Isfahan (Ispahan): Ville de tapis et de monuments - pour flâner parmi les trésors de l'Iran
Amongst Iranian cities Isfahan is a unique jewel that still has a noble and fascinating shining after many historical fluctuations and the passage of several centuries. It is so fresh as if it has come to life on this very day; and yet it is so original and deep rooted as if it has always been there.Isfahan's rich culture and beautiful nature are in such a wonderful harmony that they seem to be each other's reflection.Isfahan may be a complete manifestation of the Iranian-Islamic civilization, culture and arts that are as old as Iran herself. .
Shiraz (Chiraz): Cité des poèmes et de la culture - La ville des poètes, Saadi et Hafez
Shiraz was one of the most important cities in the medieval Islamic world and was the Iranian capital during the Zand dynasty (1747-79), when many of its most beautiful buildings were built or restored. Through its many artists and scholars, Shiraz has been synonymous with learning, nightingales, poetry, roses and, at one time, wine.
Today Shiraz is a relaxed, cultivated city, with wide tree-lined avenues and enough monuments, gardens and mosques to keep most visitors happy for several days. The university here is one of Iran's finest, and you'll come across lots of students eager to speak English. Highlights include the restful tomb and garden of Hafez, a celebrated poet; the Shah-Cheragh mausoleum, an important Shi'ite place of pilgrimage which attracts hordes of supplicants; the Pars Museum, which contains Zand dynasty relics; and the delightful Eram garden, where the 19th century Ghajar palace lies alongside a pretty pool.
Tehran: La Capitale de l'Iran - Mégapole de 14 millions d'habitants
Tehran is the latest and the largest capital city in the 5000-year history of Persia, as Iran was called by many people in the West before 1935. The original settlement of Tehran, north of the ancient city of Ray, may have been founded as early as the 4th century. By the early 13th century it was a small village. In 1221 invading Mongols led by Genghis Khan destroyed Ray, but Tehran survived and grew slowly in the following centuries. During the reign of the Safavid shah Tahmasp (1524-1576) a wall and four watchtowers were built around the city, and by the early 17th century Tehran had about 3000 houses. In the 1720s Afghan invaders attacked Tehran. The town defeated the initial Afghan force but fell to the main Afghan army and suffered tremendously under their occupation from 1723 to 1729. Nadir Shah freed Tehran in 1729. In 1788 Agha Mohammad Khan, founder of the Qajar dynasty, made Tehran his capital, inaugurating the modern history of Tehran. At this time Tehran's population was estimated to be 15,000. Under the Qajar dynasty (1786-1925), Tehran grew in population and size, and new administrative buildings, palaces, mosques, and garrisons were constructed.