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Known as the jewel of Central Asia, Iran's cities are packed with gilded mosques and blue-mosaic shrines built in honour of the country's greatest leaders. Its people are generous and its terrain ranges from the sands of the Persian Gulf to the Alburz Mountains in the north. The expert authors give first-hand descriptions of attractions ranging from the exquisite mosques of Isfahan and the museums and palaces of Tehran to remote, spectacular mountain hikes. New maps and up-to-date information on all the basics - hotels, restaurants, businesses and shops - help you to uncover the mysteries of ancient Persepolis, to enjoy a soak and scrub in a local hamam, or to pick up a pair of giveh slippers or a Persian rug in Kirman's bazaar.
Introduction ix
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION 1
Chapter 1 Background Information 3
Geography and climate 3, Natural history and conservation 4, History 6, Government and politics 17, Economy 22, People 24, Language 24, Religion 26, Education 29, Culture 30
Chapter 2 Practical Information 31
When to visit 31, Highlights 31, Suggested itineraries 31, Tourist information 32, Tour operators 32, Time difference 33, Red tape 33, Embassies, consulates, missions 36, Getting there and away 36, Health 37, Safety 42, What to take 44, Export and import restrictions 46, Money 47, Budgeting 48, Getting around 48, Accommodation 51, Eating and drinking 53, Public holidays 55, Shopping 58, Culture and entertainment 60, Media and communications 62, Business 65, Cultural etiquette 65, Travelling positively 69
PART TWO THE GUIDE 71
Chapter 3 Tehran and the Road South 73
Getting there and away 74, Getting around 74, Where to stay 75, Where to eat and drink 76, What to see and do 77, South of Tehran 86
Chapter 4 West of Tehran: Qazvin and Hamadan 91
Qazvin 91, Hamadan 96, Around Hamadan 100, East of Hamadan to Kermanshah Province 102
Chapter 5 From Kashan to Esfahan 109
Kashan 109, On the road 114, Along the Kashan-Yazd road 115, Na'in 116, Around Na'in 117, Esfahan 119
Chapter 6 The Caspian Region 139
Getting there 139, Towards Gilan 141, West and southwest of Bandar-e Anzali 143, East of Bandar-e Anzali 143, Amol and around 145, Sari 147, Gonbad-e Qabus 149, Bastam and around 151, Damghan 152, Semnan 154, Semnan to Tehran 155
Chapter 7 Iranian Azerbaijan 157
Getting there 157, Ardabil and around 158, Tabriz 160, North of Tabriz 165, Orumiyeh and beyond (to the south and southeast) 168
Chapter 8 Shiraz and Around 175
Shiraz 175, Around Shiraz 187
Chapter 9 Persepolis and the Surrounding Area 195
Persepolis 195, Naqsh-e Rostam 200, Istakhr 202, Pasargadae 202
Chapter 10 The South Coast 205
Ahvaz 205, Shushtar 208, Shush (Susa) 209, Northwest of Shush/Susa 212, Southeast of Shush/Susa 212, East of Shush/Susa 214, South of Ahvaz 217, Eastwards along the coast 218, Further along the coast road 221
Chapter 11 En Route to Yazd and Kerman 229
Coming to Yazd from the southwest 229, Yazd 231, Kerman 238, Mahan 245, Bam 246, Zahedan and around 248
Chapter 12 To Mashhad and Beyond 251
Mashhad 251, Around Mashhad 262, South of Mashhad 264, To Kashmar 267, Nishapur and around 268
Appendix 1 Language 271
Appendix 2 Glossary 273
Appendix 3 Further Information 276
Index 280
Patricia Baker was an independent lecturer and researcher specializing in Islamic art. She first visited Iran in 1971 and subsequently went back numerous times. Hilary Smith is an independent lecturer focusing particularly on the cultural history of central Asia.
"Excellent on history and culture"
- TNT Magazine
