Industry, Mines & Metals
The contribution of the industrial sector in GDP increased from 10% in 1981 to 14.5% in 1992 and this sector is developing with a rate that is more than average growth rate of the national economy. In the last two decades, industry in Iran has found its course of development. Till mid 1950s, the industrial productions of the country were mainly food products and textiles. Today, after four decades, this sector has been widely diversified. Since the early 1960s, the extent of Iran's production expanded. Some essential chemical materials including chemical fertilizer, dyestuff and soap have been produced. Electrical and mechanical industries were developed in 1960s and 1970s and diversity of productions since 1960s were offspring of this expansion.
The quantitative rate of structural changes of production sector in Iran, through supply of information regarding the distribution of added value production (M.V.A.) in main industrial branches, in the years 1971-1994, which were gathered by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), indicate that production in Iran has been traditionally dependent upon industries like textile, foodstuff (With beverages and tobacco products), and sectors related to transportation equipment, the common contribution of which has been more or less constant during the years 1974-1993.
During these years, important changes occurred in these sectors so that contribution of textile industries decreased from 20.5% to 14.6%, and the contribution of food indusrties and transportation equipment increased from 12% to 13.1% and from 8.6% to 13.1%, respectively. At present, the main production sectors of the country are: non-metal mineral products (including ceramic and glass), metal industries (except machinery and equipment), and electrical and non-electrical industries. Each of these branches supplied more than 10% of the total aded value of production in 1993.
Iran was one of the main importers of steel in 1960s and 1970s. But today, it has become one of the producers and exporters of steel and its products as well as creation of relevant technology in the world. At present, foreign currency needed for production of one ton of steel has decreased from US$ 180 to less that US$ 70. According to planning made in recent years for export of steel, it is hoped that Iran will be one of the major exporters of steel in the near future.
Iran has been equally successful in increasing its production of zinc, sponge iron, ferrous alloys, and refractory materials. This country has also found innovative ways for the production of light aluminum and the creation of technology and know-how within the country, all seemed impossible by reputable international experts. Today, metal and mineral products of Iran including alloys of different metals, are exported to industial countries worldwide, i.e. Japan, South Korea, China, Italy, and other industrial countries.
Similarly, the exploitation of decorative stone quarries, which was once done by old methods like explosion, has changed to one of the most developed industries through making use of modern technology.
The important plants in the mines and metals industries in the country are:
National Iranian Steel Company, Isfahan Steel Mill, Khuzistan Steel Complex, Mobarakeh Steel Complex, Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex, Fariab Mines Company, (Bandar Abbas), Jajarm Bauxite Plant, Iran Alloy Steel Company (Yazd), Golgohar Iron Ore Complex (Sirjan), Chadormaloo Iron Ore Complex, and...
Agriculture
The Iranian civilization centers were based on agriculture and the use of arable lands. As water is a scarce resource in Iran, It has always played an important role in the development of agriculture. Thus, since a long time ago, agriculture has played a major role in Iran's econony and development. This imoprtant sector responsible for providing the food supply of the country, has employed about one third of the total employed population. Today, agriculture sector plays a very important role in the foreign exchange balance of the country for securing GNP and non-oil exports, as it has been also proved during the imposed Iran-Iraq war.
According to a census conducted in 1993, the total agricultural lands of the country are estimated at about 18.2 million hectares constituting only 11% of the total area of Iran. Out of these lands, 5.7% million hectares (31 are fallow lands and the rest has been under annual cultivation. In the last year, the value of the growth in agriculture sector export was about 8%.
The contribution of agricultural products to non-oil exports has been 23% with 1,310.1 tons and a value of US$ 985 million. These figures show that, in comparision with the year 1993, this has increased by 26% by weight and 8% by value. Non-oil exports are mostly made to the following countries:
Group 7, including Germany, Britain, France, U.S.A., Canada, Japan, western Europe, and west countries members of EEC, ECO Islamic Countries, and other Islamic Countries.
