Highlights

The Sepahsalar Mosque in Tehran has eight minarets, form which the city can be viewed, and the Golestan Palace is also worth a visit. More traditional towns such as Rey, Varamin, Qazin and Shemshak, are within easy reach of Tehran. The ancient ruins of Persepolis are often the main reason tourists visit, though the former capital Esfahan has its own unique draw. Garweh is a miniature desert oasis, fringed with date palms. Yazd is one of the country’s oldest cities. Finally, any visitor should try their hand at diving in the clear, colourful waters off Qeshm Island.

History

In the sixth century BC, the first Persian Empire was founded by Cyrus the Great, and subsequently overthrown by Alexander the Great around 200 years later, giving way to a long series of invasions from the Turks, Arabs and Mongols, among other peoples. Islam was introduced in the seventh century.

It wasn’t until the peak of the Safavid dynasty – which did much to cement the Shia faith in Iran – in the late 1500s that the Persian Empire is considered to have regained its power. This era was marked by extravagant buildings, many of which are still standing, and lengthy wars with the Ottomans.

By the nineteenth century, European influence was felt strongly, and exacerbated after the discovery of oil in the early 1900s. In the 1970s, the economic mismanagement and secular lifestyle of the ruling Shah sparked a popular revolution in 1979, led by Ayatollah Khomenei. Thereafter Iran became an Islamic Republic.

In recent years traditional codes of conduct have been less and less strictly enforced, with women especially enthusiastically embracing modern dress codes, make up and hair styles wherever possible. Limited economic liberalisation has led to a growing economy and Iran remains an important power both in the region and on the global stage. Large reserves of oil and natural gas mean Iran is unlikely to be overlooked any time soon.