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Art and Architecture

Art and architecture are a testimony to the Persians’ love for delicacy, precision, clarity of form and harmony of colours. Among the wonders worthy of mention is Persepolis 516 B.C. (UNESCO world heritage site) and the mosques of Isfahan (in ancient times called Sepahan).

 

There is an old Persian saying that reads: "if you want to see the world, all you need to do is visit Venice and Isfahan (the other half of the world)". This city was one of the most active capital cities of ancient times.

Isfahan alone deserves a visit: with its 120 Mosques and bazaars 8.5 km long, 13 churches and royal palaces, each of which is famous for its architecture and unique characteristics; for its parks and gardens that evoke paradise (from pardis, a word of Persian origin) and of course, its carpets with their millennia of history.

 

A week’s stay would not be sufficient to visit all its wonders that have all been recognised as UNESCO world heritage sites.

 

It’s important to note that Islamic art is not an Arabic art that originates with Islam but is the result of solutions and experiences perfected through the ages, the most influential of which is the Sassanid period, a pre-Islamic Persian Empire. (224-651 A.D.).

 

When one thinks of Iran one thinks of a society that, though remaining anchored to its ethics and identity, has shown great tolerance towards other monotheistic cultures and religions.

 

The population is mainly of Arian race and speaks Farsi, an Indo-European language. Iranians are famous all over the world for their hospitality, their heterogeneous nature (with its varied landscapes), creators of oriental art and architecture.

A multifaceted universe not only for its landscapes and two hundred and fifty open archaeological sites but also for the hospitality and friendliness of its people that exemplify the strength of this country.

 

A country to be discovered: every Western man’s dream of “One thousand and one nights”.

 

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