule, which is connected to the ous opening ceremony of “Guilan mu- and ethnic diversity of 27 Gilak sub- upper floor by stairs. The upper floor seum of rural heritage” in March 2007 groups in 27 cottages, in each of them comprises of a hall and three cham- where Prof. Christian Bromberger there are girls wearing traditional cos- bers. The adornments of the former gave an interesting lecture about the tumes, some of them cooking cuisines, depict the architectural effects of Gi- history of Gilak tribe in front of hun- foods and some others making handi- lan in the Qajar era. Four exquisite dreds of people, those in love with crafts. It is necessary to know that the sets of doors displaying shrubs and Persian culture. total surface area of museum is about floral designs, adjoin the chambers Guilan museum of rural heritage is a 260 hectares. to the hall. This structure is regis- fantastic and unique Eco-Museum that Old and Historical Houses tered as a national monument by the has been constructed in order to show Darya Beigi House, Langerood Cultural Heritage Organization. the hidden corners of Guilan people’s One of the ancient houses of Other Old Houses culture and lifestyle to the tourists Langerood is the Darya Beigi house, Other ancient houses of the province from all around the world. one of the reputed families of Gilan. which are mostly relevant to the Qajar After paying a very skimpy amount It is a double storied structure, and period are: The houses of Haj Mirza of fee to the attendant at the entrance the rooms on the upper floor have lat- Ahmad Abrishami (Rasht), Ayatollah gate, you will find your way into a ticed sash windows. This house has AqaRoodbari (Rasht), DewanBeigi natural corridor with tall maple trees two large wooden doors with spikes (Rasht), Mohammad Sadeqi (Lahijan), on the two sides and their foliage and knockers. Flanking the doors are Dawoodzadeh (Rasht), Haj Seyed- acting as roofs, preventing the sun mantles with ancient mirrors. Each HashemBahrani (Rasht) and Sardar- and rain from damaging the tradi- floor has three chambers, each accom- MowtamedRashti. 1111 ABBASI HOTEL The Glorious Arc hitecture of Iran The glorious architecture of Iran, or were not centers of loading or company consented to the altera- like a piece of gem, has been con- landing of the caravans. The urban tion of the caravansary to a hotel stantly glittering among other ar- caravansaries were appropriate and approved of the plan of the ho- chitectural monuments of the world places for storing goods and com- tel building which was later called and has occupied a worthy place in mercial exchanges. King Abbas hotel (1336 A.H). the world of art. It was in the reign In reconstruction of the caravansa- In this way, not only was a valuable of the Safavids, that the city of Is- ries, the main attempt has been to historical monument saved but fahan reached such a renown and preserve also the memory of its first use as elegance which was called “half of the general shape. Madar-Shah the lodging of the passengers and the world”. caravansaray likewise owns a tourists was preserved in the new Among what has remained from square courtyard in the middle, form it assumed. Besides, a scenic the age of the Safavids, there still each side of which amounts to and elegant space was provided exists a school, and cara- eighty meters. In reconstruction for the tourists in such a celebrated vansaray complex which sparkles of this caravansaray, this dusty city as . like a piece of jewelry at the side of courtyard has changed into a gar- Now, the gurgling of water and the ChaharBaghstreet. den imbued with plants and color- color of , images This complex was built at the time ful flowers. A stream flows through from the grandeur of Islamic archi- of king Sultan Hossein of Safavids this courtyard, which is called Far- tecture, the eloquent artistic de- about 300 years ago. King Soltan- shadi stream. At each side of this signs carved on the forehead of the Hossein attributed this magnificent courtyard is located a verandah at lofty walls and verandas, the land- complex of building to his mother. the two sides of which are aligned scape of the picturesque turquoise That is why; it is called “the school two-storey chambers. of ChaharbaghMadresseh and caravansaray of Madar-shah” Simplicity and strength of this build- are images which are printed on (which means king’s mother). ing with its open pleasant area is the minds of the guests as such Along with economical prosper- reminiscent of the glory and grace that these images can hardly ever ity in the Safavids age, the con- of Naghsh-e-Jahan square which be consigned to oblivion. struction of utilitarian monuments is the precious treasure left from The company finally started the such as bazaar, bridges, dams, the Persia of the Safavids periods. construction of the hotel in the pigeon towers, water supplies, At this time, according to the sug- summer of 1337 and finished it at inns, mosques and schools was gestion of Andre Goddard who was the end of 1345. In reconstructing the vogue of time. The caravan- then the counselor of Archeology the caravansary, they were com- saries did not just provide lodging Bureau, Iran Insurance Company mitted to two objectives: The pres- for the passengers and passers-by came to save the monument. The ervation of the