The beating heart of Iran
Tehran is the largest and most crowded city with 200 years of being the capital of Iran which are taken in the most significant official, executive and political decisions. Tehran is accounted as the heart of Iran influences many of economic, cultural, scientific, and political aspects. Moreover, various factors added to the importance of Tehran by historical aspects including Shahr-e Rey (City of Rey) dating back to 7,000 years ago, the remains of ancient Rey civilization to Qeytarieh Hills and reign of Safavid empire in the past 400 years, which placed Tehran in the 5 top destinations with various attractions of tourism in Iran.
Tehran plays the main role at the strategic economy of Iran and over half of industrial activities have been done in it. Attendance of different organizations such as Central Bank, major currency exchanges, Tehran Stock Exchange, various ministries, parliamentary and state institutions, chambers of commerce, etc. have led to make fundamental decisions in the ...;
The beating heart of Iran
Tehran is the largest and most crowded city with 200 years of being the capital of Iran which are taken in the most significant official, executive and political decisions. Tehran is accounted as the heart of Iran influences many of economic, cultural, scientific, and political aspects. Moreover, various factors added to the importance of Tehran by historical aspects including Shahr-e Rey (City of Rey) dating back to 7,000 years ago, the remains of ancient Rey civilization to Qeytarieh Hills and reign of Safavid empire in the past 400 years, which placed Tehran in the 5 top destinations with various attractions of tourism in Iran.
Tehran plays the main role at the strategic economy of Iran and over half of industrial activities have been done in it. Attendance of different organizations such as Central Bank, major currency exchanges, Tehran Stock Exchange, various ministries, parliamentary and state institutions, chambers of commerce, etc. have led to make fundamental decisions in the capital.
Major auto manufacturing and distribution have been done in Tehran. Furthermore, Tehran Grand Bazaar is one of the major places for supplying various goods and products; it also consists of the largest Bazaar in the field of producing and exporting carpet and furniture. The other great economic section of the capital includes automotive equipment, power and electronics, textiles, sugar, cement and chemicals. Tehran also has been known for e-commerce and internet-based businesses and lots of startup companies have been raised in this regard. The capital is equipped with specialty and subspecialty hospitals and medical centers which make it one of the main health tourism destinations in Iran and in the region. Tehran has been significant for cosmetic surgeries specially rhinoplasty in the world and many tourists from developed countries choose Iran for their treatment.
Tehran University as the first university of Iran forms part of traditional, cultural, political, social, artistic and sport identities in addition to the educational identity and mainly influenced on the formation of the Iranian society.
Tehran hosts many great national and international contests at Azadi Sport Complex, Enghelab Sport Complex and several small and large stadiums, gyms and federations.
Nowadays, many symbols of modern life in the western and eastern countries have taken place in the life style of the people and granted a new identity which caused many native traditions and customs to be pale by developing and modernization of the city despite of holding many ceremonies such as mourn on Muharram, and Nowruz (New year) eve, etc. which distinguish Tehran from other world metropolises.
Although, Tehran is not rich in offering souvenirs and handicrafts and most of them have been forgotten due to the passage of time and modernization, some of them including oshtehDoozi, Kilim, and Jajim woven by Tehran nomads, wood and jewelry carving, eather bags and shoes, glass works, felting, decorating clay objects, glass, tile, wood and handmade clothes, bags and shoes with traditional designs are remained. Culture and art have been developed due to the presence of various training centers and many artists.
As the world`s great cities are significant by special symbols and elements, capital of Iran tried to get a place among the developed metropolises by enjoying modern structures such as Milad Tower, Azadi
Tower, Tabi’at Bridge, Gonbad-e-Mina (Dome of Mina) and Tehran Book Garden, Islamic Revolution and Holy Defence Museum.
Most of the significant museums of Iran are located in Tehran where called The City of Museums, since enjoying variety and is one of the great tourism attractions to the city. Many of the museums set up in the traditional castles and mansions. The other attractions include Tehran traditional castles, buildings, and mansions from different eras.
Imamzadeh and religious places are also the important attractions which are not limited in Muslims’ shrines; churches, fire temples and synagogues represent the peaceful living of different religions. In addition to the various traditional, civil and modern attractions there are other natural attractions which host people to relax and refresh such as Tochal, Darband, Darakeh, Park-e Mellat, Park-e Shahr, Park-e Laleh, Park-e Saei, Ab-o-Atash Park, etc.
