15 Shocking facts about Iran that foreigners don’t believe until they visit.

Beyond the Stereotypes: Discover the Real Iran

Iran is a country that challenges many travelers’ perceptions! Western films and media often perpetuate inaccurate and distorted representations of Iran, leaving many with a limited understanding of this fascinating country. However, once you visit Iran, you’ll realize that reality is entirely different. By exploring its vibrant cities, ancient monuments, and diverse landscapes, you’ll uncover a rich cultural heritage that is far removed from the negative portrayals often seen in Western media. From the bustling streets of Tehran to the tranquil deserts of Kerman, every encounter with Iranians will dispel myths and misconceptions, revealing a warm and welcoming nation eager to share its story with the world.

In this article, we’ll explore 15 surprising facts about Iran that most foreigners don’t believe until they experience them firsthand. Whether you’re curious about Iranian hospitality, modern cities, or the country’s incredible climate diversity, these insights will reshape your understanding of this extraordinary destination.

1- Did you know that Iran is the oldest civilization in the world ?

Iran, historically known as Persia, has a rich and ancient history since 3200 BC. After Iran, Egypt (3100 BC) And Vietnam (2879 BC) As the oldest civilization. Iran was one of the largest empires of the ancient world, well-known for its architectural wonders, cultural achievements, and advanced organizational systems. Many historical sites, such as Persepolis and Pasargad, have been registered on the UNESCO World Heritage list, showcasing the greatness of ancient Iranian culture. Iran has been a center of art, science, and philosophy, producing significant figures such as the poet Rumi and the philosopher Avicenna. Iran plays an important role on the world stage, combining its rich historical heritage with contemporary developments.

2- You dont have to wear a hijab in Iran 2024

Unlike what some media portray, Iranian women have a significant presence in various aspects of society. From universities to successful businesses, women in Iran play an essential role in the country’s development. Many travelers are surprised to see highly educated, skilled, and influential Iranian women actively participating in different fields.

it is known that Iranians have diverse attitudes towards religion. While Iran is officially an Islamic Republic and religion plays a significant role in public life, many Iranians approach religion in a personal and less formal way. For example, tourists entering Iran might expect women to wear Chador and Niqab but are often surprised to see women dressing freely and stylishly. In Iran, everyone dresses according to their individual religious beliefs within the framework of the country’s laws. This diversity enables an environment where cultural and intellectual growth can grow. In 2024, women will be free to wear head coverings in iran. You can see the style of Iranian people in the video below.

3-Iran is the safest country in West Asia

Before traveling to Iran, some people confuse it with Iraq due to its similar name. However, they are different countries with different cultures and histories. Iran has a rich and ancient civilization with a diverse cultural heritage of thousands of years. Iran is known for its Persian culture, language and contribution to art, literature and science throughout history. On the other hand, Iraq has a complicated history with ancient civilizations. However, in recent decades, Iraq has faced significant challenges, including conflicts, political instability and humanitarian crises, insecurity and war. Understanding these differences is important for travelers to appreciate the unique experiences each country has to offer.

4-Iran leading the world in medical excellence

“During my trip, I was impressed by Iran’s comprehensive and affordable healthcare system,” says Andy. Iran is famous for its expertise in beauty, cardiology, organ transplantation and fertility treatments that attract international patients.
Iran is recognized as one of the leading centers for cosmetic surgery in the world, attracting thousands of tourists annually for various aesthetic procedures. Several factors make Iran an ideal destination for this type of tourism:

1. Experienced and Skilled Surgeons: Iran is home to some of the best and most experienced cosmetic surgeons in the world. Many of these doctors have received their education and training in advanced countries and use the latest techniques and technologies in their procedures.
2. Affordable Costs: The cost of cosmetic surgery in Iran is significantly lower than in many Western countries, without compromising the quality of services. This allows tourists to receive high-quality cosmetic procedures at a fraction of the cost.
3. Advanced Equipment and Facilities: Iranian hospitals and cosmetic clinics are equipped with advanced equipment and facilities that meet global standards. These medical centers provide a comfortable and safe environment, ensuring a pleasant experience for patients.
4. Variety of Services: Iran specializes in a wide range of cosmetic surgeries, including facial surgeries, rhinoplasty, liposuction, hair transplantation, and other aesthetic procedures. This variety allows patients to address all their cosmetic needs in one place.
5. Rich Cultural and Tourist Attractions: In addition to cosmetic surgery, Iran offers numerous tourist attractions. From historical monuments to pristine natural landscapes, tourists can enjoy a rich cultural and historical experience alongside their medical care.

