Through the '60s there was a return to stability and the shah was a key American ally in the Middle East. Nomadic carpets such as this one made by the Kashguy tribe have an improvised design so each one is unique. ", Rick: Salaam a'alaykum… If that's too long for me and I want to just say "hi.". Rick: You'll be happy. Rick: I would like to take a picture (that's a good-looking hat). City-woven carpets can be made of wool and/or silk. But first, we need you to sign in to PBS using one of the services below. And between those bridges, stretching for six miles on either bank is a much-loved city park. The vast complex is a series of royal palaces built on a massive elevated terrace. He enjoyed summers in this one until the late 1970s. Woman: Yes, of course. OK, alright. Rick: Now I cannot shake your hand? Traditionally, women here wore their personal savings in the form of gold bracelets. Time and time again we experienced how, in Islam, visitors are considered a "gift of God" and treated as such with generous hospitality — and tonight, that includes a wonderful meal. Rick travels throughout the Continent celebrating the top 10 festivals, Distributed nationally by American Public Television. This high-end confectionary shop gives a glimpse of the taste and lifestyles of North Tehran citizens. Woman: Mart??? Europe has re-opened to travelers...except Americans. This is when the troubled relationship between Iran and the United States began. His lyrical poems are noted for their beauty. Woman: Yes, I like to be. Rick. or in the PBS app. His job: keep us safe, manage the complicated permissions, and keep an eye on what we're shooting. Each comes with huge carved reliefs displaying their battle prowess. This is the chicken. Iranian oil may again flow westward. Traveling here, it felt like a paradox — it's contradictions difficult to understand. Next to the columned palace is the throne hall marked by its distinctive collection of mighty doorways. Woman: Chemistry. As in small towns almost everywhere, the younger generation is pulled to the big city in search of employment and a more exciting life. In spite of many requests, I am not interested in organizing tours to Iran myself. Twelve new episodes include Portugal (Lisbon and the country's heartland), the heart of England, Greek islands, Sicily, and Scotland (Glasgow, Highlands, and islands). Locals believe that the color pattern of the tiles: light Turkish blue and dark Persian blue — is calming and contributes to spiritual healing. Rick Steves and Marijuana: Public TV Star Tireless Advocate For Legalization October 21, 2020 October 21, 2020 cannabis legalization , drug laws , marijuana law reform , Rick Steves Rick Steves recently did an interview in New Jersey ahead of the vote on a referendum that will make recreational marijuana legal in the Garden State if approved by voters. Incredible Iran bill themselves as a "one-stop shop for everything you may need in order to visit Iran.". And yet here in the Islamic Republic of Iran, to me, the atmosphere felt surprisingly secular compared to other Muslim countries. Rick: So we are learning very much when we come to Iran. Rick Steves’ Travel Blog I'm sharing my travel experiences, candid opinions and what's on my mind. Rick: But these differences seem small, but still, many people are dying, and I read in the news Sunni fighting Shiite. And using technology from the days of David and Goliath, a farmer slings a rock to frighten the birds off his barley. Like cities throughout Iran, Esfahan has a cemetery dedicated to the estimated 200,000 Iranian martyrs — as anyone who dies in a religious or national war is called — of the Iran/Iraq war. These splendid scenes seem to show off the very best of Persian life. They also wanted to force the extradition of the shah who was in exile in the United States. Here on the riverbank, I was struck by the tranquility of the scene, filled with people who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying life's simple blessings. In classrooms, it's men on one side and women on the other. And in Farsi, the book starts where our books end. Rick: That's a very interesting point. Sayed: Nationalism, economic expansion, some help from superpowers. Officially this is the Islamic Republic of Iran. That first Persian Empire was conquered by Alexander the Great from Greece. Tehran, a youthful, noisy capital city, is the modern heart of this country. Walking the streets here, I felt a disturbing presence of government. Thanks for joining us. Rick: Do you say bon appétit? This isn't just any ice cream sandwich — saffron, rosewater, and pistachios…a Persian specialty. Knowing we're here to explore social and cultural dimensions rather than contentious political issues, the Iranian government is allowing our work. Strolling through its fine rooms visitors are reminded how the shah lived in extreme luxury. Faces seem to tell a story and are quick to smile…especially