Journey Through Iran - Travel Documentary

Perhaps one of the most misunderstood places in the world, Iran is a fascinating and surprising travel destination. Often associated with conflict and political unrest, it is also a beautiful country with an immense history, spectacular landscapes, intriguing traditions, vibrant cities, charming villages, and friendly, welcoming people. In this video I take you back to one of my most memorable journeys, through a country that has long been a mystery to outsiders. From the Persian gardens and traditional workshops of Isfahan, to the peculiar sandcastles in the Lad Desert, from ancient monuments in Persepolis and Shiraz, to the striking mosques and shrines of Qom, from the bustling streets of capital Tehran, to the farming and fishing villages on Kashm Island, from the impressive religious events around Ashura in Zanjan, to the atmospheric lanes in the old town of Yazd, from the historic bazaar in Tabriz, to the snowy mountains around Kandavan village. So join me, exploring the remarkable country of Iran. We begin our journey in Isfahan, the third largest city in the country, known for its traditional culture and imposing architecture. Located at the intersection of two major ancient trade routes, Isfahan flourished for many centuries, and served as the capital of Iran under the Safavid Empire. The city is filled with captivating monuments, delicate Persian gardens, and historic buildings, including the charming Jihilsud-Dun Palace, Godfollah Mosque on Naqs-e-Jahan Square, and the covered bridges that span the Zeyanda River. While the monuments are fabulous indeed, getting lost in the city's bazaar is probably the highlight for many visitors. A maze of narrow alleyways, this historic center has been the beating heart of Isfahan for over a thousand years, and provides a great insight into daily life. From the busy marketplaces, selling everything under the Iranian sun, to the workshops, where artisans create finely detailed artifacts. Make sure to try some of the freshly made Persian Noga, which finds its origin in Isfahan. We continue our way towards the city of Shiraz, through a landscape of rugged deserts and rural fields. On the way, we have a chance to stop in a few small villages, where we are invited by local farmers to witness the harvesting process. Iranian society is mostly self-sufficient for its food production, and the agricultural sector provides employment for millions of people. After stocking up on some freshly picked vegetables and fruits, we arrive in Shiraz. By many regarded as the epicenter of Persian culture for 2000 years. This friendly city boasts some of the country's most beautiful mosques, ancient bathing houses, vibrant bazaars, and in general a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. Among Iranians, Shiraz is probably most famous for the tombs of Hafez and Sadi, two classical poets that hold a special place in Persian literature. To many, Hafez is seen as a folk hero, and his 14th century works, that explore themes of love, mysticism, and the beauty of life, have inspired generations of scholars and poets. Today, his tomb is an important pilgrimage site. Not far from Shiraz is Persepolis, a city that was at the heart of the Achaemenid Empire, that stretched from the Indus River to Ethiopia. Walking through the ruins of this once bustling city feels like entering a different world, and its former palaces evoke images of a thriving, ancient Persia. After its destruction by Alexander the Great, some of the remains were covered by dust and sand for centuries. Until they were excavated in the 1930s, revealing parts of Persepolis' former glory. We drive onwards to the deep south of Iran, towards the Persian Gulf, known for its importance in Iran's petroleum industry. The Gulf and the provinces that border it contain some of the largest oil and gas reserves in the country, and are of great economic and strategic significance. After a long drive, we reach the coastal city of Bandar Abbas, home to the biggest port in Iran. We mostly use Bandar as a jumping-off point to nearby Kashm Island, but a late afternoon stroll does provide glimpses of this bustling city. The next day we board a ferry vessel and head to Kashm Island, the largest in the Persian Gulf. While the Gulf region is dotted with cities full of glitzy skyscrapers, including in places like Doha, Dubai and Kuwait, Kashm Island has retained much of its traditional atmosphere. The best way to get around Kashm is by car, as there is almost no public transport available on the island. Although Kashm is known for its beaches and mangrove forests, it also has a beautiful interior, with impressive desert-like valleys and canyons. As we traverse these lands, we get glimpses of the local Bandari culture, with many people wearing traditional clothing, going about their daily lives. There are plenty of villages to explore, where you get a chance to get up close with farmers and fishermen. Make sure to visit the Lanch boat building yards, where traditional wooden cargo vessels, that used to cross the Persian Gulf, are still made. It's fascinating to watch the artisans at work. Using techniques that were passed down through generations. Back on the mainland we make the long journey to Karman, a desert city in the east of Iran, and an important stopover on historic trading routes between Persia and the Indian subcontinent. It boasts a spectacular bazaar, one of the oldest trading centers in Iran, and has an intriguing mix of Persian and Baluchi influence. While Karman can be explored for a few days, most travelers use the city as a base to visit attractions nearby, such as Mahan. This picturesque town is famous for the Tranquil, Shazdeh shrine and garden, built during the Qajar era. And a bit more south we find Rayen, a small village that features the mysterious Ark, an ancient citadel, built more than 1000 years ago. We travel further to the Kaluz, a series of peculiar sandcastles, formed over millennia by a one-directional wind. Located in the inhospitable Lut Desert, this is one of Iran's most mesmerizing desert landscapes, especially at sunset. Our next destination is Yazd, a charming desert city that is said to have one of the oldest centers on earth. Arriving here truly feels like stepping back in time and place. With buildings made from sun-dried mud