Islamic Republic of Iran, جمهوری اسلامی ایران, Jomhuri-ye Eslāmi-ye Irān

General Information:

Location: Central & Western Asia
Capital: Tehran
Language(s): Persian
Population: 83,636,622
Total Area: 1,648,195 sq km
Currency: Rial
Curious Alcohol Fact: The most popular drink in Iran is not an alcohol but a yoghurt-like drink called doug.
Annual Average Liquor Consumption Per Capita: 1.01 liters
Most Popular Drink(s): Doug (type of yoghurt), tea – best enjoyed with our Iran shot glass souvenirs

Iran Travel Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCWQPzGzvjk

Credits: Broaden Horizons

The Country

The site of the ancient Sassanid Empire, the Islamic Republic of Iran is also referred to as Asia in some other contexts. Iran has the following countries as the neighbors: Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey and Iraq. To the south of the country are the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. The capital city is Tehran, and is also the most important in terms of commercial activities.

Iran is a name derived from the term ‘Aryana’ meaning the ‘Land of the Aryans’. Following the overthrow of Shah Pahlavi in the 1979 Revolution, the name of the country was changed to the Islamic Republic of Iran. The country is one of the largest in the country and is a regional power.

The People

Although the country is multiethnic, the Persian language is widely spoken. Other major languages spoken in the country are Arabic and Azeri. The ethnic groups are Persians (accounting for about half of the population), Azerbaijanis, Arabs, Kurds, Gilaki, Mazandarani, Balochi, Armenians, Jews and many more. The dominant religion in the country is Islam and it is important to stress that the form of Islam in the country is Shia, and more than 95% of the citizens are Shia Muslims.

Other religions in Iran are Zoroastrianism, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and the Baha’i faith. The country has produced some of the best scientists in the world, and an example is Tofy Mussivand, inventor of the first artificial heart pump.

Eating

In various parts of the country, rice is a major constituent of the diet and is known as berenj. One thing with the Iranians is that they take their time to prepare the rice and you will be impressed with the outcome. The rice meal is normally served with chicken, meat, mutton or fish. Vegetables and spices are also regularly served with the rice. Bread is also widely eaten in the country and is referred to as nan. The type of bread consumed depends on the area you visit.

Drinking

Doug is a kind of yoghurt that is normally served with most meals in the country. This is the most popular drink in the country. There is also a special juice made from watermelon and is known as ab endevaneh. From my experience, I saw that most of the common drinks in Iran were either made from fruits or vegetables. If you are a fan of booze, Iran is not the place for you.

Places to Visit

Being home to some of the oldest civilizations in the world, Iran offers you some of the most spectacular sights. You have the unique opportunity of visiting the ruins of long-gone empires like the Achmaenid Empire, the Safavid dynasty and the Sassanid Empire. There are also many shrines and holy cities that you can check out. And never forget to buy those beautiful Persian rugs.

Sports

Although many will like to see Iran a hard-line country ruled by conservative theologians, you will be surprised with the level of sports development in the country. Also, Iran has one of the most impressive football teams on the planet, and other sports like skiing and mountain climbing are very popular, among the locals and tourists alike.

Interesting Facts

Iran was formerly called Persia.
In 1979, Iranians toppled their King (called Shah) in a revolution.
The country is sometimes referred to as the Land of the Aryans.
Also, there are many shrines and mosques all over the country.
Iran is the largest and most powerful Shia nation on earth.

Iran souvenirs

Moreover, Iran, with its several iconic symbols and landmarks, has always been and remains one of the most popular places to purchase souvenirs. However, among the many options of Iran-themed souvenirs, shot glasses are considered particularly and intriguing items for collecting or gifting.

Story By World By Shotglass
Special Thanks To Ahmed Adebayo (Ilorin, Nigeria) for editing.
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