Main Cities
Top Attractions
About Tehran Province

Tehrān Province has several archeological sites indicating settlements dating back several thousand years. Until 300 years ago, Rey was the most prominent city of the province. However, the city of Tehrān rose to become the larger city and capital of Iran by 1778, and since then has been the political, cultural, economic, and commercial nucleus of Iran.
Tehrān has over 1,500 historical sites of cultural significance registered with the Cultural Heritage Organization of Iran. The oldest of these in Tehrān province are the remains of two sites in Firouz-Kouh county that date back to the 4th millennium BCE.

The province of Tehrān has over 13 million inhabitants and is Iran's most densely populated region. The largest rivers of this province are Karaj River and Jaj-Roud River. Environmentally, the climate of Tehrān province in the southern areas is warm and dry, but in the mountain vicinity is cold and semi-humid, and in the higher regions is cold with long winters.
The hottest months of the year are from mid-July to mid-September when temperatures range from 28 °C (82 °F) to 30 °C (86 °F) and the coldest months experience 1 °C (34 °F) around December– January. Average annual rainfall is approximately 200 millimeters (7.9 in). On the whole, the province has a semi-arid, steppe climate in the south and an alpine climate in the north.

Even though the Tehrān is the meeting point of many ethnic and linguistic groups, it is dominated by the Persian culture and language, as well as the Shiite branch of Islam, with which the majority of the population identifies.
The Islamic Revolution had a distinctive cultural impact. Within this framework, traditional arts such as calligraphy and music have seen a revival, with many educational institutions and galleries involved. Alongside the more traditional centers of cultural activity, cultural centers, and libraries were established to cater to the young urban population. Tehrān is a modern, vibrant city.
Its skyline is dominated by snowcapped mountains and a proliferation of high-rise buildings. Tehrān’s architecture is eclectic; while many buildings reflect the international Modernist style, others display postmodern, Neoclassical, and traditional Persian styles. Tehrān’s vibrancy is marked by large crowds of young people, numerous shopping malls, commercial streets, and fast-food outlets, an expanding network of highways, and bustling public squares. The city mixes tradition with modernity and religious imagery with diff erent lifestyles. From art to history and anything else you can imagine, are available in Tehrān museums. Tehrān is the biggest and most important educational center of Iran. Today there are nearly 50 major colleges and universities in total in Greater Tehrān. Since the establishment of Dar-ol-Fonoun in the mid-1800s, Tehrān has amassed with a large number of institutions of higher education.
The majority of Tehrāni people are officially Twelve Shia Muslims, which has also been the state religion since the 16th-century Safavid conversion. Other religious communities in the city include followers of the Sunni and Mystic branches of Islam, various Christian denominations, Judaism and Zoroastrianism. There are many religious centers scattered around the city, from old to newly-built centers, including mosques, churches, synagogues, and Zoroastrian fire temples.
Tehrān province has diff erent ethnic groups which are consist of: 58.9% Fars, 30.3% Turks, 1.8% Kurds, 1.1 Baloch, 2.1 Lurs, and 5.5 from the tribes of northern Iran including Gilak, Taleshi, Mazin, Turkmen and 1.2 etc.

Tehran hosts nearly half of the industrial activities in Iran. Manufactures of automotive equipment, electronics, textiles, sugar, cement and chemical products have been involved in this industrial activities. Tehrān also has a large Bazar for carpets and furniture throughout Iran. There is an oil refinery in the southern suburbs of Tehran.
Handicrafts
Stained Glass
Handicrafts
Stained Glass
Is an artistic craft for decorating the windows of buildings. It is completely geometric, and in some cases is used instead of metal rod.
Glass Blowing
Handicrafts
Glass Blowing
Is applied to make kinds of utensils such as pots, by blowing melt glass to obtain the final shape.
Woodworking
Handicrafts
Woodworking, glass bowling, stone carving and wood carving(Monabbat) are the most common handicrafts in Eslamshahr. Other eye-catching handicrafts are marquetry and Toreutics.
