15 Things You Should Know About Iran and Its People
Chances are that you haven’t considered Iran as a must see destination. Who would, right? With the usual negative rhetoric towards the country and its political representatives.. it makes one doubt the safety.
But nothing can be further from the truth. Politics aside, Iran is the most welcoming country I’ve ever been to. So I wrote up a short and sweet overview of what you should know about Iran and Iranians. Enjoy! :)
Here's a short video of all the things I think you should know about Iran and Iranians. Details are covered later in the article text. :)
Iranians are extremely hospitable
You can see it everywhere – from shy smiles, to curious questions about where you’re from, Iranians are welcoming to visitors and are generally happy to see travellers coming.
In traditional hotels and houses, they’ll treat you like family and you might even be invited for a homemade meal, just from a person on the street!
No wonder Couchsurfing is so popular there. I haven’t tried Couchsurfing in Iran myself, but have heard the only potential ‘threat’ is that a host might be too friendly and might want to accompany you everywhere.
What a threat, right?
See also my fellow blogger's take on Iranian hospitality.
Check out also this comprehensive guide on traveling to Iran.
Iranians care about their country’s image abroad
Most Iranians I’ve met feel sad about the image of Iran abroad. Of course, the information they get is a bit biased, but they are always hopeful that you as a traveler to Iran will then tell everyone how great it’s been there!
We were often asked about what we thought of Iran and we always honestly replied how amazed we were by the hospitality of people.
Iran has the bad luck to lie in an unstable region, but it’s one of the safest countries in the area.
Iran is a safe travel destination
No matter what your nationality or religion, you’ll be perfectly fine. Don’t cause conflicts and follow the local rules and you have nothing to worry about.
The troubled areas of Iran are along its borders with Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Many travellers are fine in those areas as well, but for the cautious traveler it’s a big no-no.
When it comes to practicalities, visa is supposedly not issued to everybody. For me as a Czech citizen, there was no problem. I could even get an on-arrival visa.
If you already have an Israeli stamp in your passport, get a second passport for your Iranian visa.
If you’re American or British, you’ll need a local guide accompanying you everywhere. Even if you’re Harley Davidson riders, like the Brits we met in Yazd.
Fortunately, the guides are often very easy going, so fear not that you would end up with a government official as if you were in North Korea or somewhere.
Read more on Iran safety here.
It’s cheap to travel around Iran
Iran is really cheap for us visitors from the Western world. Even with the high inflation and sometimes-outdated prices in guidebooks, prices are still relatively low.
I’d say perhaps on the same level as in Thailand.
I spent only about 500 EUR in 2 weeks – including accommodation, one local flight, food and souvenirs!
Iran is developed and advanced
The infrastructure in Iran runs smoothly and people are well educated. Of course the people you’ll speak to will be mostly those with a good level of English, but that’s quite a big part of the young educated population.
It’s a fact that it takes 10 years to gain a PhD in Iran! So those who study are very serious about it.
Iran has been Islamic for only 1300 Years
Ok, 1300 years does sound like a long time. But the Persian culture shaped throughout the times of Persian Empire was not lost, rather absorbed into Iran’s Islam.
It is therefore a bit different to regimes in the neighboring countries, not only because Iran’s population is predominantly made of Shiite Muslims.
Iranians divide their country’s history before & after the Revolution of 1979
After you’ll speak with a few locals, you’ll notice how they naturally divide the past before and after the Revolution, when the spiritual leader Ayatollah Khomeini took over and Iran became more Islamic.
Study Iran’s history, it’s incredibly interesting. I found Lonely Planet’s overview of Iran's history very well described. Get a Lonely Planet guidebook now to do some reading before your trip.
Iranians are so diverse – you can even meet green-eyed people!
There are many ethnic groups living in Iran. You can see representatives of nomadic tribes and of the neighboring countries who have fully assimilated and become Iranians.
You’ll be amazed by the big bright blue or green eyes of many!
Women have a certain level of freedom
I’m not here to praise Iranian women’s freedom as it’s obviously far from what we’re used to in Europe, but compared to other countries in the region women have relatively more rights.
Take the then 18 year old film director Samira Makhmalbaf who became world-famous by directing ‘The Apple’ in 1998. She’s a woman, and young!
Also, as opposed to e.g. Saudi Arabia, women are allowed to drive. When it comes to women’s rights, Lonely Planet quite fittingly calls Iran the 'Country of contrasts'.