Given these factors, Iran is recognized as one of the top destinations for cosmetic surgery in the world, making it an attractive option for those seeking high quality and affordable care.

5- the land of four seasons at once

Due to the geographical diversity and size of Iran, this country is one of the possible climates that make it possible to experience four seasons at the same time in different parts of it. While it may snow in a mountainous region, in another region there is mild spring or summer weather, and in the south of the country, you can experience warm and coastal weather. This characteristic has made Iran one of the most attractive tourist destinations for those interested in climate diversity. Iran is home to many natural wonders that are beautiful and unique that amaze people all over the world. Mount Damavand, the highest peak in Iran, offers stunning views and is popular with climbers. The Lut Desert, known for its extreme temperatures and vast sand dunes, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Alborz Mountains, the Badab-e Surt springs create colorful, terraced pools that are a rare sight. The Caspian Hyrcanian forests along the Caspian Sea are lush and ancient, full of diverse plants and animals. On Hormuz Island, you can see bright, colorful soil and unique rock formations. These wonders show the amazing variety of Iran’s landscapes.

6-Cheapest country to visit

Discover the Affordable Traveler’s Paradise: Iran! According to the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, Iran has been crowned the most budget-friendly travel destination in the Middle East and North Africa, surpassing Egypt and the UAE since 2015. This title has been maintained due to its lower costs of transportation and fuel, as well as the stronger purchasing power of international currencies like the US dollar compared to other popular tourist destinations. In fact, the most recent report by the WEF has declared Iran as the cheapest tourist destination in the world in 2019! Plus, did you know that Iran is considered a safer travel destination than Russia, Egypt, India, Turkey, Brazil, and Thailand, according to the 2019 report on safety?
Iran is also the most improved country among the countries in the Middle East and north of Africa based on the development of ICT infrastructures.

7-Hospitality in persian culture

Iran is home to some of the most hospitable people in the world. Contrary to common misconceptions, Iranians warmly welcome tourists. Many visitors are amazed when locals invite them into their homes, offer them tea, or even insist on treating them to a meal. This hospitality is deeply rooted in Iranian culture and makes traveling in Iran an unforgettable experience.

In Iranian culture, hospitality means creating a sense of welcome and appreciation for guests. When visiting Iran, you’ll notice that people make every effort to show genuine kindness and respect by offering you things like food, tea, and gifts. Iranians have a traditional gesture called “taarof”; they may insist on inviting you to gatherings or giving gifts before you accept them, and they consider this a kind of respect for the person who is important to them. Iranians have welcomed tourists worldwide for years, striving to ensure guests feel special and comfortable during their stay in Iran, creating a memorable experience for them.

8-Scientific growth in Iran

Iran has experienced meaningful scientific growth, and even though it has faced challenges, it has made significant advancements in various areas. From ancient Iranian scholars and thinkers like Avicenna (Ibn Sina), who made important contributions to medicine, philosophy, and astronomy in the 10th century, to Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, an Iranian scholar who lived in the 11th century and was a pioneer in mathematics, astronomy, geography, and anthropology, Iran has a rich history of intelligent individuals. Even now, there are remarkable scientists like Professor Maryam Mirzakhani, the first woman to win the Fields Medal, one of the highest honors in mathematics, for her innovative work in geometry and dynamic systems, continuing this tradition of excellence. These individuals have helped advance knowledge and understanding in their fields, laying the groundwork for later scientific and intellectual developments in the region and beyond. “In the Iranian-American community, notable figures include:
• Dara Khoshshashi, CEO and founder of Expedia;
• Omid Kordestani, former Senior Vice President of Google;
• Isaac Larian, creator of Bratz dolls;
• David Mehrag, producer of Hot Pockets;
• Pierre Omidyar, founder of eBay;
• Christian Amarpour, news anchor;
• Matt Ghafouri, Olympic silver medalist wrestler.