Free Trade Zones & Economic Special Zones
The establishment of free trade-industrial zones is one of the findings of global economic system in the 20th century for attraction of foreign investments, transfer of technology, production of export goods, expansion of employment opportunities, and penetration to global markets. These zones have been successfully established in many developed and developing countries including Iran. At present, three free trade zones have been established in southern Iran: Kish Island, Qeshm Island and Chahbahar.
According to the authorizations made by the laws of the First, Second, and Third Five-Year Social, Economic, and Cultural Development Plans, the establishment of other free trade zones is approved for transit, processing, and export of goods which are called Special Economic Zone. These are Sirjan Special Economic Zone and Bandar Anzali Special Free Economic Zone.
Each of these free zones has considerable potentials and facilities for investment, production and services. In addition to the economic function of these zones, the development of tourism is included in the agenda of planning for free zones.
Religion and Culture
Iran is the birthplace of Zoroaster, the founder of the Zoroastrian religion one of the oldest religions of the world. The official religion
of Iran, based on Article 12 of the Constitution, is Islam (Shiite), and about 99.56% of the people of the country are Muslim. Disciples of other branches of Islam such as Hanafi, Maleki, Shafei, Hanbali, and Zaidi in Iran are highly respected and live freely without any limitations. In the Consitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, religions such as Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Judaism are officially recognized and their disciples have equal political, social and economical rights as Muslims. Religious minorities of Zoroastrian, Armenian, Jew, Assyrian, and Chaldean have their own independent representatives in the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament).
Cultural richness of Iran in different arenas like different eastern art, literature and gnosticism has a global reputation. Iranian myth, fiction, philosophy, poetry, music, folklore, handicrafts, architecture, and decorative arts have contributed significantly to human thoughts.
Language, Handwriting, Calendar and Flag
According to the Constitution of the I.R.Iran, the common official language and handwriting (alphabet) is Farsi (Persian) language. The starting point for official Iraninan calendar is the flight of Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) in 622 AD which marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. The first of Farvardin (March 21st) is the beginning of the New Year in Iran according to the solar calendar. Iranian official flag is green, white, and red with the sign of I.R.Iran and also with 22 Allah-o-Akbar (God is Great) in its margins. More than half of the people in Iran speak Farsi (Persian) language and various Persian dialects.
The Persian Language has its own eloquence and versatility. Consequently, some of the most outstanding literature in oriental countries, especially in the realm of Iranian culture, from Transoxiana to Asia Minor, has been written in Farsi. The rich Iranian culture and the Persian language impressed many tribes of Central Asia, In spite of their domination over geographical realm of Iran, for a short time.
Government and Threefold Powers
The government of Iran is "Islamic Republic" which was founded after the Islamic Revolution in 1979. In accordance with the Consitution, the President. members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament), and members of different councils directly elected by the people must administer the country. The threefold powers in the Islamic Republic of Iran are legislative, executive, and judiciary that are independent, but coordinated by the President and supervised by the Supreme Spiritual Leader.
The number of Islamic Consultative Assembly representatives is 290 elected for a period of 4 years. All approvals of ICA must be ratified by the Guardian Council for the adaptation of these approvals with the Constitution and Islamic religious laws.
Executive power is under the supervision of the President who is directly elected by the people for a four-year term.
Judiciary power is supportive of individuals as well as social rights of the nation. The highest body in the Judiciary is the Head of the Judiciary.
Political and Administrative Divisions
According to the latest divisions of the country, Iran is divided into 28 provinces, 252 townships, and 680 districts, Each province is administered by a governor-general, each township by a governor and each district by a lieutenant governor. Covering an area of 313,000 square kilometers, Khorassan Province is the largest province of Iran and the smallest ones, each having an area of less than 15,000 square kilometers, are Guilan, Chahar Mahal & Bakhtiari, Kohgilooyeh & Boirahmad, Golestan, Qazvin and Qom.
Travel and Transportation
The best means for travel to Iran is airplane. The major international airlines, especially Iran Air (Homa), have regular flights between Tehran and large cities of the world. Almost all international airlines have independent branch offices in Tehran.
