The Mysterious Cities of Ancient Iran

Persian literature and mythology represent Iran's literary and mythological past, which has a rich and deep-rooted cultural heritage. Persian literature encompasses literary works written in the Persian language and has been developed throughout history by important writers.

     Ancient Persian literature dates back to the pre-Zoroastrian period and contains important mythological elements. In this mythology, the struggle between good and evil, where Ahura Mazda represents goodness and Ahriman represents evil, plays an important role. This mythology has also left its traces in works written later.

     The Middle Persian period was the brightest time of Iranian literature during the Sasanian Empire (3rd century - 7th century). Divan-ı Hikmet is considered one of the most important works of Iranian poetry. In the same period, Ferdowsi's epic poem "Shahnameh" presents a comprehensive account of Iranian mythology and still retains its importance today.

     After the adoption of Islam, Islamic influences entered Persian literature, and in this period many poets wrote poems dealing with themes of love and mysticism. In particular, Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi is a world-renowned Iranian poet and mystic.

     Today, Persian literature continues through modern Iranian literature and literary production in other Persian-speaking regions. Ancient mythological elements are also reinterpreted by contemporary writers, sustaining the richness and diversity of Persian literature.

 DAY 1 / TABRIZ

Azerbaijan Museum, Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, El Goli, Maqbaratoshoara (Poets' Mausoleum)

With the first light of morning, our plane lands in Tabriz. When the cool breeze of the East touches our faces, we almost hear the thousand-year-old stories whispered by this ancient city. First, we begin the day with a delicious breakfast rich in local flavors, accompanied by a steaming cup of tea. Then our route begins, tracing the footsteps of centuries. Our first stop is the Azerbaijan Museum, which sheds light on the history of Iranian Azerbaijan. This museum impresses us not only with its archaeological artifacts, but also with the way identity and memory are carved into stone. Then we move on to the Tabriz Grand Bazaar, one of the lively arteries of the Silk Road. This covered bazaar, on UNESCO's World Heritage List, is like a time capsule with its carpets, spices, copper craftsmanship, and labyrinth-like streets... Here, shopping is not the only activity; one has a silent conversation with the past. Toward midday, we stop by the city’s blue-hued sanctuary, Göy Mosque (Blue Mosque). This monument from the 15th century still seems to breathe with the colors and patterns of its tiles. Damaged by earthquakes, yet still standing with elegance.

For a bit of rest and to see Tabriz’s nature-dancing side, we head south of the city and arrive at El Gölü (El Goli). The pavilion in the middle of the pool, together with the shadows falling on the lake, looks like a fairy-tale scene. Walking here, we feel another rhythm of Tabriz; softer, more peaceful.

On the last visit of the day, a stop at the heart of Persian poetry: Maqbaratoshoara, that is, the Poets' Mausoleum. Here, we are in the presence of the great poets who have guided Persian and Azeri literature for centuries. Silence says more than words.

We enjoy dinner at a table adorned with local flavors, and then head to our hotel to leave the day's fatigue behind.

DAY 2 /  TEHRAN

Azadi Tower, Golestan Palace, Iran National (Bastan) Museum, Tajrish Bazaar, Nature Bridge

Early in the morning, we say goodbye to Tabriz and fly to Tehran, Iran's complex and fascinating capital. As the plane descends, this vast city stretching in the shadow of the Alborz Mountains carries both the heart of modern Iran and the echoes of an ancient past. We board our vehicle waiting for us at the airport and begin our city exploration. Our first stop is the Azadi Tower, which has become Tehran's symbol. Built in 1971 to commemorate the 2500th year of the Iranian Empire, this monument feels like a gateway to the past with its modern architecture... Then we go to the Golestan Palace, which carries the elegance of the Qajar dynasty. Mirror halls, dazzling tiles, and the splendor of time still echo on its walls. In the continuation of the day, we visit the Iran National Museum, which brings together thousands of years of history from Iranian lands. In every artifact, there is the breath of a civilization; a narrative extending from the Medes to the Sasanians, from the Achaemenids to the post-Islamic period... Stone, soil, sculpture, inscription; each is like a word from the past. Then our route turns to the Tajrish Bazaar to feel Tehran's vibrant rhythm. Walking among the aromas of spices, fresh fruits, traditional delicacies, and the local people is enough to get to know this city. The Imamzadeh Saleh shrine, located right next to the bazaar, captivates with its architecture. We end the day with the Nature Bridge, representing the aesthetic face of modern Iran. This three-tiered pedestrian bridge connects two large parks and is one of the best spots to watch the city at sunset.

