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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Iran is the 17th biggest country of the world with 1,648,195 km2 of area. It is located in the North and East Hemispheres, in Middle East. Geographic wise, it is a mountainous country with its mountains divided to four main categories. First, there is the Northern Mountains that include Azerbaijan, Alborz, and Khorasan, the Western Mountains, better known as Zagros, the Central Mountains, and at last the Eastern Mountains.

The northern mountains of Iran start from the border of Iran and Turkey and after passing through Azerbaijan and Caspian Sea Shore reaches Hindukush Mountains in Afghanistan. In the creation of these mountains, the sedimentary, volcanic and magmatic activities were influential. The highest part of the mountain is the Damavand mountain with a summit almost 6-thousand-meter high. The mountain has come to be the symbol of Iranian nationality and strength where according to the myths Arash went and threw a bow to determine the borders of Iran and pulled the bowstring so much that the pressure of it led to his death. The next mountain is Khorasan that is attached to the Hindukush in Afghanistan, and its width reaches 200 km in some parts. The western mountains of Iran or the Zagros Mountain starts from where the Azerbaijan Mountains are located and continues to the southeast near the Mukran mountains. The Eastern Mountains start from Khorasan in north and continue to the south near Baluchistan. The central mountains of Iran are the vast range that start from Kashan and Continues to the Baluchistan central mountains. The mountains of this mountain range are divided to Qahroud and Banan that are attached.

Geographic wise, Iran is a mountainous country with its mountains divided to four main categories. First, there is the Northern Mountains that include Azerbaijan, Alborz, and Khorasan, the Western Mountains, better known as Zagros, the Central Mountains, and at last the Eastern Mountains.

Deserts

Iran is a country of many mountains. As it was explained, the country is surrounded by mountains from all sides and that effects the atmosphere and climate of Iran Greatly, especially in creation of central deserts of Iran. The mountains act as a barrier that does not allow mist to enter the center of Iran creating deserts. This arid area in Iran is divided to the northern desert or Namak and the southern desert or Lout. The Lout desert in the southeast of Iran in about 80 thousand square meter. This desert is Iran’s largest desert with a variety of desert related natural phenomenon. The second biggest desert of Iran is Namak desert with 600 km length and 100 to 300 km width. The many attractions of the desert have turned them into a favorite tourist destination of Iranian and all visiting Iran. Because of this attention, camps were built in some deserts of Iran the most famous of them being Matin Abbad, Maranjab, Mesr, and Shahdad.

Lakes

Caspian Sea, the biggest lake of the world lies in part of the northern border of Iran and its beaches are one of the most popular tourist attractions of Iran.  Iran has many other lakes that are mostly salt lakes, the best example of which is Gahar Lake in Lorestan, Shourmast and Valasht in Mazandaran, Maharlou and Parishan in Fars, Urmia in West Azerbaijan, Zarivar in Kurdestan, Ovan in Qazvin and Hoose Sultan in Qom.

Flora

There are various types of plants in Iran that are categorized based on the area they grow and their climatic condition. According to recent studies, Iranian flora consists of 167 families and 1200 species from 3 groups of Fern, Gymnosperm, and Angiosperms. Geographically the plant life of Iran come from three regions of Euro-Siberia, Irano – Turanian, and Sahara – Sindian. Based on these regions, Iran is divided into four zones: Hyrcanian, Zagros, Irano-Turanian and Persian Gulf Bank.

Hyrcanian region is the lands of southeast of the Caspian Sea that are bounded in their southern border by the Alborz mountain range. The whole area is covered with broadleaved forest and meadow. Surviving the Ice Age has turned the region to an area that benefits from plants that has long vanished from other countries. The most important of these species include chestnut-leaved oak, Parrotia, Bornm, and Locust.  The rarest species of the region is Lilium Ledebouri that only grows in a small, protected area in Roudbar and has been registered on Iran’s List of Natural Heritage.

