Golestan Palace complex Tehran, Iran

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Iran

Welcome to what could be the friendliest country on earth. Iran is the jewel in Islam's crown, combining glorious architecture with a warm-hearted welcome.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Golestan Palace complex Tehran, Iran

    Golestan Palace

    Tehran

    The glories and excesses of the Qajar rulers are played out across this complex of grand buildings decorated with beautifully painted tiles and set around…

  • Imam Mosque at Naqhsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, Iran. Imam mosque is known as Shah Mosque. Its construction finished in 1629.; Shutterstock ID 92388088; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Keith; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Middle East Online Highlights Update ancient, arch, architecture, art, building, culture, dark, decoration, design, dome, east, esfahan, heritage, historic, holy, imam, inner, inside, interior, iran, iranian, isfahan, islam, islamic, jahan, light, masjid, mosque, muslim, naqsh-e, old, ornament, pattern, persia, persian, pray, religion, sacred, shah, shine, sight, site, square, structure, sunlight, sunny, tile, traditional, vintage, wall

    Masjed-e Shah

    Esfahan

    This elegant mosque, with its iconic blue-tiled mosaics and its perfect proportions, forms a visually stunning monument at the head of Esfahan's main…

  • Facade of Imam Mosque, aka Masjed-e Jadid-e Abbasi, or Shah Mosque, on Naqsh-e Jahan (Imam) Square, Esfahan - Iran. April 21, 2017.

    Masjed-e Jameh

    Esfahan

    The Jameh complex is a veritable museum of Islamic architecture while still functioning as a busy place of worship. Showcasing the best that nine…

  • 622798102 Ancient; Architecture; Indian Culture; Iran; Iranian Culture; Isfahan; Islam; Tourism; Town Square; Built Structure; Lotfollah; Minaret; Mosaic; Mosque; Naqsh-e Jahan; Travel; Travel Destinations; Tree; UNESCO World Heritage Site; City; Famous Place; fontain; Old; Pond; Religion; Cultures; East Asian Culture; Emam Mosque; History; Horizontal; People; Photography; Shah; Springtime; Naqsh-e Jahan Square (Imam square), Isfahan, Iran

    Naqsh-e Jahan (Imam) Square

    Esfahan

    Hemmed on four sides by architectural gems and embracing the formal fountains and gardens at its centre, this wondrous space is a spectacle in its own…

  • Naranjestan garden with Qavam House in Shiraz, Iran; Shutterstock ID 2154407523; purchase_order: 65050; job: ; client: ; other: 2154407523

    Bagh-e Naranjestan

    Shiraz

    Named after the bitter oranges that line the central courtyard, this is Shiraz’s smallest but most lovely garden. Enclosing the delightful Naranjestan-e…

  • Persepolis, Apadana stairway facade, Ancient relief of the Achaemenids, Medes and Persians, Fars Province, Islamic Republic of Iran; Shutterstock ID 2114215667; purchase_order: 65050; job: ; client: ; other: 2114215667

    Apadana Staircase

    Iran

    The stairs, which are guarded by stone soldiers, are decorated by an exceptionally finely crafted frieze in three panels. Each panel is divided into…

  • Choqa Zanbil Ziggurat

    Choqa Zanbil Ziggurat

    Iran

    Choqa Zanbil’s magnificent, Unesco-listed brick ziggurat is the world's best surviving example of Elamite architecture. Even if you’re not a fan of…

  • Isfahan, Iran - May 2019: Grand bazaar of Isfahan, also known as Bazar Bozorg with tourists and local people shopping, historical market; Shutterstock ID 1670251840; purchase_order: 65050; job: ; client: ; other: 1670251840

    Bazar-e Bozorg

    Esfahan

    One of Iran’s most historic and fascinating bazaars, this sprawling covered market links Naqsh-e Jahan (Imam) Sq with the Masjed-e Jameh. At its busiest…

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A female snorkeler swims above a coral reef near Hurghada.

Beaches

Where to find the best scuba diving sites in the Middle East

Apr 17, 2019 • 5 min read

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