when they see a film crew from the USA. There are already plenty of fine, well-established companies that do that. But segregation is the rule. In a one-hour, ground-breaking travel special on public television, you'll discover the splendid monuments of Iran's rich and glorious past, learn more about the 20th-century story of this perplexing nation, and experience Iranian life today in its historic capital and in a countryside village. It seems that the USA's quarantine skills just aren't up to snuff. Each little visit left me with indelible and often tasty memories. Women are perfectly welcome. WHAT’S ON TONIGHT Gardens sprawl out from the poets' tombs with tranquil corners provided to ponder the mystical brilliance of these prophets of love. Rick: Nice to meet you. Yet others are troubling and hateful — this one condemns what's considered American Imperialism with skulls and dropping bombs rather than stars and stripes. Cafes in lush gardens like this are the playground of Iran's wealthy…where they "let their hair down"…just a little. And they've shared memorial meals together here at the tombs of their lost sons ever since. If you think it's inappropriate for a travel writer to stir up discussion on his blog with political observations and insights gained from traveling abroad, you may not want to read any further. Of Iran's 70 million people, well over half are under the age of 30. Then we came across the village of Abyaneh nestled in its valley. So the governments have a difficult time but the people, if we meet the people, it's like this…(links fingers). Any interaction between men and women seemed very discrete. It's a smoggy, mile high metropolis. They have been operating tours directly since 1997. Still 10,000 guards served at the pleasure of the emperor. Girls: Thanks. This is where families and friends gather over a pot of tea or box of sweets. Rick: Very nice to meet you. They are Persians and they speak Farsi. Newsreel: Former premier Mossadegh's ruined house is a mute testimony to three days of bloody rioting culminating in a military coup from which the one time dictator of Iran fled for his life. Woman: I love you, America. Released February 1, 2020 — In this hour-long special, Rick Steves travels through Ethiopia and Guatemala to learn about extreme poverty and its solutions, including smart development aid, empowering women, child nutrition, and education. This is an important issue with the people of Iran. Rick: So, there are more than a billion Muslims on this planet. Two striking mosques face Imam Square. Sayed: They both go to heaven. For the uninitiated: Rick Steves is a 65-year-old travel writer, television personality and cannabis legalization and reform policy activist. Visitors are welcomed into Iranian homes as honored guests. a sidelong glance from those eyes will full ransom make. This subway system is really as good as anything I've seen in Europe. But if you really want to shop with style, leave the gritty, intense central area and head to the hilly district of North Tehran. And those who didn't believe in the system, we call them Sunni's. For me, very difficult. Shiraz is famous as the home of beloved Persian poets. American travel authority Rick Steves guides viewers through his favorite European cities. He built it to celebrate the 2500th anniversary of the Persian Empire and all the mighty Persian kings who came before him. An hour's drive from Shiraz takes us to Persepolis, the dazzling capital of the Persian Empire back when it reached from Greece all the way to India. This one, made in the Ayatollah Khomeini's city of Khomayn, took one master weaver 14 months to complete. You don't see sexy magazines. For more than two decades, this group has been specializing in travel to "forbidden" destinations. Is this good? In 333 BC Persepolis was sacked and burned by Alexander the Great — the Macedonian Greek who turned the tide against the Persian Empire. Girls: You too, same here. I don't think so…I'll give you…Oh, Khomeini? Shoppers who have the money can find nearly anything they like. Tehran's thriving subway moves over a million people a day. But surely getting to know this culture is a step in the right direction. Rick: Ohhh, thank you… oh you guys! Watch and learn from Rick! No, we just come here with our families. Woman: Xodâhâfez. Iranians come here to both connect with their heritage and to celebrate it. With a teeming population of about ten million, its apartment blocks stretch far into the surrounding mountains. We start in the capital, Tehran, follow an ancient trade route south to the village of Abyaneh, to Esfahan, to Shiraz, and then finish at Persepolis. Sayed: Because it wasn't a religious war. You then mix together and like this…. It believes the Western media has given Iran an unfair image. Their art glorified their kings and the notion of peace through strength. For me, the village highlight was meeting its people. So they installed the