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Country Profile: Iran 
Of all the countries we visit, Iran is the most enigmatic. We hear constant saber rattling on the news between the US government and the Iranian government, but in truth, this is one of the most wonderful countries to visit. But really understanding Iran takes effort. Iran seems a mysterious and not easily accessible country. But once you travel there, you will see how wonderful a country Iran is. The culture and rich history combined with a modern and young population, make Iran a very rewarding destination.
With a history that goes back at least a dozen millennia, Iran is truly a
cradle of civilization. In the late 4th and early 3rd millennia BC the Elamite
civilization rose in the lowland Khuzistan, in the southwest of Iran. In the
late 2nd millennium BC the Iranians, migrating southward from central Asian
Steppes, began to settle in the Iranian Plateau. By the mid 9th century BC two
major groups of people rose to be the dominant forces on the plateau: the Medes
and the Persians. In 550 BC the Persians defeated the Medes and the Archaemenid
kings appeared on the scene. Their dynasty was followed by the Parthian and
Sassanian dynasties. In 652 AD Muslim armies defeated the Sassanians and the
vast majority of Iranians converted to Islam. The Saffarids were the first
independent Iranian Muslim rulers after the Arab conquest.
Successive dynasties rose and fell, attempts were made at an
Iranian renaissance, but eventually, by the end of the 19th century, the
country had fallen into decay under the Qajar dynasty. By 1925, the last Qajar
ruler was removed and power went to the Pahlavis. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi took
power in 1941 after his father, Reza Shah Pahlavi, stepped down.
Known as "the Shah" (king), Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
promoted literacy, voting rights for women, and industrialization. In 1963 he
launched a program of land reform and social and economic modernization known
as the "White Revolution." But increasing opposition to the
Westernizing and secularization of the country, coupled with the increasing use
by the Shah of the secret police, called the Savak, to stifle opposition, led
to widespread riots and strikes in 1978. The Ayatollah Khomeini led demonstrations
against the government, which soon collapsed with the departure of the Shah,
and the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran soon followed.
The Iranian population is very diverse. One-half of the
Iranian population is ethnic Persian, and Azerbaijanis constitute the largest
minority group. Other minorities include the Gilaki, Mazandarani, Kurds, Arabs,
Lur, Baluchi, and Turkmen. Nomadic life has always played a role in traditional
Iranian society, and more than 10 percent of the population is nomadic or
semi-nomadic, including the Lur, Bakhtiari, Shahsevan, and Qashqaíi.
Iran
is also a culturally rich country. Traditional arts range from carpet weaving
to pottery to world-renowned poets. Carpets are among the most popular
traditional crafts, and each city has a distinctive style. Calligraphy is
another highly developed and cherished art form.
Iran
it dotted with an array of architectural styles, from distinctive Persian
designs to Arab, and Greek. Each of the ruling dynasties left their mark on the
buildings constructed during their reign. Zoroastrian and other religious
influences, as well as the blending of the various dynastic styles are evident
in the construction and decoration of the ruins that have survived.
Even with the cool political relations between the US and Iran, it is possible to visit Iran and see these wonders for yourself and to meet and talk to Iranian people, who are very welcoming!
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Travel Tip for Iran 
When preparing to visit Iran, remember to think conservatively. Here is a photo of some of the women in our September 08 group and how they dressed to be comfortable while respecting the traditions and requirements for modesty. As you can see there is a variety of options - from a long loose tunic and ankle length skirt to the raincoat-like manteau, or jacket that goes to the knees, worn with pants underneath. The one constant, however, is a scarf to cover your hair. This is the one thing you must adhere to at all times. For men, the standard is long pants (no shorts!) and shirts with sleeves- the longer the better (no tank tops). Everyone should wear comfortable shoes appropriate for walking through archeological sites.
It isn't that difficult to pack for your trip to Iran as long as you keep these guidelines in mind. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about traveling to Iran, please call or email us at the office and we will be happy to answer your questions.
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Iranian Cuisine
Here is an easy, yet tasty Iranian dish. Can be served with basmati rice. Enjoy!
Tas Kabab (baked lamb)
1 lb. lamb chunks or stewing beef 2 tbsp. butter
2 large potatoes 1/3
cup water
2 large onions 1
tsp salt
3 large tomatoes 1
tsp. Bahar*
Cut the meat in 1 inch pieces. Peel and slice the potatoes in 1/8"
thickness. Slice the onions and the
tomatoes. Arrange the meat, potatoes,
onions, and tomatoes in layers in a greased 9" casserole. Season each layer well. Top with butter and add water. Bake covered in 325 F degree over for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 20 minutes more or until
done.
Makes 4 servings
*Bahar is Arabic allspice, and can be found in your local ethnic grocery.
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