After dinner at a beautiful Tehran table, we head to our hotel. Today, we traveled between past and present, tradition and change. Tehran whispered to us not only the capital, but also the spirit, transformation, and resilience of Iran.

DAY 3 / TEHRAN à QOM à KASHAN à ISFAHAN

Hazrat Fatima Masumeh Shrine, Jamkaran Mosque, Kashan Fin Garden, Tabatabai Houses, Abyaneh Village, Isfahan

Today we travel south in Iran. Our first stop is Qom, one of the country's important religious centers. It is considered one of Iran's holiest cities and also an important center of learning. In Qom, we will first visit the Hazrat Fatima Masumeh Shrine, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in the Shia world. Standing out with its golden dome and impressive architecture, this shrine enchants visitors with its spiritual atmosphere. Then we will see the Jamkaran Mosque, which especially attracts great attention from pilgrims. This mosque is also notable for the narratives associated with Imam Mahdi. After a pleasant lunch break in Qom, where we will taste flavors from traditional Iranian cuisine, we continue on our way to Kashan, one of Iran's ancient cities, visiting one of the most important in the category of Iranian Gardens, the Fin Gardens... After talking a little about Persian engineering in the Fin Gardens, this time we will go to the Tabatabai Houses, which hide a somewhat sad love story in their bosom. In these houses, where we encounter pure Persian architecture, the stucco work, mirror work, wind towers, summer and winter rooms, lovely garden, and iwan captivate all who see them. Our next stop is Abyaneh, the Zoroastrian village known as the Red Village, which still contains artifacts from the Sasanians and Seljuks. After a short tour here, we continue our journey to Isfahan. Upon arrival in Isfahan, we have dinner and free time to explore this fairy-tale city and observe the lives of the local people.

DAY 4 / ISFAHAN

Ancient Siosepol Bridge, Atik Mosque, Chehel Sotun Palace, Lotfollah Mosque, Naqsh-e Jahan Square

Isfahan: Nısf-i Cihan (Isfahan, half of the world).

Our first stop in this ancient city is the "Siesepol" or 33-arched ancient bridge, built during the Safavid period and connecting both sides of the Zayanderud River.

We continue our tour with a visit to Atik Mosque, one of the most important eclectic structures of Iranian architecture, spanning from before Christ to the post-Islamic period. We will also follow the route of many world travelers who stopped briefly in Isfahan, only to fall in love with its beauty and live in the city for years, marry, have children, and even be buried there. We will also visit Naqsh-e Jahan Square, covering an area of 80,000 m2, the Lotfollah Mosque whose dome mesmerizes visitors with its turquoise and yellow colors, the Chehel Sotun Palace, and the covered bazaar arranged like pearls on the necklace of that vast square.

DAY 5 / ISFAHAN à YAZD

Meybod Sasanian Castle, Zoroastrian Fire Temple, Dowlatabad Garden, Yazd Grand Mosque, Amir Chakhmaq Complex

In the morning, we set off toward Yazd, the "Bride of the Desert," which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. After leaving Isfahan, our first stop is the magnificent Meybod Castle, which has survived from the Sasanian period to the present day. In the shadow of this ancient structure that reaches deep into history, we will talk about the traces left in Iranian civilization by the Sasanian Empire's understanding of culture, architecture, and governance. Next is the Zoroastrian Fire Temple. We will see the sacred fire that has burned without ever going out for thousands of years, and discover that Zoroastrianism is not only a belief; it is also a lasting influence on Iranian literature, mythology, and philosophy of life. Our next stop is Dowlatabad Garden, one of the most elegant examples of Iranian garden culture. In this garden, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, we will talk about the harmony of nature and human beings in Iranian urban design, the function of traditional wind towers, and its aesthetic elegance. Then we head to the heart of Yazd, the Yazd Grand Mosque adorned with blue tiles. Reflecting the elegance of Islamic architecture, this unique structure has been one of the centers of faith and culture for the people of Yazd throughout the ages. Here we will discover both the architectural details and the spiritual meaning of the mosque in city life. Our final stop is the Amir Chakhmaq Complex, one of Yazd's most iconic structures. With its graceful arches, wide courtyard, and historical texture, this complex sheds light on Yazd's social life and takes on a completely different atmosphere in the evening light. Here we will end our day with a pleasant walk through both Yazd's past and present.