Travel to Iran is possible by other means of transportation such as an automobile through neighboring countries such as Turkey, Iraq, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The main roads connecting Iran to neighboring countries are as follows:
Iran-Turkey through Bazargan border city, northwestern Iran;
Zahedan-Mirjaveh through the Iran-Pakistan border, southeastern Iran;
Taybad-Harat through the Iran-Afghanistan border, eastern Iran;
Astara-Jolfa through the Iran-Azerbaijan border, northern Iran;
Ghasr-e-'Shirin-Khosravi through the Iran-Iraq border, western Iran.
Moreover, Iran is connected to northern countries by waterways through northern ports located on the coasts of the Caspian Sea as well as littoral states of the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman and the Indian Ocean through southern ports.
There are connecting paved roads between major cities with suitable quality. The driving system in Iran is based on international driving regulations and on the right side of a two-way road. Many of roads in Iran are mountainous with eye-catching views. There are internatioal traffic signs on all main roads, controlled by highway partol.
The capital cities of all provinces and other major cities are linked through a network of main roads, There are also asphalt access roads connecting other cities in a province. The main transit roads have northsest-southeast or west-east directions and connect Iran-Turkey border to Iran-Pakistan border as well as northern countries to Iran. The up-to-date road maps of Iran can be easily obtained through all bookshops, tourism offices and newspaper stands.
In mountainous roads of Iran, there are speed limits, but most roads in Iran are relatively safe. There is no need for taking spare gasoline due to the existence of enough gas stations along all roads, especially the main ones. The price of gasoline (regular and unleaded) and gas oil is very low in Iran compared to other countries.
Travel by bus is very cheap in Iran due to low price of gas oil. In addition, there are different bus companies with well-equipped and comfortable buses and various classifications throughout Iran. There are also other facilities for travel like minibuses, rent-a-car agencies, etc., most of them centered at city bus terminals. The Islamic Republic of Iran railroad, like other countries in the world, has regular passenger train services to some major cities such as Tabriz, Mashhad, Gorgan, Isfahan, Kerman, Yazd, Ahwaz and Khorramshahr.
There are regular flights to all major cities as well as to small ones by the Islamic Republic of Iran Airline (Homa), Iran Air Tour, Saha, Asseman Airline, Mahan Air, Kish Air, and Caspian Air. Development of the airports of the country in last years made possible the wide and suitable air connections of the cities. The fare of domestic flights is very cheap compared with other countries.
Visa and Tourism Regulations
Iranian embassies throughout the world are bound to issue tourist entry visa for applicants who hold valid passprots at the most within 10 days. According to customs regulations, each traveler can bring, duty free one of the following items as personal belongings: jewels, camera, non-professional video or movie camera, binoculars, portable music instrument, portable cassette tape recorder, portable personal computer (notebook), camping tent and related accessories, sport apparatus like fishing devices, boat not over 5.5 meters in length, water and snow skiing equipment, tennis racket, books and printed matter, and other similar non-commerical objects.
However, everything should be mentioned in the Customs Statement Form upon arrival. There are also safety boxes and other facilities for keeping prohibited goods at the airport. Tourists can travel to Iran by car with "carnet de passage". "triptique", or "diptique" passes with an international driving license. Iranian citizens who have resided in other countries over 6 successive months, can make use of these facilities as well. An automobile should have insurance documents or receive third body insurance from Iran Insurance Company on arrival.
In addition to personal belongings, all tourists can take away one of the following goods at departure: a carpet or two rugs (maximum 12 square meters), different handicrafts and Iranian musical instruments, books and printed matter, ant other non commerical Iranian goods. Moreover, 3kg caviar in sealed boxes bought from duty-free shop of the airport is allowed.
All passengers should obtain health and accident insurance by one of the Iranian insurance companies through their travel agency if they have not already done so. Each passenger should fill the foreign exchange statement section of the above-mentioned Customs Statement Form and exchange of money is allowed only through the banking system or authorized foreign exchange shops.
