https://virgool.io/feed/@surfiran SURFIRAN is a comprehensive Iranian tour operator and travel agency offering tour packages to travelers who love to visit Iran. fa 2026-07-07 12:49:48 https://files.virgool.io/upload/users/14725/avatar/hHyBRd.png?height=120&width=120 https://virgool.io/@surfiran https://virgool.io/@surfiran/most-popular-persian-foods-a-journey-of-persian-flavors-wwtnpyrwe2ct Persian cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions. Each dish tells a unique story. Let's explore the most popular Persian foods, unveiling fun facts and key ingredients for each.1. Kebab KoobidehKebab Koobideh, a culinary favorite, is made from ground lamb or beef, mixed with onions and Persian spices. It's traditionally grilled over an open flame, offering a tantalizing smoky flavor. A classic at social gatherings, it’s usually served with saffron rice or flatbread, embodying the essence of Persian grilling.Ingredients: Ground lamb or beef, onions, Persian spices, salt, and pepper.Fun Fact: This dish is a social staple at family gatherings in Iran. People often enjoy it outdoors, grilling it over open flames, infusing the meat with a smoky flavor.2. Ghormeh SabziGhormeh Sabzi, Iran's beloved stew, combines lamb, kidney beans, and a unique mix of herbs like parsley and fenugreek. Infused with dried limes for a tangy kick, it's a staple at Nowruz celebrations. This dish is a hearty nod to Iran's rich culinary traditions and love for herbs.Ingredients: Lamb, kidney beans, a mix of herbs (parsley, coriander, chives, and fenugreek), dried limes, onions, turmeric, and black pepper.Fun Fact: Ghormeh Sabzi is considered Iran's national dish and is often served during Persian New Year (Nowruz) as a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings.3. TahchinTahchin is a visually stunning rice dish. It features a layer of saffron-infused rice and yogurt, often with chicken or lamb, baked to create a crispy exterior. Known for its 'Tahdig' - the coveted crispy bottom - Tahchin is a celebration of texture and flavor in Persian cuisine.Ingredients: Rice, yogurt, saffron, egg, chicken or lamb, and barberries.Fun Fact: Tahchin is famous for its crispy bottom layer, called 'Tahdig,' which means 'bottom of the pot' in Persian. It's a coveted part of the dish for its unique texture.4. FesenjanFesenjan, a luxurious stew, blends chicken or duck with pomegranate molasses and ground walnuts. This dish offers a unique combination of sweet and sour flavors. Rooted in ancient Persia, Fesenjan is a festive favorite, often gracing tables at weddings and celebrations, showcasing Iran's sophisticated culinary palette.Ingredients: Chicken or duck, walnuts, pomegranate molasses, onions, sugar, and cinnamon.Fun Fact: Fesenjan dates back to ancient Persia. It's a festive dish, often served at weddings and major celebrations.5. Ash ReshtehAsh Reshteh is a hearty Persian noodle soup, rich with beans, herbs, and leafy greens. Topped with tangy kashk (whey), it's a comforting dish, especially popular during colder months. Symbolic of good fortune, it's a frequent feature at special occasions, highlighting the warmth of Iranian hospitality.Ingredients: Noodles, spinach, parsley, coriander, chickpeas, kidney beans, onions, garlic, turmeric, and kashk (whey).Fun Fact: This hearty soup is a staple during winter in Iran. It’s believed to bring good fortune when served during special occasions.Final WordsIn conclusion, these popular Persian dishes offer a vibrant glimpse into Iran's rich culinary landscape. From the smoky and savory Kebab Koobideh to the nourishing warmth of Ash Reshteh, each dish is steeped in history and tradition. They embody the essence of Persian cooking, blending aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and unique flavors. Whether it's the festive elegance of Fesenjan or the comforting layers of Tahchin, these meals are more than just food; they are cultural experiences. Exploring these dishes is a journey through Iran’s diverse and flavorful gastronomy, inviting you to savor every bite and cherish every moment. SURFIRAN SURFIRAN Sat, 20 Jan 2024 11:15:36 +0330 https://virgool.io/@surfiran/from-persia-to-greece-a-journey-through-luxury-and-power-in-london-uqbylrxhwbdr The latest exhibition at the British Museum, titled "Luxury and Power: Persia to Greece," provides a captivating exploration of the intricate relationship between Persia and Greece.As you walk through the exhibition, you’re greeted by a pair of sculpted heads – an ancient Persian and the Greek god Apollo – that symbolize the polarity that has defined global history. However, the reality was more complicated than