Islamic Republic of Iran August 2004

Islamic Republic of Iran

Iran was the thrill of my 2004 summer vacations. All places I visited and people I met will stay in my mind for a long time. This country very rich in cultural history lacks of tourism as it is wonderful to explore and get astonished by its wonderful landscapes and historical sites.
I flew to Tehran from Tashkent, Uzbekistan on the same day some suicide attacks were held in the city. Expecting the unexpected was always present in my mind. Somehow, I couldn’t erase my mind from dozens of westerns kidnapped and kept hostages in the last years especially back in the 80’s.
I was surprised by all. I love getting surprised by places while travelling. Although the country’s changed since the government policies of Ayatollah Khomeini which keeps people living in a different way than before and “some harsh rules” are people daily life, Iranians can be extremely gentle and nice to foreigners, full of interest to hear about foreign things and to know how other countries live.
Iran is a country which suffered changes held by Arabs, Mongols, Turkish Ottoman, Portuguese, Dutch, etc, but which will never lose the presence of the ancient Persian Empire and Persian Culture, unique in the whole world. The highlight of this Empire can yet be experience visiting its Capital City Persepolis or Fars near Shiraz.
I only visited a few number of places and let many to explore next time. Iran is a place I will visit again as soon I can.
I liked the Southern part of the country a lot in the Persian Gulf, and the fact I could feel the Portuguese presence still remaining in street names, local settlements and forgotten defence castle in Qeshme Island was amazing.

Map of the places I visited in Iran (click image for bigger file)
More about Iran
This amazing pearl located in the centre of the supposed most dangerous place on earth, border with Pakistan, turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Iraq, this country is a surprise for all travelling there. People are great and very hospitable; Iranians (apart from Islamite which will discriminate and be rude as soon as an opportunity appears) will try to make your visit to the country as pleasant as possible.
Iranian landscapes will make you dream with ancient civilizations and its bazaars will make you spend lots of money as prices are great to buy souvenirs. Iran is one of the best places I’ve ever visited considering quality/price relation. Transportation, hostels and food is very cheap.
Since 1979 that the country changed to these extreme Muslim policies where still if you look to a girl and talk to her you will be taken to the police station and be hit 80 on your back. 2 words for this: Ayatollah Khomeini.

Historical and Cultural richness
This all area is a mess of cultures from the Arabs until 1050 and Turkmen tribes, Genghis Khan in the 14th century, Ottoman Turks and even Portugal! Yes my country were here, controlling all the Southern part of the country in the Persian Gulf where were made many castles to protect their settlements. You can visit Portuguese castles along the southern part of the Persian Gulf; these still standing structures from the 1500's are very nice to see how far human mentality can take you far way from home. I visited one of these castles in the Island of Qeshme and like it very much.

Persepolis Ancient City

Gate of Xerxes in Persepolis