Handicrafts & Souvenirs
Handicrafts
Handicrafts and souvenirs of Firooz kouh includes Kilim, Gabbeh weaving, types of traditional weavings, Marquetry(Moaraghkari) on wood and haulm, wood carving, sew leather, pottery and Batik printing. Being mountainous and having greenery pastures and extended sheep farming in Firooz kouh region has made it as one of the wool production centers in Iran.
Varamin Carpet
Handicrafts
Since its proximity to the immigrants and nomads’ passing way, this city has demographic variation. Due to their life style and based on their main occupation i.e. animal husbandry, nomads create beautiful products, which is related to their culture. Varamin carpets are divided in to two categories.
1. Eliati carpet (Zaminbaft)
2. Custom carpets. Any type of maps is found in them. Usually the modern Varamini carpet indicates Minakhani map which is implemented significantly great, having wrapping strings and it is superfine texture in comparison to the Qom’s carpet. These features have made it as an Iranian carpet.
Jajim
Handicrafts
Rugs and carpets have an important role in iran’s artistic past. Jajims are a type of handcrafted rug, usually woven from cotton or wool, and recognised by their vertical stripe patterns that give them a rainbow-like appearance. Unlike other kinds of rugs and carpets, weaving on horizontal looms is easier due to its speed and practicality. Horizontal looms and cheaper material make them more affordable and budget-friendly than carpets. Jajims are usually woven in square outlines and are smaller than carpets. Jajim’s are the perfect souvenirs due to their convenient size and price.
Traditional Usage
Iranians used Jajims in so many ways. You could say that Jajims are a multi-purpose rug.
At first they were used as bed covers. Later they became a key part of a famous winter heater known as korsi (kor-si).
Korsi’s are typically low-level tables with a heaters underneath (usually a charcoal brazier). Blankets are thrown on top and over the table, flowing onto the floor, insulating the hot air inside. People would sit beside their korsi, putting their feet under the blankets to get warm. However, long before the introduction of blankets, it was Jajims that provided the insulation.
Thicker Jajims were also used as saddles while thinner ones were utilized for decoration and luxury. Jajims are exactly like violins and bows: rough and coarse to touch at first, but soon softend after frequent use.
Modern Usage
In modern years, Jajims have been through some changes in application. Their cheerful, unique and sharp colors have changed modern interior design. Modern design is all about simplicity and harmony. Think about how lovely a neutral-colored couch would look set on top of a vibrant and contrasting jajim floor rug.
Jajims can even be found on cushions, stools and even benches. You can also frame an antique Jajim and enjoy it on your wall. Overall, they bring a lot of love and energy to any modern home.
Pottery Wares
Handicrafts
Entering the Grand Bazaar of Tehran, you will be lucky to see various types of pottery. Known as the oldest craft throughout the world, all pottery wares are made from various types of clay. Pottery represents the first artistic and industrial creations of mankind created from the excavation of natural resources to satisfy their primary needs. Over the centuries, the basic materials and even their usage has not changed much.
In modern times, pottery is rarely used for the plumbing and industrial purposes originally employed in ancient cities. However, pottery is still a big part of Iranian culture. Jugs, cups, plates and bowls of all shapes and sizes, decorative tiles, and even pots can be seen in both the bazaar and inside local households. One of Iran’s most classic and famous dishes, Dizi, a mixture of meat, broth, beans and veggies, is cooked inside a classic Dizi pot. In general, anything cooked, prepared, or served within pottery will have its own unique taste and feel.
Aside from practical uses, most pottery today is made for decorative purposes. The pottery found commonly in bazaars are usually painted with vibrant colors, attracting the eyes of anyone looking their way. However, turquoise is the most common and popular color used since ancient times. Various shades of turquoise are blended together to create a new and distinctive pattern. There are also variety of themes present on most pieces. One of the most common themes is something called The Lady Sun (khor-shid kha-noom), a round faced, black haired, thick-eyebrowed women representing the energy and warmth of the sun. Other themes include birds, fishes and various natural sceneries. Overall, the size, convenience and price of various pottery pieces make them excellent choices for gifts and souvenirs.
