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AMU E-MAGAZINE | NO. 2 | MARCH2019

21MAR . HAPPY NOWRUZ

Nowruz, the Connection Nowruz, the Connection Chain of Iranian Folks Chain of Iranian Folks The largest and the most important Iranian celebration Iranian , Universal Art Iranian carpet with thousand years of antiquity is one of the most gorgeous displays of handicrafts. Canada Nation of Immigrants

About Persia • History [1] Contents

AMU NOWRUZ E-MAGAZINE | NO. 2 | MARCH2019

Editorial 06

21MAR . HAPPY NOWRUZ

Nowruz, the Connection Nowruz, the Connection Chain of Iranian Folks Chain of Iranian Folks The largest and the most important Iranian celebration About Persia Iranian Carpet, Universal Art Iranian carpet with thousand years of antiquity is one of the most gorgeous displays of Iran handicrafts. Canada Nation of Immigrants History 08 , A Great Champion in Ancient World AMU NOWRUZ E-MAGAZINE NO.02 MARCH 2019 UNESCO Heritages 12 Iran, UNESCO, Intangible Heritage 20 Nowruz, The Connection Chain of Iranian Folks Editorial Department Farshid Karimi, Ramin Nouri, Samira Mohebali Art & Culture Editor In Chief Samira Mohebali 24 Nomads Shiva Aghili, Maryam Atiyabi, Katherin Azami, Elnaz Darvish, Fereshteh Authors 28 Delicious Taste of Nowruz Derakhshesh, Saeed Emani, Elham Fazeli, Forough Haddad, Nasim 34 , Universal Art Mohammadi, Shirin Najvan, Simin Saghafi, Daryanaz Zandi 38 Traditional Iranian House Translator and Editor Razieh Gilani 46 Nowruz Abbas Jafari, Mehdi Ghazanfari, Akbar Ashtari , Asghar Besharati, 48 Golabgiri, The Ancient Iranian Tradition Photographers Mojtaba Shahmoradi, Ibrahim Khadem Bayyat, Marjan Moshtaghian, Reza Milani Climate & Nature 50 Cover Photo Chinara Rasulova Parts of Iran’s Nature Art Director & Graphic Designer Negar Ganji Iran Today Logo Designer Emad Navi 56 Recreation Activities Illustrator Hossein Ojaghi Infographists Negar Ganji, Farzaneh Abangar, Parinaz Ghashghaie Attractions Social Media Manager Mitra Aghi Public Relations Ramin Nouri 58 Spring and the Time to Travel 64 , A memorial from Safavid Glory Financial Affairs Farshad Karimi 68 Traveling to Iran during Nowruz. Yes or No? Special Thanks To Bashir Momeni, Bahram Khalafi, Saeed Rayen, Shiva Emamverdi, Mohammad Zarei, Erfan Namiyan, Ali Asadi, Mostafa Mostafavi, Farzaneh Hamedi, Mehdi Ghazanfari, Hadi Ghazanfari, Hamzeh About Canada Alizadeh, Reza Alizadeh, Sirus Dehghan, Mohammad Sharifi, Shahab Nazari, Adel Nikjoo and Safa Historical Guest House, Parsian Sepanta Canada Nation of immigrants 70 Company, Chakad Asayesh Insurance Company Canada & UNESCO Cultural Heritage 72 Address 2nd Floor, No. 7, Barmak Alley, Alvand Str., Arjantin Sqr. -Iran Telefax +98 21 88656690 Services

Email [email protected] 74 From Yalda to Maranjab Web www.amunowruz.travel 02 04

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Amu Nowruz Travels Company Amu Nowruz Travels Company is authorized by Iran Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and 03 Organization and has established its commercial brand under the title of ‘‘Amu Nowruz”. Amu Nowruz or Uncle Nowruz is a 05 cultural figure which is known among all the countries that follow the Nowruz tradition. The company is seeking to professionally introduce traveling as a means of peace and friendship to everyone. Amu Nowruz not only encourages foreigners to visit Iran tourist attractions but also provides an opportunity for the Iranians to visit different parts of the world. The company came into existence based on the idea of encouraging people to travel, to boost their personal spirits, to develop life quality and to improve their health. It is trying to reach international standards in terms of goods and The Story of Amu Nowruz services quality. The main goal of this company Once upon a time there was an old man called Amu Nowruz (Uncle is to provide tourist information about Iran Nowruz). He knew lots of stories about traveling. The lovely, experienced and other destinations of the world for the and wise old man who used to set out on a journey on the first day of potential tourists and also to facilitate the spring to visit different parts of the world during the rest of the year. He strolled process of consciously choosing a destination. slowly to reach and visit Naneh Sarma (a mythical character in Iranian ). Naneh Sarma To fulfil this purpose, the company offers lots was in love with Amu Nowruz. Each year and by the end of winter and coming of spring, she of tours, both domestic and overseas. It also welcomed Amu Nowruz. So, she woke up early in the morning to clean the house, set the Haft Sin has visa consulting services and provides travel table and prepared the utensil required for entertaining Amu Nowruz. She counted the seconds insurance, tickets and hotels for customers for his arrival. But she was not lucky since every year and exactly before arrival of she fell asleep. with different tastes and competitive The story was repeated every year, Amu Nowruz reached there but he didn’t like to disturb Naneh prices. ‘‘Amu Nowruz” also provides various Sarma and wake her up. He sat next to her for a while, ate something and picked a flower from the recreations such as educational, ecotourism, yard to put it on Naneh Sarma’s scarf before leaving. Once the shone in her face, she woke cultural and commercial tours and some up, at that moment she realized what had happened, Amu Nowruz came there but again she was other tours with the highest possible deeply asleep and she had to wait for another year to meet Amu Nowruz… quality. It’s trying to address a wide range The story of Amu Nowruz is a folk tale in the oral literature of Iran and some other countries of audience and maintain their loyalty. that share the ancient ritual of Nowruz, a short tale which has been handed down to the next The company has established the website generations orally. Naneh Sarma represents the cold season while Amu Nowruz is the symbol of www.persiaadvisor.travel in a bid to of and change in nature. These two characters symbolize the arrival of the new introduce Iranian tourism potentials in an season and a new chapter in the lives of people. Old things give way to new ones in the spring and different aspects of the lives of people are renewed. Amu Nowruz is the symbol of that renewal. international level to both make them aware of the attractions of Iran and to satisfy the needs of foreigner tourists who travel to Iran. Photo: 1. Velveteye 2. Emily Marie Wilson 3. Knavakon 4. Charlie Waradee/ Shutterstock 5. Abbas Jafari Editorial Spring, the Season of Renewal

Hi Another Nowruz arrived and I am truly cheerful, the nature is moving toward freshness and renewal and everywhere is covered in green. Nowruz literally means «new day» and this renewal is what makes the ancient event of Nowruz meaningful. During all these years and as the ambassador of Nowruz, I have been travelling to many countries to introduce the ancient creed of Nowruz to the world. Now, I should confess that freshness of this renewal during historical ups and downs helped to survive and develop this historical celebration in different regions. Nowruz not only is the beginning of a fresh nature but also a reason of formation of the creeds whose bases are rooted in freshness and avoidance of darkness and badness, hence it can be said that the global creed of Nowruz has penetrated into different dimensions of lives of those people who celebrate it in their culture. It has been effective in all aspects of human life, from their personal renewal to life environment. By the freshness of nature, arrival of a new season and , renewal of our life environment, let s make our spirit fresh as well, make our heart happy and grow hope in our life. , Let s make significant changes in our personal attitudes by the renewal of the nature, travelling to different cities is a good solution to make these changes as the alterations in each season provide good opportunity to travel to the regions which we have not visited before and we can find new experiences which lead into our mental development. I wish you all a happy new year along with new changes, innovations and travels. On behalf of all my colleagues in Amu Nowruz travel agency, I would like to congratulate all the world and specially those who celebrate this ancient creed on the arrival of global day of Nowruz, 21st March. Illustrator: Hossein Ojaghi Yours faithfully, Amu Nowruz Hossein Ojaghi

[6] Editorial Editorial [7] Illustrator: Elam whose story started since four consists of a five- thousand years ago is geographically limited floor and echelon-form temple which was to Bakhtiari Mountains from the North, built in 1250 B. C. to worship the god who to the shores of till around protected Shush, today only 25 meters of current province from the South, the building remained i.e. about 2 floors and to region (in current ) a part of third floor is also sound. Chogha from the West and to a part of current Fars Zanbil is known as the first religious building province from the East, the territory which of Iran. Elam presently includes Khuzestan, Lorestan, part Let’s go back to the history of Elam. In of Ilam and Bakhtiari Mountains. 12th century B. C., Elam was still highly A Great Champion in Ancient World From 2400 B. C. to 645 B. C. Elam government powerful and the kings of this dynasty was sometimes independent and sometimes fought with Babylon government (one of was under the command of the governments the governments of Mesopotamia region) Elnaz Darvishi M. A. in History of Mesopotamia region (a region between several times and achieved some conquests. - Euphrates Rivers in current Iraq). Elam At this time, Elam pulled itself out of the consisted of several states from among them mastery of cultural and civilized influence the most important ones are: Avan, Susian, of the alien people and achieved national Simash, Anzan or Anshan and Parsumash. art and culture. The inscriptions were mostly Shush, Dur-Untash, Hidalu and Madaktu written in Elamite cuneiform, Inshushinak Mesopotamia are among the salient cities of this . became the national god and kings and Shush was capital of Elam. At that time Shush loyal family were considered as god during was almost an advanced land, an agricultural their life. But the majesty did not last for a region whose inhabitants achieved metal long time and Nebuchadnezzar (Bakht al- IRAN and the industry of metalwork boomed Nasr) the king of Babylon defeated Elam and along with pottery. People of this region occupied Shush. Since that time till three Elam were also occupied with hunting and herding centuries later, Elam was disappeared in the alongside farming in forth millennium before history and no information is available from birth of Christ. that period. It was about three thousand years before the It was about 8th century B. C. and by the birth of Christ that Elam government was establishment of Persian tribes in the eastern under the governmental influence for the neighborhood of Elam government when first time i.e. which was one this government became weak, however, of the governments of Mesopotamia region. after that there was clashes between Elam everal thousand years The arguments and tension of Elam with the and (another power of Mesopotamia before the birth of Christ, powers of Mesopotamia region continued region) which finally led into the fall of Elam a region in southwest of till half of the second millennium before the government during reign who birth of Christ until Elam reached the climax was the most powerful king of Assyria (640 today Iran was the center Persian Gulf S of its spiritual and materialistic majesty. At B. C.). Ashurbanipal sent all the valuable and of one of the most brilliant human civilizations in the world so that in that time the most prominent king of Elam exquisite treasures to Assyria as booty, razed second millennium before the birth was Untash-Gal. He was in power during all the buildings to the ground and after of Christ and before migration of 1265 B. C. till 1245 B. C. and established a the conquest, in an inscription he revealed the , Iran’s history was almost new town which was called Dur-Untash, the the fall of Elam very well. Despite the limited to the history happened in same town where ancient temple (ziggurat) demolition, after a short time in Achaemenid this region. We are talking about of Chogha Zanbil is located in. He placed Empire this region gained its majesty and the government of Elam, one of Inshushinak –the god of Shush- in the most Shush became one of the most prominent the inspiring origins of the Persian sacred place of the ziggurat and as a result cultural, economic and political institution and Achaemenid government in Shush became the most prominent city of in and preserved this the creation of bright civilization of Elam government. feature till several next centuries. Aryan Iran.