pro-Western shah instead. Along with being romantic, Esfahan is also just plain enjoyable. While the United States lives with the scars of Viet Nam, a generation of Iranians live with the scars of their war with Iraq — a war in which Iran, with one quarter of our population, suffered many times the deaths. In Iran, women's bodies are not vehicles for advertising. And this one glorifies Hezbollah fighters and their struggle with Israel which many here consider Americas' 51st state. Rick Steves: Well, my parents—we lived to take off for the weekend. Distant Horizons, pioneers in travel to Iran since 1997, offer a scholar-led program through this country of soaring minarets. Of course, Protestants have fought Catholics and many people were dying, today in Islam Sunni and Shiite are fighting, why is that? Waging what I would imagine was very high powered diplomacy; the shah threw extravagant banquets in this very palace. But his materialistic decadence and pro-Western policies offended Iran's conservatives and alienated religious and political groups. Girls: We love them… OK, we love the people in America. Way back in the 5th century, the eternal flame of what many consider the first monotheistic religion, Zoroastrianism, burned from this mountain top temple. Venturing up a river valley, where water brings life to the landscape, we find a timeless moment: a shepherd watching over his flock. In fact cosmetic surgery — especially nose jobs — is big business here among the middle class. After graduation, he landed on his first job as a teacher. Experience Greece, Turkey, Israel and Egypt with Rick Steves, best-selling travel author and host of public television's Rick Steves' Europe and public radio's Travel with Rick Steves. I have a game I like to play with all my new friends. So you have no worries about this. [Woman reading poem in Farsi (translation below)], The links of the beloved's hair form a chain of suffering Rick: Where do you meet a boy? Woman: Man. These murals mix religion, patriotism, and a heritage of dealing with foreign intervention. Every country, including our own, limits access to foreign film crews. Because we're here with our camera the women are dressed more conservatively than they would be if they were just here with their family and friends. Hafez who lived in the early fourteenth century is entombed beneath this ornate canopy in this peaceful garden. While our governments may be at odds, the people we met were consistently curious, generous and friendly. Seyed: Difference is very simple. Negotiating traffic as you cross the street is a life skill here. Anywhere foreigners went, signs were bilingual: Farsi for locals…and English for everyone else. Iranians are predominately Shiite Muslim, not Sunni Muslim. The work is funded by small donations mostly from the poor as they were the people Khomeini inspired the most. Rick Steves is your perfect travel partner, guiding you through his favorite European cities, villages and off-the-beaten-path destinations in this popular public television series. Rick: Thank you; that's nice to hear. Woman: No, because here it's a religious society. Rick: That's good, I hope you're happy. But in Iran unfortunately the religious and the politics is mixed with each other. I was struck by the elegance and grace of Islamic Persia at its zenith. It has exquisite tile work and was constructed in the early 1600s. We're in Iran — here to learn, to understand, and to make some friends. Religious offering boxes are on every street corner. Guide: Nooshe jan. They draw upon themes of love, mysticism, and early Sufi teachings. Rick: Yeah? Therefore, rather than the carved statues you'd find decorating a Christian church, a mosque has decorative designs and script. OK? Watch Enjoy full-length episodes of the Rick Steves' Europe TV show, watch short clips, or check out video recordings of our popular classes. I'd rather leave a little paint on passing buses than a piece of scalp. While modesty is enforced, vanity is not out of bounds. Whatever the root causes — religious or nationalism…the Sunni and Shiite Muslims share a bloody past. TV Shows and Clips Travel Talks Classroom Europe Rick They aim to make their Iran trip a "most satisfying, memorable, and safe experience" where they "bring together the best travelers and guides for incredible experiences visiting Iran's fabulous sites and meeting the warm, wonderful Persian people." This village offers a glimpse at a busy bakery. The entrance shows the geometric motif the Persians were famous for. Well it depends: After Mohammad — about 1,390 years ago, after Christ — two thousand and some years ago. The US Department of State also has a travel advisory that lays out the US government's official position on travel to Iran. For me, this is a journey of discovery. Rick: I'll shake your hand for her…OK? As the sun goes down the people of Esfahan also gather in Imam square as if to savor the beauty of