Food & Drink
Due to its variety of ethnic groups and the neighboring cultures impact, the cuisine of Iran is diverse. vegetables are frequently used, along with fruits such as plums, pomegranate, quince, prunes, apricots, and raisins. To achieve a balanced taste, characteristic flavorings such as saffron, dried lime, cinnamon, and parsley are mixed delicately and used in some special dishes. Onion and garlic are commonly used in the preparation of the accompanying course, but are also served separately during meals, either in raw or pickled form. Iranian best foods include:
Persian Kebabs
Persian Food
Kebab is one of the popular and special foods of Iran, usually made from pieces of meat or grinded meat with spices. Iranian use a unique method to prepare Kebab. Iranian kebab has different varieties such as Barg Kebab, Koobideh Kebab, chicken Kebab (Joojeh Kebab), Shishlik Kebab, Bonab Kebab, Chenjeh Kebab and Soltani Kebab. The most popular one is Koobideh Kebab (grinded meat with spices).
Qeymeh
Persian Food
Qeymeh consists split pea, meat and dried lime, and is served with rice. It is usually prepared as votive dish (Nazri) at many religious occasions.
Dizi
Persian Food
Abgoosht or Dizi is one of the traditional Iranian dishes consists of lamb meat, tomatoes and peas. When it is cooked in stoneware crocks (Dizi), it is called Dizi Sangi. Abgoosht is in varieties such as Bozbash Abgoosht, Whey Abgoosht, Wheat Abgoosht and Bulgur Abgoosht, etc. It is usually eaten with Sangak bread, vegetables, dough and onion.
Qormeh Sabzi
Persian Food
This original Iranian stew is one of the most delicious cuisines in Iran. Qormeh Sabzi has a unique flavor and consists of red beans, sour vegetables, meat and dried lime, and is served with Iranian rice
Persian Rice
Persian Food
Pulau or cooked rice is the most important Iranian food at ceremonies, occasions and parties, served as Kateh or steamed rice. This food can be served with a variety of stews and cooked with meat, vegetable or various kinds of beans as well. Saffron and barberry are also used to decorate the rice. Various types of Persian pulau include: Zereshk Polo (barberry and rice), Baghali Polo (broad bean and rice), Loobia Polo (beans and rice), Sabzi Polo (vegetable and rice), Albaloo Polo (sour cherry and rice), Shirin Polo (sweet rice), Adas Polo (lentils and rice), Reshteh Polo (noodles and rice) and Kalam Polo Shirazi (shredded cabbage and rice).
Aash-e Reshteh
Persian Food
Various pottages (Ash) are cooked in each region of Iran using its own dish. In the meantime, Ash-e Reshteh is the most well-known, which is prepared by various beans, especial vegetables, noodle (Reshteh) and whey.
Khoresht-e fesenjan
Persian Food
This iconic stew, an essential part of every Persian wedding menu. Khoresht-e fesenjan traditionally made with duck, this dish also works well with chicken or lamb. In the north of Iran it is sometimes made with fish. It is a relatively easy khoresht to make, but it must be cooked slowly to allow the flavours to develop in the sauce. The consistency should be thick and creamy and the colour almost black. The distinctive flavour combines the nutty taste of ground walnuts with the sweet and sour flavour of pomegranate syrup.
Sabzi Polo Ba Mahi
Persian Food
What is it: An herbed rice pilaf complimented with white fishes (either Caspian kutum or halibut). Sabzi means vegetables, polo means steamed rice and mahi denotes fish. Iranian people serve this dish on their new year’s day, Nowruz.
What does it taste like: The delicious green rice will leave you spellbound with a rich taste of herbs. This dish offers a complete package of tastes to make you drool over it.
Kookoo or Kuku
Persian Food
What is it: An herb-based frittata. This cake like preparation is cut and served into pieces. Based on its ingredients there are two different types of kuku namely, kuku sib zamini and kuku sabzi.
What does it taste like: A beautiful amalgamation of spinach, coriander, scallions, and herbs along with eggs makes this preparation a delicious one.
Tahchin
Persian Food
What is it: Chicken, yogurt, and egg based rice cake.
What does it taste like: This authentic Iranian dish has a strong flavor of saffron. The topping known as tahdig is opulent with chicken, but sometimes fish and other vegetables are used. The lower or base part is purely made of white rice.