a simple binary struggle between the two cultures.Gold armlet (part of the Oxus Treasure), Tajikistan, 500–330 BC. The terminals of this gold armlet are shaped like two leaping griffins. Their bodies are divided into tiny cells which were once inset with vividly coloured precious stones or glass. Persian goldsmiths were experts in this technique and often used it to decorate jewellery and drinking vessels.For a deeper understanding of the historical dynamics between Persia and Greece, consider embarking on a journey to Iran itself. Exploring the country firsthand can provide a richer context and immersive experience compared to museums. To make the most of your visit, opt for guided historical tours offered by reputable domestic companies like SURFIRAN. These tours can offer a comprehensive exploration of Iran's rich history, allowing you to discover its cultural treasures, architectural marvels, and significant historical sites. By venturing beyond museum exhibits, you can truly delve into the essence of Persia's past and gain a unique perspective on the complex relationship between Persia and Greece.The exhibition is centered on the theme of luxury, a word associated with the east and Persian power, and it covers three sections – a thesis, antithesis, and synthesis. The first section offers a taste of the Persian empire, with a relief of Darius I worshipping Anubis in Egyptian style. The second section shows how classical Athens wrestled with Persian artistic influence while mocking the defeated empire. Finally, the two cultures merge as Alexander the Great conquers Persia and embraces its ways.Recreation of Persian riding dress from about 500 BC, showing a riding coat. Lamb’s wool, faux fur and metallic appliqués. Designed by Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones, sewn by Rebecca Southall. At the heart of each section are huge, luxurious drinking cups known as rhytons, shaped like horns, made of gold or silver, and featuring bulls, griffins, and human portraits. These Persian banqueting vessels were fantastic to drink from, but it was considered vulgar and ostentatious to drink from a bulbous golden horn in classical Athens, which instead made rhytons out of clay.The exhibition demonstrates how ceramicists and painters turned the opulent Persian rhyton into pottery in the shape of ram and pig heads, painted red, white, and black. This confirms the traditional view that Greek and Persian culture were opposites, with Athens rejecting Persian magnificence. However, things change when Alexander the Great comes on stage. He defeated Persia, burned its great capital Persepolis, and created a new Greek empire from Egypt to Afghanistan. The Hellenistic era that followed comes across as a fascinating, seductive cultural melting pot, where stiff classicism melts into “oriental” splendor.Photo © Todor Dimitrov, National Museum of History, Bulgaria Panagyurishte Treasure, gold, Bulgaria, about 300 BC. Photo © Todor Dimitrov, National Museum of History, Bulgaria. A star loan, the extraordinary Panagyurishte Treasure from Bulgaria is an exquisite example of ancient metalworking that demonstrates the influence of Persian and Greek luxury in ancient Thrace (a region that included parts of modern Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey). The Treasure consists of nine richly decorated gold vessels with a combined weight of over 6kg – eight rhyta used to pour wine and one bowl to drink it.At the heart of the Hellenistic era are gold drinking cups and platters from the Panagyurishte Treasure, lent by Bulgaria’s National Museum of History. They brilliantly combine Greek and Persian themes in an aesthetic free-for-all, with naked gods and demigods sporting on cups with bull faces, all in glinting gold.Overall, the exhibition offers a clear and concise introduction to 500 years of Persian and Greek history, centered on the theme of luxury. While it doesn’t bring history to life like Herodotus, it offers a fascinating insight into how the two cultures interacted, with the Hellenistic era offering a glimpse into a seductive cultural melting pot.If you’re in London between 4 May and 13 August, be sure to check it out at the British Museum.Website: https://www.britishmuseum.org/exhibitions/luxury-and-power-persia-greece SURFIRAN SURFIRAN Sun, 28 May 2023 15:43:03 +0330 https://virgool.io/@surfiran/explore-iran-surfiran-tour-dates-for-2024-now-available-p98ncs7ckj8p Discover an authentic travel experience unlike any other with SURFIRAN’s tours of Iran. With the latest tour dates for 2024 now available, seize the opportunity to explore this captivating country.Iran tours