Exprot of antique objects, hand written old books, vestiges of Iranian culture and civilization, old coins, different kinds of jewelry (except those personal jewels mentioned above), paintings and other cultural items without the approval of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance is forbidden. In addition, any importation of narcotics, alcoholic drinks, weapons and ammunition, air cartography camera, radio-transmitting sets, audio cassettes, video recorders, video cassettes and immoral books and journals, without the permission of the above ministry, is prohibited.
For female tourists, suitable attire showing respect for Iranian cultural and Islamic values and norms is essential. Suitable clothing for women is head scarf, long dress with stockings or trousers. Photography of all historical and cultural heritage sites is allowed except on military sites.
Iranian Calendar
The official Iranian calendar solar. The Iranian New Year begins 1st of Farvardin which coincides with the 21st of March. The lunar calendar is also formally used in Iran. Each lunar year is 11 days less than the solar year. Religious events and ceremonies are calculated according to the lunar calendar. which varies each year. It is recommended that tourists regulate their travel time in order to prevent coincidence of their travel with the fasting month of Ramazan or the mourning month of Moharram. During these months religious ceremonies and rituals influence normal daily activities, with extra holidays.
Money and System of Measurement
The monetary unit of Iran is the rial; 10 rials is 1 tooman. Iranian coin denominations are 2, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 250 rials and different Iranian paper money denominations are 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 rials. Different kinds or travelers cheques, certified cheques, and credit cards of domestic banks as well as international credit cards may be used. For greater safety it is recommended that tourists change their money through the banking system. The exchange rate is announced daily by the Central Bank of Iran.
Units of weights and measurements are based on the metric system (i.e. Kilogram, meter, centimeter, kilometer, liter, cubic meter, square meter, and hectare).
Post and Communication Services
In Iran, the telecommuniations system is widely expanded with diverse facilities. Each traveler can communicate with other parts of the world by mail, telegraph, telephone, mobile telephone, facsimile, E-mail and the Internet. Several newspapers in Farsi, English, Arabic, French, ets. are published every day. Also, various weekly periodicals are continuously published on diverse issues, about which information is accessible through computer networks and data banks.
Different local, national and international radio and television stations broadcast daily programs in Farsi, English and other languages. Video clubs present different movie and music cassettes.
Hotels, Guest-Houses and other Accommodation Facilities
In Iran, there are different accommodation facilities of diverse classification, at reasonable prices-hotels, motels, guesthouses, inns, hostels, etc. For the welfare of tourists, hotels or guesthouses have been established by Iran Tour & Tourism Organization in several regions or even in remote cities, with suitable and sanitary services at reasonable prices all equipped with neccessary facilities like restaurants, tea-houses, air conditioners, and parking with a pleasing atmosphere. Other suitable tourist facilities such as tourist complexes and camping sites are available in several locations.
Restaurants are very different in Iran due to their famous cooking styles, diverse and delicious for everybody's taste. In the cities, all kinds of local and national dishes as well as international ones are served. The traditional cafe' in Iran is Ghahveh Khaneh (coffee house) in which tea is served not coffee. In a Ghahveh Khaneh, in addition to tea and hubble-bubble, a famous national food, Abgoosht is served. These traditional tea houses are worth seeing places. In the past, these Ghahveh Khanehs played and important role in the social life of the people and spending of their leisure time. Today, these Ghahveh Khanehs have more or less their social role and are the gathering places for different social groups and the exchage of news and information.
Formerly, in order to attract people, various programs like jugglery, story telling, reciting of Shahnameh, animal shows and some artistic activities were performed. There are Ghahveh Khanehs which entertain their customers with old-style entertainment. Many Ghahveh Khanehs exist along main connection roads, which supply simple services. There are many restaurants between cities, which supply different foods, both local and national.
Tourist Attractions
Due to its historical background and sustainable social and cultural evolution, has a lot of diverse worth seeing sites that satisfy tourists with different tastes. Every tourist, whatever his/her incentive, may find many spectacular places depending on his taste. It should not be forgotten that the best way for the recognition of every country is direct contact with its people.
Iranians are famous for their hospitality, compassion and generosity. It is easily possible to visit Iranians homes, being slightly acquainted with them and become familiar with their life style, attitudes, livelihood, and many of their characteristics.