[8] About Persia • History About Persia • History [9] Elam`s Art at a Glance

The petroglyph of an Elam woman and Cup her maid of honour -Khuzestan. Marvdasht-Fars. 7th and 8th centuries B.C. - Louvre Museum 3rd mill B.C.-

Bitumen vessel Pottery bust of a human and his cast Susa-Khuzestan. Susa-Khuzestan. 2nd mill B.C.- National Museum of Iran 2nd mill B.C.- National Museum of Iran

Ivory plaque Female-head vessel, made of frit Chogha-zanbil- Khuzestan. Chogha-zanbil- Khuzestan. 2nd mill B.C. - National Museum of Iran 2nd mill B.C. - National Museum of Iran

Terracotta Females figurine Terracotta Females figurine Susa-Khuzestan. Susa-Khuzestan. 2nd mill B.C. - National Museum of Iran 2nd mill B.C. - National Museum of Iran

Photos of Iran National Museum of the Catalog «Woman Over the Time» Photographer: Ibrahim Khadem Bayyat/ Publisher: ICHTO Photo of Louvre Museum: Marie-Lan Nguyen Infographic: Parinaz Ghashghaie

[10] About Persia • History About Persia • History [11] Iran UNESCO

Intangible Heritage The skill of carpet weaving in Fars Photo: Iran ICHTO / UNESCO Nasim Mohammadi M. A. in Iranology and Tour Guide

The skill of carpet weaving in Fars (2010) Iranian art and culture are tied to carpet in all over the world. This delicate art is performed in egardless of available buildings and architectural structures which are known different regions of Iran with various patterns, colors and designs by the artists in villages and as historical works in all societies, there are some traditions and skills which carpet weaving workshops. Fars, in south of Iran is among the centers wherein traditional are considered as a part of cultural heritage of a society and they are called knowledge of carpet weaving is still common. What makes carpet weaving noteworthy is the R intangible heritage. The heritage which is transferred from one generation fact that the carpet weavers weave it without any predetermined plan and it is improvised, they to another and is representative of the sense of identity to its owners, some of these usually weave the perspectives of what they imagine in their minds. Hence, you cannot find two heritages are oral creeds, performance art, social creeds, traditional knowledge and with same patterns. techniques and the ability to produce handicrafts. Sometimes, they obtain a high value so that they are known in all over the world and finally are registered. In this regard, Iran The skill of Carpet Weaving in (2010) is a rich country as well and has registered thirteen intangible heritage up to now. Carpet weaving in Kashan has a different scenario. Its pattern is designed in advance very delicately. The patterns like flowers & plants, animals, foliage and also historical events are drawn on graph papers and are delivered to the carpet weaver. This artist weaves the carpet by the technique of Persian knot in a way that in the backside of carpet a set of knots with intended pattern can be Nowruz (2009 & 2016) observed but on the surface there are short strings having special beauty and elegance. Nowruz is a celebration to welcome arrival of spring and new year which is held in the first day of solar year on Farvardin 1st (21st March) in territories wherein Iranian culture has somehow The Dramatic- Ritualistic Art of Ta’zieh (2010) penetrated into. Nowruz has been registered as a global heritage in UNESCO through the Ta’zieh is one of the dramatic arts in Iran which is performed as a part of mourning rituals. This attempts of 12 countries by the leadership of Iran. In the next part of this Vol., you will become performance narrates the martyrdom of Hussein –Peace be upon Him- the third imam of more familiar with this Iranian creed under the heading of “Nowruz, The Connection Chain of the Shia (a branch of ) in a desert called Karbala (in Iraq), the way of its narration is close to Iranian Folks”. street talks. Since (1501-1722) and by the prevalence of this performance, the required places for performing ta’zieh (like ) in different cities have been built uniquely and Radif of Iranian Music (2009) beautifully. Radif (order) is the way Iranian music is played. Although it is stated that the history of playing radif All techniques of dramatic art, music, narration and scenery are used in ta’zieh. Also, it should be by the Iranian musical instruments dates back to pre-Islam era, it was after that radif mentioned that ta’zieh is based on symbolism i.e. any object which needs to be described, can be of Iranian music was written by Iranian music professors and by learning . Before observed in the scene of ta’zieh in a small size and symbolically. For example, water bowl is the that, the knowledge of Iranian musical radif was taught practically to the learners by professors. symbol of river and branch is the symbol of palm tree. Besides, the colors of the actors’ dresses In the reign of Naser al-Din Qajar (1831-1896) two brothers called Agha Hussein Gholi and specify their character. The positive characters wear green cloths and their enemies are dressed Abdollah could gather Iranian music radif. Later, the composition of radifs through musical in red. Also, the characters with a moderate role or those who will follow Imam Hussain from the notation was carried out by Alinaghi Vaziri who was another music professor in this era. middle of performance wear yellow dresses.

[12] About Persia • UNESCO Heritages About Persia • UNESCO Heritages [13] Heroic Sport and Rituals of Zoorkhaneh (2010) Carpet Washing in Ardehal villagers could not bathe it as a ritual done Heroic sport is an Iranian marshal art. In this sport, symmetrical and proportional movements are (2012) before his burial, hence they wrapped his carried out by several men. They use tools which are symbols of ancient warfare and do exercises Carpet washing is a dramatic-religious creed body in a carpet and performed tayammum along with the rhythmic music played by a master called “morshed”. During performing heroic- which is annually held in Ardehal (a village (a dry ablution using purified sand or dust). ritualistic sport, morshed reads epic and mystical poems which are called “zoorkhaneh literature”. around in ) The ritual of carpet washing is annually held The content of these poems are about social and ethical teachings. Morshed uses a by the commencement of cold seasons. The by the inhabitants of two villages i.e. Fin (zarb) and while reading poems. This ritual sport is performed in a place called zoorkhaneh root of holding such creed goes back to a and Khaveh Ardehal in the second Friday (traditional gymnasium in heroic sport is practiced). The athletes are directed by a person who is religious story. This village is known as place of autumn. On that day, the inhabitants of called pishkesvat (leader). Pishkesvat is both the master of marshal-heroic arts and the symbol of of martyrdom of Ali –peace be upon Khaveh put a rolled carpet on the shoulder historical value of chivalry. Him- (the son of Imam Bagher- peace be upon of the youth in the village (as the symbol of Him, the fifth Imam of the Shia) who was sent the carpet which was in the coffin of Sultan The Music of Bakhshi in Khorasan (2010) to this village to develop religious teachings Ali and his body was wrapped in) and after The music of northeast Iran is known with a group of players called “bakhshi” or (the two- to its inhabitants upon the command of his holding ceremony in the shrine, they hand in stringed ) players whose tune of their & is resonated in Turkmen father but he was martyred by the conspiracy the carpet to the inhabitants of Fin and they Sahra (a region in the northeast of Iran near the ). The history of this music goes back of the ruler. When people realize it, they take the carpet near the river which is around to pre-Islam era i.e. the period when gusans (itinerant singers) in (247 B. C.) played moved around to take revenge from the ruler the shrine. instruments. The technical instrument of the bakhshi was dutar. As this instrument consists of two with sticks in their hands. The body of Sultan thin strings, its players interpret one string as male and the other as female. While playing dutar, the Ali was fragmented very badly in a way that Indian club of zoorkhaneh rituals string for base rhythm is considered masculine and the string which adds a desirable melody to the base rhythm is considered feminine. Playing dutar by the bakhshi is still common in Khorasan.

Traditional Knowledge of Launch Building and Sailing in Persian Gulf (2011) Launch is a small handmade ship which is closely tied to the life of some of the men living in the coastal margins of south of Iran. Building launches has a lot of complexities and requires special knowledge and skill of the experts. Due to being oily, launch is mostly made of wood of teak tree. The expert who builds launch is called gallaf. In the first step, gallaf builds the wooden skeleton of launch with teak wood which is similar to spinal cord and then fixes the storeroom on it. The last step of each launch is the captain room. Besides, building launch and sailing are accompanied with special poems and gestures. In Kong port, some poems are read which are called “rezif”. It is performed along with dancing and singing. The content of rezif sometimes describes the story of the trip of a lauch from the beginning to the end. While fishing, when the net is filled with fish, the workers in the launch who are called “jasho” start singing a happy while raising the net. The principles of sailing by launch are tied both with natural sciences and culture of people in south of Iran. Routing, , cloudology, windology and color of waters are the sciences that captains are aware of and there are some routing books called “Rahnameh” which shows these facts. The captains know how to measure geographical width and length and also depth of water. The captains can forecast weather condition through natural phenomena like color of water and length of waves.

Naghali, Dramatic Story-Telling of Iran (2011) Naghali is a way of narrating story along with dramatic gestures and using tools such as stick and canvas. Naghal is a person who goes to public places especially in cafés and narrates his story for the people who intended to spend their free time in social environments. Their stories mostly include epic poems of . The scenes of war, parties and the characters of the stories who deal with their conscience are all displayed by naghal through decrease and increase of his tone and using his stick. The art of naghali is no longer prevalent due to development of social communication media like radio and television and nowadays it can be rarely observed. Hence, the experts of cultural heritage organization of Iran registered this art in UNESCO in the list of intangible heritage which requires serious attention.

[14] About Persia • UNESCO Heritages About Persia • UNESCO Heritages [15] Following this group, another group are moving who have long sticks in their hands and shake it was performed by three groups. The first group was players or horse riders, the second group was as a symbol of fighting against the murderer of Sultan Ali. Then the carpet is put on the ground story tellers or naghals and the third group was music who made the game more attractive and near the river, its water is poured out on carpet as the symbol of bathing Sultan Ali and then and the match was followed with more enthusiasm. Hence, is both related to sport and they return it to the shrine with enthusiasm. Before entrance of the carpet into the shrine, the physical activity and is closely related to culture and art. villagers continue their symbolic battle with murderer while shaking their sticks and shouting. The arrival of those who carry carpet up to the entrance of shrine for delivering it to the inhabitants of (2017) Khaveh Ardehal is held with special formalities. Kamancheh (an Iranian bowed ) and the art of playing it was common in Iran since long time ago. The melodies of kamancheh includes the main root of Iranian traditional The Culture of Baking Bread (2016) music. This archery musical instrument can be observed in most of miniature paintings and murals In 2016, Iran, , , and registered the tradition of baking remained from different eras such as Safavid dynasty (1501-1722). Kamancheh consists of bowl- very thin and flat breads in the list of intangible heritage of UNESCO. This kind of bread which shaped resonating chamber and a long neck and its strings are played by a bow made of tail hair is known with different names like lavash, katyrma and yufka in different countries has special of horse. A characteristic of kamancheh is that it can be played both individually and in band. The formalities to be prepared and is used in different rituals in addition to daily meals. It is baked in extent of melodies played with kamancheh are very wide. Epic, happy and entertaining music can oven on a tool called saj. The thinness of this bread makes its baking difficult and requires high be all played with it. Kamancheh was registered as common heritage of Iran and Azerbaijan in the mastery and skill, but the result is very desirable: A thin and delicious bread with a unique aroma. list of global intangible heritage.

Iranian Launch (Lenj) Chovgan (2017) Photo: Asghar Besharati / UNESCO Chovgan is a sporting team game in which the participants pass a ball by a long stick while riding horse and try to enter it into the opposing team’s post goal. This sport which is usually accompanied with music and storytelling has an old history in Iran. Chovgan was a royal game which was usually played in royal courts and main squares of the city. The ritual game of chovgan

[16] About Persia • UNESCO Heritages About Persia • UNESCO Heritages [17] World Intangible Cultural Heritage of Iran 2010 2012

The Music of 2010 Bakhshi in Carpet Washing 2009 & 2016 Khorasan in Mashhad Ardehal The skill of nowruz carpet weaving 2016 in Kashan 2011 The Culture Traditional Knowledge of of Baking 2010 Launch Building flatBread and Sailing The in Persian Gulf Dramatic- 2017 2009 Ritualistic Art of Chovgan Radif of Ta’zieh Iranian Music 2010 2010 2011 Naghali, 2017 The skill of Heroic Sport Dramatic carpet and Rituals of Kamancheh Zoorkhaneh Story-Telling weaving of Iran in Fars Infographic: Negar Ganji