Zagros is famous for its oak dominated woodlands. The region is cold and covered with snow in winters. The Brant’s Oak or Persian Oak, Narrow-leafed Ash, Montpellier Maple, and hawthorn are the main flora in the region. However, the most beautiful one is a flower called crown imperial which attract lots of visitor each year to the region, the flowers of this plant last only for short period of time.

Based on the height, the region is divided into two zones, plain zone that start from Khorasan Mount and stretch to Zagros, after that reaches Persian Gulf and Oman Sea. The most common plant of this region is sweet wormwood. Next is the mountainous zone that includes southern sides of Alborz, Zagros’s Eastern foothill and mountains of Iran’s central plateau. Sainfoins, Acanthophyllum, Milkvetch, Boiss & Buhse, Flava Ungerina, Berberia Khorasanica and Aucheri Pteropryum are among the plants in the region.

The region located in the southern part of the country and covered with palms, Acacia and Ziziphus. The flora in northern coast of Persian Gulf and Oman Sea are variant. In the region with more annual rainfall, Medicago, Gramineae, Leguminocae grow and in region close to Oman, Nannorhops, Acacia Ehrenbergian, Dtricta Rhzya, Prosopis Cineraria and Stricta grow more but the most famous plant in the region is Zhumeria that is a medical plant and registered as an endangered species due to unstructured harvest.

Fauna

Geographical and climatic conditions of the country  has led to the existence of different types of Insects, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals in Iran.

Insects: approximately, four million insects live here in Iran, and despite the negligence, 25 thousands of them have been identified and documented. Among all different species of insects, Butterflies receive the most attention, as it is witnessed in butterflying tours attracting tourist from different part of Iran and the world.

Fishes: Iranian fishes live in 19 domestic drainage basin and have 16 orders. Common carp with 80 species is the most populated species of Iran fishes.

Amphibians: amphibians of Iran does not possess the same variety the rest of species have. In Iran, six families and 20 species of amphibians is found. Iranian salamander and Gharezi salamander can be considered as the most well-known cases of amphibians. The amphibian order that is more commonly known among the people is the frogs and toads that are divided to 4 families and 13 species. The rarest of them are European common toad and desert toad that are not the endemic species but live in Iran as well.

Reptiles: 5 orders and 21 families of reptiles have been identified in Iran. 10 species of turtles, one species of crocodile, 112 alligators, one species of lizard, and 72 species of snakes which make a total of 206 species of reptiles.

Birds: The biggest number of animals in Iran belongs to the species of birds. There are 514 species of birds in Iran including 19 orders and 64 families. Since three quarter of Iran is arid and semi-arid area, the large number of Iranian birds also live in these areas including, Cream – colored courser, Bustard, Persian ground jay, Sandgrouse, Greater Hoopoe Lark, and Trumpeter Finch.

Mammals: 168 species of Mammals in 10 orders and 37 families make the mammal population of Iran. Rodents make up the largest order of mammals with 37 percent, after that bats with 40 species, carnivore with 29 species, insectivore with 26 species, whales with 10 species, toed with 8 species, rabbits with 3 species, seals, odd-toed, and sea cow each with one species are all mammal of  Iran. Roe deer, black bear, pygmy tree shrew, Caspian seal as well as Asiatic Cheetah are the most famous mammals of Iran.

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The province has a mountainous nature that surrounds parts of the Alborz, Talesh, and Qaflankuh Mountains. In the mountainous parts and lower altitude areas, the province has cold and semi-humid climates, respectively.

The archaeological excavations carried out in the area show that the history of the province dates back to prehistoric times. For example, the findings in Galjik Cave approve a human settlement with a history of 16 to 30 thousand before the birth of Christ. The ancient human-made objects including open-air fire temples belonging to the Parthian (247 B.C.- 224 A.D.) and Sassanid (224-651 A.D.) Empires indicate that the valley of Qizil Üzan and Zanjan-rud Rivers were popular in ancient times.