by SURFIRAN Click here to see all Iran tours 2024Iran is a destination that vastly exceeds its reputation and offers unforgettable experiences to those who dare to explore it. From the lively markets and age-old ruins of Tehran to the awe-inspiring architecture of Isfahan, Iran has something unique to offer every traveller.At SURFIRAN, we pride ourselves on providing Iran small group tours that deliver authentic insight into local life in Iran. Our expert guides provide insider access to the best cultural encounters and experiences that Iran has to offer. This way you can sit back, relax, and enjoy all that this exceptional country has to offer.Travelling in a small group allows for a more personalized experience, as our average group size is just 11 people. This means that not only do you get to build lasting friendships but also tailor your tour to meet your preferences.Our tours are designed to offer both must-see sights and off-the-beaten-path experiences. Whether you want to marvel at the intricate tile work of the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque or indulge in delicious Persian cuisine in a local home, our tours cater to all your needs. SURFIRAN SURFIRAN Wed, 24 May 2023 19:25:33 +0330 https://virgool.io/@surfiran/let-orienttrips-take-you-on-a-journey-of-a-lifetime-in-iran-pqzjcnwzavoj OrientTrips Logo We are excited to announce the launch of OrientTrips™, our new website that offers an innovative approach to travel services. As we celebrate our eighth year of operation here at SURFIRAN, we're proud to introduce this new platform that allows you to book directly and conveniently.At OrientTrips, we provide a broad range of travel services without intermediaries. You can access our platform to book accommodation, transportation, airport transfers, visas, domestic flights, train and ferry tickets, and anything else you might need during your trip to Iran. We're committed to providing a seamless and convenient experience that allows you to book everything you need for your trip in one place.Our passion is to deliver exceptional travel experiences to our customers. With our direct booking model, we can offer affordable prices without compromising on quality. We're excited to embark on this new journey with you and look forward to providing reliable and comfortable travel services in Iran through OrientTrips.Whether you're planning a trip to Iran in advance or you're already in the country, OrientTrips has got you covered. Our user-friendly platform allows you to easily select and book the services that best suit your needs and schedule. Plus, you can rest assured that you will receive reliable and comfortable services, without any hassle or worry.Thank you for choosing OrientTrips, and we look forward to serving you on your next trip to Iran.What does OrientTrips do?OrientTrips offers a range of travel services to tourists and travelers worldwide, with a particular focus on catering to FIT (Free Independent Travelers) travelers. Our comprehensive range of services includes everything from accommodation and transportation to airport transfers, visas, domestic flights, train and ferry tickets, and anything else that a traveler may need while in Iran.One of our platform's most significant advantages is the ability to make purchases in Iran from anywhere in the world, regardless of the user's banking system. This feature eliminates the need to carry large amounts of cash when traveling to Iran, providing an added layer of convenience and security for our users.Travel along the Silk RoadAt present, OrientTrips operates exclusively in Iran, serving as a gateway on the Silk Road for travelers visiting the country. However, in the near future, we plan to expand our network to include other key countries along the Silk Road, such as Armenia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, and Central Asian countries.We believe that providing seamless travel experiences across these regions will enable tourists and travelers to explore the rich culture and history of this ancient trade route more easily. Our team is working tirelessly to create partnerships and collaborations with trusted service providers in each destination to ensure that our clients have access to the same level of reliable and efficient service across all of our destinations.Effortless Booking and PaymentOrientTrips offers an effortless online booking and payment process. You can book your desired tourism services online and complete your payment securely using all major credit cards or PayPal.At OrientTrips, we are committed to making your travel experience as seamless and convenient as