[18] About Persia • UNESCO Heritages About Persia • UNESCO Heritages [19] The Rituals before Nowruz the thriving rituals related to Nowruz and the Among the most important rituals before Iranian adhere to hold it. Some other creeds Nowruz, it can be pointed out to Nowruz related to are qāšoq-zani Khani, Khane tekani, preparing Sabzeh, (literally translated as spoon-banging) and Chaharshanbe Suri and Arafeh. falgoosh (fortune hearing) which are being Nowruz Khani: it is generally referred to faded out. In falgoosh, people go to the all the rituals along with music and melody alleys and listen to the conversations of the which starts two or three weeks before passerby and interpret their words to success Nowruz Nowruz and announces the coming of or failure of themselves depending on their spring (for more information about music of intention. In qāšoq-zani, people with covered The Connection Chain of Nowruz, please refer to page 46). face knock the doors of others’ home at night Khane tekani: the term khane tekani is and bang on a bowl with spoon. Once the mostly used to refer to washing, cleaning, landlord gets aware and comes to the door, Iranian Folks renewing, and repairing the tools, carpets they give the bowl to the landlord to fill it and dresses on the occasion of coming of with different kinds of fruit, confection or Katherin Azami the Expert of Tehran Intangible Heritage Center (Tehran ICH Center) Nowruz. Khane tekani is an old ritual which any other . In the past, it was done by takes time for three to four weeks. The the poor people but today it is carried out ancient Iranian believed that the of by some of the tourist guides in different ince the ancient times till now, the dead come to their houses since 25th cities to revive this creed and then divide the Nowruz has been the largest (16th March). When the ghosts come obtained food among the poor and needy. and the most important Iranian here, they visit all parts of the home and if Arafeh: the day before New Year countdown S celebration and the first day there is any dirt, dust or even argument, since is called Arafeh, Alafeh or Barat, it is a of Nowruz having same name and time 5th Farvardin (25th March) i.e. when they ceremony held in the remembrance of the with the name of Hormizd (the god in return to their own world, they leave here dead so that the families purchase flowers ancient Iran) has a special importance with sadness and hence there would not be and confections and some of them grow among the Iranian. Nowruz is the most any sign of happiness till the end of year in Sabzeh for their late family members and prominent connection chain of all the that home. On the other hand, if the home then go to the graveyard. Since the past, it is Iranian folks. In most mythical narratives, is clean and its family members are kind and believed that in this day the spirit of the dead Jamshid the fourth king of Pishdadian friendly with each other, then the ghosts come down to see their family members and Dynasty (Iranian mythological kings) is pray for them at the time of their return to relatives. Besides, in this night it is common known as the founder of Nowruz and its be replete with blessing, happiness and joy. to eat whose base are like alaf related rituals. In Shahnameh (a long epic Providing Sabzeh: Sabzeh consists of the (grass and ) and sabzi. poem book written by in 10th seeds of some grains like , barley and and 11th B. C. centuries) it was mentioned lentil, they are kept in a dish for some days to Rituals of Nowruz that Nowruz is a day when Jamshid sprout. The reason of doing it is to provide a The rituals of the first day of New Year are sat on the throne. The rituals of holding small farm at home before coming of Nowruz setting haft-sin table, countdown ceremony Nowruz celebration have been pictured and growth of desert. The quick growth of of New Year, providing special foods of New in engraving of Parsa (Takht-e Jamshid Sabzeh is an augury to estimate the status of Year and visiting the elders. or ), the capital of Achaemenid product in the year ahead. Haft-Sin: when family members gather Empire (330-550 B. C.) so that it is believed Chaharshanbe Suri: the eve of last around the haft-sin table for the countdown that one of the reasons of building Parsa Wednesday of the year is called Chaharshanbe of New Year, it is one of the most impressive is to hold ceremonies of Nowruz. Suri and firework is its main feature. In this moments. The beautifully decorated table In all over Iran, the rituals of Nowruz ceremony, the families or some neighbors set is set in one of the rooms and first of all the start from the middle of their last month fire with some dry bushes out of home and Holy Quran and mirror are put on it and then (Esfand) and continue till the end of 13th in an appropriate place and they jump over seven other items whose names start with day of Farvardin (the first month of solar the fire to pass illness and sorrows of the old the letter sin of the Persian Alphabet (haft- Hijri calendar). These rituals are divided year to the fire and start the New Year with sin). Ebrahim Poordavood, the contemporary into three categories: the rituals before relief and joy. Although by the appearance Iranologist and avestalogist states that the Nowruz, rituals of New Year countdown Amu Nowruz and jumping over fire, Chaharshanbe Suri and production of modern firework it is not purpose of setting the haft-sin is to entertain and first day of the New Year, and rituals Illustration: Hossein Ojaghi held as traditionally as before, it is still one of the holy Fravashi who come to visit their after New Year countdown.

[20] About Persia • UNESCO Heritages About Persia • UNESCO Heritages [21] relatives and attribute number “seven” to sir (), somaq (sumac), senjed (Russian announced by the Islamic Republic of Iranian The Rituals after Nowruz seven Amesha Spenta or the angles of olive), (a paste made of wheat germ) Broadcasting (IRIB). One of the rituals of this From among the rituals after Nowruz, it can be Mazdayasna. In this regard, Professor Hashem and serkeh (vinegar). time is praying and the Iranian wish the best pointed out to parties, travels, going to the nature Razi - the Iranologist and avestalogist- In addition to these seven items, the Holy for their families and relatives. After that, they and sizdah be-dar. believes that seven Amesha Spenta i.e. Vohu Book, candle, Easter egg, some wheat or rice, congratulate each other on the beginning Sizdah be-dar: like the beginning of Nowruz, its Manah (Bahman), Aša Vahišta (Urdībihišt), Esfand (), coin, hyacinth and of New Year and the elders give some gifts end has special formalities such as sizdah be-dar, Xšaθra Vairya (Šahrewar), Spənta Ārmaiti goldfish are put on the haft-sin table as well. (Eydi) to the young members of the family. a familial and general ritual. Although the Iranian (Spandarmad), Haurvatāt (Xurdād), Amərətāt The Rituals of New Year Countdown: the Eydi is mostly fresh banknotes which are put believe that number “thirteen” is unlucky and in (Amurdād) and on the top of these 6 gods ceremony of New Year countdown is usually inside of the Holy Quran (holy book of the recent centuries 13th of Farvardin is considered is Sraosha (Soroush) are greatly important held with a six-hour difference compared to Muslims) in advance. as unlucky, in the ancient rituals of the Iranian, it in Zoroastrian religion, and they are the the previous year. At this time, all the family Dish of the New Year: the Iranian strongly was a blessed and pleasant day and people went characteristics of Ahura Mazda. As a result of members gather around the haft-sin table, believe in the special dish of the New Year, to the gardens, mountains and to watch these characteristics, seven edible items are light the candles, stare at the water and and depending on the time of its countdown, the glory of nature which was a symbol of divine selected and put on the haft-sin table which fish and wait for the announcement of New the dish can be lunch or dinner. (For more blessings, it is a tradition which is still common. are: Sabzeh (barley or wheat), sib (apple), Year. A bullet is fired and the New Year is information, please refer to the page 28). Regarding the philosophy of sizdah be-dar, there are different points of view among the experts and culture researchers. Maybe it can be said that one of the reasons of preserving the ritual of sizdah be-dar among the people is having same name with , god and rain star and people went out to pray for rainfall for their agricultural purposes. Also, some people believe that sizdah be-dar is the start of agricultural activities and going to the farms as in the past when people were mostly occupied with farming and almost two weeks of the spring were spent, they went to the nature and threw their Sabzeh there. Some others believe that throwing Sabzeh in the water removes bad memories of the old year and people forget them and some others believe that it leads into the transfer of greenness of spring to the whole earth through water and the nature gets fresh and lush. Among other creeds of sizdah be-dar it can be pointed out to knotting Sabzeh to fulfil the wishes and it is more attractive to the young people, wish is a symbol of finding a partner in their life. The growth of Sabzeh was constantly checked and if it still continued after two weeks (from the start of spring) and it was appropriate for knotting, people considered it as a sign of fruitful year and having great agricultural products. On this day it is common to serve va mahi (rice and chopped herbs served with fish) for lunch as well as ash reshteh (Persian noodle soup) and lettuce with sekanjabin (an old Iranian drink made of , water, mint and vinegar).

Amu Nowruz in nature, Sizdahbe-dar day Illustration: Hossein Ojaghi

[22] About Persia • UNESCO Heritages About Persia • UNESCO Heritages [23] Nomads Shirin Najvan M.A. in Tourism Management

omad which means the migratory community and mostly includes familial structures, is considered as a subset of Iranian people and their migration is known as one of the most glorious tourist attraction. The nomads and their life N style, language, music, local foods, costumes, songs, handicrafts and dance along with their local creeds have always attracted crowds of people. If you are fond of observing their life style closely and being their guests for some days, travelling to Iran is the best opportunity to experience it. Undoubtedly, waking up with the cowbell sound of sheep, the aroma of fresh bread mixed with the smell of burnt firewood, drinking fresh milk, tasting organic foods, production of handicrafts and eventually accompanying them in a short passage can be a unique experience for the fans.

Bakhtiari Tribe instruments () have great importance Bakhtiari tribe consists of about 800 thousands among Bakhtiari tribe and its reflection can be people living in a wide region along Zagros observed in ritual ceremonies of mourning or Mountains and in some parts of Chaharmahal happiness. Furthermore, handicraft is another and Bakhtiari, Isfahan, Lorestan and Khuzestan characteristic representing the culture of provinces. Presently, only one third of the Bakhtiari tribe from among them the most Bakhtiari tribe are nomad and rancher and important one can be building stony lions on the rest are involved with farming as deployed the graves of the youth and elders. communities. Their dialect is Bakhtiari which is one of the dialects of Luri language and they Qashqai Tribe are Shia (the most important branch of Islam Qashqai tribe is one of the most populated and in Iran). The obvious characteristic of their largest tribes in Iran. It has a brilliant culture residence is black tents which are called “mall” and history, its nomads live in the geographical and are set up on several columns. Bakhtiari region of Fars, Isfahan, Khuzestan, Chaharmahal clothing is another sign to distinguish them from and Bakhtiari, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad other tribes, their men wear a long sleeved coat and Bushehr provinces. This tribe consists of called chogha along with loose trousers called Turk, Kurdish, Lur and Arab people but they are tonban and women represent their clothing mostly Turk and their language is Turkic. Their culture by wearing a kind of hat called lachak. historical background shows that their ancestors Besides, music along with their traditional moved from to Iran. They are mostly

Qashqai Tribe Photo: Emily Marie Wilson / shutterstock

[24] About Persia • Art & Culture • Tribes & Nomads About Persia • Art & Culture • Tribes & Nomads [25] involved with husbandry and herding and Shahsavan Tribe hence they are constantly migrating to reach a Shahsavan tribe is the most well-known tribe in pasture. Apart from herding, during the yaylak and East Azerbaijan whose people are (summer highland pasture) and qishlaq (winter mostly inhabited in regions of Dashte Moghan quarters) they are occupied with farming as and Ardabil. The life style of Turkish speaking well. The Qashqai have 6 clans and migrate for nomads of Shahsavan Tribe is migration and 3-4 months in each year and rest of the year they are mostly occupied with husbandry in will be spent in yaylak and qishlaq. Accordingly, grasslands of Moghan. They are Shia Muslims. about 70% of Qashqai families are migrating Their residence is beautiful spherical tents that families and the remaining 30% have been they live their lives in and without any modern accommodated gradually. The apparent feature and advanced life equipment. These tents which of their residence is tents which are called are the main characteristic of the Shahsavan bohoon. The bohoon is made of goat hair and it Tribe are called koomeh or alachiq (canopy), is black, its shape is rectangular. The Qashqai are koomeh is smaller than alachiq. Although they Shia. Besides, regarding their clothing, it should do not follow their clothing structures as strictly be mentioned that the obvious feature of their as before, their women clothing still consists of men’s clothing is felt hat and women wearing 9 parts with bright colors. Their handicrafts are multi-layer skirt called shaliteh. Music and related to their husbandry activities, hence their folk melodies have great importance among products such as ghali, kelim, jajim, ziloo (which Qashqai tribe and (an instrument similar are all different kinds of carpet and rug) and to ) is the symbol of their tribe. Their folk saddle bag (khorjin) are made of wool of goat dance as a sign of solidarity, unity and friendship and sheep. is important to them as well. Bakhtiari Tribe Photo: Abbas Jafari

[26] About Persia • Art & Culture • Tribes & Nomads About Persia • Art & Culture • Tribes & Nomads [27] Delicious Taste of Nowruz Shiva Aghili Tourism Expert

ood and culture are two inseparable elements. In other word, food is F an element of each society which forms the culture. In this regard, Nowruz as the most important and the largest celebration of the Iranian is not an exception so that from the middle of the last Iranian month, one of the concerns of the people who prepare themselves for the countdown of the New Year and coming holiday is to provide special meals and foods of these days. The dishes of Nowruz can be classified into three groups of special dishes for haft-sin (seven symbolic items whose names start with the letter sin of the Persian Alphabet) table, Nowruz dinner and meals for entertaining the guests.