DAY 6 / YAZD à SHIRAZ

Towers of Silence, Ancient City of Pasargadae, Ancient City of Persepolis, Naqsh-e Rustam, Nasirol Malk Mosque, Karim Khan Citadel, Vakil Mosque, Vakil Bazaar, Eram Garden, Narenjestan Palace, Hafez's Garden

In the morning, leaving behind Yazd's ancient silence, we set off toward the magnificent pages of Iranian history. Our first stop is the Towers of Silence, one of the most striking symbols of the Zoroastrian tradition. Here, we will talk about how the concepts of death, nature, and purification intertwine in Zoroastrian belief, and the meaning of these sacred ceremonies in which the dead are entrusted to birds and the wind. As we watch Yazd's endless desert landscape from the top of the towers, we will feel the depth within silence and simplicity. The next stop on our journey is the Ancient City of Pasargadae, the capital of Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid Empire. Here, we will see Cyrus's monumental tomb and talk about the foundations of the Persian state tradition, its concept of justice, and its vision of governance. As we walk among the ancient stone blocks, we will touch the intellectual legacy of Cyrus, known as the "first emperor of civilization." Then we arrive at the Ancient City of Persepolis, the most magnificent capital of the Persian Empire. In this unique city on UNESCO's World Heritage list, we will examine the elegance of Achaemenid art, the grand royal audience ceremonies, and the intercultural interactions depicted in the reliefs. As we ascend the Persepolis stairs, we will step into the heart of one of history's most powerful empires. Our final stop is Naqsh-e Rustam, the immortal monument of Persian kings. In front of the magnificent tombs carved into the rock face, we will see the reliefs describing the symbolic bonds of Darius and his successors with the gods. In this mesmerizing site where every stone symbolizes power, faith, and eternity, we will end the day by reading the deepest traces of Iranian history.

DAY 7 / SHIRAZ

In the morning, we begin the day in Shiraz's elegant streets. Our first stop is the Nasir ol-Molk Mosque — or, as it is commonly known, the "Pink Mosque" — famous for its mesmerizing harmony of colors and light. When sunlight filters through the mosque's stained-glass windows and falls on the carpets, the resulting riot of colors creates almost a dreamlike atmosphere. Here, we will discuss how color, light, and spirituality intertwine in Iranian art. Then we go to the Karim Khan Citadel, reflecting the power of the Zand Dynasty period. This impressive structure rises in the heart of Shiraz as both a military and administrative center. As we walk between the high walls of the citadel, we will talk about urban planning, governance, and the way of life intertwined with the people during the Zand period.

Immediately after, we visit the Vakil Mosque, notable for its elegant columns and spacious courtyard. Among the mihrab decorations and dome details of the mosque, we will see the aesthetic peak reached by stone craftsmanship in Iranian architecture. The nearby Vakil Bazaar is a vivid example of traditional Iranian commercial culture. As we wander among spices, carpets, and handicrafts, we will blend into Shiraz's daily life, its sounds, and its scents. Our next stop is Eram Garden, where nature's elegance is combined with architecture. In this magnificent garden on the UNESCO World Heritage list, we will discover how water, shade, and plant arrangement in Iran's garden art become a philosophy. Then we move to Narenjestan Palace, an example of an elegant mansion. Among the scent of orange blossoms, we will examine the lifestyle, artistic understanding, and traditional decorative arts of 19th-century Iranian aristocracy. The final stop of the day is Hafez's Garden, dedicated to one of the greatest poets of Persian literature. Here, we will talk about the spirit of Iran, love, and mysticism accompanied by Hafez's verses. In the peaceful atmosphere of the garden at sunset, we will bid farewell to Shiraz in this mesmerizing place where poetry and history intertwine.

After completing our Shiraz tour, we give free time for dinner and then head to Shiraz airport for our flight to Turkey.