Travel Guide of Persia contains information about Iran’s different tourism attractions such as history, world and national heritage sites, tribes, religions, languages and dialects, handicrafts, and architecture in different provinces of the country, and further, it provides international tourists with practical information about traveling to Iran. At the end of the book, Amu Nowruz Travels Company’s services and some of its inbound tour packages have been introduced as well.

In a more general sense, generating and presenting up-to-date and genuine content about tourism destinations in Iran can be regarded as a distinct service of Amu Nowruz. Furthermore, providing tourists from different cultures with travel services is among its goals. You can make a visit to the Persia Advisor’s website (www.persiaadvisor.com) as the second brand of the company for more comprehensive information. I hope you find this book a comprehensive and distinct reference for tourism in the ancient civilization of Persia.

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Medical tourism is a broad and inclusive term that includes a wide range of diverse activities, but its single definition is “traveling to other countries for the purpose of receiving medical and health services”. Health tourism in Iran is a growing industry and it is predicted Iran will become one of the significant countries for health travelling in near future.

Dentistry services

One of the most significant reasons that prospers health tourism in Iran is dentistry services. As you know, these services are very expensive in other countries. For example, in European countries you should pay much money for simple services such as filling the teeth or extracting them! However, you can do great dentistry services such as dental implants with reasonable price! In consequence, it is no surprise health tourism in Iran works greatly in this part.

Cosmetic surgery services

Beauty procedures are popular all over the world! Many people prefer to do these kinds of surgeries to make themselves closer to Hollywood models or become more beautiful! But, cosmetics surgeries are very expensive in most countries. For example, the cost of gastric sleeve surgery in England is between 7000 to 15000 pounds that could not be affordable for all people! Health tourism in Iran excels in this field and the most expensive surgeries in the world still have reasonable prices in Iran.

 Special surgeries

Health tourism in Iran acts remarkably in special surgeries. For example, Iran ranks first to third in some surgeries such as liver transplant. Eye diseases, all types of cancers and many other diseases are well treated in Iran. Therefore, people who are looking for a country with high level of medical science and reasonable prices should travel to Iran.

Fertility services

Iran is a great country that has reached high rank of fertility services and now many tourists from Arab countries choose Iran for curing there Infertility problems. These services are offered with reasonable prices and high level of quality, and can contribute to people to reach their health goals.

Providing basis for the growth of health tourism Iran

The Director General of the Accreditation Office of Medical Affairs of the Ministry of Health considered Iran as one of the best countries in medical technologies. Currently, about one million health tourists enter the country, which shows a considerable potential for attracting more tourists.

Health tourism in Iran is entering the specific channels. Currently, 166 public and private hospitals, 27 surgery centers and 5 infertility centers have health tourism accreditation. Health tourism in Iran is planning for offices in target countries that should be announced in near future.

What is a medical visa?

A medical visa is a special type of visa that people who are suffering from a certain disease, the cost of treatment is very high in their country, or their country is not equipped for treating diseases could apply for that visa.

Introducing services for Health tourism in Iran

Health tourism in Iran includes the following services:

• Preparing round trip tickets
• Provision of accommodation for patients
• Preparation of tourist tours (if they demand)
• Facilitating communication between the doctor and the patient before the arriving to Iran
• Provision of an accompanying translator

IPD hospitals in Iran for health tourism in Iran

All hospitals, mentioning in the following, provide services for health tourism in Iran:

• Noor Hospital (Shahidbeheshti)
• Jam Hospital (Iran)
• Mustafa Khomeini Hospital (Iran)
• Ibn Sina Hospital (Iran)
• Bahman Hospital (Iran)
• Siddiqa Zahra Hospital (Tehran)
• Moheb Mehr Hospital (Iran)
• Pastoreno Hospital (Iran)
• Farabi Hospital (Tehran)
• Kasri Hospital (Iran)
• Khatam Al Anbia Hospital (Shahidbeheshti)
• Tehran Hospital (Iran)
• Atieh Hospital (Iran)
• Pars Hospital (Iran)
• Payambaran Hospital (Iran)
• Shariati Hospital (Tehran)
• Tehran Heart Center (Tehran)
• Yas Hospital (Tehran)
• Roin Tan Arash Hospital (Tehran)
• Erfan Hospital (Iran)
• Trita Hospital (Iran)
• Nikan Hospital (Shahidbeheshti)
• Mehr Hospital (Iran)
• Hazrat Fatima (S) Hospital (Iran)
• Aria Hospital (Gilan)
• Ghaem Hospital (Gilan)
• Velayat Hospital (Gilan)
• Mousavi Hospital (Golestan)
• Beski Hospital (Golestan)
• Maryam Hospital (Karaj)
• Noor Hospital (Karaj)
• Takht Jamshid Hospital (Karaj)
• Heshmatieh Hospital (Sabzevar)
• Razavi Hospital (Mashhad)
• Mehr Hospital (Mashhad)
• Aria Hospital (Mashhad)
• North Hospital (Mazandaran)
• Shaheswar Hospital (Mazandaran)
• Bo Ali Hospital (Hamadan)
• Farshchian Hospital (Hamadan)
• Besat Hospital (Hamadan)
• Khodadoost Hospital (Shiraz)
• Ardibehesht Hospital (Shiraz)
• Bo Ali Sina Hospital (Shiraz)
• Dana Hospital (Shiraz)
• Central Hospital (Shiraz)
• Kowsar Hospital (Shiraz)
• Yas Sepid Hospital (Tehran)
• Sinai Hospital (Mashhad)
• Pastoreno Hospital (Mashhad)
• Javadalimah Hospital (Mashhad)
• Bint Al Hadi Hospital (Mashhad)
• Akbar Hospital (Mashhad)
• Musa Bin Jafar Hospital (Mashhad)
• Mother Hospital (Mashhad)
• Imam Reza (AS) Hospital (Mashhad)
• Imam Ali (AS) Hospital (Kermanshah)
• Imam Khomeini Hospital (Kermanshah)
• Imam Reza Hospital (Kermanshah)
• Shafa Hospital (Lorestan)
• Yasrebi Hospital (Kashan)
• Mehrgan Hospital (Kerman)
• Aria Hospital (Ahvaz)
• Apadana Hospital (Ahvaz)
• Taleghani Hospital (Tabriz)
• Shohada Hospital (Tabriz)
• Shams Hospital (Tabriz)
• Nekuei Hedayati Forqani Hospital (Qom)
• Shahid Beheshti Hospital (Qom)
• Hashemi Rafsanjani Hospital (Bojnoord)
• Bint Al Hadi Hospital (Bojnoord)
• Wali Asr Hospital (AJ) (Birjand)
• Razi Hospital (Birjand)
• Shafa Hospital (Urmia)
• Azarbaijan Hospital (Urmia)
• Askarieh Hospital (Isfahan)
• Motahari Hospital (Isfahan)
• Aftab Surgery Center (Urmia)
• Academic Jihad Infertility Treatment Center (Qom)
• Javad’ol’aemme Ophthalmologic Hospital (Qom)
• Shafa Surgery Center (Hamadan)
• Ofogh Surgery Center (Hamadan)
• Helal Surgery Center (Tehran)
• Royan infertility treatment center (Tehran)
• Hazrat Maryam Infertility Treatment Center (Sari)
• Goharsa Surgery Center (Mashhad)
• Hazrat Masoumeh Surgery Center (Mashhad)
• Basir Surgery Center (Tehran)
• New Infertility Treatment Center (Mashhad)
• Bina Gostar Surgery Center (Shiraz)

Health tourism in Iran  by Amu Nowruz Travel Agency

Thus far, we tried to provide enough information about Health tourism in Iran. As you know, Health tourism is very advanced and you can use different facilities with reasonable price. Amu Nowruz Agency offers all services in health tourism in Iran. For more information, you can contact us!

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Types of entry visa to Iran

In general, the entry visa to Iran are categorized according to the following:

• Tourist visa
• Transit visa
• Student visa
• Electronic visa
• Business visa

What is an electronic visa or E-VISA?

An electronic visa does not need fingerprints or going to the embassy. These visas are basically specific to Asian ones. For receiving Electronic Visa (as the entry visa to Iran), you can easily apply through the site. It should be noted that some regulations must be taken into consideration such as a valid passport and the expiration date of the passport must be more than 9 months.

Which countries are under E-visa regulation?

