Fact 1: The Ancient Pink Mosque
The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz, Iran, also known as the Pink Mosque, is a visual delight with its stained glass windows. As the morning sun streams in, the entire building is enveloped in rainbow hues, creating a mesmerizing effect. This architectural marvel was completed in 1888 but its beauty remains awe-inspiring to this day.
Fact 2: The Country of Four Seasons
Iran is sometimes referred to as the "country of four seasons" due to its diverse climate. From the green, wet highlands in the north to the arid desert landscapes of the east, Iran's weather conditions vary significantly across its provinces, often making it possible to ski in the mountains and sunbathe on a warm beach all on the same day.
Fact 3: The Origin of Ice Cream
Surprisingly, the root of everyone's favorite summer treat, ice cream, can be traced back to Iran. Around 400 BCE, Persians invented a frozen dessert made from rose water and vermicelli. The treat was then evolved by mixing saffron, fruits, and various other flavors over centuries.
Fact 4: Prehistoric Artificial Eye
The world's earliest known artificial eye, estimated to be nearly 5000 years old, was unearthed in the Burnt City of Iran. Made from gold and engraved with a central circle representing the iris and gold lines pattern imitating the veins, the detail-oriented artifact showcases Iran's rich history and early advancements in prosthetics.
Fact 5: A Home to One of the Oldest Continuously Inhabited Towns
Iran is home to one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited towns, Shahr-e Sukhteh, also known as the Burnt City. Dating back to 3200 BC, the settlement was discovered replete with residences, a large cemetery, and even the world's oldest known backgammon board.
Fact 6: The Inventory of Wine
Historians believe that it was in ancient Iran that humans first learned to cultivate grapes and create wine. Excavations have revealed wine jars dating as far back as 5400 BC, making the country an integral part of the world's winemaking history.
Fact 7: Abundant in Saffron
Iran grows 90% of the world's total saffron. This precious spice is derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the "saffron crocus." The process of gathering this spice is delicate and labor-intensive, making saffron's value weight for weight more than gold.
Fact 8: Diverse Animal Species
Despite its arid landscapes, Iran is home to an astonishing variety of animal species, from Asiatic cheetahs and Persian leopards to Iranian wolves and Caspian seals. Iran's geographical diversity facilitates a vibrant and unique ecosystem.
Fact 9: A Century-Old Bakery
Iran hosts a bakery, called the Haj Khalifeh Rahbar, which has been baking traditional Persian sweets in Yazd for over 100 years. The confectionery uses a family recipe passed down through generations, offering an authentic taste of Persian cuisine.
Fact 10: The Poetic Land
Persian literature is widely revered, with Iranians traditionally holding poets in high regard. Iranians often quote lines of poetry in daily conversation and on special occasions such as Nowruz, the Persian New Year.
Fact 11: Vast Salt Deserts
Iran has two of the largest salt deserts in the world, the Dasht-e Kavir and the Dasht-e-Lut covering a total area of about 77,000 square kilometers. These salt pans make for a beautiful yet stark landscape that is incredibly mesmerizing in its barrenness.
Fact 12: City Under The Earth
Kish Island in Iran was home to an underground city known as Kariz Kish, which was developed more than 2500 years ago. The city was initially designed to transport and store water, but now serves as a popular tourist destination.
Fact 13: The Book Binding Origin
Ancient Persia is credited with the invention of bookbinding. The practice was initially created to preserve religious texts but then evolved as a method to protect all forms of written knowledge.
Fact 14: Historic Windcatchers
Iran is renowned for its ancient technology of windcatchers or 'badgirs.' These natural ventilation systems were used in traditional Persian architecture as a cooling system for buildings, especially in the scorching heat of the desert.
Fact 15: Land of Mountains
Iran is a haven for mountain enthusiasts, hosting over a thousand peaks that are higher than 1,000 meters. Mount Damavand, the highest peak in Iran, is also the highest volcano in Asia and has a special place in Persian mythology and folklore.
Fact 16: Home to the Peacock Throne
Iran was home to the historic Peacock Throne, a symbol of Persian monarchic power. Covered in gold and gems, the throne was built for Shah Abbas II in the 17th century and was named after the peacock inset designs.
Fact 17: Largest Producer of Caviar
Iran is a leading producer of one of the world's most prized delicacies – caviar. The Caspian Sea, bordering Iran, is replete with sturgeon, the fish that provides the eggs for caviar.
Fact 18: Yalda Night
Yalda Night, the celebration of the longest night of the year, is a significant event in Iran. Friends and family gather to recite poetry, feast on pomegranates and watermelon, and celebrate until well after midnight.
Fact 19: The Essence of the Rose
The city of Kashan in Iran is known for its centuries-old tradition of rosewater distillation. During “Golab Giri” (the rosewater festival), thousands of people come to see stunning rose gardens and witness the extraction process of the world's highest quality rosewater.
Fact 20: Persian Rugs Worth Their Weight in Gold
The city of Tabriz in Iran is famous for the world's finest, most valuable, and most intricate Persian rugs. Made by highly skilled artisans, a single Persian carpet can take several months to several years to weave, depending on its size and design. Interestingly, the most expensive Persian rug ever sold fetched a whopping $34 million at auction in 2013.