originality of the 12 ABBASI HOTEL The Glorious Arc hitecture of Iran outward facade and the renovation and ElkeSommer, was shot here. this floor. Across the entrance door, of the caravansary’s chambers a fine hearth catches one’s eyes. and remodeling them into the hotel Halls To build it, the craftsmen have em- rooms. Chehelsotoun Hall ployed the original techniques of In 1351, Iran Insurance Company The large restaurant of the hotel Layehchini and illumination. In the decided to expand the hotel. The whose two floors have the capac- two sides of this exquisite fireplace, expansion was possible only at the ity of catering one thousand peo- under the stairs, and around the eastern side. Thus, by purchasing ple, is in fact a museum of paint- entrance door of the restaurant to- 11500 square meters of land at this ing, illumination, mirror encrusted ward the kitchen, there are painted side, the annex or adjacent section stalactites, and plaster moulding doors each of which is an intricate of the hotel was built which can be which are imitated from artistic and fine work. Being attentive, one considered an independent and masterpieces of Qajar and Safavid can detect various designs, por- well-furnished hotel by itself. periods. traits and miniatures in them. By passing more than 30 years The ceiling of this restaurant is The paintings of all these doors from hotel servicing, most sec- modeled after fretworks of the ceil- are the works of the great Iranian tions of the hotel had been ruined ing of Chehelsotoun’s Verandah; it artist Master Sanaei. The designs and needed reconstructions. After only differs from Chehelsotoun in and mirror works of the above floor inspections of engineers, the re- that the ceiling of Chehelsotoun is of the restaurant are based on the construction of the hotel in many made of wood, whereas the ceiling style of the Qajar. The designs of phases started at first months of of the restaurant, with the same GolvaMorgh (flowers and birds) 1374 and ended at first months of very plan has been plaster mould- are all the masterpieces of the late 1379. The above actions include ed and painted. In the middle of artist SeyyedJafarRashtian. The the reconstruction of rooms, halls, the ceiling, one concrete plane is portraits and the huge tableau on kitchens, and engine houses, elec- set up which is embellished with the right of the entrance door of the trical and mechanical installations colored glasses and the stars in breakfast restaurant, which has of hotel. the space between its cadres are more than fifty portraits, are the The interior decoration of Abbasi adorned with mirror works. The masterworks of Master Ebrahim- hotel is endowed with such a high decorations of the restaurant’s JabbarBeik. quality and quantity, each part of ground floor are made entirely in In the space between the upper which deserves due attention and the style of the Safavids. floor of the restaurant and the description. The 1974 film Ten Twenty-three exquisite paintings, corridor rooms of the first floor of Little Indians, starring Oliver Reed the masterpieces of Master Shaja- the hotel, a small hall is located nian, cover thirty square meters of 13 walls are carefully decorated with ing like antique golden frames, The surface of this golden cover Tongbori and moqarnas. In one strips have been fixed over the has been delineated. The surface side of this hall, there is an an- pieces and then painted. The vel- of the plane mirror cartouches are tique piece both sides of which are vet covered seats of the restau- plaster moulded, the moulded de- decorated with mirror encrusted rant, modeled after the engrav- signs are coated with Indian gold, stalactites. ings of Perspolis. and are finally delineated. In this There is also a painted glass, hall, about 200 square meters of which has remained from the plane mirror is put up. Qajars, and which is one of the Zarrin Hall An antique latticework with colored exquisite pieces ever created. In This hall is located in the ground glasses is one of many wonderful order to harmonize these works floor of the hotel and its entrance decorations of this hall. The style with Qajar School of art, the de- door opens to the corridor of the of this hall is originally Safavid, but signers have put up three pairs of restaurant. The walls of this hall are as far as the composition and har- painted Qajar doors; these doors light green and on these walls the mony are concerned, it has traces have been fixed after repairment, most astonishing samples of illumi- of Saljuk arcades, too. refinement and paintings of their nation, delineation of Safavid Cathy frames. These doors endow this designs, and the plaster moulding floor with a special grandeur and on the mirror can be seen. Abbasi Hall grace. Only for the illumination and This hall is equipped with all mod- To create a harmony between layechini of this hall, twenty thou- ern audio _visual devices, which are Persian original embellishment, sand sheets of gold known as In- used both for local conferences and on the one hand, and the stone dian (Hindi) have been used. The for international conventions. The walls and acoustic ceilings which coverage of the walls and the ceil- large conference hall is constructed were already constructed, on the ing with gold sheets are meant to in two storeys. other, wooden cartouches with preserve the varnish and gloss, The ceiling of first floor is decorated gilded acoustic pieces of the ceil- which may be otherwise gradually with plaster moulding on convex mir- tarnished. 