possible. Our user-friendly platform and hassle-free booking process allow you to plan your trip with ease, knowing that you are getting reliable and trustworthy services.We look forward to helping you plan your next adventure through OrientTrips!OrientTrips Website: https://orienttrips.com SURFIRAN SURFIRAN Sun, 30 Apr 2023 22:45:00 +0330 https://virgool.io/@surfiran/iran-tourist-visa-is-now-open-for-all-nationalities-eipfax4ym5d8 The Covid-19 situation is improving and Iran is ready now to welcome you to the legendary Persia.Iran tourist visa is now open for tourists, be it for families, couples or even friends to arrive here and explore the beauties of Iran.So are you interested in finally applying for an Iranian visa but don’t know how to go about it?Here is a guide on how to get your Iran visa with our helpDue to COVID-19 pandemic the tourist visa options was removed from the e-visa list by the ministry of foreign affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran.Now the Government of Iran has given the good news that they have finally opened tourism for travelers.With the Iran visa being started, the only condition for an traveler who arrives in this country for tourism is that he/she needs to be fully vaccinated with both doses.That is the only requirement for an traveler to travel to Iran.Final points to remember while traveling to Iran (new rules):Individual needs to be fully vaccinated with both doses.To apply for your Iran visa with getting all the documents in place and the entire application procedure, contact SURFIRAN visa department or visit the link below to know more. SURFIRAN SURFIRAN Wed, 27 Oct 2021 13:56:12 +0330 https://virgool.io/@surfiran/how-to-find-a-trusted-travel-agency-in-iran-ro49i1lbqrsd If you are planning a trip to an exotic destination like Iran, a simple search in Google will provide you with many (and even sometimes too many) options.And although there will be many different offers that you can select from, it can be confusing to find the right option or you may simply find the one that is not exactly the best travel agency ever! In this article, we will try to explain some simple ways that can help you find the right agency in Iran.Why choose a local agency?The reasons to do so are numerous. First, you will pay a more reasonable price in comparison to a package bought from an intermediary.Second, the offers from a trusted Iranian local agency are normally closer to a real local experience, as they are designed with local people in the destination.And because of the same reason, it finally will be easier to customize and personalize such offer than a pre-prepared package. So, it is a logical decision to go for a local agency when you plan your trip to a foreign country.Fortunately, the trusted inbound agencies in Iran always offer English (and in some cases, other languages as well such as French, Spanish or German) contents on their website and ease the process of selection for you.Look for the right certificationThere are two important organization in Iran which provide private agencies with a license that shows the agency is trustworthy and is working within the legal rules of the country.The first one is ITOA (Iranian Tour Operators Association) which is a specialized association of inbound tour operators.More than 200 Iranian tour operators and travel agencies actively involved in inbound tourism are among the members of the Association.Sample certificate by Iranian Tour Operators Association (ITOA) Website: http://www.itoa.ir/en/members/ (In English)The next one is called AATTAI The Association of Air Transport and Tourist Agencies.Website: https://aattai.org (In Farsi)Both will hand an English certificate to the legit agencies and you can ask them to send the certificate to you or check it on their website and make sure that the agency is legit and working legally and properly.How can I trust an agency for money transfer?This is actually one of the most complicated parts of the process, as due to the sanctions SWIFT is instructed to disconnect Iranian banks form the network.So, money transfer is not as easy as it should be and, in many cases, it is not possible to use your credit card. However, there are other possibilities such as transferring money to a valid currency exchange office that an agency might offer you as a paying method.Although it doesn’t sound so straightforward, but is a safe way and you can trust to do this, if you trust the agency and you are sure that is a legit one.How to choose between the trustworthy Iranian travel agencies?Fortunately, and due to the existence of many valid reviewing sites, it is not that