Nowruz or Norooz

“Nowruz” one of the ancient Iranian festivals is held at the beginning of the spring and is considered as beginning of the Persian New Year. People from different parts of the Iranian plateau celebrate Nowruz.This feast was registered by UNESCO as the cultural and spiritual heritage of humanity in 2010 and 21 march has been marked on calendar as an International event from that year.

There are some customs which done prior to Nowruz. For example “Khouneh Tekouni” and "Chaharshanbe Suri".
Iranian believe that the entire house and its belongings should be cleaned and washed before the New Year's Day. This act is called “Khouneh Tekouni”. By doing so, they welcome to the spring with freshness.In "Chaharshanbe Suri" ceremony, people make fire with sticks, Jump over it and repeat some sentences on the last Tuesday night before the New Year. In this symbolic ceremony, people ask the fire to solve all their problems and instead give them warmth and energy.

“Hajji Firuz” is someone like Santa clause but with a completely different appearance. His face is painted with black color and wears a red costume. He dances through the streets and bazaars with tambourines and sings cheerful songs and heralds the coming of the New Year.For New Year's Day, Iranian family arrange a table at their house including the holy book of Quran, a mirror, candles, decorated eggs and seven things which start with "s" sound in Persian and each one is a symbol of a moral positive feature. This set is called “Haft Sin” and includes these items:

Sabzeh: wheat or barley sprouts growing in a dish (symbolizing green environment, happiness and rebirth).
Samanu: a sweet pudding made from germinated wheat (symbolizing affluence).
Senjed: the dried fruit of the oleaster tree (symbolizing firmness and tolerance).
Sīr: garlic (symbolizing health).
Sīb: apples (symbolizing beauty and love).
Somaq: sumac berries (symbolizing patience).
Serkeh: vinegar (symbolizing development and evolution).
Visiting family and friends is of important Iranian customs during Nowruz. They wear their New Year clothes and meet their relatives on these days.

The weather in spring season is so pleasant in every corners of Iran and the trees are covered with beautiful blossoms. Iranian are so much interested in nature and journey and they often try to have a domestic travel in Nowruz holidays. Especially, they must spend the thirteenth day of the New Year in the nature. This ceremony is called “Sizdah Be-dar”. On this day, people usually go on picnics with their family and play joyful games and make kebab together.
 Iranian are famous for their hospitality.
Our group hopes to welcome you in Iran to show you the beauties of our peaceful country in the near future.

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The Symbol of Iran Glory

Takht-e Jamshid” or “Persepolis” is the local name of the capital of Achaemenid empire, which in terms of vastity, glory and grandeur is the main ancient treasury remained from this era in Iran. The historical name of this place as cited on inscriptions of palaces is Parsa which means the city of Persian people. ( Iran Hotel booking )

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The Symbol of Iran Glory

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Persepolis is located 57 KM away from Shiraz and it is actually a part of Marvdasht city. This artifact has been constructed in the mountain range of "Rahmat" which means "mercy" in Persian.

The construction process of Persepolis began in 512 BC under the command of Darius, the great and then continued by his successors Xerxes the Great (Khashayarsha) and Artaxerxes I (Ardeshir- the first). Its construction lasted approximately 120 years. ( 5 star hotels in iran )

This precious complex is composed of these major parts:

- Official and ceremonial palaces

- Small private palaces

- Royal treasury

- Protective castles and walls

 “Apadana” is the oldest palace of Persepolis. This palace was built by Darius, the great command and it was used for holding New Year celebrations and accepting representatives from affiliated countries.

“Tachara” which means winter house is also attributed to Darius and it was his private palace. ( tehran hotel )

“Hadish” that means a high place had been the name of Xerxes palace which was built on the highest southern part of Persepolis. Xerxes named his palace “Hadish” as it was his wife name too.

In addition to the palaces listed here, there were some other palaces and buildings too.

Unfortunately in years after, Alexander, a Greek general officer assailed to Iran in 330 BC and burned this glorious place. However, the ruins of the royal kingdom of Darius is still one of the most attractive places at Fars province which attracts lots of foreign and domestic tourists annually to this district and UNESCO has registered the name of Persepolis amongst the world heritage sites from 1979.

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