British Council Iran    

Discover Iran        

About Iran   
Visiting Iran   
Education in Iran   

ABOUT IRAN    

The rich culture and hospitable people of Iran make it a fascinating and worthwhile destination for the visitor – whether for business or pleasure.  The landscape is varied and stunning.  You can ski in the Alborz mountains or take a trip into the desert and much more in between.  

Persian culture is ancient and strong.  With human civilisation and history stretching back at least 7000 years in the region, there is wide potential for discovering artistic, architectural and cultural treasures in Iran.  The ancient city of Persepolis near Shiraz is just one striking example.

The customs and traditions in Iran reflect the Islamic law and Persian heritage of the country. Ta'rof is the Persian or Farsi word for the strong sense of etiquette that the Iranian people have and that is put into practise in all situations where people are in contact with others.

The cuisine is excellent with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, especially vegetables and fruit.  Try exotic dishes such as fesenjan (a stew of chicken, duck or beef with ground walnuts and pomegranate paste) or abgoosht (a thick "soup" with lamb, beans, pulses and potatoes).  Ghorme sabzee is a stew of lamb or veal with spinach and other herbs, beans and dried lemons.  Another traditional dish is Baghali pulo (rice mixed with broad beans and dill with either veal, lamb, chicken or fish).  And of course there will always be plenty of tea!

DCSIMG

The United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland)
Our privacy and copyright statements.
Our commitment to freedom of information. Double-click for pop-up dictionary.

© British Council

Text Only Options

Top of page


Text Only Options

Open the original version of this page.

Usablenet Assistive is a UsableNet product. Usablenet Assistive Main Page.