One of the traditional iranian sweets Photo: Velveteye/ shutterstock

[28] About Persia • Art & Culture • Gastronomy & Cuisine About Persia • Art & Culture • Gastronomy & Cuisine [29] Samanu these seven items which are sib (apple), serkeh as an element of haft-sin table is attributed to The Food of Eid Eve Samanu, a paste made of wheat germ which (vinegar), somaq (sumac), sabzeh (barley or Spenta Armaiti, the female divinity of verdurous Sabzi Polo va Mahi or Mahi Polo (rice and can be seen in haft-sin table as the symbol of wheat), senjed, sir (garlic) and samanu, samanu land, fertility and birth, she is also the symbol chopped herbs served with fish) is a special blessing and life continuity, a table which is is the only item which is prepared and cooked of tolerance and patience. Her name consists Iranian food which is served in the first day arranged to entertain holy Fravashi (the spirit in a special way to be placed on the table and its of two parts: Spenta is an adjective meaning or night of Nowruz. The Iranian call the rice of the dead) who come to take a look at their preparation is also time-consuming. Spiritually, sacred and blessed which has been repeatedly mixed with other ingredients “polo”. The polo relatives and as a sign of seven Amesha Spenta samanu has a special position among the used in Zoroastrian text for Ahura Mazda and of this food is cooked with a mixture of rice (seven divinities of Zoroastrian religion), seven Iranian and many of the people who have other divinities and Armaiti means sincerity and fresh chopped herbs including allium edible items are put on this table. From among same rituals as the Iranian’s. Cooking samanu and patience. ampeloprasum, , , , fresh garlic and then it is served with fried fish. Using garlic in sabzi polo makes it strongly fragrant. The Iranian make an egg-based dish with the herbs used in this food which is called kuku and it is served along with the special food of Eid Eve. The reason of importance of serving fish as Nowruz dish among the Iranian is probably rooted in mythological backgrounds of Iranian culture since as it can be observed in Pahlavi texts, fish protects the roots of Gokran tree – life tree- which is the origin of all plants. On the other hand, due to the existence of Caspian Sea in north and Persian Gulf and Gulf of in South of Iran, the variety of different types of fish in Iran, especially fish of the south, is very high and it is a staple food among the Iranian. It is interesting to know that despite being various kinds of fish, only a few kinds of fish are used as Nowruz dish including trout, salmon, white fish seahorse and sole. On the top of them, white fish of Caspian Sea can be also observed which has a thriving market in Tehran and other large cities in a few days before Nowruz. The Iranian consume fried fish with spices like , pepper and to marinate it. Also, the juice of bitter orange is used as a seasoning of this food. Reshteh Polo: it is another common food of Eid Eve which is a mixture of roasted noodles made of rice and wheat and used with cooked meat, animal or oil, date and fried raisin. It was mostly used in the past when supply and sale of fish was not possible in all cities and it was believed that by eating this food, they can manage the string of their life and work and have a lifetime as long as string. Reshteh is a persian word which means string.

Sabzi Polo Va Mahi Photo: Marjan Moshtaghian/ Chidaneh

[30] About Persia • Art & Culture • Gastronomy & Cuisine About Persia • Art & Culture • Gastronomy & Cuisine [31] Nowruz Souhan: souhan is a kind of Iranian (a Nuts (Ajil) The main items of ajil are , , There are various traditional cookies in Iran traditional Persian saffron ) made of A mixture of different seeds and dried fruit , pumpkin seeds, watermelon seeds and the most important ones are (), wheat germ. The most famous Iranian is is called ajil. From the very past till now, the and chickpea. Besides, some other kinds of ajil sohan, , ghotab. Some other Iranian produced in province. There are different consumption of ajil was the commonest include cashew, , raisin, dried berries, traditional cookies are masghati (), kinds of sohan whose main ingredients are refreshment among the Iranian which is used dried fig, , plum and dried peach. kolompeh (), cookies (Fouman & Gilan), honey, , , almond, gaz, butter, in different ceremonies and even in travels, it Iran is a proprietor country in the field of dried reshteh khoshkar (Gilan), baklava (), naan (candyfloss), there is also of is an inseparable part of ancient ceremonies fruit production and hence it is considered as berenji (rice ), kak (rolled cookie) and sohan. like Nowruz, Yalda and Chaharshanbe Suri (the a well-known exporter of dried fruits in the naan khormaei (mixture of date and ) Baklava: a candy whose shape is usually Festival of Fire on the eve of last Wednesday global market. The most famous nuts of Iran (), (sugar-coated almond) diamond, square or flower. The most famous before Nowruz). In the past and in cold season belongs to . It is interesting to know that (), qurabiya, eris and noqa (Tabriz), black kinds of baklava are produced in the provinces that there was no access to fresh fruit, ajil Farooj, a city in North , is halva (Ardabil), pashmak (candyfloss) and cake of , Qazvin and Tabriz. Baklava is both an was used instead of fruits and this action known as Shahr-e-Ajili (city of nuts) as there are (Yazd) and poolaki (Isfahan). Iranian souvenir and one of the main items of was named “Shab Chareh”, hence the culture a lot of stores in most of its streets. Gaz (nougat): gaz is the souvenir of Isfahan. sofreh haft-sin. of using ajil is very rich. Ajil is either raw or It is worth mentioning that due to variety of What has made it salient is the existence of a Qottab: the most famous kind of qottab of roasted and depending on the occasions they taste and local food culture in different regions nectar in its ingredients which is called angabin Iran is made in Yazd consisting of two interior are using for, they have different names. A of Iran, some differences can be observed in or gazangabin which is obtained from a tree and exterior layers. The exterior layer which is few kinds of ajil used in Iran are ajil of chahar cooking or the ingredients used in each of with the same name. This nectar is produced by bread fried in oil is made of wheat flour, milk or maghz (4 kernels), haft maghz (7 kernels), these foods. a small insect which sticks to stem of plant as its and yolk which is rolled up in powdered moshkel gosha (a kind of ajil that Iranian Nuts (Ajil( home and feeds from it and produces the nectar. sugar after being cooked. The interior part is a believe by making a wish and eating it, a Photo: Hong Vo/ shutterstock It is used in producing gaz. Gaz has different mixture of almond powder, powdered sugar and problem will be resolved) and Yalda night. types and pistachio, almond or a mixture of both . of them are used in it.

[32] About Persia • Art & Culture • Gastronomy & Cuisine About Persia • Art & Culture • Gastronomy & Cuisine [33] Designs in Iranian Carpets Khatai: it is basically a design with main and In addition to its decorative aspect, designs of perpetuated form of flower bush, leaf or the Iranian carpets attempt to reflect Iranian blossom. In khatai design, fewer broken lines identity, beliefs and goals. These designs were can be observed which are mostly curved, divided into three general patterns: plant they connect flowers to each other through designs, animal designs and human designs proportionate tortuosity. As these lines from among them, plant designs are the picture the branches of tree, the more they most frequent ones used in Iranian carpets. get far from the main body, the narrower they Persian Carpet The most important animal designs in Iranian will be. The most important khatai flowers are traditional arts including carpet design are Shah and Botteh. Universal Art eslimi () and khatai (floral). Eslimi: Eslimi is derived from the word Samira Mohebali Content Manger of Amu Nowruz “Islamic” and points out to the interwoven lines of plants with spiral foliage. Although there are proofs which show the use of eslimi designs before the history, using it developed in Islamic period, especially in Safavid Dynasty. ne of the ways to know the Iranian identity is its traditional arts, Iranian carpet The base of eslimi design is nature, stems which is known as the national art is considered as one of the elements of and leaves. Eslimi is a design consisting of national identity and symbol of culture and civilization of Iran. In today’s rotational arcs, stems, ties and branches and it O global community, the Iranian carpet has a worthy position to represent Iran has different types. to others. Iranian carpet is a fluffy mat which is woven using silk, , wool and coat according to the traditions and rituals of each region of Iran. Many of the archeologists believe that the oldest carpet of the world which is called Pazyryk and now is kept in The State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg with the antiquity of about 400 years B.C. is an Iranian carpet woven in Achaemenid Empire (330-550 B.C.). Although there is not any salient sample from (224-650 A. D.), based on the proofs it can be said that Iranian carpet was globally valid and famous in this era. In this regard, the most obvious sample is the famous carpet of Baharestan which has been mentioned in different historical sources. Many of the travelers who visited Iran in Islamic period have pointed out to the carpets of different regions of Iran and finally, in Safavid Dynasty (1501- 1722 A. D.) the Iranian carpet was promoted from a rural art - industry to a national activity and turned into a prominent part of Iran economy. From the Safavid Dynasty onwards, the valuable samples of the Iranian carpet can be observed in different museums of the world, for example the Ardabil carpet which was woven for the tomb of Sheikh Safi al- Din Ardabili, the great ancestor of the Safavid, is kept in Victoria and Albert Museum in London. In this period, Kashan dealt with many orders due to goodness and elegance of the carpets which were produced there and manufacture of brocaded carpets woven with and silver threads was flourished upon the orders of other countries specially . In Qajar Dynasty (1794-1925 A. D.) and by the boom of European markets, a lot of carpet-weaving workshops were established in different cities of Iran like Tabriz, Kerman, Mashhad, Kashan and other cities and the Iranian carpets were exported to the . On the whole it must be said that the most prominent centers of carpet weaving in Iran were Isfahan, Tabriz, Ardebil, Qom, Kashan, Nain, Kerman, Yazd, Mashhad and Hamedan from the past. It is worth mentioning that in 2010 the skill of carpet weaving of Fars and Kashan were globally registered as the spiritual heritage by UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Besides, in 2015 Tabriz was known as global city of handmade carpet.

[34] About Persia • Art & Culture • Handicrafts & Traditional Arts About Persia • Art & Culture • Handicrafts & Traditional Arts [35] - Shah Abbasi: a design in carpet which was Lachak: the four corners of the carpet are Risheh (Fringe) soared in Safavid Dynasty. The main feature of called lachak and if there is harmony between Gelim Baaf Shah Abbasi flower is the stem drawn at the lachak and toranj with similar designs, the end of flower and is used as 5, 7 and sometimes design of carpet is called lachak – toranj. Subsidiary Selvedge 12-petal flower. It is the most perfect type of Toranj: the shape located in the center of Main Selvedge khatai and its design is retrieved from lily and carpet is called toranj. They are usually in flowers which was common in the form of circle, diamond and oval. They Shirazeh (Binder) Iranian arts from the past, a typical example are usually accompanied with sar-toranj of using this design can be seen in Persepolis which makes the carpet more attractive. Eslimi which was converted into Shah Abbasi flower The dimensions of toranj are different in Lachak through a lot of manipulations. various carpets and their bigness or smallness - Botteh: it is an abstract design and the depends on type and design of the carpet. Sar-toranj Iranian believe it is retrieved from cypress Sar-toranj: it is connected to the central Toranj tree as it was a sacred tree in ancient Iran, its toranj from top and bottom of the carpet. Khatai Botteh natural samples and not decorative ones can Many of the carpet designers call it “Shamseh” be observed in relief designs of Persepolis. as well. Besides, cypress tree is a symbol of endurance Katibeh (Inscription): in some carpets, there Zamine (Background) and freedom among the Iranian and in this is a part between toranj and sar-toranj which Shah Abbasi period Botteh design was used decoratively is called katibeh, name of some individuals which was similar to the bent cypress and in who are related to the design of carpet will be its evolutionary stages, with respect to the designed and registered in katibeh. artist’s taste and creativity of each region and Zamineh (Background): different parts of the cultural , it is currently known as carpet such as flowers, branches, animals and . Some individuals believe that Botteh geometric shapes are woven and registered Selvedge of Carpet is created from birds’ feather which was used on a background which specify the main color by the Iranian kings on their hats. of the carpet. Gelim Baaf: in order to preserve the durability Different Parts of Carpet of the carpet, its upper and lower parts are Selvedge: it is the surrounding part of carpet woven with chains which are called gelim which is usually designed and woven in a wide baaf. or narrow way. The selvedges lead to a special Risheh (Fringe): white threads woven to the organization and beauty which are like a width of both sides of the carpet. frame. An ordinary selvedge consists of three Shirazeh (Binder): the longitudinal sides parts: one main selvedge and two subsidiary of the carpet which are sewed for more selvedges. protection of the main part of the carpet. - Main Selvedge: the wide selvedge is What was explained above is related to the located between narrow selvedges and forms commonest design of the carpet in Iran i.e. the collection of carpet selvedges with them. lachak toranj (corner-medallion) but based Usually in wide selvedge, the motifs used in on the classification of Iran carpet company, carpets are also applied. The pattern and the main designs of the Iranian carpets are: design of this selvedge are commensurate with designs of ancient works and Islamic buildings, background of the carpet. In wide selvedge, Shah Abbasi, Eslimi, Afshan (overall flower), different designs and inscriptions are used Eghtebaasy, Bandi, Bottheh, Derakhti (Tree), and characteristics of the carpet including Turkmen (Bokhara), Shekargah (Hunting), name of carpet weaver, name of client, date Ghabi, Golfarang, Goldani (Vase), Mahi Dar Negar Ganji and place of weaving are registered as well. Ham, Mehrabi (Prayer), Moharamat (Striped), - Subsidiary Selvedge: it is located in two Hendesi (geometric), ili and Talfighi (mingle).

sides of main selvedge and is usually decorated Carpet Persian Infographic: with tiny geometric and floral designs.