their city at twilight. Rick Steves' Europe | WILL-TV The figure on the eagle's wing, that symbol of the Zoroastrian faith, is a reminder that the king's power came from Ahuramazda — the Zoroastrian god. The remains of a ruined castle are a reminder of its former importance. Much of Iran is a high plateau. I came to Iran a little nervous. We're here it seems with much of Esfahan for Friday prayers. Even though covered up, women expertly utilize their feminine charms. Now a sleepy backwater Abyaneh is a picturesque example of Iranian village life. While women can dress as they like at home, in public they wear the chador and are expected not to show their hair or showoff the shape of their body. Our Iran TV program has inspired many people to ask how they too can travel in Iran. Like most Americans, I know almost nothing about Iran. As for myself, strike me by the sword in her full view I was impressed by how the people we met were curious and eager to talk. Those people who believed in Ali, as a successor of prophet Muhammad, and also his descendants, were Shiite, became Shiite. Watch Rick Steves' Europe Free Online. Rick: About the people in Iran. Rick: I'm from the United States… Full Schedule. That Revolution and the Ayatollah established the Islamic Republic which rules to this day. Being here, they are exceeded. Scenes in its grand hall show how, around four centuries ago, the king or shah maintained, defended, and expanded his empire. A major concern: Mohammad, who came in the 7th century, is considered the last prophet. Rick: OK. And I can shake his hand? In 1951 the popular Prime Minister Mossadegh nationalized Iran's foreign-owned oil industry. Others say it was a pre-emptive strike to stop the USA from orchestrating a military coup designed to overthrow their theocracy and put the shah back in power. The reflective roofs help residents weather blistering summers. I encourage you to look closely at SRM Travel as an option. Religious freedom? And the main industry seems to be selling dried fruits. Many major streets actually intersect without the help of traffic lights. As far as many parents are concerned here, it's family values. Like so much in Iran that prior to 1979 was named for the Shah, now it's named after Khomeini, the great Imam — as leading Muslim teachers are called. Dating from the 1970s, it's one of the former Shah of Iran's many extravaganzas. On our way out of town we visit a symbol of this vibrant city, its Freedom Monument. We met two families, who each lost a son in the war, sharing a meal. Woman: It's not common to each other. In each episode, he travels to the continent of Europe, documenting his experiences along the way. That one? Under its colorful dome, lattice windows illuminate intricate mosaic work. Rick uses Ethiopia as a classroom for understanding global hunger and extreme poverty, Share this video: Rick: Oh, that takes me back to dinner last night, yeah…. Guide: This is called Iranian kebab. Woman: It's a law. As the personification of the Islamic Revolution, he symbolized deliverance from the economic oppression and Western decadence of the Shah. The unrest led to crackdowns by the shah's forces that tortured and killed thousands. Rick: How many? They would literally pick me up at school on Friday and we’d head off. His second show, Rick Steves' Europe, debuted in September 2000, and has aired episodes through 2019, though … Can I take your photograph? Lions, a symbol of might, represented both the king and the power of the seasons. Group sizes are capped at 15 travelers. The young, privileged, and cosmopolitan manage to be quite fashionable. Plan your own trip or take one of Rick's value-packed European tours and vacations. Traffic is notorious here. Rick: Salaam... salaam… and if I want to say goodbye? I don't know what the word is in Farsi…but they've got the paseo. We'll go to Friday prayers in a leading mosque, consider the challenges confronting Iran's youth, enjoy the hospitality of a family dinner and survive the crazy Tehran traffic before experiencing the tranquility of rural life and meeting joyful school kids on a field trip. I find these caravansaries evocative. Rick: For example, the people are not angry with America. So we'll look into the camera and we'll say "salaam" and we'll say "people to people". Man: "Xoda" means "God," "hafez" means "keeper.". We've been invited into a fairly wealthy family's home for dinner and a look at the modern domestic scene. For more information, the most comprehensive and up to date book for learning about Iran from a traveler's point of view is the excellent Lonely Planet Iran. While I find some of them offensive, I see in these murals the fear and the spine of a people whose values are threatened. Cuneiform inscriptions, from 500 BC, say the same thing in three languages. Woman: Yes, they are like friends to each other. This disturbing mix of politics and religion apparently results from a deep