In fact, many households are ruled by women. Mothers have the upper hand at home while outside, it’s the men. This dynamic seems to work quite well for Iran.
Iranians are proud of their nation
Persia has a long history and Iranians carry a lot of national pride in them.
Some people you’ll meet might be critical to certain past or present representatives, but the overall feel you’ll get is that they are proud to be Iranian.
Iran is the no. 1 nation for picnics
I’ve never seen anything like it! Any patch of grass, or actually even a concrete sidewalk, is an ideal picnic spot!
People roll out a Persian carpet, get out flasks with tea and some snacks and their favorite pastime is on! Some even bring gas stoves and actually cook their meals.
If you’re in Esfahan, walk around the Imam Square in late afternoon, you’ll see many locals sitting down for a picnic with family or friends. If you’re lucky, you might even be invited to one.
Iranians are very family-oriented
Love of family emanates from Iranians like from no other nation I’ve visited. Perhaps it’s also because they don’t use strollers much, so they carry their young ones in their arms.
You can often encounter parents or grandparents cuddling their babies and it really seems like family is in the center of the universe for them.
Iranians don’t eat out very much
You might find out there are not restaurants on every corner as you’re used to from your travels. Iranians traditionally eat most of their meals at home (or on a picnic), with a work lunch occasionally taken at a street stand.
It’s not that common to go eat out.
Many of the restaurants you’ll encounter have been set up for tourists, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. If you stay at a traditional house instead of a hotel, you can taste the real homemade cuisine that’s so sought after!
Liberal North, conservative South
Generally speaking, the North including Tehran is much more liberal when it comes to views, opinions and even clothing.
The further to the South you’ll go, the more long black chadors you’ll see and the more conservative and traditional people are. Just be aware of that if you travel down South.
Iran is not touristy
Among the friendly people who’ll approach you, there might be an occasional vendor, but even if you’re taken into a carpet shop for a cup of tea, you’re in no way obliged to buy anything and you can easily get out of there.
The lack of ‘pushiness’ from street vendors is refreshing!
But it might not last forever. Iran is becoming increasingly more popular among travellers, so go visit while it’s still unspoiled by mass tourism!
One resource that helped my tremendously to wrap my mind around the country's history and better understand the people: Lonely Planet Guidebook. The one on Iran is a high quality one. Check it here.
If you're considering travelling to Iran, get inspired by my 2 week itinerary. And - I even have advice on what to wear (for both ladies and gents).
For some further reading on the ethnicity of Iranians, the early history and cultural development, head to this Wikipedia article.
What do you think? Would you travel to Iran? Have you been there already? Do you agree with my views?
Enjoyed reading? Pin it for later!
Well, it was cool that your opinion was so close to our senses. In any case, I wish peace and kindness and smile to all the world.
Monsieur Veronica. I'd be happy to see if you came back
Thank you Siavash, happy to hear the article reflected Iran well.
I’m Iranian . I’m so glad that see how your are thinking about Iran and Iranian . Our people are really so nice and kind.we really love each other . Iran has different beautiful places to see .come to Iran and see what some news tell about us are not true.iran is safe and we live well. We are Muslims and pray god(allah) we are not terrorism and we love people all over the world.
Thank you Maryam, No worries, many more travellers are heading to Iran, you'll soon see more tourists in Iranian cities :)
I am a happy man to see others enjoyed visiting my country,thanks
I'm really glad you enjoyed reading my article and all the positive comments here :) This article has become the most commented one on my blog, as so many Iranians are concerned how people in other countries see Iran. But fortunately, it's not that bad at all! The image of Iran, especially as a travel destination, is very positive and people are eager to visit :)
@Veronika, wow i think I'm gonna cry right now♥♥♥♥thank you so much
You're so right.
Oh Iran. That lovely Country. I loved it there when I traveled there 4 years ago. I stayed for about 60 days and traveled to many cities in there.
Shiraz was awesome. So special! So were Isfahan and Tehran but Shiraz was just something else! OMG the this country's nature is amazing. In my travel to North of Iran Or as locals usually call it Shomal, I practically wanted to record every bit of the nature. People there have a hospitality hardly similar to any other. I'm really sad about what the social media through the world are making them looking like terrorists or wild people.
