"Iran" a Iran Travel Page by JohnniOmani

Nearly 25 years after Ayatollah Khomeini flew into Tehran to take charge of the worlds first Islamic Republic, Iran now finds itself face to face with the world’s super powers in a struggle for nuclear proliferation. . The reality is that Iran remains a constant mystery in the minds of most people around the world. Iran is often regarded as a terrorist state or a dangerous place because of its turbulent past. The West’s perception of Iran stems from the Iranian Revolution and how every Iranian hysterically chants in the streets ‘Death to America’ to women in chadors supporting a fundamentalist regime but that is a thing of the past. Most of our perceptions derive from media propaganda. The Western governments and new stations around the world continually show military parades and anti America marches in the streets of Iran. People around the world have hostile and negative perceptions of Iranian people but unfortunately most people are basing their perceptions of Iranian people on media reports and not through personal experiences. The Iranian people are the most peaceful and generous people I have ever encountered. I backpacked from Tehran in the north to Shiraz in the south and every step of my journey was filled with great memories. Iran has enough history, architecture and museums to keep you busy for months. The Iranian warmth and hospitality surpasses many countries in the world and Iran was a true highlight. My only suggestion is that you go and experience it for yourself because Iran will not disappoint. Esfahan is a gem, Tehran overwhelms and Yazd will charm you like no other, Iran has it all. I am looking forward to going back and visiting this magnificent country.

In 1980, Saddam Hussein made a risky and opportunistic land grab of a rich oil state claiming it historically belonged to Iraq. It was a incredibly catastrophic miscalculation. Although smaller, Iraq was better equipped but Iran gathered momentum and strength from its larger population and fanaticism created by its mullahs. The Western powers including the USSR took Iraqs side and all Western nations sold arms in secret to Iran. Fighting was fierce and both sides used poison gas and trench warfare. (1st time since WWI) Young Islamic martyrs were convinced to walk through minefields in hopes they would reach paradise. Many Iranians fled to the western part of the country to the cities of Bam and Mashhad. A cease fire was signed in 1988 with nearly a million people killed. Both sides barely gained an advantage and the war was built and carried out on pure hatred for the opposing governments. The permanent scars of the war are extremely visible in Tehran and elsewhere with many war vets walking around with crutches or in wheel chairs. It was an incrediblely sad and senseless chapter in Irans history.

The young people of Iran are particularly curious about foreigners and are much more aware of Western popular culture than you might expect. They love practicing their English and will want to overwhelm you with questions about everything from relationships to Michael Jackson. Iranian youths will constantly walk up to you and start a conversation and it becomes evidently clear that they are genuinely curious and honest people. Rarely will you walk down the road longer than ten minutes before someone comes up to speak with you and welcomes you to Iran. Iranians take their role as hosts very seriously; although there are well developed rules governing social conduct and interaction. This comes from the desire to put others’ needs first whenever possible making Iran a wonderful place to visit. I experienced hospitality that I was not accustomed to and at times it was almost embarrassing in comparison to other foreign countries. I had young women offer me to be tour guides without a fee, young men bought me bus tickets just to practice their English and I was invited to a Junior High English class (local teachers encourage their students to speak to tourists so they can improve their language). I had young girls buy me ice cream; families invite me in their homes for tea to local men calling hostels from their cell phones to make travel arrangements for me. I remember standing next to the former US Embassy in Tehran and watching local elders smile at me while I took photos of the anti America murals. They watched me take photos and the minute I finished clicking away they walked up to me and would say welcome to Iran (after making sure I understood that most Iranians dont hate foreigners). I must admit that the Iranian people are the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and I would love to go back and meet them again :)