Historical mounuments, which belong to different periods of human settlement in the plateau of Iran along with diverse natural, coastal, mountainous, and nomadic landscapes, make a coordinated and attractive combination for every tourist.
The ancient Iranian culture, which is reflected in historical and architectural heritage, has brought about many sites worth seeing. The culture of today's Iran is a perfect aggregate of near and far past of this territory and everybody can satisfy intellectual and aesthetic needs according to his/her taste through visiting this wide and rich country. The existing historical monuments in Persepolis, Passargad, Susa, Hamedan, Kermanshah, Firoozabad, Syraf and many other ancient centers of Iranian civilization are incentives enough for visiting this country.
The natural environment of Iran, with more than 2,800 kilometers of coastline and water borders as well as the high mountains of Alborz and Zagross, supplies high recreational and tourism potentials.
The shores of the Caspian Sea in the north and the coasts of the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman in the south are suitable places as recreational resort in summer and winter. The islands of the Persian Gulf-Kish, Qeshm, and Hormoz with suitable shores and beaches as well as pleasant sunshine may be used for vacations even in winters. There are daily and regular flights to this region from several parts of the country as well as suitable accommodation facilities. Moreover, these islands are easily accessible through waterways by different types of ships and boats as well as by airplane.
The mountains and mountain slopes in Iran, along with economic value for nomads for grazing of their sheep, serves as summer residence of urban dwellers as well as suitable places for winter and mountain sports.
One of the most important recreational and natural attractions of Iran are the thermal springs and shores of Orumiyeh Lake and its sludge which are famous for their therapeutic characteristics.
Orumiyeh Lake, covering an area of 4-6 thousand square kilometers (depending on dry and rainy seasons), with its long shores and very high salinity (30, is one of the important recreational and sludge therapy centers of the country, which is not used very much. Bathing in the thermal springs of the region as well as the sludge of these springs, which is called water/sludge therapy, has its own place in medical science.
This lake and its islands, which are totally categorized as a National Park by the Department of the Environment, are the habitats of several species of wildlife both endemic and migratory, and unique from natural environment point of view. So, Orumiyeh Lake National Park is a unique and valuable eco-tourism potential, which can be visited by interested people.
The desert regions of Iran have their own tourism attractions, which are very interesting. These regions, which were the passing place of merchant caravans between eastern and western of Iran in past time, encompass the remains of hundreds of old caravansaries and water storage.
The natural landscape of Kavir (desert), with running sands, stone plains, salty lands, salt rivers, scattered large and small oases, totally supply a dry but attractive nature which is very spectacular.
Pilgrimage Centers
With the expansion of Islam in Iran, the tombs of the Imams (descendants of the Holy Prophet of Islam(S.A.W.) and Shiite religious leaders) were gradually changed to places of pilgrimage and shrines. Subsequently, people and religious leaders constructed suitable and outstanding buildings in these places. These buildings or Imamzadehs have unique architectural styles.
The most famous artists of the time, making use of existing possibilities, portrayed their skill, art and genius in the construction and ornamentation of these shrines. Genius and talent are reflected in most such builgings. The places of pilgrimage in Iran are divided into two categories:
1. The places with international fame like the sacred Shrine of His Holiness Imam Reza (A.S.) in Mashhad and the Shrine of Her Sister Holiness Massoomeh (A.S.) in Qom. The social and economic life of these two cities is interlocked with the existence of these shrines.
2. The places with local and regional fame. These places of pilgrimage are scattered in different parts of the country of which the most important ones are: the Shrine of His holiness Ahmad-binMusa (A.S.)famous as Shah Chirag in Shiraz; the Shrine of His Holiness Abdol-Azim in Shahr Ray (south of Tehran); and Mausoleum of Daniel,the Prophet in Susa (Shoosh).
These tombs, mostly dome-shaped, are places of pilgrimage for local people, especially on weekends. On the other hand, since some of these places are located in regions with a pleasant climate, they are also places for recreation surrounded by different shops and other services. So, many Imamzadehs are located in the suburbs of cities and villages.