[36] About Persia • Art & Culture • Handicrafts & Traditional Arts About Persia • Art & Culture • Handicrafts & Traditional Arts [37] Traditional Iranian House

Forough Haddad Arcitecture Expert

raditional houses are considered as a part of historical memory of Iran, the beautiful and luxurious T mansions remained from a few recent centuries which are the combination of knowledge and ingenuity of Iranian architects and domestic materials. The houses which in the past were built according to the principles, traditions, culture and life style of the Iranian, nowadays have become a selection of Iranian – Islamic which are related to daily lives of its inhabitants and are also a factor of tourist attraction. In Iranian house-building tradition, the structure of house is defined based on the climate. But in tourist aspect, an Iranian house which is worthy to investigate its structure is the one built in warm and dry region. The houses of these regions have thick walls which transferred the weight of building to the ground. These walls were mainly made of stone or raw clay covered with mud. It has been reported that thickness of some walls were above 60 cm to be an insulation against heat and cold during different seasons of the year. These houses mostly do not have any skeleton but sometimes their bodies have been covered with walnut or oak wood and beam of ceilings are made of wood as well. The ceilings were mostly covered with mud in order to prevent the penetration of humidity.

Ameriha House - Kashan Photo: Ramin Nouri

[38] About Persia • Art & Culture • Architecture About Persia • Art & Culture • Architecture [39] Introversion The architecture of Iranian house is called introvert because its exterior facade and tortuous passages are only covered with mud but inside there is a world full of beauty and attractive details. On the one Room Room hand such introversion has a climatic origin and on the other hand it is referred to cultural issues and needs of the Iranian to solitude and privacy due to Islamic principles (mahremiyet). Regarding Islamic principles, the Iranian house is divided into two parts of internal and external. The external Small Courtyard part is the general environment of the house which is usually allocated to the men and the internal Closet (hayāt) Winter Rooms part belongs to women, children and waiters. There were long walls which separated this part from (Pastu) (Zemestan Neshin) external one to keep women away from men who are not their unmarriageable kin. Flowerbed Using courtyards between the other rooms while having access to outside of house is another (baghche) Guest Room reason of introversion of the Iranian houses, in a way that organizing the space is formed through a structure like courtyard and the only space which is out of internal area is entrance vestibule which Fountain () is in connection with the external space.

Guest Room

Dining Room

Courtyard (hayāt) Three-door Rooms (sedari)

Balcony () Corridor Stable (Dalan) (Brehband) Summer Rooms Small (Tabestan Neshin) Courtyard (hayāt) Tabatabaeiha House - Kashan Photo: Pe3k / shutterstock

Vestibule () Parts of Iranian Houses The most important parts of Iranian houses are as follows: First Entrance (Badgir) Second Entrance 1. Platform: a place in two sides of the entrance door, used for guests who wanted to say something to the landlord but there was no need to enter the home. Five-Door Room Pond Room (Panjdari) (Hozkhaneh) 2. Portal: a decorative crescent on the top of the door and the only external part of the home which is decorated with , it is mostly luxurious. The entrance is located in this part as well. 3. Entrance: it is a completely specific and independent part which is connected to the courtyard Small Courtyard through one, two or more other spaces. In most traditional houses the entrance doors were wooden (hayāt) double doors and each one had a knocker on it. One knocker was used for women and the other one for men so that if there was a stranger woman at the door, she should have hit the feminine Hypothetical plan of the Iranian traditional house knocker and if there was a man, he should have hit masculine knocker, in this way the landlord could Infographic: Negar Ganji realize who is at the door.

[40] About Persia • Art & Culture • Architecture About Persia • Art & Culture • Architecture [41] 4. Vestibule (Hashti): it is a space after in old houses which will be discussed briefly as the entrance which is often octagonal or below: quadrilateral. The vestibule has a short and - Five-Door Room (Panjdari): in old houses it domed ceiling with a small pore of light. It is only was like living room of today’s architecture and in the internal space of the house which is directly fact it was the main part of the house. The reason connected to the external space. of such appellation was the existence of five 5. Corridor (Dalan): a narrow path usually contiguous doors which were usually opened to tortuous which directs the person to the balcony. In small house which was limitation for courtyard through vestibule. Through vestibule, having several spaces, this room was used as hall the corridor did not let others see internal space (mehmaan khane) as well. of the house. After passing corridor, the main - Shah Neshin: a room with approximately high space of house appears which consists of two altitude which was usually twice as high as other parts: internal and external. rooms. There is a domed ceiling on the top of 6. Balcony (Iwan): a space in external part of the this altitude and it helps cool down the space. house which is mostly higher than surrounding Also, there is a vertical sliding window (orsi) with areas. The balconies are surrounded by the colorful glasses and other related attachments. building from three sides and the other side The features of five-door room can be seen here. is entirely open to the courtyard. The glory of - Hall (): it was generally a space with building architecture is tangible in balcony and gorgeous and exquisite decorations which was using different decorations has made it more completely salient in comparison to simple attractive. The balconies without ceiling are rooms of traditional houses. That side of hall called mahtabi. which was open to the yard was connected to 7. Courtyard (hayāt): it has other names like the yard with five-door or seven-door windows, or miansara. All the houses, either small it was almost similar to Shah Neshin room. or large, have a central courtyard and follow a - Winter Rooms (Zemestan Neshin): generally single spatial system. The courtyards are entire any spaces located in north side of the house axes of all houses and function like a heart for a is called winter room. During winters, these body. A central courtyard with balcony in each spaces take advantage from sun which shines side was a feature which existed from the very into the room with an oblique angle and they distant past in . Of course, are warmer than other spaces. For example, five- geometrically it was possible not to consider it as door room is an appropriate example of these the center of house but it was taken into account spaces in Iranian old architecture. They mostly as the center in respect of living and carrying have sash windows and various decorations can out daily activities and making connection be observed in these structures. between different parts of house, providing - Gooshvareh: the rooms embedded in both vision and other issues. Some elements like sides of shah neshin room, by opening its doors water, greenness, sky, sunshine, wind, night and a larger space in shah neshin rooms will be moonlight are completely tangible. Courtyard provided. is a place for holding different ceremonies like - Living Room: living rooms were the rooms mourning, wedding and gatherings of relatives. which had less importance in comparison They are usually quadrangular and consist of a to shah neshin rooms but they were more fountain and some flowerbeds. important than simple rooms. Living rooms 8. Fountain (howz) and Flowerbed (baghche): were places for gatherings of family and close the most authentic element of courtyard relatives. It had simple decorations. building in Iranian traditional architecture. - Three-door Rooms (Sedari): the rooms 9. One-door Corridor (Yekdari): a corridor having three windows are called Sedari, they are which connects the courtyard to the rooms. used as a place for sleeping and accommodation 10. Rooms: there are different kinds of room of the family.

Three – door Room (Sedari), Ameriha House - Kashan Photo: Mazur Travel / shutterstock

[42] About Persia • Art & Culture • Architecture About Persia • Art & Culture • Architecture [43] these rooms due to being half open. other side through passing the pond. into two parts as well: one part for changing - Summer Rooms (Tabestan Neshin): they are 11. Kitchen: their shape is mostly square or 15. Toilet and Bathroom: they were usually cloths (dressing room or sarbineh) and the located in south side of the house and during rectangle. Inside the kitchen, there are spaces located on the corner of courtyard in a lower other for washing purpose (hot chamber or summer no direct sunshine can be observed for cooking, storing woods and oven for baking level, there were two reasons behind it: firstly garmkhaneh). there. The southern halls and balconies of the bread and inside of its walls there are shelves to facilitation of water consumption and secondly 16. Basement: a space deeper than courtyard houses are the best examples of the summer put kitchen utensil and foods in. warmth of water. The bathroom was divided level which was accessible by passing some rooms. There are not too many decorations in 12. Roof: roof is a part of living space in stairs. The basement had two usages, one of its Iranian houses. For example in desert city, the parts was used during warm days of summer parapet of roof in some houses is between 1 for resting and the other part was used as a to 1.5 meters. These are appropriate places storeroom. The basement usually consisted for sleeping during summery nights. Besides, of hatches which were covered with shabak. the parapet of roofs makes a shadow during Shabak is reticulated surface which consisted sunshine so that the warmth of house of empty and full spaces and mostly made of decreases. brick, stone, clay and wood. Making shabak 13. Windcatcher (Badgir): this is the most had different purposes such as limiting vision important symbol of the Iranian architecture, from outside into one space of the house, in the past they acted like today’s conditioners. providing view from an internal space to the They were built on the roofs, water reservoirs outside, providing shadow for spaces which and crater of mines. are exposed to the sunshine and making a 14. Pond Room (Hozkhaneh): an surrounding but reticulated surface which architectural space which was built as a does not block the air flow. summery accommodation in the garden or 17. Closet: a space behind or next to the house, it was used during summer. It made a rooms as a lateral space with the purpose of connection between architecture and nature supporting main room which was used as through the element of water. Its functional storeroom as well. system was in a way that water entered the Borujerdiha House - Kashan pond room from one side and exited from the Photo: Jakob Fischer / Shutterstock

[44] About Persia • Art & Culture • Architecture About Persia • Art & Culture • Architecture [45] It is interesting to know that during the Takam Gardani: it is a regional ritual in formation of Iranian traditional music, the word northwest in which a wooden “Nowruz” was also used in naming some of the goat puppet called Takam plays its role, its authorities, tunes and melodies of Iranian old puppeteer is called Takamchi. Takamchi reads music, e. g. “Nowruz-e-Khara”, “great Nowruz” some poems while shaking the Takam upward (Nowruz-e bozorg), “little Nowruz” (Nowruz-e- and downward. koochak) and “Nowruz-e Saba”. Some of these Kooseh Galin: it is also called Kooseh melodies are still applicable in toady Iranian Neshin, a performance whose content is to kick Nowruz Music music. out the cold and winter and welcome spring, it Chardin, the famous French tourist of 17th is performed by a special music and dance. Elham Fazeli M.A. in Music and 18th century who visited Safavid court Hajji Firooz: one of the most famous Nowruz described the art of in the countdown messengers who signs humorous songs to to the new year and in the presence of the king make people happy, his face is covered with here is a close relation between Iranian as below: “The New Year will be announced soot, wearing red shirt, trousers and tufted hat creeds and music, and Nowruz is by shooting bullets and the sound of different and playing . one of these creeds. Most of the valid musical instruments such as drum, , T sources, specifically Shahnameh and , and hence the celebration, joy and Music of New Year Countdown Ferdowsi, introduced Jamshid –the Iranian happiness starts between the audiences and The most well-known music of new year king in - as the founder of heads of the country”. countdown is Nowruznameh, in this music, Nowruz and the creeds related to it and pointed two instruments are played: sorna (an ancient to the boom of music in this era. The Sasanian Rituals of Nowruz Iranian ) and (a kings spent this period in joy and happiness as The music of Nowruz was not exclusively large cylindrical drum with two skin heads). a creed and the court musicians prepared a limited to the courtiers, since the very past till This melody is very familiar for those who special song for each day and performed them. now the messengers of Nowruz announced are accustomed to Nowruz, an instrumental Some of these songs are “spring wind”, “Nowruz the start of spring through performances and performance by Ali Akbar Mehdi Pour (sorna wind”, “fresh spring”, and “creeds of Jamshid” music. Some of these rituals are as follows: player) and Asadollah Ghobadi (dohol player). which have been attributed to , the Nowruz Khani (Singing for Nowruz): the In holy shrine of Imam Reza - peace be upon famous and of Khosrow origin of this ritual is rooted in Mazandaran Him- the countdown to new year is announced Parviz court. and Gilan provinces in a way that before by the tunes of karna (a woodwind instrument) beginning of the spring, some individuals and nagara (a peprcussixon instrument). who are called Nowruz (Nowruz singer) go to different cities and villages and sing the songs about spring.