Some countries that are under the regulation of electronic visas are as the following:

• Georgia
• Dubai
• Iraq
• china
• Bulgaria
• Russia
• Georgia
• Bahrain
• Azerbaijan

Tourist Visa

If your destination country requires a labeled tourist visa, you must take some steps such as making an appointment at the embassy, performing biometric and fingerprinting services. But if your destination country requires electronic visas or E-VISA, you can easily get it from tourism companies licensed under clause b. For example, you can travel to Dubai through an electronic visa, which usually costs less than 100 dollars.

Student Visa

Student visa can be mentioned as one of the visas that you must have special conditions. For example, if your student visa is a scholarship type, it basically has its own steps. All student visas require fingerprinting, and even some embassies conduct interviews. Student visa are categorized into short term and long term which short term ones are usually up to 90 days, and long term visas are more one year. There is no E-visa for this purpose!

Business Visa

Business visas are visas that given to people in purpose of working and residing in one country for specific time. A person who is demanding for a Business visa must provide all specifications and the invitation from the desired country. It is better to know that Business visa is a labeled type. You must go to the embassy of the destination country for fingerprinting. It should be noted that usually this visa requires language documents.

How to get E-visa from a visa site

For acquiring E-visa and the entry visa to Iran, (if you want to do in person), you should take these steps:

• First, you should go through evisa.mafa.ir
• You must select the option of individual visa application
• After choosing the individual visa application option, you will fill out all boxes.
• Then, you should upload your documents on the mentioned page and register a visa application.

It is necessary to prepare all information needed to be filled out. This information includes the type of visa, nationality, type of password and the place of obtaining the visa. Then enter the security code and press the register and all is done. As you can observe, it is easy to take e-visa through website. However, some people demand airline agencies do it for them! May be, they prefer to focus on other things before receiving the entry visa to Iran. All reputable airline agencies do it for you.

How to get E-visa through airline agencies

As it was mentioned above, it is possible for all reputable airline agencies to receive visas through the website! They should enter to evisa.mafa.ir, and choose organization and agencies in the website.

Who are eligible to issue an electronic visa?

According to the information entered in the electronic visa system, there are no conditions for issuing an electronic visa to all people. Four groups could register their visa application, which are as follows:

• People who have the citizenship of one of the foreign governments and intend to travel to Iran (they want to receive the entry visa to Iran)
• Private and public companies
• Accredited travelling agencies that have the necessary licenses.
• Government organizations and institutions

The entry visa to Iran by Amu Nowruz Agency

Thus far, we tried to provide enough information about the entry visa to Iran. As you know, there are various types of visas that you could acquire according to your situation. E- Visa does not need fingerprints or going to the embassy. These visas are basically specific to Asian ones. If you have the conditions, you can receive the E-visa, and Amu Nowruz Agency, as a reputable agency, is prepared to do all these processes for you. For more information, you could contact with us!

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Women in Iran have long been active in social and political activities with equal social and civil rights as men. For example, more than half of the university students refer to the girls and women who consequently achieve a significant percent of occupations in the country.

Following the Islamic Revolution of 1979 and the mandatory law of Hijab, a new form of attire was considered for women including Manto (a long sleeve dress) and headwear. However, some women also prefer Chador that is a black fabric covering the whole body like a cloak.

In the aftermath of the increase in women’s social presence in Iran, their tendency to marry at as young ages as before decreased, and more importantly, women’s view of marriage altered to some extent. For example, modern generations no longer follow traditional forms of marriage.

Unlike the past type of traditional marriage, many girls and boys meet each other first independently of their families. This is more so in megacities of Iran though the traditional type of marriage is still in use in many families, where girls marry to whom her family and particularly her parents give consent.

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Gonbade Mina Planetarium in Nowruz park, Tehran, Iran

Although the inception of modernity took place first in Europe in the 19th century, its aftermath affected the whole world including Iran. In this period, the Qajar kings were ruling over Iran, who encouraged modernity in the country. One of the important contacts between Iran and Western countries dates back to its war with Russia, where Iran was defeated.

By the time, Abbas Mirza who was Fath Ali Shah’s (2nd Qajar King reigning from 1797-1834) Son and the Crown Prince led the army in the war. The defeat against Russia made Abbas Mirza considers the advancement of the Western modern world, encouraging him to dispatch merchants and students to the West in order to learn science. The return of these students and merchants to Iran marks the beginning of modernity in the country.