14 rors and its walls are embellished Naghsh-e-Jahan hall. The wooden Chehel-Sotoon Restaurant with wooden fret works whose sur- pillars of Qajar era and the craved This big and magnificent restau- face are painted and are decorated stone of their bases, which were rant has two floors, and also a with the same designs of the ceiling. taken from an antique house, add unique decoration. It has a capac- This work is done so dexterously to its magnificence. ity of 400 people. The second floor that at the first sight the distinction of At both sides of the entrance door is used as the breakfast hall every the wooden works from the plaster stands two gorgeous Persian Paint- day from 7:00 to 10:00 where you mouldings is almost impossible. ings based on the style of Reza Ab- can have breakfast as a buffet. The The ground floor of this hall which, basi, the great master of Safavid ground floor is used as the main age. Moreover, the Abbasi designs restaurant for lunch all the year is considered the main assembly of Cathay (Khataei) with golden hall, is equipped with an apparatus from 12:00 to 15:00, and for dinner designs and the engravings on the in autumn and winter from 16:00 to of simultaneous translation. Also it plain walls between the windows, 22:30. You are served with differ- contains 500 seats. The ceiling of which open to the garden, endow ent Iranian and continental foods. this hall is decorated with seventeen this collection of Persian taste and The Traditional Restaurant wooden moqarnases, which are in art with a pleasant repose. It is located on the east side of the turn decorated with plaster mould- garden. Iranian as well as tradition- ing, mirror encrusted stalactites and Pardis Hall al foods are served (as a buffet) in painting. With a capacity of 15 persons and spring and summer, from 18:00 to The spaces between wooden mo- also with enough facilities it is a beau- 23:00 –not in the restaurant but out- qarnases are plaster moulded and tiful and quiet place for meetings. side in the nice atmosphere of the painted. Around the hall, in the up- garden. In autumn and winter you per parts of the walls, is decorated Firouzeh Hall will be served inside the restaurant. with plaster rows and the walls are This hall can hold 150 persons arcade with Saljuk designs. for seminars and exhibitions. It Coffee Shop has all facilities for this purpose The coffee shop is located in the main Naghsh-e-Jahan Hall Aeeneh Hall lobby. It serves you there with differ- The hall located behind the caf- It consists of 3 halls: Aeeneh hall No. ent drinks and foods (hot and cold) eteria is also the representation 1, the main Aeeneh hall and Aeeneh in a very enjoyable atmosphere. It is of the original art of antiquity and hall No. 3 open 24 hours. the manifestation of modern crafts- The main Aeeneh hall has a capacity men’s artistry. A plane of fourteen of 200 people in classic form and 70 in U-form. The Traditional Teahouse meters of colored glasses, which It is located on the north side of the consists of three big windows of Aeeneh hall No. 1 has a capacity of garden, in a unique atmosphere. It wel- upper old sash windows, and a 70 people and Aeeneh hall No. 3 a comes you in spring and summer out- huge circle of invaluable plaster- capacity of 60. All these three halls side, and in autumn and winter inside ing which is adorned with Tashir are used for different seminars. the teahouse, from 18:00 to 23:00. is one of the majestic beauties of

15 Basic Information on Business in Iran: 1. Iran Trade Exhibitions customized Full Page ad with images willing to invest the time and energy, Iran International Exhibitions and videos to describe your business attractive opportunities exist. Company (IIEC) oversees and op- to a vast audience worldwide. 6. Trade Legislation in Islamic Re- erates all international and special- It is unique and affordable place to public of Iran: ized exhibitions held in Iran. Site find business in Iran. Iran’s trade law is the most important features exhibitions calendar and 4. Foreign Investment codified set of rules for business in provides trade laws and regulations. Foreign direct investment (FDI) or Iran which forms the basis of com- IIEC is affiliated with the Iranian foreign investment refers to the net in- mercial law. Ministry of Commerce. IIEC is lo- flows of investment to acquire a last- The law was passed in 1932 by Parlia- cated at the Tehran permanent fair- ing management interest (10 percent or ment as well as has been translated and ground. For more information go to more of voting stock) in an enterprise produced Based on the 1807 French law the following website: http://www. operating in an economy other than (known as the Napoleonic Code) iranfair.com/en that of the investor. It is the sum of eq- Except in the case of co-operatives (the 2. Iran Export-Import Laws and uity capital, reinvestment of earnings, Reform Act of 1968 applies) and some Regulations of 2011 other long-term capital, and short- provisions dealing and other provisions With your Trusted Business, Trade and term capital as shown in the balance of of bankruptcy, law stays