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9- A Surprising Abundance of History, 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Iran

With a history spanning thousands of years, it’s no surprise that Iran is home to numerous iconic sites that showcase its rich cultural heritage. In fact, Iran boasts an impressive 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ranking third in Asia behind China and India. The majority of these sites (22) are cultural, while the remaining 2 are natural wonders. The first three sites to be registered by UNESCO were Imam Square, Takht Jamshed, and Chaghazanbil in 1979. Fast forward to 2019, when the Hyrcanian Forest, a stunning natural site, became the latest addition to the list. Explore Iran’s incredible UNESCO heritage and uncover the secrets of its fascinating past!

10-Discover the Ancient Origins of the Persian Cat: A Regal Breed with a Rich History

The Persian cat is one of the most ancient and revered breeds of cats in the world, with a history dating back thousands of years. Their ancestral homeland is the high plateaus of Iran, where their luxurious, long-haired coats have adapted to withstand the harsh winters. Italian merchants introduced this majestic breed to Europe in the 17th century, and it has since become a beloved companion around the world.

11- A Country Rich in Caviar, Pistachios, and Saffron

Iran is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, and its natural resources are a major contributor to this reputation. The country is one of the world’s largest producers of premium caviar, prized for its delicate flavor and luxurious texture. Iranian pistachios are also highly sought after for their distinctive flavor and crunchy texture. Meanwhile, the country’s saffron threads are considered some of the finest in the world, prized for their vibrant yellow color and subtle, sweet flavor. Discover the unique flavors and aromas of Iran’s cuisine and experience the rich cultural heritage that surrounds it.

12- Iranian Cultural Etiquette and Traditions That Might Surprise You

In Iran, personal hygiene and public etiquette are highly valued, and there are certain unwritten rules that visitors should be aware of to avoid unintentionally offending locals. One of the most important rules is to avoid defecating in public places, as this is considered extremely impolite and disrespectful. In fact, it’s considered one of the biggest faux pas in Iranian culture. To show respect for local customs, visitors should aim to use designated public restrooms or facilities whenever possible.

13- The Ancient Art of Persian Carpet Weaving: A Legacy of Luxury and Beauty

For centuries, the art of carpet weaving has been an integral part of Iranian culture, with its roots dating back to the Bronze Age. Over time, Iranian carpets have gained worldwide recognition for their exquisite beauty, intricate designs, and exceptional craftsmanship. Today, Iranian hand-woven carpets are considered luxury goods, coveted by royalty and the wealthy elite around the globe. With a 30% share of the global carpet export market, Iran is the largest producer and exporter of hand-woven carpets, showcasing its unparalleled expertise and commitment to quality.

14- A Surprising Blend of Traditions of Iran

Iran is a country that embodies the richness of cultural diversity, where every region has its own unique traditions, customs, and heritage. From the bustling streets of Tehran to the ancient cities of Isfahan and Yazd, each corner of Iran is a testament to the country’s rich cultural tapestry. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant markets of Tabriz or wandering through the desert landscapes of Kerman, you’ll encounter people with diverse backgrounds, languages, and customs. With its complex history and geographic diversity, Iran is a country that will surprise and delight you at every turn.

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15- Climbing Asia’s Highest Volcano in Iran, Mount Damavand

Located in the majestic Alborz mountain range, Mount Damavand stands tall as the highest volcano in Asia and the second-highest peak in the continent after Mount Everest. With an impressive height of 5,609.2 meters, this dormant volcano is a popular destination for trekkers and adventure-seekers. Situated near the southern shores of the Caspian Sea in Mazandaran Province, Iran, Mount Damavand offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and is a must-visit for anyone looking to conquer one of the world’s most iconic peaks.

The editorial department of Kental Travel prepared this article, and its non-commercial use is unchecked by the mention of the source. To check out more articles related to traveling to Iran, you can visit the Kental Travel blog.