Following the attack of Hulagu Khan to Ismaili Castles and the collapse of the Abbasid caliphate (750-1258) in Baghdad, Iran including Soltaniyeh (Zanjan province), Maragheh, and Tabriz cities became the center of the Ilkhanate government (1256-1335). However, Zanjan was first destroyed upon the invasion of Mongol but Oljaitu is known as Muhammad Khodabandeh, the most famous king of the Ilkhanate dynasty, built the historical city of Soltaniyeh near Zanjan.

Zanjan province benefits from a diversity of attractions encompassing natural and cultural/historical resources.

The Soltaniyeh Dome, which has been registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is the most salient historical work in the province.

Chalabioghlou Mausoleum, Dashkasan Temple, numerous caves with historic engravings, Katale Khor Cave, Mah-Neshan colorful Mountains, Zanjan’s historical bazaar, bridges, castles, and caravanserais are among the tourist attractions of this province. Also, Zanjan’s handicrafts include handmade steel knives, filigree, traditional shoe, and metalworking, among which the most famous ones are steel knives.

The eatable souvenirs of the province include almond, walnut, and grape. Its native cuisines are Suti Aush (rice pudding), sour Aush, Yaaq Shurba (a kind of soup) Qara Shurba (boiled meat and bread), Irdak (a mixture of flour and milk), and different types of meals made of meat. Finally, Shahab Al-Din Sohrevardi (philosopher) and Hossein Monzavi (contemporary poet) can be considered the province’s prominent figures.

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The mountains of central Alborz including known summits such as Damavand surround the north of Tehran. Because of altitude differences, Tehran has a considerable diversity of climates such that the higher the altitude, the higher the rainfall and the lower the temperature, and vice versa.

Tehran province is one of the oldest areas of Iran’s central plateau with human settlement dating back to the pre-Islamic period, the time of the Median Empire (678-549 B.C.). One of the most important historical cities of the region is Ray city placed near Tehran city in the current Tehran province. At the time, Tehran was in fact a large village located between Ray and the foothills of Alborz Mountain.

By the commencement of the Safavid Dynasty (1501-1736), Tehran came to the attention of the Shiite Safavid rulers because of neighboring Imāmzādeh Hamzah tomb – the ancestor of Safavid kings – and the holy shrine of Abd al-Azim al-Hasani. The Safavid kings would accommodate in Tehran when going to visit the Shrine of their ancestors in Ray. The expansion of traveling to Ray convinced Shah Tahmasp Safavid to build watchtowers and fortification for Tehran.

During the Afsharid Dynasty (1736-1796), the significance of Tehran was boomed, leading   Karim Khan Zand to turn it into the center of his government for four years. It was finally chosen as the capital of Iran by Aqa Mohammad Khan, the first Qajar Dynasty’s (1796-1925) king and was entitled “Dar al-Khelafeh” meaning the capital of a country. Following the expansion of the Qajar government’s power, Tehran developed more and this has been continuing to the present. Of its natural attractions include Ski resorts of Tochal, Shemshak, and Darband Sar.

The Golestan Palace as the mansion of Qajar’s kings remained from Zand (1751-1794) and Qajar Dynasties dating back to 440 years ago and witnessing great historical events, was registered as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Furthermore, there are more than 30 diverse museums with valuable collections in Tehran. For example, the National Museum comprising two sections of Ancient Persia and the Islamic Museum is one of the main museums of the capital. The Museum of National Treasury and the Carpet Museum are other popular museums of the city, while Azadi Tower, Tehran Bazaar, Milad Tower Cultural Complex, and Sa’dabad Museum-Palace are also among the attractions. The main attractions of Ray city also include Abd al-Azim al-Hasani shrine, Tughrul Tower, and Cheshmeh-Ali.

