Tehran

Tehran Province with a total area of 18909 square kilometers area and 2.1% in Iran is distinct from other provinces as is base of the political center of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Tehran, contrary to what is assumed in addition to the political centrality is characterized by various dimensions like other Iranian provinces and all cities and provinces of the countries in the world. The Iranian capital Tehran as the most populous city in the country is one of the largest cities not only in Iran but also in the world in terms of area urbanization referring to it as Megalopolis. As a rule the capital of the world’s oldest empire has a lot to offer.

Tehran, the capital of Iran is one of the largest metropolitans of the world, and it is the country’s largest economic center and the base for its large and small modern technological and industrial establishments. Located on the slopes of the mountains and at the foot of the magnificent Mount Damavand, it has been the country’s capital city for over 200 years now.

Nearly 14 Million people live in Tehran in contrast to two hundred thousand in 1920. Tehran is pleasant, it derives its originality from its dry climate, always cool in the evening, the nearness of the mountains, its numerous parks and gardens where flowers blossom throughout the year, the alleys of trees in the avenues or even smaller streets, the water which runs down from the upper city along deep and wide gutters which look like small rivers during spring.

The Alborz range on the north of Tehran, which hosts the highest peak in the country during winter, provides a very suitable climate for ski lovers. In winter, the mountain hotels and ski-clubs at Shemshak, Shahrestanak and Dizine are full several days a week. Some expert skiers consider the snow quality in northern Tehran to be one of the best in the world. The Golestan (Rose Garden) Palace is one of most visited places in Tehran, which was the Qajars’ royal residence. Its garden is an oasis of coolness and silence in the heart of the city.

The main building, architecturally unpretentious, houses a museum with objects from the Qajar period in the overloaded and pompous style of last century. In the Golestan garden, a one-story pavilion to the right and slightly behind the entrance, shelters one of the best organized museums in Tehran. It contains about thirty showcases presenting everything, which makes up the basic originality of Iranian life in the various provinces of the country.

Visiting Iran without having a trip to Tehran is to miss out. Going out for a Persian delicious dish in one of Darband’s beautiful restaurants, shopping in endless rows of stores in grand bazaar, having a nice day skiing in Tochal slopes, in snowy days of winter are only a glimpse of what you would miss! Actually this gigantic, busy beating heart of Iran has got so many beauties to be discovered.

Although it is just a 2 century old city, you can find the oldest and most precious heritages of Iran and the world behind the walls of its unique museums. Tehran’s museums are among the bests in the world. Darya-ye Nur (sea of light), the world’s largest uncut diamond in national jewels museum, the startling exhibit of Salt Man in the national museum, the stunning collection of Achaemenid gold bowls, drinking vessels, armlets and decorative pieces in Reza Abbasi museum are samples of thousands works definitely worth visiting.

Tehran is a cosmopolitan city and has got mixed features of the first, second and third worlds. While technology and modernity may becloud its classic character, you can find scenes of old mosques, churches, mansions, palaces all over the city. Tehran’s Grand bazaar, the world’s largest bazaar, is crawling, only some kilometers away from Milad tower. Milad tower, the world’s 4th tallest tower, is going to be a complete complex including restaurants at the top with spectacular views, a five-star hotel, a world trade center and an IT park.

Besides being a busy and hectic city, Tehran is unique in its large peaceful parks and recreational centers. It has about 800 well-kept parks which Tehranis head to at the weekends. Tehran’s recreational sites and resorts at Alborz foothills such as Park_e Jamshidiyeh, Park_e Mellat, Darakeh & Darband and Tochal are wonderful and at least visiting one of them is a must. As a rule the capital of the world’s oldest empire has a lot to offer and of course a two or three day visit to Tehran is too short to explore all its beauties and attractions