bricks, and an ancient skyline filled with Bajirs, or windcatchers. These towers were designed to cool houses in the soaring heat of summer, by catching even the slightest breeze and spreading it through the rooms below. Most highlights are clustered in and around the old town, including the magnificent Jama Mosque, the Dholat Gardens with its 33 meter high Bajir, and the Fire Temple, belonging to the ancient Persian religion of Zoroastrianism. While these monuments are indeed impressive, the best memories are probably made walking through the winding alleys and imposing squares of the old town, witnessing everyday life. In the evenings make sure to visit the Saheb Asaman Club, to catch a session of Zorkaneh, which translates as House of Strength. This historic sport is best described as a traditional style of bodybuilding, and is still practiced in some parts of Iran. We continue our journey and board a train towards Qom, the second holiest city in Iran, and an important place of worship and education in Shia Islam. Shiite scholars and students from around the world come here to study in its madrassas, Islamic schools, and browse the city's famous religious bookshops. Shia is one of the two main branches of Islam, emphasizing the leadership of Ali, the Prophet Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, and his descendants, as rightful spiritual and political leaders. While Qom is full of intriguing mosques, the centerpiece of the city is the shrine and burial place of Fatima, the sister of Imam Reza. Pilgrims from Iran and beyond come here to pay their respects, and soak up the religious atmosphere. It's a special place to visit, and gives a good impression of one of Iran's most conservative cities. After a hearty meal of dizzy, a traditional stew, made of chickpeas, lamb, potatoes, and tomatoes, we briefly stop in Kashan. This inviting city offers a thriving bazaar, and a collection of some incredible traditional houses, built in the 19th century by wealthy merchants, when Kashan was an important commercial hub. It's probably best known, however, for its high quality carpet production. As you walk the streets, you can hear the rhythmic sound of looms, made by artisans that are creating beautiful hand-woven carpets. We travel onwards, and arrive in Tehran, the dynamic capital city and beating economic heart of Iran. It may not be the most attractive city in the country, with sprawling urban streets and busy traffic, but it's the place to learn about modern Iran. You will be reminded of the 1979 revolution. In this year, Iran became the Islamic Republic of Iran, led by Ayatollah Khomeini, in a series of events that shook the country and the world. It changed Iranian society dramatically, transitioning from a relatively liberal, to a more conservative country. It also soured political relations with the West, an example of which I witnessed firsthand, a few days earlier, in Yazd. Here, high school students took part in a government-organized protest, commemorating the takeover of the U.S. Embassy during the revolution. With the crowd chanting Death to America, and burning U.S. flags, it all seemed quite intimidating. But as I looked a little closer, I found most students to be curious about my presence, and many young men eager to have their photo taken. It was an intriguingly different look, at something that seemed so aggressive, and a reminder that not everything is what it seems in Iran. Back in Tehran, we visit some of the city's most important buildings and monuments, including the refined Azadi Complex, and the massive Milad Tower, where we get a panoramic view of Tehran's skyline. We also stroll through a modern shopping mall, and visit the grounds of the University of Tehran, one of the country's most prestigious universities. Yet it's meeting the people in the streets, restaurants and tea houses that is the true highlight of this city, which is the most secular and liberal in Iran. We leave the capital behind and travel northwest towards Zanjan, to witness one of the most intense religious ceremonies I had ever seen. Every year this city is host to one of Iran's largest gatherings, for Ashura, the most important and passionate date for Shia Muslims. It's part of a 10-day mourning period, which begins in the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, called Muharram. The event remembers the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala, in the year 680, along with most of his family and companions. Muharram and Ashura are observed with somber parades, religious theater, and public prayer sessions, reflecting on themes of justice, sacrifice and resistance. People mourn for days on end, and find support with friends and family, creating an unforgettable feeling of togetherness. On the way to Tabriz, we stop in the snowy mountain village of Kandavan, which may remind travelers of the famous, Cappadocia region in Turkey. Some of the buildings here are carved out of eroded rocks, in a peculiar landscape of boulders and peaks. These cave-like or troglodyte homes have been inhabited for centuries, and are a phenomenal sight. We finish our journey in Tabriz, one of Iran's largest cities, and a major industrial hub in the region. It's located near the border of several countries, and is particularly influenced by Azeri culture and customs. And as you walk the streets, you can hear many people speaking the Azerbaijani language. While there are plenty of places to visit here, including the wonderful Algoli Park, Tabriz is probably most famous for its magnificent bazaar. Everything you can imagine is sold here, from spices to carpets, and from gold to perfumes. But like in most places in Iran, it's the people that you'll meet along the way, that will leave a lasting impression. That concludes my journey through Iran, a diverse and eye-opening travel destination, with stunning historic landmarks, lively cities, spectacular natural scenery, fascinating traditions, important religious sites, charming villages, tasty food and friendly people. I realize I have only scratched the surface, and you could spend months exploring this complicated but beautiful country. Yet I still hope this video gave you some travel inspiration, or at least provided a glimpse into this incredible place. Thanks for watching and I hope to see you again, next time. Travel safely!