[46] About Persia • Art & Culture • Music About Persia • Art & Culture • Music [47] Golabgiri * The Ancient Iranian Tradition

Fereshteh Derakhshesh Tour Guide and Travel Blogger

amask rose with scientific name of Rosa-Damascena-mill in Europe by the Arab people in 10th century. It To obtain the perfume or essence of flower, which is known as fragrant gold Season of Golabgiri is since middle of April is interesting to know that William Shakespeare the thin oily layer on the water is collected in is among the most beautiful till middle of June. , a part of Kashan D (English poet and playwright in 16th and 17th different ways. and aromatic flowers in the world whose County in Isfahan province, is known as center centuries) pointed out to the concept of rose is a bitter but aromatic and soothing shrub can be locally found in Dasht-e of rose water in Iran due to high quality of its water in his works. liquid which is used in providing different syrups, Kavir of Iran, it is cultivated and harvested rose water and the most prominent factor The process of rose water production: before and some of the Iranian traditional in 14 provinces of Iran. The aroma and of its fame is the quantity and quality of the sunrise and at the crack of dawn, flower picking foods. Since past time, it was also used to cure medicinal properties of this flower is damask rose essence of Qamsar. The essence starts. It is believed that the sun shine decreases headache in traditional medicine. Its other because of natural conditions and of damask rose is the main base of producing the aroma of flowers hence it is attempted to applications are to make the environment and weather condition of the region it is grown organic perfumes and has various medicinal pick flowers very early in the morning. Once body fragrant, to disinfect the environment in. Damask rose has had a special position applications as well, it is also used in the the flowers are transferred to the workshop and to use in mourning or other ceremonies. among the Iranian since long time ago ingredients of skin creams. The main countries or factory, they are put in special containers Other products made of damask rose are jam, and it was used in different ceremonies. which are dominant producers of the perfume of distillation. In traditional recipe of making dried petal to decorate and marinate yogurt As the season of flowers in deserts is (like ) are the applicants of damask rose water, 30 kilograms of flower with about and different kinds of desserts. very short, the tradition of Golabgiri was rose. countries are other consumers of 50 liters of water are mixed in special airtight Golabgiri festival is annually held in most of formed and hence it can be used all over damask rose. The holy shrines such as Kaaba containers and the petals are cooked in water. the regions where this tradition is followed and the year by extracting sap of flowers. The which is the most sacred site in Islam and The water mixed with aroma and properties of many tourists go to these regions to get familiar tradition gradually spread in other regions of the Muslims, are annually cleansed flower is steamed and transferred to another with this creed and to purchase the damask other than native region and could attract up by Iranian rose water. There is no exact container through a pipe next to cold water. As rose, rose water and syrups. many tourists in the regions where this information regarding the history of Golabgiri a results, 30 liters of pure rose water is obtained. type of flower is nurtured. in Iran. The industry of Golabgiri was developed

* A ceremony of making Rosewater which takes place annually from mid-May to mid-June in Kashan County

[48] About Persia • Art & Culture • Rites and Rituals About Persia • Art & Culture • Rites and Rituals [49] Iran’s Wildlife and Nature

Parts of Iran’s Nature

Ramin Nouri Amu Nowruz Inbound Tour Manager

ran owns a highly valuable species diversity thanks to its varied climate and geographical diversities. Although ecologically it is located in a dry part of the world and its main space I consists of dry and semi-dry regions, it does not have a uniform appearance. The variety of its appearance is because of different climate contrasts and this climate created such varied diversity of animals and plants. In a phytogeographical point of view, Iran can be divided into 4 regions of Caspian, Zagros, Irani-Toorani forests and Persian Gulf shore. The Caspian region consists of plain lands of Caspian Sea and some parts of mountainous region of which is covered with broad-leaved forests and mountainous prairie and has a high elevation, it is the habitat of unique plants like Parrotia Persica and Lilium Ledebouri. Zagros Region from North West to the South West of Iran is known because of its oak forests and the most beautiful plant of this region is called Fritillaria Imperialis. Irani- Toorani region is divided into two parts depending on its height: the plain part which starts from Khorasan mountains up to Zagros and then reaches to the Persian Gulf and Oman Gulf and finally it includes Persian Gulf shore and Oman Gulf which is the coastal area of north of Iran. Based on the reports of environmental experts obtained from protected areas, no hunting zone and wildlife shelters, there are more than 1130 animal species including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish in internal land and water ecosystems of Iran. There are special animal species which are endemic to Iran and they cannot be found in any other parts of the world hence Iran can be considered as one of the best places due to its variety in traveling capacities and visiting its wildlife. *The above infographic photo consists of only a few limited species of animal ad plants of Iran. Besides, some animal and plant species have been located approximately Infographic: Farzaneh Abangar due to the issue of space limitation.

[50] About Persia • Climate & Nature About Persia • Climate & Nature [51] Flowers Trees - Avicennia Marina: an evergreen and unique - Taxus Baccata: it is a unique and protected tree. Hara or Mangrove forest is located on Lilium Ledebourii (Sousan-e Chehel Cheraagh): species of Hyrcanian region, remained from the sea and salt waters, the adjustability with A plant that is local to , especially the third period of geology and alive heritage salt water and inappropriate conditions made Damash Region. It blooms from late spring and of natural forests of North of Iran. It can be Avicennia Marina an exceptional plant. Its the flowers remain till midsummer. It is one of the found in some forest regions of North of seed is grown on the main tree and produces a endangered species of Iran’s plants, and its habitat Iran and forests (an area in East seedling. It is then separated from the tree and has been turned into a protected area. Sousan-e Azerbaijan) in a massive and limited form. falls into the water. It has a crucial role in coastal Chehel Cheraagh has been registered as a national - Parrotia Persica: it is commonly called ecosystems and tide areas of the southern heritage. 1 Persian ironwood, it is a deciduous tree. It beaches of Iran especially Hormozgan and has a sturdy wood and there are white spots Bushehr, it is named as in the honor Fritillaria Imperialis: it bears prominent whorl of on its bark. While being grown, the branches of him as a valuable Iranian scientist. downward facing flowers at the top of the stem and are strangely interwoven with each other - Ficus Religiosa: it is an evergreen and non- its height might reach up to one meter. The main and form a unified network. It is one of the native tree. Its epiphyte roots sometimes grow habitat of the tulip is Zagros Region and it blooms rare plants remained from the third period of vastly so that it covers the tree trunk as well. In around mid-spring, in the season of rainfalls. These geology and can be found in limited parts of south and southeast of Asia it is considered as flowers can be seen on the rock reliefs of Taq-e forests of North of Iran, in Caspian germinative a sacred tree which is cultivated in southern Bostan which was built in the Sassanid Era; it is also region (south margins of Caspian Sea). regions of Iran. seen in Taq-e Bostan Museum next to the picture of - Quercus Brantii: Persian oak can be seen 2 Sassanid King. in most of mountainous regions of Zagros, it covers more than 50% of Zagros forest area.

Rosa Damascena (Damask rose): The flower is known for its pink petals and buds and their edible properties. It is used for making rosewater, jam and cosmetic products. The buds of the damask rose may be used in dried form for decorating food or as an additive.

3

Nymphaea Alba: The Water Lily is an aquatic plant

/ Shutterstock with white or pink flowers found in the wetlands of the northern and western regions of Iran especially . S.O.E 5 Anzali. The roots of the flower may grow up to reach two meters. The images of lilies are seen in Takht-e Jamshid’s inscriptions belonging to Achaemenid time and Taq-e Bostan inscriptions of Sassanid time. . Pawel Horazy . Pawel

4 4

Narcissus Tazetta: This subspecies of Daffodil is mistakenly known as Shiraz Daffodil in Persian.

. Deyan Denchev Denchev . Deyan Based on the climatic features of the city of Shiraz, 3 however, Daffodil cannot survive in this city. The Bunch-Flowered Daffodil is a plant with the height of around 30 to 45 centimeter and usually the .Ramin Nouri

1,2 flowers have between 3 to 8 petals. The flower

booms in the winter and survives for around 45

Photo: 5 days, nearly to the mid-winter. Taxus baccata Parrotia Persica Photo: msnobody / Shutterstock Photo: Waheed Butt / CC-BY-SA-4.0

[52] About Persia • Climate & Nature About Persia • Climate & Nature [53] Animal Species North Africa to Mesopotamia (Iraq and Iran), eagles of Iran. This gigantic eagle flies over Mammals: 194 mammal species have been but today it only lives in Iran and naturally in mountains and slopes and sometimes it sores identified in Iran. There are many species which Dez and Karkheh, they are herbivore. A large so high which will become as small as a dark are endemic to Iran and cannot be observed number of Persian fallow deer are under point in the sky. In Iran, it is almost scattered in any other parts of the world from among protection in a region called “Dasht Naz” near from the easternmost part of Khorasan to West them it can be pointed out to Iranian cheetah, Sari town, and some of these deer have been Azerbaijan on the Turkey border, throughout Persian fallow deer and Persian wild ass. Out abandoned in the islands of Urmia Lake and Alborz and . Its distribution of 10 feliformia species which were living in have been living there for many years. reaches till Hormozgan in south of Iran. Iran, two species of lion and tiger have faced - Deer: Roe Deer is the smallest and the extinction many years ago and eight other most miniature deer of Iran. Unlike other deer, Reptiles: about 254 reptile species have been species are cheetah, wildcat, caracal cat, lynx, male roe deer have only one pair. In Iran, they identified in Iran including turtles, crocodiles, , pallas’s cat, leopard and jungle cat. are found in the forest areas of Golestan, Gilan, lizards and snakes out of them, 43 species are Different mammals currently available in Iran Mazandaran, East Azerbaijan and Kermanshah endemic to Iran. are Isfahan mouflon, Armenian mouflon, wild provinces. - Hawksbil: Shape of muzzle, beautiful shells goat, Capra aegagrus, gazelle, chinkara, roe - Persian Wild Ass: Persian Wild Ass has been and its special diet (sea sponge as their deer, red deer, Persian fallow deer, wild boar, one of the manifestations of Iranian hunting principal food) made this species the most Iranian horses, porcupines, squirrel, mouse, throughout history and is now in serious unusual species of marine turtles. It lives in some kinds of dolphins, shark, shrew, rabbit, danger of extinction. Unlike the famous African Persian Gulf and Oman Gulf and it is under species of bats, fox, black bear, brown bear, zebra, they do not have white and black striped protection. Golden Eagle hyena, dog, jackal, wolf and etc. body. In Iran, they only live in the area - Marsh Crocodile: Marsh Crocodile which of Semnan, Bahram-e Goor protected region has a short muzzle in comparison with other - Cheetah: is the fastest land animal. The near Neiriz district of Fars and Mehriz of Yazd. crocodiles, is the only crocodile species in Iran. Asian cheetah which once lived in many They live in Bahu Kalat protected area which is Asian countries, currently is only found in the Birds: based on reports and investigations, located at the end of southeast of and Amphibians: they include toads, frogs and deserts and hills of the central , there are 535 bird species in Iran. About 70% Baluchestan Province and also rivers of salamander and up to now 20 species have Khorasan, Tehran, Semnan, Yazd, Isfahan and of them are migratory birds. The existence of and Kaju. Marsh Crocodile is under protection. been identified in Iran, the salamanders are Kerman. It is one of the protected species. various wetlands in Iran is one of the reasons the most important amphibians. The most - Leopard: Iranian leopard is the largest that you can see a lot of migratory birds. famous amphibians of Iran are salamanders of leopard subspecies or breed in the world There are different birdwatching zones in Kurdistan, Lorestan, Gorgan and Azerbaijan. and is found in most of the provinces of Iran. Iran and hence Iran is one of the few regions Leopard lives in forest, desert, steppe areas, in the world which benefits from variety and - Kaiser’s Spotted Newt: Kaiser’s spotted newt hills and mountains whose heights are up to plurality simultaneously. Iranian Ground Jay is in danger of extinction and is only found 4,000 meters. is an endemic bird to Iran which can be seen in Iran, they live in limited regions of Central - Persian Fallow Deer: Long time ago, the around Semnan and . Zagros in Lorestan and Khuzestan provinces Persian Yellow Deer could be observed from - Iranian Ground-Jay: Iranian Ground-Jay on the margins of mountainous and wetland is from the family of crows but the color of areas. its feathers is bright and therefore it is called Ground-Jay. This bird lives only in the deserts Fish: there are 180 fish species of Iran interior of the Iranian plateau. Ground-Jay is the waters. The dominant species is fauna common symbol of Kerman province and is one of the carp fish. The fish inclusive to Iran are brown endemic species to Iran. trout, aphanius and Iranocypris typhlops. - Golden Eagle: It is one of the most abundant - Beluga: Beluga as a bony cartilage fish is the largest sturgeon and the largest fish of sea freshwater. Because of its caviar, it is the most valuable fish among other fisheries and if it is caught wastefully with the purpose of using its caviar, it will be in danger of extinction. These fish are scattered in Caspian Sea and large rivers of their catchment area. Marsh Crocodile Persian Wild Ass

[54] About Persia • Climate & Nature About Persia • Climate & Nature [55] Recreation Activities

Like all other people around the world, Iranian enjoy their free time especially in the holidays. The form of pastime depends on different factors such as social class, budget and the person’s revenue. Following the development of megacities, traditional recreation replaced the modern ones; there is no trace of traditional recreations such as different types of group games anymore. The majority of people choose gardens and plains in suburb for excursion; this activity has had a long special place among Iranian. Traveling, both inside and outside of the country, is also very popular among Iranians. In addition, there are the cultural leisure activities especially enjoyed by the younger generation, that include cinema, theater, concert and museum. The many book cafés in different cities are also great places for adults interested in books. Sport is another common leisure among Iranian young adults. There are team sports and individual sports in different fields that can be followed in either professional or amateur level. The increasing desire for fitness and health has turned many young Iranian to fitness clubs and gyms as well. Watching sports matches in stadium is also popular among the sport lovers especially Iranian men. Eating out is another favorite pastime for most of the Iranian families. Variety of restaurants both modern and traditional and different types of fast foods attract the food lovers of the country. The crowded restaurants, especially during the weekends are the best proofs of Iranian’s love of food. Wandering in the numerous malls, shopping centers and should be added to the list of Iranian recreations as well.

