Iran cradle of tourist sights

Thousands of tourists each year arrive here in Iran to see the country's natural beauties and get more familiar with sub-cultures while enjoying an unforgettable vacation. March 21 marks the start of Spring and the turn of the new Iranian year, and to commemorate the occassion we invite you to join us in an electronic tour of Iran with one province covered for you each day. Today: Khuzestan Province Khuzestan Province is one of the 31 provinces of Iran. It is in the southwest of the country, bordering Iraq's Basra Province and the Persian Gulf. Its capital is Ahwaz and covers an area of 63,238 km². Other major cities include Behbahan, Abadan, Andimeshk, Khorramshahr, Bandar Imam, Dezful, Shushtar, Omidiyeh, Izeh, Susa, Masjed Soleiman, Minoo Island, Hoveizeh, Baq Malek, Mah Shahr, Dasht-i Mishan/Dasht Azadegan, Ramhormoz, Shadegan and Soosangerd. Basically, the province of Khuzestan can be divided into two regions, the plains and mountainous regions. The agricultural lands are fertile and mainly in the west of the province, which are irrigated by the Karun, Karkheh and Jarahi rivers. These three large and permanent rivers flow over the entire territory contributing to the fertility of the land. Karun, Iran's largest river, 850 kilometers long, flows into the Persian Gulf through this province. Domination of Khuzestan was also Saddam Hussein's primary strategic objective that launched the 8-year Iraqi imposed war on Iran. Being on the border with Iraq, Khuzestan suffered the heaviest damage of all Iranian provinces during the 8 years of the imposed war, which forced thousands of Iranians to flee the province. However, by 1982, Iranian forces managed to push Saddam's forces back into Iraq. The battle of "the Liberation of Khorramshahr" (one of Khuzestan's largest cities and the most important Iranian port prior to the war) was a turning point in the war and of course one the most heroic battles ever taken place in defending the country, and is officially celebrated every year in Iran. The city of Khorramshahr was completely decimated as a result of Saddam's barbaric invasion. Khuzestan is the major oil-producing region of Iran, and as such is the wealthiest province in Iran. Karun River is the only river in Iran capable of sailing. Handicrafts and Souvenirs, Khuzestan From the past, the Province of Khuzestan was renounced for its textiles and silk weaving industry. The ancient Arab geographer Al Moqaddassi has mentioned about the textiles of this area in his records. Shooshtar and its surroundings are renounced for its sleeveless cloaks made of both thick and fine materials. Shadegan is also famous for its cloaks. The weaving of the Islamic veil and the Arab veil is a dominant feature here. Bed Sheets of Shooshtar, waist wrappers of Dezful, jajeems (a loosely woven woolen material) of Shadegan are worth mentioning. Besides there are other handicrafts such as, carpet, a kind of chain stitch embroidery, Gelim weaving (a type of coarse carpet), Jajeem weaving, mat and rush mat weaving, bedding wrappers, manufacture of Warsaw silver and ... can be taken to account as the handicrafts of this province. Local and Regional Foods, Khuzestan Food habits of Khuzestan people have intermingled with their occupation and type of their job. Types of Fish: Fried fish, Mahroot, Saboor, Fish Khoresht, Sorkhoo Fish, Masmooteh, Marg Samak, Kooshk Fish, Vegetable Fish, Fish Soup, Prawn, Tandori Fish, Shoor Fish, and Kookoo. Types of Polow: Prawn Polow, Kalam Polow, Behbahan Polow and Tah Chin. Types of Kabab:Zard Kabab and Kabab Shireh. The Province of Khuzestan has a wide array of local delicacies such as Aash Dowa, Kaleh Pacheh, Koofteh Berenji, Panirak, Baqala, Sa'din, Hamis Tooleh, Samosa, Siloon Va Ardeh, Toochiri, Hashow, Doroshteh, Sholeh Ardeh, Maccaroni with carrot, Qolqol, Meat Roles, Chalpateh, Mahbooseh, Meat bread, Dandro, Hariseh, Omlet, Khoresht Bamiyeh, Khoresht Shalqam, Nesha', She'riyeh, Ma'saleh Date, a variety of curries, local bread and pickles. Local Music, Khuzestan In the Province of Khuzestan Shooshtari notes played in "Homayoon" musical division are very famous. Musical instruments such