Tourist Attractions of Iran

Azadeh Tafvizi

Iran’s Potentials and Attractions for Tourists

Iran has been ranked among ten first world’s countries in terms of tourism potentials and attractions. Various potentials of Iran to attract tourists from all over the world are:

Religious and Pilgrimage Potentials and Attractions

Iran has found a special position among the Islamic states since the initial decades of Islam’s emergence, relying on Iranians’ devotion and affection to the Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH) and his infallible progeny, Iran has always been a safe shelter for progeny of the Prophet and their lovers and others who had to leave their home and family due to Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphs’ oppression. Hence, there are hundreds of holy shrines across the Islamic Iran. These shrines are the destinations of many pilgrims every year. The holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS) in Mashhad City, the sacred shrine of Hazrat Masumah (SA) in Qom City, the Shrine of Shah Cheragh in Shiraz City and monument of Seyed Jalal al-Din Ashraf in Astaneh Ashrafiyeh of Gilan Province are the most important shrines. These attractions are not limited to the Sh’ia centers, but also other religious minorities have their own pilgrimage centers in Iran. For example, the monument of Sheykhe Jaam in Khorasan, Sanandaj Jameh Mosque, Armenian Churches in Azarbaijan and Isfahan and a number of Zoroastrian religious centers can be pointed out.

Cultural Potentials and Attractions

Different ethnicities and tribes live in Iran that has their own customs, traditions and culture. Various Iranian ethnicities such as Fars, Turks, Baluchs, Lors, Arab tribes, etc. all have their own special customs for different events such as religious ceremonies, marriage celebrations, local competitions etc. which can attract cultural fans. Moreover, victory of the Islamic Revolution and managing the society based on the exalted culture of Islam and holding its special traditions, standards and criteria across the Islamic society of Iran can persuade numerous tourists to visit the country with the aim of getting acquainted with this great transformation and development.

Ancient and Historical Potentials and Attractions

Iran is the center of a human ancient civilization whose antiquities, as the illustrator of a great part of the human civilization history, constitute valuable attractions for the tourists, among which Takht-e Jamshid (or Persepolis), Pasargadae and Bisotun, Bishapur, Taq-e Bostan and many inscriptions engraved in all parts of the country can be pointed out.  Important post Islam antiquities are monuments in Isfahan City such as Chehel Sotoun, Ali Qapu, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and School, Imam Mosque, Menar Jonban and other historical monuments such as Sultaniye Dome, Kavus Dome, Vakil Bazar and Mosque which can attract many tourists.

Natural Potentials and Attractions

The geographical position of Iran and its ecological diversity are considerable attractions. Various ecological conditions can be seen in most seasons of the year. Verdurous northern regions and central arid deserts have their own fans.  Iran is a country in which a group of people can play winter sports in Alborz, Zagros and Alvand mountains and at the same time another group can practice water sports in the southern lands of Iran.  Beautiful mountains and valleys, waterfalls and mineral waters, various flora and fauna maximize Iran’s attractions.

Artistic, Literal and Scientific Potentials and Attractions

Persian literature and culture have been popular in various parts of the East during certain periods of time and have been integrated with different ethnicities’ history and culture; hence there are many people in the world who love to visit the tombs of  Iranian celebrities. Saadi, Ferdowsi, Hafez, Khayyam, Avicenna, Baba Tahir, etc. are among the most important literary celebrities of Iran. Iranian universities, Hawza ʻilmiyya, museums, research centers, libraries and other scientific centers are attractive for science lovers. We can take advantage of these potentials to attract many tourists and revive the actual position of Iran in the tourism market.