Iran is a country of breathtaking contrasts and deep history. You might know it for its ancient ruins like Persepolis, but modern life there is full of surprises. It is the only place on Earth where you can find Asiatic cheetahs in the wild. Furthermore, the locals invented air conditioning centuries ago. From the snowy peaks of Dizin to the heat of the desert, the landscape changes constantly. Let’s explore the land of Persia.
Iran
Iran holds the title of the nose job capital of the world. Surprisingly, both people wear their surgical bandages openly as a status symbol. Thus, the bandage shows they have the money to afford the cosmetic procedure.
Locals practice a complex etiquette system called Taarof. Consequently, a taxi driver might refuse your money at first. However, you must insist on paying because the initial refusal is just a polite act.
You should never give a thumbs-up gesture in Iran. In fact, locals consider this sign extremely offensive and rude. It carries the same insulting meaning as showing the middle finger in Western countries.
The rare Asiatic cheetah now lives only in the wild deserts of Iran. Sadly, this majestic cat has gone extinct everywhere else on the Asian continent. Conservationists work hard to protect the few dozen that remain in the wild.
Iran produces over 90% of the world’s saffron supply. Farmers carefully hand-pick the delicate red threads from crocus flowers. Therefore, this “red gold” remains the most expensive spice by weight across the globe.
Ancient architects invented natural air conditioning called windcatchers. These tall towers catch the slightest breeze and funnel it down into the house. Thus, people stayed cool in the desert heat long before electricity existed.
The sport of Polo actually originated in ancient Persia thousands of years ago. Originally, soldiers played it as a training exercise for the king’s elite cavalry. Later, it became a game for nobility across the entire world.
Weavers often make intentional mistakes in valuable Persian rugs. They believe that only God can create perfection. Consequently, they add a small flaw to the pattern to show humility and avoid bad luck.
The weekend officially falls on Thursday and Friday in Iran. Therefore, the work week starts on Saturday and ends on Wednesday afternoon. This unique schedule can confuse travelers who try to do business on a Sunday.
Iranians respect poets much more than modern pop stars. Almost every home contains a copy of poems by the famous writer Hafez. Furthermore, people visit his tomb in Shiraz to pay respects and read verses.
You can ski on massive mountains just outside the capital city. Surprisingly, the Dizin ski resort sits higher than many famous resorts in the European Alps. Thus, the snow is powdery and perfect for winter sports lovers.
The Central Bank of Iran houses the largest jewelry collection on Earth. The treasury contains the massive Darya-ye Noor pink diamond. In fact, the collection is so valuable that it backs the national currency.
Engineers built underground water channels called Qanats thousands of years ago. These tunnels bring water from mountains to dry plains without evaporation. Remarkably, this ancient system still irrigates farms across the country today.
Women often wear heavy makeup because of the mandatory dress code. Since they must cover their hair, the face becomes the main focus. Therefore, the cosmetic industry booms in major cities like Tehran.
People drink tea constantly throughout the day in Iran. Uniquely, they often hold a sugar cube between their teeth while they sip. This traditional method sweetens the tea as it passes through the sugar.