Many people meet sunset sitting on steps of Khaju - Isfahan Photo: Grivovan / shutterstock

[56] About Persia • Iran Today About Persia • Iran Today [57] ran is geographically located in a warm and dry region, however, its most important characteristic is being a four-season country. When it is raining in Spring and the Time to Travel north and west of Iran, Shiraz is covered with spring blossoms and the climate I of is same as weather condition of midsummer. Hence there are a few limitations for those tourists who are interested in visiting Iran. If you intend to visit Maryam Atyabi Tourism Journalist Iran during the end of March till the beginning of May, it should be stated that there is no limitation to travel all over Iran and the most pleasant and desirable climate of this country is observed during spring especially in March till May (Farvardin and Ordibehesht months). So, the best destinations for spring travels are from the north to the south and from the east to the west of Iran. The best options for travelling in summer are the mountainous regions like slopes of Alborz and Zagros in west and center of Iran.

Ardabil Photo: Mina Dastjerdi / shutterstock

[58] Attractions Attractions [59] Most of the people believe that spring is the start of around the south of Caspian Sea are full of tourists new life of nature. For those who are interested in during Nowruz. spring travels, there is no difference to visit Takht- On the whole, it must be mentioned that a main e-Jamshid (Persepolis) or in Shiraz, part of tourist activities in Iran takes place during Amir Chakhmaq square in Yazd, ski resorts of spring and summer based on their natural and in slope of Alborz Mountains attractions like mountaineering, rock climbing, around Tehran, Sheikh Lotfollah and excursion to the forests, visiting rivers, seas, historical in Isfahan, , Milad swimming and boating. tower and Tughrul tower in Tehran and Ray, water The central plateau of Iran with its unexampled entertainments in Kish or northern beaches attractions is the representative of hardworking of Iran, going to the yaylak (summer highland people of Iran and their unique life styles when pasture) of east and west Azerbaijan and amazing adjusting themselves with nature. If you are waterfalls of Lorestan. It is not surprising that interested in native life of Iranian, it is suggested southern provinces of Iran are the best options to to visit nomad folks of Iran like Qashqai and be visited during spring especially in Farvardin. Shahsavan tribes during these two seasons. During Nowruz holiday, the most crowded and Each year a lot of tourists visit cities which are full of costly cities are usually Mashhad, Shiraz, Isfahan, fresh nature and greenness to relax and get away Kish and Qeshm islands and many people visit from urban traffic and pollution during spring, these cities. The cities like Yazd, Kashan, Zanjan, cities which attract any tourist with their stunning Arak and the villages around them are among beauty. The amazing sceneries of forests in north the regions which are attractive and economical and west of Iran are suggested to those people to visit their attractions and pristine nature. The who are in pursuit of energy and good mood most prominent tourist attractions of the eastern through yoga and fitness. To fulfil these purposes district of the Iranian Plateau in spring and it is suggested to visit the mountains of Talesh especially during Nowruz holidays are Birjand, in the boarder of Azerbaijan, Zanjan and Gilan the capital of South Khorasan, palm, hot springs, provinces where have special beauty because Sarbaz River, native crocodiles of Iran and of their natural and cultural diversity. It is worth in Sistan and Baluchestan province, visiting the dense forests, vast deserts, numerous Tis cave and Chabahar Free Zone. flocks, sea and villages like Subatan, Masuleh and Bear in mind that the most appropriate time for other local villages. Undoubtedly, Tonekabon – visiting different attractions of Tehran is during a region in - is one of the Nowruz holidays when traffic and pollution are main places which must be visited during spring in their lowest possible level since a considerable to enjoy its indescribable beauty, greenness, amount of its population travel to other cities spectacular places and pleasant weather. Jolfa in and the capital is not as crowded as other days, east Azerbaijan province with its attractive forests, but it does not mean that Tehran will become waterfalls and churches and Sareyn in Ardabil completely quiet as it is a junction where province are among two other memorable and passengers enter to go to the other cities of Iran, beautiful destinations. hence they like to visit its attractions when coming Sareyn is a city in which is mostly to this city. Although Tehran is not known as a known for its hot springs. These hot springs historical town among the Iranian, it has different usually originate from Mountain which modern and historical tourism attractions. tempt anyone to travel to this beautiful city. Kish and Qeshm Islands are two popular The diversity of nature and natural sites in or destinations among the Iranian to visit during Jolfa Free Zone is very high so that tourists have Nowruz. The unique beach, forests and pristine difficulties in choosing a path or destination to nature of these regions and their genial and visit, usually people like to visit all of the parts native inhabitants tempt any tourist to visit there. because of its diversity. The tourists can pitch their Meanwhile, Ordibehesht as the second month tent and be confident that there is no threat and of spring cannot be perceived if you do not visit they can spend several days in the nature without Shiraz during this month to smell fresh orange any issues. The camps of tent- pitching are all

Photo: Reza Milani / Shutterstock blossoms in its gardens. The northern cities equipped with welfare and sanitary facilities

[60] Attractions Attractions [61] inside and outside of the city and they are highly safe and secure. Most of these regions are controlled by the police guards and have unique security. The weather conditions of these regions are cool during spring. Among other provinces which are suggested to be visited during spring we can point out to Kermanshah, Kurdistan and Ilam. Despite being mountainous, these provinces have a very fresh and green nature and have breathtaking natural places. The lush and vast deserts with various plant species and historical attractions which are inside these deserts have made these provinces unique to travel during spring. The proper climate in the west of Iranian Plateau and appropriate agricultural lands led into the creation of the first villages of Iran in this region. The tourist region of the west and northwest of the Iranian Plateau includes important cities like Rasht, Tabriz, Qazvin, Hamedan, Kermanshah, Maragheh, Ardabil and . is known as the heaven of Iran waterfalls. Northeast of Iran is located in a region between Dasht-e Kavir and . Among the tourist attractions of east and northeast of Iran are and Taftan stratovolcanoes and lush forests and sceneries of . Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province is known as the heaven of mountaineers and spelunkers which is also one of the most appropriate destinations to be visited during summer. The oak forests, waterfalls, fritillaria desert, beautiful whirlpools and lagoons like Choghakhor lagoon are among the most attractive ecotourism in Iran. For mountaineers, spring is an appropriate season for adventure. Of course, summer is a better option to climb the highest peak of Iran i.e. Damavand Mountain. During spring and summer all places of Alborz and Zagros Mountains are spectacular. The peak of Dena and its terrific nature in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province has a great potential in tourism. is a stratovolcano in east Azerbaijan whose hillside is an appropriate place for animals to graze in, also the best type of cheese called lighvan cheese belongs to this region. Also, the rocky village of Kandovan with cone dwelling excavated inside volcanic rocks is another attraction which you can visit and then you can go toward the peak by passing across the flowers and trees. While climbing Zard-Kuh Mountain in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, you can see Bakhtiari nomads inhabiting next to Kuhrang Lake during summer. This is a very beautiful region during spring and you can see its hillsides and peaks very well. Besides, the hillsides of Sabalan Mountain in Ardabil province are very well- known due to having abundant valleys and natural springs, village of Sareyn is located around Sabalan Mountain as well. The best time to climb it is during June till August. Alam-Kuh in with its grassland of yellow flowers and snowy peaks is an elegant nature as well to be visited, this mountain is about to be registered in global list whose level is close to Takht-e Soleymān.

Khorram Abad County Photo: Kay Wiegand / shutterstock

[62] Attractions Attractions [63] Isfahan A Memorial from Safavid Glory Daryanaz Zandi Tourism Expert and Tour Guide of Isfahan

t is believed that the antiquity of Isfahan is as old as Iran’s history. From pre-Islam era only a few remnants of a fire temple in Atashgah Mountain, some discoveries in Ashraf Hill and I in Sasanian Dynasty (224 – 650 A.D.) have remained from among them, only Shahrestan Bridge is still established.After fall of Sasanian Empire, Isfahan did not experience favorable conditions till Daylamites reign (10th & 11th centuries) that it regained its peace and prosperity. During this period, the first Si-o-se-pol Bridges such as Jame mosques of Khoshinan, Yahoodieh (current Atiq) and Photo: Jakob Fischer / shutterstock Jorjir (current Hakim) were established in Isfahan. Then, in Seljuq Dynasty (11th and 12th centuries) Isfahan turned into one of the most affluent lands of that time.