complicated nowadays to know more about the real services offered by an agency after a trip.Is TripAdvisor a reliable source?There are sites such as TripAdvisor which provide with the comments from people who have actually had the real experience.However, fake reviews are a growing problem. In September 2019, consumer organization Which? said TripAdvisor was still failing to stop fake reviews. Its survey of nearly 250,000 reviews for the ten top-ranked hotels in ten popular tourist destinations around the world found that one in seven had "blatant hallmarks" of fake positive reviews.Recently, a gentleman in the UK just exposed how easy it is to mislead people on the site by rocketing his restaurant to the #1 position in London, based completely on fake TripAdvisor reviews. Previously, he was employed to write fictitious reviews for businesses and decided to expose the flaws in the site by launching a completely imaginary restaurant called The Shed at Dulwich.There is also a ranking provided by BookMundi, which shows the best travel agencies in Iran (https://www.bookmundi.com/iran/tour-operators).But, there also can be fake comments or not any at all. In such cases, it is a good idea to ask the agency to help you get in touch with some of their previous client (by email, for example) and ask directly about their experiences. A trustworthy agency will surely do its best to help you in this process.How can I trust an agency in general?There are simple facts that can help you distinguish a good agency from a bad one. First, the number of operated tours or in general, the background of the agency.Second, if they are recommended by the previous clients or no. The price is another important factor to pay attention to, as the very cheap packages can sometimes act as a red flag. And last, but not least, the interaction of the agency with you as a costumer in the pre-sale process.A trustworthy agency provides you with any details you wish to know, acts patiently and considers all of your reasonable concerns and tries to resolve them.Interview the agentDon't pick the first agent you find. Talk to the travel pro. Find out how long he or she has been in business. Ask about fees (yes, they charge booking fees, but they're worth it if you get into a pinch). I would recommend conducting the interview in person.Pay close attention not only to the way your prospective agent responds, but also at what's going on in the office around you. Are the other agents taking the time to talk with customers, or do they only seem interested in pressuring their clients to make a booking decision? Does the agent you're interviewing seem distracted or focused on trying to help you? If you don't like what you see, move on.So, it is always better to do the research, but decide based on your observations when you start interacting with an agency.Source: How to Find a Trusted Travel Agency in Iran? SURFIRAN SURFIRAN Mon, 16 Nov 2020 11:42:01 +0330 https://virgool.io/applymag/between-hope-and-despair-iran-tourism-after-the-us-presidential-election-umae4j8qltkp Now, Trump leaving the White House, raise hope for Iran tourism industry activist to make Iran a favorite destination for foreign tourist again.tween Hope and Despair — Iran Tourism After the US Presidential ElectionIranian tourism, as well as tourism all over the world, is experiencing tough days due to the spread of Coivd-19 and quarantine situation.However, for Iran, the adverse situation a few years back when Donald Trump became the president of the US and decided to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) also known as “Iran nuclear deal”. Now, Trump leaving the White House, raise hope for Iran tourism industry activist to make Iran a favorite destination for foreign tourist again.The US withdrawal from the Iran dealFollowing the termination of economic sanctions against Iran in 2013 and resuming direct flights to Iran, and also facilitation of getting an Iran visa, Iran turned to one the most sought-after tourist destinations in the Middle East.After finalizing the nuclear deal at the end of 2015, number of tourists visiting Iran soared noticeably.Yet the good days did not last a long time.After Donald Trump was elected as the president of the US in 2017, the States officially withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018, and lots of financial sanctions increased against Iran.Although these sanctions were not aimed directly at tourism, and even the American citizens were not limited to visit Iran, bank transfer suffered a great deal and consequently resulted in the decrease in the attraction of traveling to Iran.A letter from the