Persian Rice
Local Food
Polo (cooked rice) is the most important Iranian food at ceremonies, occasions and parties, served as Kateh or steamed rice. The food can be served with a variety of stews and cooked with meat, vegetable or various kinds of beans as well. Saffron and barberries are also used to decorate rice. Various types of Persian pulau include: Zereshk Polo (barberries and rice), Baghali Polo (broad beans and rice), Loobia Polo (beans and rice), Sabzi Polo (vegetables and rice), Albaloo Polo (sour cherries and rice), Shirin Polo (sweet rice), Adas Polo (lentils and rice), Reshteh Polo (noodles and rice) and Kalam Polo Shirazi (shredded cabbage and rice).
Persian Kebabs
Local Food
Kebab is one of the popular and special foods of Iran, usually made from pieces of meat or grinded meat mixed with spices.
Iranian use a unique method to prepare Kebab. Iranian kebab has different varieties such as Barg Kebab, Koobideh Kebab, Joojeh Kebab (chicken Kebab), Shishlik Kebab, Bonab Kebab, Chenjeh Kebab and Soltani Kebab. The most popular one is Koobideh Kebab (grinded meat with spices).
Dizi
Local Food
Abgoosht or Dizi is one of the traditional Iranian dishes consists of lamb meat, tomatoes and peas. When Dizi is cooked in stoneware crocks (Dizi), it is called Dizi Sangi. Abgoosht is in varieties such as Bozbash Abgoosht, Whey Abgoosht, Wheat Abgoosht and Bulgur Abgoosht, etc. usually eaten with Sangak bread, vegetables, dough and onions.
Sargonjeshki(Meat Balls)
Local Food
Sargonjeshki is one of the delicous local cuisines of Tehran made from minced meat, potatoes and tomatoes.
Aash-e Reshteh
Local Food
Various pottages (Ash) are cooked in each region of Iran using its own dish. In the meantime, Ash-e Reshteh is the most well-known one prepared by various beans, especial vegetables, noodles (Reshteh) and whey.
Qeymeh
Local Food
Qeymeh is usually made of split pea, meat and dried limes, and is served with rice. The khoresh is usually prepared as votive dish (Nazri) on many religious occasions.
Khoreshts (Stews)
Local Food
Khoreshs considered to be the most baked food in Iranian cuisine and is always served with Iranian rice. Some kind of Khoreshs are Spinach, Fesanjan, Qeymeh, and Qormeh Sabzi.
Qormeh Sabzi
Local Food
As an original Iranian stew, Qormeh Sabzi is one of the most delicious cuisines in Iran. The stew has a unique flavor and consists of red beans, sour vegetables, meat, dried limes, and served with Iranian rice.
Dampokhtak
Local Food
Dampokhtak or slow oven cooking is one of the local cuisines in Tehran province. The ingredients are split peas, yellow broad beans, rice, saffron, onions, water, turmeric, oil and salt.
Persian Drink
Local Food
Tea
Iranian tasteful tea is high quality, which is cultivated in northern part of the country. Most Iranians start their day by drinking tea and usually with sugar cubes, sugar or rock candy (nabat).
Dough
Dough is one of the original Persian beverages often drunk with food. The main ingredient of dough is yogurt, sometimes carbonated and seasoned with some peppermint.
Desserts & Sweets
Local Food
In Tehran, any kind of sweets and special desserts, from different areas of Iran, are available due to the presence of different Persian people and folks in Tehran. The most famous flavors are saffron, rosewater, pistachio and honey. Iranian dessert including Sholezard (Saffron Rice Pudding), Halwa (Ardabil Black Halwa is popular), Fereni (Rice Pudding), Masqati (Lari Masqati is popular), Faloodeh (Shirazi Paloodeh is popular), Bastani Sonati (Traditional Persian Ice Cream), Zoolbia Bamieh, Ranginak (Persian Date Dessert which is popular in Shiraz).
Iranian sweets include Cake-Yazdi (Muffin), Baklava, Qottab (Yazd), Korabia, Baslogh and Baqlava - Azari Baqlava (East and West Azerbaijan and Ardabil), Gaz and Poolaki (Isfahan), Sohan (Saffron Brittle Toffee Qom), Naan Berenji (Rice Cookie from Kermanshah), Koloocheh (Fuman Cookie from Fuman and Lahijan), Kolompeh (Kerman), Koloocheh and Masqati (Shiraz), Kaak (Kurdistan and Shiraz) and Naan-e Sheermal.