However, when Amir Kabir became the Prime Minister of Naser Al-Din Shah (4th Qajar King reigning from 1848-1896), modernity moved into a new phase as he was in fact the initiator of organized reformations, introducing him as the founder of modernity in Iran.

Particularly, he founded Dar ul-Funun, a college for teaching modern sciences, sent students to Europe to learn new sciences, and ordered the publication of Vagay-e Etefagheye newspaper to increase public awareness.

Metro Station, Tehran, Iran

Following the travel of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar to Europe, and his acquaintance with the European culture and lifestyle, the reforms were kept continued. He sent a group of students to Europe to learn lawmaking and on how to establish different ministries. In this regard, the House of Law and Legislation Studies was created that aimed to study and justify the need for written and codified rules. The intellectuals who had gone to Europe came back while they were influenced highly by Western culture.

The presence of Europeans in Iran intensified the locals’ direct contact with this culture and modernity. Such initiatives and situations could be regarded as a start point of a great evolution in Iran.

Tabiat Steel Bridge connects two public parks by spanning the Modarres highway in northern Tehran – Iran

Development of cities, streets, vehicle imports, and most importantly the Constitutional Revolution of Iran during 1905-1911 are the results of Europe’s effects. After the Constitutional Revolution, parliament and law-making were established, leading to a decrease in the power of the monarchy. Pahlavi Kings (1925-1979) also made many more reforms and improvements, out of which include the construction of universities, railways, and roads.

The reforms led to the development of the economic and civil lives of the citizens but at the same time, religious beliefs and values were challenged and downplayed. The Iranian, on the whole, with their Islamic beliefs did not accept the Constitutional Revolution or modernity on its Western style.

This made a kind of Islamic modernity in the country such that local cultural and religious Islamic Shiite values were mixed with Western modernity and in fact, a localization of Western lifestyle occurred. When Islam became an inseparable part of this new school of thought, the Iranian on the one hand, and the authorities, on the other hand, accepted it.

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Like all other people around the world, people in Iran try to make the best use of their leisure, especially on holidays. The form of pastime highly depends on different factors such as social class, budget, and interests. Following the development of megacities and technologies, traditional recreations focusing on the physical group activities are replaced with e-games. The majority of people choose gardens and plains in the suburbs for the excursion; this activity has long had a special place among Iranians.

Traveling, both domestically and internationally, is also popular in the country. In addition, cultural leisure centers including cinema, theater, concert, and museum are especially of interest to the younger generations. Book cafés provide an interesting place for those like both books and café.

Sport is another common hobby the Iranian do at their leisure. Team and individual sports in different fields are followed in either professional or amateur levels. The ever-increasing desire for fitness and health has inclined many young Iranians to go to fitness clubs and gyms as well. Watching sports matches in the stadium is also popular among sports lovers.

A variety of restaurants, both modern and traditional types attract clients, especially during the weekends. Walking and purchase in Malls, shopping centers, and bazaars should also be added to the list of Iranians’ recreations as well.

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Iran before and after the advent of Islam was ruled by monarchy systems. All political, social, and economic subjects were under the supervision of a king and the masses thought the king has divine power. After the rise of Islam in 651 C.A., although some administrative structures altered and religious tenets prevailed in the country, people still followed kings and had no role in governmental decisions.

During the Qajar Dynasty (1796-1925), a group of scholars was sent to Europe for education. Under the influence of the European system of thought, they tried to raise the Iranian masses’ awareness of international issues. After the death of Naser al-Din Shah (reign: 1848-1896) as well as the efforts made by these scholars, the people’s perception of the king’s divine power was deteriorated. Some clergies specifically and people generally demanded participation in the country’s political affairs.

In 1911, a great revolution entitled “The Constitutional Revolution” took place in Iran, leading to a decrease in the power of the monarchy system and in contrast, the establishment of a parliament. However, the Constitutional Revolution was not deemed fully successful since religion and politics were kept separate from each other, while deep religious beliefs and tenets were prevailing in the country. In the end, the Islamic Revolution happened in 1978 and the new constitution based on Islamic law was proclaimed.

The Supreme Leader of Iran is the head of the state and he is the highest-ranking political and religious authority in the Islamic Republic of Iran, followed by the President. The armed forces, the judicial system, television and radio, the Expediency Discernment Council, and other key governmental organizations are under the control of the Supreme Leader. With regard to presidential elections, the Guardian Council first assesses the primary respective candidates and those who are approved can start their presidential campaigns as official candidates.