Of course, as in every other country I've been, there were dangerous areas with dangerous people. but not alot. They are very generous and proud people with a country with a civilization sooo old
and sooo rich. Probably one of the firsts in civilization. It's safe there if one be cautious like being in everywhere. actually Surely far more safer than America and many many other countries. People are so deep and understanding there.
I will definitely go there again. Couldn't get enough!
Thank you for sharing your experience Freya! <3
If you come to Iran as a not muslim person, you have so great time to search and know more about Islam and even you may change your whole idea for your whole life when you become familiar with it. Its so much lovely logical and completed
It's true Mahya, Iran is a good place to first get to know Islam better.
Hi veronika:)
I'm a Iranian girl and all of them that you see, are true.
Thanks for your idea about my country. Girls Iranian are very biutifull ! Very very. But in your photos, note biutifull.
And thanks for your travel to my country Iran. :)
Again come to Iran. Come to my city, bojnord.
Bay bay my friends.
Hello Atousa, thank you for stopping by! It's hard to do street photography in Iran, I didn't want to offend anyone by putting the camera in their face :) I'm not the best photographer either.
Thank you for your tip, I've never heard of Bojnord! So many places to see on my next trip :)
Many greetings from Prague!
Hi veronika. I would be so thankful if you consider coming to rasht this time you came to iran. The city is awesome , it has many places to see and this city never sleeps. I mean you can go out like 2 am and still you see lots of people in the street laughing and telling jokes and sometimes (not at winter probabley) eating ice cream.
The best place you can go is the Municipality building.
It's famous of shanzelize of iran and it's seriously good.
I am living in tehran but i have been there once or twice.
Wish you a happy trip.
Oooh thank you for the great local tip! The way you described Rasht really makes me want to go there :)
Dear Veronika:
I live in Neishabour,North-Eastern Iran.A city with a really rich historical background.(You can simply google it apart from the many source books about the history of Old Neishabour including "The Patricians of Nishapur" by professor Richard Bulliet).
All tourists are cordially invited to Neishabur,the homeland of Khayam: the world famous astronomer,mathemetician,mystic and poet!
The homeland of Attar,prominent poet and herbalist!
On top of that ,Neishabiur is famous worldwide for its fantastic turquoise and saffron!
By the way ,don't forget to enjoy the wonders of Iranian traditional medicine based on the teaching of Abu Ali Sina!(You can find the professional doctors in Tehran who will tell you what's going on in your body by just taking your pulse and cure you by herbal organic medicine and your FOOD!)
You 'll be amazed at the number of traditional herbalist's all aver Neishabur,including my husband!This is a heritage left by Attar to Neishaburies!
Everyone visiting the city can contact me for more information and to have a blast here!!
saheleabi2016@gmail
By the way,It's my wish to visit picturesque Prague!I'm saving money for it!
Love from amazing Iran to the whole world...
Thank you Darya, Neishabur sounds lovely!
If you want my Advice , Don’t come here alone.
Darya is lying that is a restaurant
Im not getting you!
Dear Veronica,
Thank you for your wonderful post. I am happy that you have enjoyed your stay. If you ever decide to come back here, you should definitely give a visit to Rasht, Guilan. We call ourselves the capital of food. There is no way you could walk a street without bumping into a restaurant. We have our own culture when in comes to food. That's of course, if you have an intrest about food. People here have a insomnia unlike you've ever seen. We stay up all night (sometimes for fun) driving around the city (but mostly the young ones). Goulsar, a popular area in Rasht is crowded with people at all hours of the day. It has many boutiques and restaurants and places that are similar to starbucks. I myself have never traveled to other countries because my father believes that i should get to know my country first. Well i have, and based on my experience, you should definitely go to Lahijan. It's a beautiful city with an amazing view to the whole city. We call it Bam-e-Lahijan. Guilan is one of the best states for its beautiful environment and waterfalls and lakes ,etc. As for shopping, you should definitely visit Mazandaran. Not only the beach there is absolutely gourges, but also there are tons of malls out there. You could have a taste of both worlds.
From your article, I figured that you didn't get a chance to visit north. Well we would love it for you to visit.
Sorry for writing so much and taking your time.
Thank you Saba! I see, another vote for Rasht and the North of Iran, well noted! Everyone commenting here is giving me such great tips for the next trip :) I really appreciate it!
@Veronika, Dear Veronica THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR KIND AND GENEROUS ARTICLE!!!I'm really happy that you loved it here.also wanted to officially invite you to come to Rasht.you're gonna have so muchhhh fun♡♡♡