In addition to Shiites, ther live in Iran other religious minorities Sunnites, Zoroastrians, Assyrians, Armenians, and Jews who have their own sacred religious places. Here some of these places, which are important from a tourism point of view, are pointed out:
The most important pilgrimage places for Sunnites are Mausoleum of Shaykh Jami in Torbat-i Jam in Khorassan and Sanandadj Jame' Mosque.
Zoroastrians of Iran, who live mostly in Yazd and Tehran, annually go to Persepolis, Naghsh-e-Rostam, Tagh Bostan and Bisotoon for their religious ceremonies and rituals. The old Azargoshasb Fire temple in Takht-e-Solayman, Kashmar Tower in Khorassan, and Orumiyeh Lake are other sacred sites for Zoroastrians.
Armenians travel to St. Tatawoos Church, located in Siah Cheshmeh close to Maku, in summers for pilgrimage. In addition to 13 churches in Jolfa (Isfahan), which are sacred places for Armenians, many other historical churches in other parts of the country may be pointed out like many old churches in Azarbaijan (of which the most beautiful is St. Stephan Church), Salmas, and Maku. The most important place of pilgrimage for Jews is the tomb of Ester and Mordcay in Hamedan.
Tourism Regions
Due to its vastness and natural diversity, Iran enjoys various tourism regions, each with its own worth-seeing sites. Tourist guides for each provice have been published separately providing the necessary information and maps easily accessible at all newspaper stands and public places. In here, the most well-known tourism places in Iran are introduced briefly:
Gilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan
Gilan Province :
The province, with a population of above 2 million and an area of 14,700 sq. km, extends from the Caucasus in the northwest of Iran to the western edge of Mazandaran, and is bordered on the west by Ardabil province and on the south by Zanjan province.
Gilan's capital is Rasht, the most important city in the whole region, and its main port is Bandar-e Anzali, a town at the mouth of Mordab-eAnzali lagoon. The most important river is the Sefid Rud which runs from the Sefid Rud Dam, on the border with Zanjan province, to the Caspian Sea. Called Daylam in the ancient times, Gilan is the wettest part of Iran, and produces rice, silk cocoons and tea, which is nowadays the major agricultural specialty of Gilan.
A road crosses into the (former Soviet) Azarbayijan Republic at Iranian town o Astara and the Caspian passenger ferry between Bandar-e Anzali and Baku in operation now. Iran's northern province of Gilan is located between latitudes 36- 36' and 38- 27' N. and longitudes 48- 45' and 50- 34'E. This province is bounded on the north by the Caspian Sea, on the west by Ardebil , on the east by Mazandaran and on the south by Tehran province and Zanjan province.
. It has an area of 14,820 square kilometers. According to the latest civil divisions in 1995, Gilan has 12 counties- Rasht, Astara, Astaneh Ashrafiyeh, Bandar Anzali, Rudbar, Sume-eh Sara, Rudsar , Tavalesh, Fuman, Shaft, Lahijan and Langrud, 35 towns, 30 rural districts and 95 villages. Its center is the town of Rasht.
About Masouleh in Gilan province
Although regions to the south of the Caspian Sea are mainly covered with mountainous and traditionally virgin villages and settlements, but one can not help mentioning Masuleh, 56 km. southwest of Rasht and 1050 meters above sea level, which is actually the most breathtakingly beautiful village here.
Approached from Rasht via Fuman by a dramatic pass and completely surrounded by forest, this perfectly preserved village appears to have grown out of its surrounding like a limpet clinging to a rock.
It`s formed of several irregular levels of terraced, pale cream houses with gray state roofs, interspersed with evergreen trees.
So steep is the slope that the familiar Iranian network of narrow alleys is entirely absent, andinstead the flat roof of each levelof houses forms a pathway for thelevel above.
The village has few facilities to offer the visitors, but its in spiring setting makes it a perfect antidote to travel in the dry and dusty central plateau, and well worth a day trip from Rasht.
It`s bitterly cold in winter, with snow sometimes three meters deep, but the climate in summer is extremely pleasant and bracing.
