| Islamic Republic of Iran
Azadi cultural complex,
Tehran (AH1/AH2) Located in Tehran’s Azadi Square,
the Azadi Tower is a combination of Islamic and Sasanid architectural
styles. It is a symbol of the city and a part of a five-hectare cultural
complex that features many fine examples of Iranian arts, lifestyles,
religious and historical monuments.
Persepolis, south of Tehran (AH1/AH2)
Founded by King Darius I in 518 B.C., Persepolis was the capital of the
Achaemenid Empire, about 640 kilometres south of Teheran. A UNESCO World
Heritage Site, it was built on an immense half-artificial, half-natural
terrace, where the king of kings created an impressive palace complex
inspired by Mesopotamian models.
Esfahan (off AH2) Esfahan
was the capital of the Safavid era (1501-1732). During the reign of the
first Shah Abbas, the most magnificent buildings of Esfahan were built,
including Abbasi Jame mosque (Imam mosque), one of the best examples of
Persian architecture. In the 17th century, the main square in Esfahan
was one of the biggest in the world.
Mashhad (AH1/AH75) When
the Safavid dynasty adopted Islam as the state religion, Mashhad flourished
as an important pilgrimage center. The Imam Reza, the only one of the
twelve Imams to be buried in the Islamic Republic of Iran, died in 817.
The place of his burial was named Mashhad (the place of martyrdom). Attracting
over one million pilgrims per year, the shrine is one of the most elegant
architectural complexes in the Islamic world.
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