paolo patricians

Iran is a country rich in its cultural heritage

Iran is a country rich in its cultural heritage, splendid landscapes, ancient traditions and new customs. Democracy and theocracy reign in tandem. Everything should be given a second glance during the journey to discover the most surprising and fascinating land I have ever visited. The Iran we see in the media is not Iran. Western media have made theirs culture threatening, without ever showing the human and kind side, hospitality and spontaneity.
I found people sincere, curious and kindhearted. They still observe small courtesies and social subtleties that refer to a bygone era.

The list of cities to visit includes Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd, Shiraz e Tabriz along with less visited places in the Persian Gulf, the border between Iran and Iraq where some of the battles between the two countries took place and where the Iranians go on pilgrimage to commemorate and pay their respect to the martyrs who fell in the war.

There is so much to see at Tehran: museums that they guard ancient treasures, galleries with cutting-edge art, royal palaces from bygone eras, the parks and cafes around Tajrish Square, the beating heart of the city at night.

The Persians have a saying about the city of Isfahan - “Esfahan nesf-e-jahan” - which translates to “Isfahan is half the world”. The city experienced its most prosperous period as the capital of the empire Safavid in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The heart of Isfahan and the Naqshejahan square, which is said to be the second largest public square in the world. The royal polo matches were held here and are commemorated in miniatures painted on camel bone, one of the most popular souvenirs displayed in the arches of the bazar of Qesariye that flank the square.

The city of Yazd, immersed in a desert landscape, it was an important center for pilgrimage Zoroastrian and it is still the seat of a considerable population Zoroastrian. It is also known as the city of Wind Towers, which dot the skyline. These rectangular chimney-shaped structures were built to provide natural ventilation in homes. The part of the old city of Yazd it is very unusual - it is almost entirely built in some kind of clay and its arched alleys wind in various directions. Most homes have domed skylights designed to let in natural light while also protecting from the heat during the summer.

Shiraz gave birth to two of Iran's most beloved poets, Hafez e Sa'adi. The verses of Hafez are familiar to everyone. They are carved on monuments up and down the country, have been sung several times and are often cited in the course of daily conversation.
Beyond 600 years after his death, many flock to his memorial every day, with families happily preparing to caress his alabaster tomb to attract fortune.

Tabriz it is the second oldest city in Iran and the fifth largest, but the city feels more like a big country. Not only is the center walkable, but the people are also extremely friendly, which is not particularly common in big cities.
Tabriz it's a great introduction to Iran. It was the center of the world for the trade of carpets for hundreds, maybe thousands of years. His bazaar, on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest in the world, an endless maze full of busy people and friendly shopkeepers. You can easily wander around for a whole day without shopping, observing the daily life of the bazaar is by itself
an attraction.

I went to Iran for the same reasons I travel everywhere: to get out of my culture and learn, to take distant places to people who still have to go there. For me, traveling means understanding people and their lives wherever I go.

Know the Iranian culture it is an eye opening experience. We hope that even the most skeptical will appreciate the humanity of 70 million people. Political leaders sometimes make us forget that all of us on this little planet are equally precious children of God. If this all sounds too idealistic, try going to Iran and meeting these people face to face.

Paolo Patrizi

www.paolopatrizi.com

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