Tehran Events Guide: February at a Glance

Islamic Revolution Victory Day

When? February 10
Where? Azadi Square

The major event of February in Iran is Islamic Revolution Victory Day. Each year thousands of people come to Azadi Square in Tehran to commemorate a day in 1979 when people came there to plead for the return to their own, Iranian, values which turned out to be a return to their Islamic background.

Travel Guide to Qazvin: City of Ornaments

Qazvin is a city of ornaments and gorgeous tiles, "a city in the middle of a garden" (that`s how Nasseredin Shah depicted it to his European counterparts). Finally, Qazvin is the gate to amazing Alamut valley with its impressive castle. Although, it shouldn`t be missed by those who`re heading there. 
I`ve prepared a travel guide for you where I`ll tell you about the atmosphere in the city, its people, main tourist attractions, share some useful tips and my own experience of traveling to Qazvin. Hope you enjoy!

One Day Trip Destinations: the Villages of Vardij and Varish

Seeing spring coming, it`s almost impossible to stay home. That`s why on the first day off my husband and I picked up a backpack, hopped in the car and drive out of the city. This time we were going to a place recommended to us by our friends years ago. And finally its time came! We set off to two small villages lost in the mountains right outside of Tehran: Vardij and Varish which are famous for human-shaped mountains formed by the wind and beautiful gardens (look for the map in the end of the post).

Guide to Events in Tehran: The International Tourism Fair

Tourism Fair is a very colorful event - there are lots of dancing, music, singing and other authentic stuff!

If you happen to be in Tehran in February, make sure not to miss the International Tourism Fair which is usually held in February. It can be especially useful, if you are in the beginning of your trip, and let me explain why. One of the halls, and the most colorful one, I must say, is usually dedicated to Iranian provinces. And visiting it you can see the whole Iran at one glance and decide which parts seem more interesting to you. 

Ultimate Guide To Tehran`s Grand Bazaar

Tehran`s Grand Bazaar is one of the biggest in Iran and, definitely, the most crowded place in Tehran

If you are reading this post, you might have heard a lot about bazaars in Iran. Any city you go in Iran, its bazaar will be one of the main sights for tourists to visit. Why so? Well, the bazaar is one of the oldest institutions in Iranian culture. It embodies traditional lifestyle, traditional architecture and, most of the times, houses city`s main mosque – Jame` Mosque.

Tehran`s Grand Bazaar (or bazar-e bozorg in Farsi) (as it`s obvious from its name) is one of the biggest bazaars in the country (after, maybe, the one in Tabriz). Its different parts and alleys are dedicated to different type of goods, and one can buy almost ANYTHING in here – like Iranians say “anything from chicken`s milk to human`s life”. Here is just a part of what one can find here: carpets (both handmade and machine-made), jewelry, clothing, kitchen utensils, some handicrafts, textiles, nuts and pulses, spices and so on and so forth.

However, for tourists, going to a bazaar might be quite a challenge, as it has one important characteristic – chaotic nature. Bazaars are formed by narrow, intertwined alleys which are full of people moving in different directions. And it`s pretty easy to get lost there!

The Grand Bazaar is like a city inside a city, and you will definitely need a guide to take you through. Actually, I decided to write this post after many of my friends who visited Iran simply were afraid to go in there because they could get lost. I hope that this post will help you overcome this fear and visit the heart of Tehran, its Grand Bazaar. So sit tight and get ready to dive in!

Take my hand and get ready to dive in!

One-day Trip Destinations: Shahrestanak

Iranians love travelling! Every day they get a couple of days off, they head for the North of Iran where many have villas. Those who don`t have such luxury, grab their backpacks, fetch their friends and get off to one of the beautiful places around Tehran for a one-day trip. One of these places is Shahrestanak in Alborz province which can be an amazing getaway destination during spring, summer and autumn.

You can see such scenery there in late October-the first days of November. 

Shahrestanak is a village with lots of fruit-tree gardens and a Qajar palace which was turned into a museum, although it didn`t save it from decay.

Although Shahrestanak has a historical sight, people come here mostly for its nature, fresh air and mountains. In spring they enjoy the greenery of numerous fruit trees, in summer they escape heat under the shadow of the trees and in autumn enjoy red-yellow autumn scenery. 

If you decide to visit this small village, remember that it`s located in the mountains and weather here is always colder than in the city. So be prepared!

For more photos - visit my blog at http://strangerintehran.tumblr.com !