SURFIRAN CEO about trump travel ban / January 29, 2017The next crisis was the demonstration against the Iranian government and the adverse economic situation. As the negative result of the news some countries raised their travel advisory level and this led to a decline in the number of travels to Iran.Assassination of General Qasem Soleimani, an Iranian major general, and the crash of the Ukrainian plane, were the two consecutive tragedies that had disastrous impact on Iran tourism and while experiencing those difficult days, the Coronavirus Pandemic was the most fatal incident for the already weakened Iran tourism.Impacts of Covid-19 on TourismThese days the Covid-19 has cast its shadow over the world and Iranian economy, and all recreational travels have been suspended. Yet, the activists in tourism industry, on one hand are worriedly following the news of the virus pandemic and the progress of developing vaccination, and on the other hand see a silver shining in the election of Joe Biden as the new president of the US. There is great hope that by returning to the Iran Deal and international agreements, Iran tourism can once again experience bright days as the days after the deal.Read more:Iran Tourism: After the Nuclear DealIran Tourism: Foreign visitors to receive e-visas of Iran before 2017 SURFIRAN SURFIRAN Sun, 08 Nov 2020 09:24:34 +0330 https://virgool.io/@surfiran/how-to-get-a-visa-for-iran-pfo2tfbsuwr5 Iran tourist visa is issued in case you wish to travel to Iran for tourist purposes only. Almost everyone needs a visa to enter Iran, unless you have a Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Georgia, Malaysia, Syria and Venezuela passport in which case they’ll just stamp you in at the airport.There are two steps to get an Iranian tourist visaSTEP 1: APPLY FOR IRAN AUTHORIZATION CODEComplete the visa authorization form (? Online Application ) OR (? Download Application form) and email this form together with a copy of the first page of your passport +1 passport photo to our sales team (contact@surfiran.com).For the U.S, Canadian and British passport holders only, all applications must be accompanied with a detailed resume. Then we will submit applications to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Visa authorization codes generally take up to 2 weeks depending on your nationality (this process can be much longer for Canadian, British and US citizens).When approved, we will notify you of your authorization code. Once you received the code please apply for your visa directly with the nominated Iranian embassy or Iran International Airports (see Step 2 for further instructions).STEP 2: OBTAIN YOUR IRAN TOURIST VISA STAMPNow it’s time to obtain your Iran visa through the Iranian Embassy in your country OR Iran International Airports.So once you have received your visa authorization code from SURFIRAN, immediately apply for your visa sticker in your nominated Iranian embassy OR Iran International Airports.In your nominated Iranian embassy you will need to provide your passport, the visa fee, 2 passport photos and insurance policy. Some consulates may have different requirements. You must check this before submitting your application.VISA STAMP FEEAt the time of visa collection (In your nominated Iranian embassy OR Iran International Airports) applicants are required to consider making related consular visa collection and paperwork fee. The visa fee depends on your nationality from 30 Euros to 75 Euros.These fees are separate of visa application fee to be paid to the travel agency.VALIDITY OF THE IRAN VISAEnter Iran within three months from the date of issue and stay up to the numbers of days granted. Generally, the Embassy issues single entries for stays up to 30, 60 or 90 days.HEALTH INSURANCEPlease prepare 12.00 euros for compulsory health insurance fee at Iran Airport. Please always remember pay with an exact cash amount. Credit cards are not accepted for payments made in Iran.IRAN VISA EXTENSIONYou can extend it from the Police Department of Aliens Affairs in a major Iranian city. The process usually takes only about one day.The extension of your visa is based on the initial duration: if you had a 30-day visa, you can extend it for an additional 30 days. If you had a 15-day visa, then you can only extend it for another 15 days, and so on. SURFIRAN SURFIRAN Sat, 24 Oct 2020 23:10:05 +0330 https://virgool.io/applymag/7-things-nobody-tells-you-about-iran-akbtzuaoiajj As an Iranian interacting with many foreigners, I encounter with many interesting questions in my day-to-day life and I also discover some interesting, yet overlooked details about my country