Tehran: Introduction
Modern and traditional, secular and religious, rich and poor
Often known colloquially as the mirror of Iran, Tehran is more than just a sprawling metropolis that hosts over 40% of Iran’s economic output. A city of culture, religious freedom and of established educational facilities, Tehran is often correctly billed as the future of Iran, a country that is breaking out of the misconceived stereotypes of the western world.
Tehran is considered to be the largest and the most important population centre in the Middle East and it is the political and commercial capital of the Islamic Republic of Iran. There are many quality museums to visit and plentiful of good restaurants to dine in when you visit. People are very friendly especially towards foreigners, and the majority of the young generation have a good command of English. The best feature of the city is the magnificent Alborz mountain range on the northern side, covered with snow usually from November to May.
The panoramic views afforded in the city are a particular element of beauty. By day, a modern commercial superpower, filled with a mixture of historic and modern architecture, all set to a breathtaking backdrop of the Alborz; but by night the city is transformed into a twilight paradise of colours the average easel would snap at the very sight of.