as "Flute", "Oboe", "Kettle drum", "Tambourine" and other instruments are used. Arab lamentations and poetry such as "Abu Ziyeh", "Atab", "Abu Tageh" or "Basteh", etc., have deeply influenced this territory. The local Arab music singers are called "Al Khashebeh" which play Arabic music. There is another local Arabic song and music known as "Alvaniyeh". In "Atab" melody there is some kind of sorrow, while "Abu Tageh" is a delighting group song which is normally accompanied with a group dance called "Talgat Asba'". Arabic musical instruments are "Motbag", "Windpipe", "Al Azabeh", "Drum", "Tambourine", "Al Zanjari", "Robab", "Santur" and "Damam". Tourist attraction Arvand Rood River The Arvand Rood River flows in the townships of Khoram Shahr, Abadan and to the west of the Minoo Island, as well as on the borders of Iran and Iraq. This river is known as the Shat-ol-Arab in Iraq and has been formed by meeting two rivers of Tigris and Euphrates. These join at a place called Qarneh, 110 km. southwest of Abadan and flow alongside the city of Basra. After following a long course, and flowing through Khoram Shahr and Abadan, it ultimately reaches the Persian Gulf. In this river shipping is possible and the surrounding area is furthermore an interesting sight. Hoor-ol-Azim Wetland, Sosangerd The length of this wetland is 100 km. and its width is between 15-75 km. It is limited from west by the Tigris River and form the east by the flat plains of Iran. Throughout, the Hoor is covered by reeds. The depth of the water towards the sides is shallow while in the center it is more than 7 m. Special canoes can be used in this wetland. The nature of Hoor and specially the surrounding inhabitants are of anthropological interest. Bardi Castle This castle is accounted as the first permanent settlement place for Parsee tribes, as well as the birthplace of Koorush the Achaemenian. It is located in the Andika sector of Masjed Soleiman. The Bardi castle is a huge structure which was built during the Elamite period and made of large slabs of stones (without mortar). At present the untouched walls of the castle has been remained. Sefidune Mountain This mountain reaches an elevation of 2,776 m. and is situated in the Andika Village in Masjed Soleiman. The Talluk, Poolkool and Ab Shiroon Rivers originate form the skirts of this mountain. The Sefidune Mountain is connected to Mount Zangab from the north, and to Mount Monar from the southeast. Acropol (Shoosh) Castle The Acropol or Shoosh castle was constructed by a group of French archeologists in the year 1897 AD in the highest region of the city. The same is very similar to the Bastille in France. This castle has been constructed by Dezful artists and by means of bricks obtained from Darius (Dariush) castle and some engraved bricks in the Kific script from Choqazanbil. This castle was in the hands of the French authorities before the Islamic revolution, after which it was utilized as the archeological center of Shoosh. Valuable and important relics such as the famous statue of Queen Napirasustoon, Hamurabi Code and famed buff earthenware glass of Shoosh with a wild goat drawing have been discovered from the Acropol Hill. It took a period of 15 years to build this structure which stood as a defense fort against the attack of local clans and tribes. During Iran-Iraq war this castle was under the bombardment of Iraqi troops, and later on came under re-construction and repair. Apadana (Dariush) Palace This palace was constructed by the order of Darius (Dariush) the Achaemenian on the top of Elamite hillocks and is known as Dariush (Apadana) palace. The walls of the palace are made of sun baked bricks with a brick worked facade, and the pillars are of stone. Apadana Palace consists of a pavilion, haramsara (a section for court ladies), gateway, entertainment hall and three central courtyards. The internal walls of the palace are adorned with engraved glazed bricks depicting the winged-lion guard soldiers and adorned by lotus flowers, the remnants of which are on display in local museums and those in abroad. A major portion of this palace caught on fire during the reign of Ardeshir I, (461 BC), and finally