[64] Attractions Attractions [65] In this era, glorious masons were built including Seljuq took approximately 6 years and Isfahan was But Julfa and the Armenian… in 1605 A. D., when Abbās the Great and many of the prominent soaring like Sareban which is ready for a great evolution. Shāh Abbās the Great forced the Armenian to people of Isfahan have been buried there. Other the symbol of height among people of Isfahan, At first, a main square as the city center was abandon their country and inhabit in Iran, he works of Safavid era are Shah Abbasi minaret of Ali Mosque next to primary structure built in the heart of the capital. It was built on allocated an area in Isfahan for their inhabitation or Madar-i Shah, Marnan Bridge and Joubi Bridge, of the mosque and Ziyar Minaret. By looking at the gardens of Naqshe Jahan focusing on four called . Imitating the neighborhood of School known as Soltani School or these minarets one can realize the authenticity of specific governmental principles and it was called Old Julfa, it was converted to one of the attractive Madar-i Shah School as the largest school of that their architecture. Atiq Jame mosque (Yahoodieh) Naqshe Jahan. Accordingly, Ali Qapu palace as a places of Isfahan by building luxurious buildings, era during empire of (1668-1726 found another form during Seljuq Dynasty, its place for king’s reign (Dolat Khaneh ), schools and cathedrals. Today, or A. D.), Palace (the Eight Heavens), construction was started during Abbasid Qeysarie as the center of economy, Sheikh in other word Jame Cathedral of the Armenian Ali Gholi Agha and Sheikh Ali Khan and Soffeh Hakim was added to it in Daylamites Lotfollah Mosque as a religious- governmental which was built during the empire of Shah Abbas Hammam (bathroom), assarkhaneh (oil factories) Empire. Building Nezam al Molk and Taj al Molk place and Abbasi Jame Mosque as a place for II (1642 – 1666 A. D.) is one of the most beautiful to extract oily seeds like cottonseed, castor, … and adding some other attachments the focus of popular power were built in order of cathedrals in Iran. The fondness of Safavid kings with edible, industrial and pharmaceutical uses, happened in this era. The square next to Atiq priority and on clockwise. Naqshe Jahan square to (river of life) led to the building of Murcheh Khvort Caravanserai and historical Mosque which is known as Kohneh Square (Atiq was a place for holding ritual, governmental and prominent historical bridges on it such as Si-o-se- citadel and many other works. After the invasion Square) is another work of this era, it is considered popular ceremonies like bonfire, military parades, pol or Allahverdi Khan Bridge and . of Mahmud Hotak to Isfahan (1724 A. D.) and as the main center of Isfahan city. celebrations, national Eids and playing chovgan. Charbagh (Four Gardens) is a street remained from overthrow of Safavid Dynasty and survival of Although by the invasion of the Mongol to Isfahan The playground was the vast area of the square this era, the reason of choosing such name is being Isfahan by Afshar, (beginning of 13th century) the city became having two stony gates, they are still available located in the middle of four royal gardens and in (18th century) came into existence and then unquiet, it found its peace by the start of , continuous appeared until Qajar Empire, Injuids and dynasties during 13th and during that time Zell-e Soltan was the cruel ruler of 14th centuries. In this era, unique masterpieces Isfahan (1850 - 1918 A. D.). During his empire, not were made but two of the most amazing ones only people experienced so much cruelty but also are Menar Jonban and Mehrab Oljayto in Jame many of the glorious buildings were destroyed. Mosque of Isfahan (Atiq Mosque). After the invasion At the same time, during Qajar Empire a lot of of Teymur to Iran (14th century), his predecessors historical houses were built like Sheykh ol-Eslam’s recorded a privileged era in the history of Iran by House and Haj Najafi Isfahani House (current caring about culture and art. There are significant Constitution House), Bekhradi’s historical house, works in the art of architecture, calligraphy and Amin House and spectacular vineyard of Malek tiling remained from this period like which are treasure of Isfahan art and architecture. Jame Mosque and attachment of Atiq Jame Besides, there are several fire temples in Isfahan Mosque. Darb-e-Imam Mosque is an element like Darb-e- Mehr-e Gohar va Mehraban as well remained from Kara Koyunlu era (14th & 15th as synagogues for the Jewish who inhabited in centuries).By the rise of Safavid Dynasty (1501- Jouybareh neighborhood from among them it can 1722 A.D.), Isfahan represented a magnificent be pointed out to Golbahar, the oldest synagogue glory. In this era, Isfahan turned into a center where in Isfahan. In contemporary Isfahan, the old texture European and American politicians commuted of Isfahan can be seen only in a few regions close there. Isfahan was an inseparable element of this to Naqshe Jahan Square and old neighborhoods. era. Isfahan was the center of attention in Safavid Naqshe Jahan Square Many of them were destroyed and replaced Photo: Fotokon / Shutterstock Dynasty since the start of Shah Ismail’s kingdom, with new styles and the appearance of the town the founder of this dynasty. Naqshe Jahan, a large changed. However, Isfahan is a tourist pole of Iran royal garden which was built upon the order of with hospitable people who speak Persian with Shah Ismail was the start of building a unique in Naqshe Jahan square. A square which was its both sides there are tall plantains and a fluid melodious dialect of Isfahani having rich culture global masterpiece. The kingdom of Shāh Abbās registered in the list of global heritage of UNESCO stream which is poured into a beautiful fountain. and art. A town that is the host of the tourists with the Great (1587-1629) was started. In spite of his meritoriously. A little outside of the square in It was a place where people could feel relaxed by its local foods like (yogurt stew) strictness, his abundant interest to Isfahan and a vast garden, a palace is built having a huge passing their time in this street. Although only four and beryan (a rich fried lamb meat patty), also its the attempt to have a glorious capital made the pool and a balcony with 20 tall columns whose rows of tree have been left from this street, it is still various arts such as Vitreous enamel, Kalamkari city infinitely gorgeous and splendid. He ordered reflection in the water of the pool caused to call attractive. (block-printed cotton textile), toreutics and many to gather a team of the best and it (Forty Columns) to entertain Among the salient historical masterpieces of others have made it universal city of handicrafts. professors to present an appropriate design for special guests of the court, this garden along with Isfahan, it is worth pointing out to Takht-e Foulad. A A town as described by many tourists during Isfahan as the capital to develop the city. Building 8 other gardens have been registered in the list of work whose exact time of its building is unknown different eras as image of the world. Yes, here is the new texture to be replaced with old texture of global heritage of UNESCO. but it was renovated during the empire of Shāh Isfahan, half of the Jahan (world).

[66] Attractions Attractions [67] Travelling to Iran during Nowruz Yes or No?

Simin Saghafi M.A. in Tourism Management

have been asked by the tourists frequently that is it difficult to travel to Iran during Nowruz? Their concern is to face issues to find an appropriate accommodation, not to find bus tickets or to deal with traffic jam! Even I sometimes they think there is not enough services or the price of everything increases due to holiday. Many of the tourism and travelling agencies advise the tourists not to visit Iran during this period as there is a long holiday and they might face problems. But if you ask the tourists who travelled to Iran during Nowruz holiday, you will find out that they have a different opinion. Photoes: kchaeblog.wordpress.com / bikingaroundagain.com

Mr. David, an Australian tourist from Sydney Iranian go out of home to visit their relatives or stories of their lives and family stories as well. He emphasizes that “certainly Iran is an amazing travelled to Iran in 2015 during Nowruz to travel to different places, hence they see a lot It is worth mentioning that during these days country to visit in any time and I am going to holiday and declared that it was an amazing of people once they go out, it is not an easy job you might be interviewed by TV journalists and be one of the people who advises to visit Iran and pleasant experience as he could to visit tourist places as the native people aim they show your interview in the TV. I was an during Nowruz. My travel to Iran during Nowruz communicate with native people of Iran in to visit these places as well. In fact, it can be a interesting case for them, a foreigner familiar was one of my best travels and I missed it”. different cities and he believed that it is the good situation too and like other spectacular with their local culture who enjoys spending In Ms. Afifa’s point of view who is an Indonasian best time to travel to Iran. places of the world such as Taj and his time in Iran during Nowruz”. photographer, Haft-sin table and its symbolic And Chae, a street photographer, believes that Statue of Liberty, you do not see only foreign In another part of his article, he points out that items are very interesting and great, she it should not be paid too much attention to tourists in these places and you can see the “… of course, I am not going to lie to you. You believes that it comes from a rich culture, she the advice of tour guides and Nowruz is the Iranian as well and communicate with them might not find your favorite accommodation has also written an article in this regard for most appropriate time to travel to Iran. He and they will entertain you. You may spend during Nowruz unless you reserve it one month her compatriots, she states that one of the is fond of taking photo from individuals and some hours to take photo with those people earlier, or it might not fulfill your expectations or best events was visiting Nowruz bazaars and states that: “it was a great chance to see native who are interested to have a photo with you, be more expensive. I did not have any problem purchasing items of haft-sin. She advised people who are involved with their daily affairs even sometime they queue for it. Actually, in with bus ticket, actually as far as you reserve it tourists to visit Iran during Nowruz holiday in front of my own eyes, so why shouldn’t I like an Islamic country that you should be cautious in advance, you will not face any issues. On the as they can enjoy the fantastic weather and it? So I booked my ticket for March 2016 for a while takig photo from people, it is a good other hand, although there are more cars in the nature of spring, visit spectacular places and three-week trip to Tehran to take photos”. Later, opportunity to take photo without making streets, you will not face the heavy traffic same get familiar with the gorgeous table of haft-sin he wrote an article about his travel to Iran: any trouble for them, they not only take photo as Seoul or New York, the only place which I which can be seen everywhere. “Nowruz holiday is the time when most of the with you but also they narrate the unfinished faced traffic jam was in Persepolis”.

[68] Attractions Attractions [69] Canada is a land of different cultures and people. of Britannia. In late 18th and early 19th centuries, Aboriginals were the first group who settled there during and after the American Revolution, many and kept occupying the land for thousands of African-Americans and monarchists came to years, which is presently called Canada. In Canada, Canada where was still being ruled by Britannia. all people come from other countries, whether In the mid-late 19th and early 20th centuries, they are born there or those who have migrated immigration from Europe increased rapidly, hope to this land. That is why Canada is known as the to find better living conditions in Canada. Some “Nation of immigrants”. people began to work in towns and villages, Canada In general there are 3 indigenous groups in and others in factories, mines and woodworking Canada namely Inuit, First Nation and Métis. industries. More than 50 different languages are spoken by Asian immigrants from , Japan and Nation of immigrants indigenous people in Canada. The name Canadian settled more in the western regions and with their is in fact derived from the word Kanata which help and assistance, along with other Canadian M.A. in Tourism Planning Saeed Emani means the place of residence in the language of railways immigrants; they built the Canada Huron-Iroquois whose people are the first group National Railway, connecting the two east-west of natives. coastlands. On first of July 1867, Canada was recognized After the First and Second World War, thousands as Dominion of Canada. Before this year, at first of Europeans came to Canada as migrants the French entered Canada and then the British. and refugees, helping to build the post-war Each of them entered this land with their own economy. Canada still needs the ability, talent language, culture, law and system of government. and enthusiasm of newcomers to stay alongside In 1763, after a long war between Britannia and those who have already come there to make the France, all parts of Canada came under the power world’s best nation.

Quebec City Photo: Everett Historical / Shutterstock

[70] About Canada • History About Canada • History [71] 4- Historic District of Old Quebec (1985) The city of Quebec, founded in the seventeenth century, was the capital of new French and after 1760, it became a new English colony. The old Quebec historical district is an area of about 135 hectares. Canada & UNESCO Cultural Heritage 5- Old Town Lunenburg (1995) Old Town Lunenburg has remained in North America since the arrival of British colonists. The city was founded Saeed Emani M.A. in Tourism Planning in 1753 and retained its overall design and appearance based on a rectangular lattice pattern that was made in the original country as well. anada is one of the most attractive destinations to travel, a country which is popular among many people as it attracts immigrants and there are various cultures in it, its global heritages annually temp many tourists to travel to C North America. Up to now, Canada has registered 19 works in the list of UNESCO world heritage. Out of them, there are eight cultural works, ten natural works and one of 6- Rideau Canal (2007) them is natural- cultural work. Here, we briefly discuss the cultural heritages of Canada The Rideau Canal is a channel that was made for military purposes in the list of UNESCO world heritage. and is highly strategic, it played an important role in defending the Canadian colony against the United States for British forces which has created two distinct political and cultural organizations 1- Landscape of Grand Pré (1978) in north of America, this was an important stage in . The Grand Pré marshland and the remnants of the surrounding villages have witnessed century-long efforts to use the Poles’ method to develop agricultural land in a tidal area. 7- L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site (2012) The national- historical site of L’Anse aux Meadows is the remains of the Vikings in eleventh century which are the first trace of Europeans in North America. This archaeological site is located on the eight peninsula of Newfoundland’s great 2- Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump (1981) island, and is built in the same way as it is found This perspective is important in terms of its cultural, at the same time in Greenland and Iceland. archaeological and scientific aspects. Bones buried in deep layers of the soil and rocks show that the history of buffalo cultivation by Northwestern inhabitants goes back to about 6,000 years ago.

8- Red Bay Basque Whaling Station (2013) It is situated in Labrador, in northeast Canada, on the shores of the Strait of Belle Isle. Red Bay was an Arctic maritime base for Basque mariners in the . It is the earliest, 3- SGang Gwaay (1981) most comprehensive and best preserved archaeological There are remnants of cedar houses on the island of testimony of a pre-industrial whaling station. SGang Gwaay. These houses refer to Haida culture of life and their relationship to the land and sea. It is also

a visual key to oral traditions. After 1880, the village was Photo: 1.N.P.Bowman 2.BGSmith 3.Bob Hilscher 4.Bilal Kocabas 5.Helen occupied in a short time. Filatova 6.Michel Loiselle 7.Bob Hilscher 8.Alina Strandberg/ Shutterstock

[72] About Canada • UNESCO Heritages About Canada • UNESCO Heritages [73] One of the plans of Amu Nowruz Travels February as well which was free and full board. Company, since its establishment and starting In this tour, there were some blind and visually its activity was to follow occasional tours. In this impaired people of the country, the destination regard, special tour of Yalda night (the longest was Kashan County and , visiting night of the year) was held with some of its Kashan city and its tourist attractions as well as Amu Nowruz and Occasional tours permanent followers. It was held on 20th and were among the programs. 21st December, destination was . The Accommodating in Safa historical house, Fin programs performed in this tour were as follows: Garden, going on the pilgrimage of Ali-Ibn From Yalda to Maranjab holding Yalda celebration in Googad historical Hilal holy shrine (a religious figure among the castle, visiting Nakhcheer cave, Mahallat flower Shia) and walking and running on the soft city, minaret, mosque and ancient bazaar of sands along with happy and cheerful programs Golpayegan. were the events which might have never been To perform its social responsibility, Amu Nowruz experienced by them before coming to this tour. Travels Company held a tour for the disabled in

Photo: Akbar Ashtari

[74] Services Services [75] Travel Like Amu Nowruz!

Photoes: Mehdi Ghazanfari / Akbar Ashtari

[76] Services Services [77] Travel guide of persia, you are invited!

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