Among the various handicrafts of the province, it can be pointed out to vitreous enamel (Minakari), Jajim (a kind of rug), wood products, and painting on glass and leather. Of the examples of native foods are different kinds of kebab, Dizy (meat stew), Aush (a kind of soup), and Dampokhtak (rice and beans). Zakariyyā al-Rāzī (scientist), Jahān Pahlevān Takhti (wrestler), Fereydoon Moshiri (poet), and Ali Akbar Dehkhoda (linguist) are among the celebrities of Tehran province.

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Darius the Great (reign: 522-486 B.C.) has referred to the Baluchestan region in the Behistun and Persepolis Inscriptions as “Mecca”. According to the mythological history of Iran, Sistan was the birthplace of Rostam, a character in the epic masterpiece of Shahnameh written by Ferdowsi. Rostam was the ruler of Sistan that encompassed Zabulistan, Bast, Ghazni, and Kabulistan regions. The natives called this area “Zarnak”, while after the invasion of the Scythians, the name was replaced by Sakestaneh or Sajestan meaning the Land of Scythians.

Ardeshir Babakan, the founder of the Sassanid Dynasty (224-651 A.D.), conquered the Sakestaneh region, and later in the aftermath of the conquests of Muslims, Yazdegerd III (reign: 632-651) escaped to Sistan after his defeat in Kerman city. Importantly, Sistan became a part of the territory of the Samanid (819-999), Ghaznavid (977-1186), and Seljuk (1037-1194) Dynasties. When the Safavid Dynasty (1501-1736) came to the throne, Shah Ismail I seized Sistan.

After the death of Nader Shah (reign: 1736-1747) during the Afsharid Dynasty (1736-1796), a disagreement between Afghanistan and Iran over Sistan in 1835 led to the intervention of Britain and the establishment of a new border between the two countries.

Baluchestan was attacked several times since the advent of Islam in 651 through the Qajar Dynasty (1796-1925). For example, following the attack of Seljuk to Kerman, the Baluch people apparently migrated from Kerman to Makran district. In the Qajar period during which Baluchestan was totally inside the borders of Iran, this area came out of the authority of Khanate of Kalat (Baluchestan province in current Pakistan). In 1835, the Kalat border with Baluchestan of Iran was determined and a part of Baluchestan attached to Pakistan.

Of the historical attractions of the province include the remains of the early civilizations in Dahan-e Gholaman, Mount Khajeh, and other ancient hills distributed in the area. Furthermore, the natural attractions of the region include wetlands, deserts, Martian mountains, Taftan Summit (the only semi-active volcano in Iran), mud bubbles, Oman Sea coasts, rivers, and protected areas of Bahu Kalat as the habitat of the short muzzle crocodile (Gando). Chabahar Free Trade Zone, Hara jungles, pink lake, and Machi windmill are among other attractions of this province.

Meanwhile, the Lut Desert and Shahr-e Sukhteh (burnt city) have been registered on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The province’s handicrafts include different kinds of traditional jewels, musical instruments, Lenj (a form of a traditional boat), saddlebags, mat weaving, embroidery, coin, and mirror sewing, Balochi needlecraft, wall hangings, pottery (Village of Kalporagan), and curtain.

The most common souvenirs in the province are different kinds of tropical fruits like date, mango, bananas, papaya, olive, Indian white shrimp, lobster, and various fish. Local cuisine also includes Tanoorcheh kebab, yellow curd, Pekore, Shilanj, Kahli, Halkary bread, Qalifi, Zaboli curd, and Baluchi stews.

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Most of its residents are of Fars race speaking Farsi language with a Daylami dialect that is also called Semnani. Although in the higher mountainous regions the weather is cold, in the lower altitude regions the temperature increases such that the hottest and driest section of the province refers to the Kavir desert.