and its culture.The questions normally range from more general topics like politics, economics and religion to tiny details about everyday life of people in Iran. Here are some of the most frequent topics I have been asked as an Iranian, so let’s check it out to see if you also carry the same doubts about this less-known land or not!Do you live in the future?When I talk about dates and calendars in general, our Iranian solar calendar is one of weirdest details about Iran.People normally get surprised when they understand that we use 3 official calendars in the country and the main one starts with the first day of spring, and when they here about the date, it sounds to them that we live in another era, probably in the future, as we are about to begin the year 1400!It’s Saturday, let’s go to work!When most people around the world are about to start their weekend, people in Iran get ready to go work, because it is Saturday! Yes, the week in Iran ends on Friday and so the weekend officially starts on Thursday.So, it is good to have this in mind when you are organizing a trip to Iran, as it might affect the details of your plans in many ways!Iranian food is not Indian food!Unlike what many foreigners might think about Iranian gastronomy, we are not in general accustomed to eat spicy foods as it is so common in countries like India.It is true that we use more spices than other countries in general, but these spices are not normally hot and spicy and they rather bring a different taste to our food.You may sense the taste of turmeric, black pepper, saffron and cinnamon in many foods, but at last the food won’t be spicy (although it would definitely be more salty, sourer and stranger in general!!)And do you have it on in the house, too?The hijab theme is always a controversial topic and usually hard to explain in many ways. It is more related to the government rules and peoples’ beliefs than other subjects.So, no, we dress normal in our houses, although if you get invited to some traditional or religious families’ houses, you might see a woman having it on because of strangers in the house, as it widely depends on the family’s background and religious beliefs.Who drives in Iran and how?Many foreigners have this idea that women are not allowed to drive in Iran, but it is not true. Actually, they have had the possibility to drive since many years ago and they still do.In fact, in my experience, they are better drivers in big cities like Tehran, as they respect the law more than many men (calm down! Just an idea!!). But it is true that driving in Iran in general might surprise (and even scare you!) in some moments!Is it really snowing in Tehran?Unlike the existing image of Iran, its capital and many other cities are green, with many lovely trees and cool weather and in fact, the 3 thousand and some snow-capped mountains of Tehran, complete the beautiful image of this city.We normally experience snow in the city during the winter, but you can see the snow on top of the mountains (and even go skiing!) in other times of the year in Tehran, too.Iranian rap, Ghormeh Sabzi-Pizza?Actually, it is not a very strange and rare combination. Iranian rap and other Iranian versions of different types of music have been evolved and developed during the contemporary time and now have an acceptable background and history.As an Iranian, I listen to many of them, as there are some well-made raps, rocks and fusion versions of Iranian music with good Persian lyrics.What might sound strange to you as a foreigner, would probably be listening to the Iranian classical music and Avaaz (or Awaz), which is an unmetered vocal section of a mode in Persian music and might sounds unfamiliar or totally new to you.Read more about travelling to Iran:Is it safe to travel to IranWomen’s travel in Persia – Line’s Adventure in IranWhy Iran Small Group Tours Are The Best Way To Visit IranIran Women Only Tours – Small Group Tours For Female TravelersVisiting Iran During RamadanThe travelers’ voice: Opinions about the SURFIRAN experienceTravel to Iran Has Always Been My Dream—That Hasn’t ChangedTraveler recommends potential tourists to visit Iran before a “big influx” SURFIRAN SURFIRAN Sat, 24 Oct 2020 22:52:13 +0330 https://virgool.io/@surfiran/are-there-mummies-in-iran-eahvyurx9ulq Many people think that mummies only come from Egypt but in fact Mummies of humans and other animals have been found  in places like Asia, Europe, and North and South America.  