to remain. Commerce partner in Iran Global trade payments. It usually involves partici- The principles of law relating to com- is now more accessible than ever, but pation in management, joint-venture, mercial transactions, business offices, doing Import / Export business with transfer of technology and expertise. commercial paper, and check, broker- Iran has tips you have to know. Hence There are two types of FDI: inward age, business brokerage, freight con- to show entrepreneurs, small to large foreign direct investment and out- tracts, vice president of business and corporations, International Import/ ward foreign direct investment, re- other business representatives, war- Export traders how to take advantage sulting in a net FDI inflow (positive ranties, bankruptcy, business name of the growing business opportunities or negative) and “stock of foreign and legal personality are expressed. available in Iran. direct investment”, which is the cu- Act of Joint stock companies in the For more information about Iran Ex- mulative number for a given period. Trade Act amended in 1968 and the port-Import Laws and Regulations of Direct investment excludes invest- new provisions for Joint stock compa- 2011 go to following website: http:// ment through purchase of shares. nies in three hundred of article. en.tpo.ir/ FDI is one example of international 7. Investment in Iran 3. Iran Trade & Business Directory factor movements. There is no doubt; Iran has a lot of Iran Trade & Business Directory 5. Iran’s Business Website potential. It is a country that boasts a is an comprehensive collection that Iran is a market worth looking into. As domestic market of 75 million people, dedicated to promoting businesses Iran rebuilds and prepares for the future, it 11% of the world’s proven oil reserves, and professionals Worldwide. It is needs foreign products and knows how. 15% of the world’s proven gas reserves, uniquely enhanced by the infusion of Iran has a rapidly growing population 11 petrochemical complexes, 3 major social Networking tools. You can list and is establishing itself as a vital link your business here for Free (basic list- steel plants and much more. with Central Asian republics. For firms ing) or for a small fee you can have a However, the big question for foreign 16 companies and especially for small and mon themes that apply to many small and their commercial Attaché, interna- medium-size enterprises is how to turn and medium-size foreign companies. tional organization located in Iran and this potential into concrete business. Iran is certainly a unique market in Iran International Exhibition: Foreign companies that have experi- the Middle East. It is populous, rich http://www.iran-investment.org/ enced Iran can tell many stories. The in natural resources and apt to tech- 8. Iran Customs common theme in all these stories nological progress and international Customs Administration of the Is- is that Iran is, in many ways, differ- developments. The country’s natural lamic Republic of Iran tries to provide ent from other markets even different resources create a significant wealth. passengers and traders with better and from other markets in the Middle East. In fact, based on a resource-based effective Services and necessary in- However the foreign companies gen- evaluation, the Iranian economy is the formation. The purpose is to facilitate erally did not understand the peculiar- 20th strongest in the world. Customs Procedures, respect people ities of doing business in Iran exactly. On the following website, you can find and gain their confidence. Every foreign company is in a differ- the detailed information about foreign Here is some useful information for ent situation and there is no one, uni- investment laws and regulations, con- passengers, traders and tourists of versally applicable rule on how to start tact information of Iran’s ministries Iranian and Foreign origin on the and how to develop business in Iran. and other governmental sections, in- following website: http://www. That said there are a number of com- formation about Diplomatic Consular irica.gov.ir/ I.R. Iran’s Foreign Investment Manual The government of I.R. Iran wel- as the legal obligations and require- FIPPA and its bylaws, referring to comes foreign investments and ments caused by investing in Iran. guarantees given to the investors, urges all the foreign investors to at- In this manual, first the process of their rights, facilities granted, the tentively peruse and its executive looking into the applications by protection extended as well as their bylaws to know their own rights foreign investors to the Investment commitments and obligations will be and be informed of the facilities and Organization of Iran is briefly dis- offered. The last section is devoted protections they may enjoy as well cussed. Then, some articles from to entry and registration procedures 18 within the framework of Iran’s ricultural, transportation, communi- Foreign Investment Promotion and cations, and services fields as well Protection Act (FIPPA), need to as in fields related to water, power, first fill out a special form (tobe and gas supply and energy fields obtained either in person or on-line - The possibility of the refer- at and submit it to the organization. ral of investment-related dis- The application