About Mordab-e Anzali in Gilan province
Mordab (Dead Water) is the name given to the various shallow lagoons on the Persian shores of the Caspian Sea.
The largest of these, Part River, part swamp, lies between Bandar Anzali and Rasht, 25 miles inland. In places where the reeds and thick, channels are kept clean through which boats can be rowed or punted.
Golestan Province :
In a division of Mazandaran Province, Golestan Province was founded on the first day of Tir 1367 and following the final approval of Islamic Council Assembly in the month of Azar 1376, its name changed into Golestan Province. Gorgan city is also determined as its center.
Golestan Province with an area of 20,311.6 sq kms is situated in south east of Caspian Sea and it contains about 1.3 percent of the total area of the country.
This province has an international border with Turkmenistan Country on the north, and on the south, west and east is situated in the vicinity of Semnan, Mazandaran & Khorasan province.
Mountains of Shah Kuh, Siyah Marz Kuh, Chah Bid and mountain chain of Kurkhud keep its southern and eastern parts within their limits. The most important townships of the province from area point of view are: Gonbad-e-Kavus with an area of 6,485.8 sq kms, gorgan with an area of 2,848.4 sq kms.
Because of being besieged between Caspian Sea and Alborz Mountains, the climate of this area is moderate, damp and Mediterranean and just for this reason the area enjoys the richest natural spectacles and extensive forest parks and wild life. This specification has made the province to have several tourist centers.
One of these centers is the National Park of Golestan which with an area of 91,980 hectares is located in the east of Alborz Mountain Chains.
Historical precedence of this area is another specification which attracts tourists. In the days of different governments and civilizations, the area of Gorgan and Gonbad was counted as one of the important states.
The left relics from those civilizationa are gathered in the Gorgan Museum in three sections for the public visit.
Golestan Province is one of the most important and strategic areas and the only frontified locality of the country which has marine and overland connecting routes with Central Asia. The frontified village of Pol-e Sharghi in this area is located in 72 kms of north of Gorgan and is counted as the nearest frontier locality to Tehran.
About Gonbad-e-Qabus in Golestan province
The Gonbad-e-Qabus (tomb tower of Qabus) in Gorgan bears the inscribed sate A.H. 397 (A.D. 1006-7). The building has a diameter of 50 feet (17.08 m.) at the foundation course and a heightof 167 feet (51 m.) from the plinth to the top of the roof.
The tower goes down for about 35 feet (10.7 m.) more beneath an artificial hillock, which would make the original height above ground approximately 200 feet (61 m.).
The bricks are square and measure about 8 1/4 inches (20.8 cm.) by nearly two inches (4.7 cm.) thick. They are hard fire and are so fine in composition that they ring when struck. Specially shaped bricks were used on the roof. This mausoleum was built for Qabus ibn Washmgir, ruler of Gorgan from 976 to about 1012 (A.H. 365 to about 403).
According to legend, Kabus coffin was suspended high in the building so that the rays of the sun shining through a small window could greet him daily.
(Wake! For the Sun behind you Eastern height Has chased the Session of the Stars from Night; And, to the field of Heaven ascending, strikes The Sultan`s Turret with a Shaft of Light.)
-[ Omar Khayyam, Rubaiyat ]-
About Jame Mosque (Gorgan) in Golestan province
The original structure of this mosque dates from the Seljukid period. Now, the only part of the building which belongs to that period is its brick minaret which bears a Kufic inscription. The wooden pulpit of the mosque bears the date 859 A.H. (1454 A.D.) while the mihrab (altar) is dated 1108 A.H. (1696 A.D.).
Within the lecture-hall of the mosque, a number of historic firmans (decrees) have been carved on stone; the latest date included in these firmans is A.H.1219 and the earliest, A.H. 908. In a frame fixed above the pulpit, there is an inscription in Thulth style which bears the name of Abul Qasim Babar Bahadur, a Timurid general. The mosque has been repaired several times; for instance during the reigns of Shah Abbas I (A.H. 996 - 1039 = A.D. 1587 - 1629) and Shah Abbas II (A.H. 1052 - 1077 = A.D. 1642 - 1666).