both as a result of natural preservation through unusual conditions, and as cultural artifacts. Over one million animal mummies have been found in Egypt, many of which are cats.As far as we know, the practice of mummification of the dead was not common in ancient Persia. But It might be interesting that as of 2012, at least eight mummified human remains have been recovered in Iran.ANCIENT IRANIAN SALT MINE MUMMIESThe site of Douzlakh, Zanjan, Iran Discovering the First SaltmanIn 1994, commercial salt mining operations were being carried out in the Chehrabad Salt Mine when the first saltman was discovered. Along with his mummified remains, several artifacts, including iron knives and a gold earring, were also uncovered.This saltman is easily recognized due to his long white hair and beard. His head is currently on display in a glass case in the National Museum of Iran (in Tehran). It has been estimated that the man lived around 1700 years ago, during the time of the Sasanian Empire, and died sometime between the ages of 35 and 40.Studying the SaltmenIn the following years more saltmen were discovered. In 2004, another saltman was found by miners, and an emergency excavation campaign was undertaken. Saltmen were also discovered in 2005, and the most recent mummy was uncovered in 2007. It is believed that the men lost their lives in the mine as a result of mining accidents. Whilst the first saltman is being kept in the National Museum of Iran, the subsequent four were brought to the Zanjan Archaeology Museum. The sixth saltman has been left in-situ.Head of Saltman 1 on display at National Museum of Iran in Tehran. The discovery of the saltmen has allowed archaeologists to get a glimpse into the lives of these ancient salt miners, and much scientific research has been conducted on the mummies, as well as the mine itself, since they were discovered more than two decades ago. Areas in which such research is being performed include archaeobotany, archaeozoology, isotope analysis, mining archaeology and physical anthropology.Salt mummy no. 4, Archaeological Museum Zanjan (photograph: Deutsches Bergbau-Museum). These studies have been helped archaeologists to gain a better understanding of ancient mining practices. For example, by examining the various artifacts and ecofacts in their stratigraphic layers, three different mining phases, namely Achaemenid, Sasanian, and Islamic, have been distinguished.Textile fragment, length c. 520 mm, Archaeological Museum Zanjan (photograph: Miras Farhangi/Deutsches Bergbau-Museum). Further research has shown that mining practices were organized differently during these periods. It was found, for instance, that during the Achaemenid period, mining was established in the surrounding area, and that, based on isotopic data, supply was organized on a regional basis. By comparison, during the Achaemenid period, it seems that there were foreign miners working in the salt mine, and that the mine was accessed from areas further away, i.e. the miners did not settle within the vicinity of their workplace.Such studies have also helped revise certain accepted facts about the saltmen. For instance, it is generally reported that six saltmen have been discovered so far. However, anatomical analysis of the mummies has revealed that some body parts, which were initially thought to have belonged to a single individual, were in fact from different bodies. Thus, it has been suggested that the number of saltmen should actually be counted as eight, or even more.Iron pick with wooden handle, length c. 210mm, Archaeological Museum Zanjan (photograph: Deutsches Bergbau-Museum).Saving the SaltmenWhilst much scientific study on the saltmen and the salt mine has been carried out, there is a lack of conservation and preservation of the mummified remains. In a report from 2009, it was mentioned that the mummies were being displayed in Plexiglas cases that were not hermetically sealed. As a result of changes in air temperature and pressure, cracks have appeared in the cases. This, in turn, allowed bacteria and insects to enter them, causing damage to the mummies.Nevertheless, measures are reported to have been taken to ensure that the saltmen do not undergo further deterioration. In the same report, it was said that plans for making permanent cases for the saltmen have been completed, and the necessary funds for the construction of the encasings should be found.Photo shows reconstructions Salt Man No. 1 – (Art work by M. Aflak @ Hamshahri Magazine, 2009)Read more:Dokhrani Ceremony of Mandaeans: Baptizing and Naming ChildrenSi-E Tir Street, Where Different Religions Are Practiced Side By SideTop 10 Places to Visit in Yazd(Opens in a new browser tab)Zoroastrian Towers of Silence – The Ancient Burial Ground in Yazd SURFIRAN SURFIRAN Sat, 24 Oct 2020 22:45:41 +0330