is presented by the putes to international authori- Investment Organization to the For- ties (Article 19 of the FIPPA). eign Investment Council and will - The possibility of land owner- be pursued until a permit is issued. ship in the name of the company Choosing the form depends on the (registered in Iran) in joint ven- type of the foreign investment and tures (Article 24 of the bylaws). the agreement concluded between - Issuance of visas for three years in the parties (domestic and foreign Iran for foreign investors, managers, investors). The form has to be sub- experts and their immediate family mitted in English except for when members and the possibility of visa the investor is an Iranian expatriate renewals (Article 20 of the FIPPA & or from Persian-speaking countries Article 35 of the bylaws). like Tajikistan or Afghanistan. - The investors are notified of 2- Guarantees and pro- the final decision regarding tections: their applications within at most - Foreign Capital is guaranteed 45 days (Article 6 of FIPPA) against nationalization and ex- - Having a choice to choose the propriation, and in such cases the investment method in the project Foreign Investor shall be entitled as FDI or Foreign Investment in to receive compensation (Article all sectors within the framework 9 of the FIPPA). of “Civil Participation”, “Buy- - Should laws or government Back” and “Build-Operate-Trans- regulations lead to prohibition or fer” (BOT) schemes (Article 3 of cessation of approved financial FIPPA) agreements within the framework - Acceptance of investments by of this Act, then the government any natural or legal non Iranian or shall procure and pay the resulting Iranian person utilizing capital of damages (Article 17 of the FIPPA foreign origin and granting the fa- & Article 26 of the bylaws). cilities envisaged in FIPPA to them - The purchase of goods and pro- (Article 1 of FIPPA). ducer services of the foreign in- - The foreign investor must choose vestment is guaranteed in cases an audit institute out of the audit where a state-run organ is the only institutes recognized by the Asso- buyer or supplier of a product or ciation of the Official Auditors of producer service at a subsidized Iran to substantiate their financial price (Article 11 of the bylaws). and annual reports (Articles 1, 22- 23 of the bylaws). Rights and facilities: - Foreign investments subject 3- Legal commitments to this Act shall enjoy the same and obligations of the in- vestors for foreign investments once the in- rights, protections and facilities - Applications of Foreign Investors vestment permit is issued. available to domestic investments in a non-discriminatory manner in respect of issues such as admis- 1- The process of exam- (Article 8 of the FIPPA). sion, importation, utilization and ining the applications by repatriation of capital under the foreign investors to the - The Foreign Investment and its profits may be transferred FIPPA shall be submitted to the investment organization Organization shall only be submit- of Iran up to permit issu- in foreign currency or goods ance (Articles 13-18 of the FIPPA). ted to The Organization and fol- - Acceptance of foreign investments lowed up through it (Article 5 of The foreign investors who would FIPPA). in all the production, industrial, ag- like to make investments in Iran - The Organization should be no- 19 tified of any changes in the name, terprises and economic companies foreign investment are referred by address, legal shape, or national- (purchase of shares) is possible this centre to the relevant organi- ity of the foreign investor or of provide that added value is created zations. changes of more than 30% in his/ in that economic unit after the pur- Foreign investors through “For- her ownership (Article 33 of the chase of shares. eign Investment Service Center” bylaws). 4- Other advantages and and meeting with experts of this - It is necessary for the investor facilities: center get familiar with benefits to notify the Organization of the and facilities of the law of encour- - Foreign investors can supply a transfer of all or part of his/her agement and support of foreign in- portion of their capital from do- Foreign Capital to other inves- vestment and also with the process mestic and international sources tors. In case of transfer to another of how to obtain “foreign invest- as loans. Needless to say, the bor- foreign investment, it is needed to ment license”. rower will have to guarantee the obtain the approval of the Council The center also provides invest- repayment of the loans received. and the permits from the Organiza- ment applicants with answers to - Foreign capitals can enter the tion (Article 10 of FIPPA). their questions in the fields re- country as cash currency, machin- - All the applications of the foreign lated to administrative units posi- ery and pieces of equipment, raw investor for transferring the profit, tioned at the center. Furthermore materials, technical know-how, and capital and the proceeds from the foreign investors can benefit from other forms of intellectual property increase in the capital value under directions and helps of Investment and they will be promoted and pro- FIPPA must be submitted to the Service Center in order to com- tected. Organization accompanied by the municate with other organization - 80% of the incomes made by the report of the audit institute that is and Ministries responsible for the producer and mineral units based recognized by the Association of projects. in lesser developed zones will be the Official Auditors of Iran - (Ar Organization affairs and work flow exempt from tax for 4 years. ticles 22-23 of the bylaws). in the “Service Center” are in a way - 100% of the incomes made by the - The investor is obligated to bring that foreign investors have access producer and mineral units based a portion of the capital into Iran to to all the necessary information in lesser developed zones will be implement the approved project and solutions. Accordingly they do exempted from tax for 10 years. over the period of time specified not need to contact the various ad- - Tourist installations are exempt by the foreign i ministrative units frequently. Re- nvestment license from annual tax for 50%. sponsibility of providing services which is usually 6 months. Otherwise - 100% of the income generated of the center not only limited to the and in order to extend the validity of by the exporting industrial and before- decision- making phase. the license and prevent it from being agricultural, conversion industries Rather foreign investors can al- revoked, the investor is required to goods and their completion are ex- ways contact “Foreign Investment submit his/her reasons and justifica- empt from tax. Service Center” during the process tions for the delay to the Organiza- - 50% of the incomes gener- of investing and benefit the -ser tion (Article 32 of the bylaws). ated by exporting goods aimed vices. - The foreign investor is required to at developing the non-oil ex- In addition, the center is ready to announce the entry of its capital in- portations are exempt from tax. complete and resolve defects of cluding cash and non-cash items to - 100% of the incomes generated the application forms of foreign the Organization within the frame- by exporting transit goods are ex- investment and other documents work of the license issued for the empt from tax. before presenting them officially foreign investor so that they will - Re-investments made by cooper- to the Organization. be registered in the Organization ative and private companies aimed The applicants can lend us a hard and subjected to FIPPA. Failure to at developing, restoring and com- with presenting any criticism and register the entered capital is tanta- pleting industrial and mineral units suggestions which are effective mount to not being covered by the will be exempt from tax for 50% in increasing the productivity and FIPPA. (Article 11 of the FIPPA & Investment Service Center Article 24 of the bylaws) service providing to foreign inves- In order to facilitate and expedite - The Iranians who intend to utilize tors. the legal tasks of investment or- capital of foreign origin in Iran and Address: Imam Khomeini Square, ganization in the fields of encour- wish to be subjected to FIPPA must Davar Street, Organization for agement and protection of foreign be involved an economic and trade Investment ,Economic & Techni- investment in the country. “For- activities abroad and need to submit cal Assistance of Iran, Investment eign Investment Service Center” the relevant documents to the Orga- Service Center, First Floor. in the organization (second floor) nization (Article 5 of the bylaws). TEL:00982133967766 was convened and representatives - Acceptance of foreign invest- FAX: 00982133967774 of the relevant office were present ments in the existing Iranian en- EMAIL :[email protected] there. All inquiries of prospective 20 I. R. of Iran’s foreign trade in 2010: Iran’s non-oil exports in 2010 grew by 34 % comparing the previous year. Total revenues from exports surpassed $ 25.7 billion. At the same period Iran’s import has increased by 15 % to 57.3 $ billion Million $

Export and import trend (2005-2010)

I.R.Iran’s Non-Oil exports and import to selected economic blocks

21 Leader’s Book Welcomed at FIBF Announcing this, manager of Sci- entific-Cultural Publications said most of the Iranian visitors and several groups of publishers, vis- iting Scientific-Cultural pavilion, requested the book. “The book’s second reprint will soon be released with its translation into four languages including English, Arabic, French and German,” he added. The book fair fully met the needs of the Muslim publishers for re- ceiving the leader’s viewpoints and the book’s translation will hopefully help them. Rendering Persian books into other languages is the best way of conveying Iran’s culture and point of views to other countries, a matter which has been ignored ‘Movement of science production’,a book encompass- so far, he noted. ing the views of Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah The 63rd Frankfurt International Book Fair concluded Seyyed Ali Khamenei was warmly welcomed by visitors in October. to the 63rd Frankfurt International Book Fair. This is while, the absence of some Iranian publishers in The book contains the leader’s views expressed during the Frankfurt Book Fair and Iran’s blocked pavilions in his visit with university and seminary elites, IRNA said. FIBF are frequently discussed by the national media.

22 TEHRAN UNIVERSITY WWW.UT.AC.IR

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