Damghan is an ancient city of the province situated near the desert, where one of the oldest and earliest settlements in the Iranian plateau was established. For example, the mound of Hesar is one of the historical treasures of the country embracing archaeological founding from the Median (678-549 B.C.), Achaemenid (550-330 B.C.), Parthians (247 B.C.-224 A.D.), and Seleucid (312-63 B.C.) Empires. The Hecatompylos city (City of Hundred Gates) was one of the first capitals of the Parthian government, which its ruins were found around the present Damghan city.

There are plenty of tourist attractions in Semnan e.g., cobblestones of Shah Abbasi, serval caravanserais in the ancient Silk Road, national parks, waterfalls, caves, Bastam historical complex, the Arg (Gate) of Semnan, Soltani Mosque, Jam-e Mosque, Semnan market, Pahneh Bath Museum, Damghan Hesar Mound, Tarikhaneh Mosque, Pir Alamdar, Cheshmeh Ali, Zangule Dome, Bahar Palace, Qasr-e Bahram Caravanserai, and Abr (cloud) Jungle, and tombs of great mystics (such as Bayazid Bastami and Abu al-Hassan al-Kharaqani). Besides, a pleasant weather condition in summer is another factor attracting tourists.

The handicrafts of the province include different forms of printing on fabric, kilim, mosaic, wooden objects, and embroidered shoes. In addition to the handicrafts, the city presents a lot of eatable souvenirs including pistachio, traditional bread, melon, grape, pomegranate, sweets, walnut, and figs.

The most prevailing cuisine of the province is meat stew, vegetable rice, Tahchin (Persian baked rice cake) of raisin and yellow-split-peas, carrot and pistachio stew, and Kachi (a kind of sweet paste made of wheat powder and oil). The celebrities of this province include Manuchehri Damghani (poet) and two mystics i.e., Bayazid Bastami and Abu al-Hassan al-Kharaqani.

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Various ethnic groups with their own language including Persians, Turks, and Arabs reside in Qom. The northern slopes of the Zagros Mountains including Mount Palang Abi as the highest point cover the southern part of the province. In terms of climate, because of various altitudes, the temperature varies in different areas of the province.

The oldest historical evidence found in Qarah Tappeh in the Qom Roud area, Qom province belongs to the past sixth to the fourth millennium. Also, during and after the Achaemenid Empire (550-330 B.C.), the name of Qom has been documented several times. Particularly after the advent of Islam in 651 A.D., due to the presence of the holy shrine of Fatima Masumeh, the importance of the city was intensified. However, its historic incidents and events mostly have happened in the surrounding areas including Ray and Kashan rather than the city of Qom.

After the Mongol invasion in 1206, a feudal system was run in most parts of Iran but following the formation of the Shiite Safavid government (1501-1736), the land of Qom found a special position. For example, many monuments inside and around Qom were built. During the Constitutional Revolution, a large group of scholars and clerics from Tehran migrated to Qom in order to protest against the Muzafar al-Din Shah’s (reign: 1896-1907) hesitation in signing the Constitutional Law but finally, they returned to Tehran when the decree was signed.

The Holy Shrine of Fatima Masumeh is the second most important religious shrine in Iran, making Qom the main pilgrimage center following Mashhad city because of the shrine of Imam Reza. This, along with other religious places such as tombs, shrines, caravanserais, and mosques, especially Jamkaran Mosque, has turned the city mainly into a religious destination for domestic ad inbound pilgrims.

The primary local handicrafts of Qom include silk carpets, wood carving, tiles, ceramics, Mohr (a clay-made object on which Shiite Muslims prostrate when praying), prayer mat, and Aba (cloak), precious stones, and stone carving.

Undoubtedly, one of the most famous souvenirs and exports of Qom is Sohan (a kind of sweet), while other local souvenirs are walnuts, dried apricots, hazelnuts, pomegranates, and figs. Also, of the native foods, we mention Kalle Joosh (a special type of soup), Qunabid (meat stew), Aush (a kind of stew with different beans), Halim, traditional bread, sesame extract, sesame Halva.

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