during the conquests of Alexander, the said palace along with other Achaemenian palaces were completely ruined. Karkheh River Bridge, Dehloran Road This bridge is also known as the old Karkheh Bridge or Naderi Bridge. The same is located in Dehloran Road, to the north of the new steel bridge. The ancient bridge was constructed of stone, mortar and slabs of sculptured stone. The remnants of which are an arch and a pillar. There is a link between this bridge and the relics of Ivan-e-Karkheh Palace, thence of high historical and tourism value. Shaoor (Ardeshir) Palace The remnants of this palace is situated along the western banks of the Shaoor River, opposite the mausoleum of the Prophet Denial (PBUH). This palace has a square shaped hall with lateral installations. The columns or pillars are made of stone, and its walls are of sun baked bricks. This palace was constructed during the reign of Ardeshir II , and was used as his residential palace as well as a seat of power. Choqazanbil Temple (Ziggurat) Choqazanbil is situated at a distance of 45 km. south east of Shoosh, and is the only remnant of an ancient city, that was constructed approximately in 1300 BC. This city which was at the vicinity of 2 km. from Dez river, was known as "Ontashgal". The same is a reminder of the new Elamite civilization. It was surrounded by three interconnected sun brick made ramparts with the main entrance situated in the eastern side of the largest rampart. The palaces and tombs of the Elamite monarchs are situated between the first and second ramparts. Between the second and the third ramparts, the remnants of the water supply and purification system for city is observed. The water purification system of Choqazanbil was to provide drinking water for citizens which is obviously accounted as one of the most ancient water supply systems. In the center of the third rampart, the main temple (Ziggurat) is placed. This square shaped structure is constructed at the dimensions of 105x105 sq.m., along four main directions. This temple was constructed by means of millions of bricks, in five floors. At present only two floors have been remained. Except for the first and fifth floors, the rest have been filled with sun baked bricks. The fifth floor which is considered to be the most highest one, was used to be the place where idols were kept. The main idol was called "Inshushinak" which was considered to be the most famous deity of Shoosh city. On the brick walls of the temple, same inscriptions designating the name of the king in the Cuneiform script can be observed which reveals the aim of the monarch in the construction of this temple. Near the temple, on the main ground there are two circular platforms. Some believe this to be a place where sacrifices were carried out, and the other version is that, this was an area for astrology. The aggregate of this city along with Elamite civilization in the vicinity of Haft Tappeh, was demolished in 640 BC as a result of Assyrian conquests, under the command of 'Ashur Banipal', thence terminating the Elamite jurisdiction after a period of more than a millennium. Danial-e-Nabi Mausoleum The same is located on the eastern banks of the Shaoor River. This mausoleum is the resting abode of one of the prophets of the Israelites. The premises has two courtyards, which are surrounded with chambers and porches. The mausoleum is located at the end of the second courtyard, which has rooms in three side of courtyard for a nights stay of pilgrims. In this mausoleum, the sepulcher below the tomb is an old yellow colored stone devoid of any inscriptions. The ceiling of the mausoleum has beautiful mirror works with light apertures on eight sides under the dome. The foundations of the mausoleum are old but thick and strong. The upper section of eastern side of mausoleum is adorned with tile works. The dome of Danial-e-Nabi is a multi-sided, hexagonal in shape erected on a circular base. Dehloran Mineral Water Spring This spring is located at a distance of 120 km. on the Andimeshk - Dehloran Road. Its mineral content is of a calcium bi-carbonate composition and is useful in the treatment of skin, joint and rheumatoid disorders.