The REAL Iran – in Photos

Many travellers returning from Iran make it their personal mission to debunk the various misconceptions that people hold about this country.

“Iran is dangerous.”
“It’s a backward and oppressive country.”
“There is nothing to do/see there.”

And the most infuriating question of all… “Are you planning to come back a terrorist?”
Oh, goodness! Previously, I’ve written an article about why travellers are flocking to Iran (read it here) and the gist of it is that Iran is not what you might expect. 
In this piece, I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

Here’s what you can ACTUALLY find in Iran.

Mosques with facades that are breathtaking 👇

Sheikh Loftollah Mosque in Isfahan


Agha Bozorg Mosque in Kashan

and interiors that are just as beautiful. 😍

Pink Mosque in Isfahan


Shah Mosque in Tehran


Sheikh Loftollah Mosque in Isfahan

Grand palaces,

Wind chamber in Golestan Palace

Historical houses,

Tabatabai House in Kashan


Abbasi House in Kashan

and massive bazaars that you can get lost in.

Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex


Grand Bazaar in Tehran



Vakil Bazaar in Shiraz

Let’s not forget the beautiful ceilings (look UP!)

Bahar Narenj cafe in Jolfa, the Armenian Quarter of Isfahan


Pink Mosque in Shiraz

And bridges that light up at night.

Si-o-Seh Pol (The Bridge of 33 Arches) in Isfahan

Iran is home to 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Including Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire

And magnificent historical cities!

Imam Square in Isfahan


Sunrise view in Yazd

On the landscape front, there are deserts,

Varzaneh

Lush greenery,

In the mountains near Maku


Feeling free in Masuleh

Starry skies

Night skies in Varzaneh

and even snow!

Snowy mountains just a short drive to the north of Tehran

Aah, road trip views like these! 😍

Iran is where the food is as delicious as they look 😋

One of the many versions of Iranian kebab!


Halim bademjan, an eggplant dip with lamb and yoghurt

and where teatime is (almost) all the time!

Most importantly, in Iran, you can find the most hospitable locals

Me with Alireza (middle) and his friend Hosein (right). I stayed with Alireza and his family in Hamedan for four fabulous nights!


Walking around the city with Ali, our friend from Isfahan


My lovely hosts in Rafsanjan

and tourists who are having the best trip of their life!

Golestan Palace, Tehran

The pictures in this piece are shot by myself (@dinamalyana) and my travel buddy (@nurmanizee). Find more photos of Iran on our Instagram! 

Also Read: 25 Fun Things to Do in Iran on Your First Visit