The president will be selected finally with the vote of people for a four-year period. President can be reappointed for the second round of four years if he is selected again by people. The state ministers are nominated directly by the president but their final appointment must be approved by the parliament. President is also in charge of the National Security Council and the enforcement of the constitution.

The legislative system of Iran consists of two complementary components including a unicameral parliamentary chamber called the Islamic Consultative Assembly and the Council of Guardian. All the bills passed by the parliament have to be passed also by this council if they are to be considered enacted laws. Its members are elected every four years by a direct vote of people. The judicial system is in charge of supporting individual and social rights, observing appropriate enforcement of laws, passing judgment on grievances, punishing criminals, bringing justice and legitimate freedoms.

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Tehran University, Tehran, Iran

Since the ancient time, learning different sciences was important for Iranians, although at times not everybody enjoyed the right of education. Education in Iran before the advent of Islam in 651 C.A. was mainly exclusive for monarchs, courtiers, and wealthy families. However, after the rise of Islam, it became gradually more popular and early educational centers known as Maktab and Akaber were established.

In the course of the Islamic period, when there was peace in Iran, as it was the case during Shah Abbas of Safavid Era (1501-1736), schools were more prosperous and separate educational centers in different fields such as Jurisprudence and Theology were established. During the Qajar Era (1796-1925), Amir Kabir became the prime minister of Naser Al-Din Shah and founded Dar ul-Funun School in 1851 as the first modern university in the country, followed by other schools like Sepah Salar School.

Following the popularity of modernity, the Constitutional Revolution during 1905-1911, and people’s increasing participation in social and political movements, education became a necessary part of the young generation’s life. Notably, girls and women who were so far deprived of the literacy right found an opportunity to experience education equality like men.

During the Pahlavi Era (1925-1979) and following the mandatory education law, more schools and vocational centers were founded gradually in most cities and villages. After the Islamic Revolution in 1979 and in the aftermath of the establishment of Education Ministry, the emphasis on the improvement of literacy was kept both for young generations and for those adults and old generations who had already been illiterate.

Schools in Iran encompass two separate periods of Elementary and High School, each of which takes six years. After receiving the High School Diploma, students take the University Entrance Exam if they are going to enter the public universities. Although most of the Iranian students aim to have a minimum of bachelor’s degree, many also prefer to enter the labor market and learn through experience, focusing more on practical knowledge.

In the past, occupations were mostly hereditary such that sons followed in their father’s footsteps taking control of a family business. However, today, young generations pursue their own interests and jobs though, at the same time, unemployment is a problem and a matter of their complaint. Modernity has made some fields of works obsolete or even forgotten, and in contrast, it has created some new jobs.

Because of job security, the Iranian would rather be employed by different governmental or semi-governmental organizations, rather than being an entrepreneur and self-employed. Nevertheless, there are also entrepreneurs in industrial sectors, who take the risk and create jobs in a country against which the toughest economic sanctions of the world are imposed.

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Iran with an area of ​​1,648,195 ^km2 is situated in the southwest of Asia and in the Middle East. Its neighboring countries include Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkmenistan in the north, Afghanistan, and Pakistan in the east and Turkey and Iraq in the west. The Caspian Sea from the north, and the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea from the south surround the country, providing rich fossil fuels and marine resources. Furthermore, the Persian Gulf region comprises one of the major oil and natural gas resources in the world.

Iran is divided into four levels in terms of country divisions: Province (Ostan), County (Shahrestan), District (Bakhsh), and Rural District (Dehestan). There are 31 provinces (as the largest national division) in Iran, each under the political administration by a governor. Also, Iran has 429 counties, each of which including several sectors (district) is run under the supervision of the governorate.

The third level refers to the district that deals with the affairs of the sectors; there are 1057 districts in the country. The rural district is the smallest sector of a county, which is made up of several close villages. There are a total number of 2,589 rural districts in the country. It should be noted that in different divisions of Iran, “city” or “village” are not mentioned as they have been considered a part of the province and rural district, respectively.

Some cities with a large area are run by the municipality. Iran currently has 1245 cities but the development of metropolitan cities has been causing the creation of new nearby cities.

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