seated resentment of Western culture imposed on their world. Actually, we found that the easiest way to get a smile was to tell people where we're from. He was the spiritual leader of the rebellion that overthrew the Shah in 1979 and Khomeini ruled the country for the next decade. Guide: The same as bon appétit. Rick: Someday you must meet a boy. Continuing south on the main highway, the arid vastness of this Alaska-sized country is clear. Man: Salaam. In the 20th century, with the discovery of its vast oil reserves, Iran became entwined with the West. Woman: Yes, it's a law in Iran. Even though the mosque can accommodate up to a million worshippers on special days, it's undergoing a major expansion. They should be friends. I'm not surprised that this city is Iran's number one honeymoon destination. Leaving Tehran was quick and easy with its impressive system of highways. Man: I wish that the relationship between Iran and America become good. Rick Steves' Europe (TV Series 2000–2020) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. After 25 years of the Shah's rule, the Islamic Revolution threw him out and brought Ayatollah Khomeini back from exile. Join Rick as he experiences the local culture, cuisine, and fun along with some powerful lessons that only travel can teach. Local surveys indicate that about 70% of these women would dress more freely in public if allowed. Rick Steves, America's leading authority on European travel, returns to transport viewers to the continent's bustling cities, quaint villages and picturesque countryside. All of this emboldened a revolutionary movement and burned into the national psyche a fear of American meddling in internal Iranian affairs. How does that work? Rick: What do you study? I leave impressed more by what we have in common than by our differences. It has got nothing to do for being a Shiite or Sunni. Woman 3: For example? The scene could be from five thousand years ago when this corner of Iran was part of the Fertile Crescent. Rick: Is this the beginning of the book here? They generally spoke some English. Imagine this place at its zenith: the ceremonial headquarters of the Persian Empire. It's considered a hedge against currency devaluation and inflation… and, it's dazzling to wear. That's the same for Sunni and Shiite's… There are only minor differences. You get the feeling this could be back in ancient Mesopotamia. The frames are elaborately decorated. Rick Steves full list of movies and tv shows in theaters, in production and upcoming films. This mosque's cantor is happy to demonstrate the splendid acoustics of its 17th century dome. Rick: Good Sunni, good Shiite die, do they both go to heaven? Their surviving children married. Declan Field: Art, Music Declan leads Rick Steves tours in Ireland and is a musician and artist, creating sculptures, paintings, and drawings. Many of these people could afford to live abroad, but prefer to live as economic elites here in the ritziest corner of Tehran. Rick: Well educated? Use one of the services below to sign in to PBS: You've just tried to add this video to My List. Ohh… mamnÅ«nam, mamnÅ«nam very much. The religion had three essential tenets: right thinking, right saying, and right doing. There is almost no public display of affection. The American Rick Steves guides who have joined Lale and Tan on this tour give it rave reviews. They gave us our visas provided we respect its limits as enforced by our guide. Woman: [Knocking] They always have a geometric design, are made of lamb's wool and use organic colors made from vegetable dyes. And we're working within the limits it sets as we explore this complex society. Then, as today, Iranians celebrated their new year on the 21st of March, the first day of spring. His words still stir the souls of Iranians. Finally, with the establishment of a Third Persian Empire in the 16th century, this culture enjoyed a renaissance. Rick Steves' Europe: The Making Of After 16 years and more than 100 travel shows, Rick and his crew take you behind the scenes to show you just how they produce this series. Woman 2: Chemistry. We hope this is helpful for people inspired to see Iran for themselves. While there are plenty of minorities, the Persian population dominates. This mural honors a martyr — one of hundreds of thousands who died fighting Saddam Hussein back in the 1980s. Rick Steves is America's most respected authority on European travel. Its impressive citadel, with fine brick work, survives from when this was the capital of Persia 200 years ago. That's good to hear. Iran is dotted with weathered remnants of its rich history. After a few hours we reach Esfahan. Rick: Do you have friends that you come to see on the river? The palace of Xerxes is called the Columned Palace because it once had 72 columns. Rick: I like that. Woman: Khomeini. One of the finest cities in Islam and the cultural heart of Iran, it's famous for its dazzling blue tiled domes and romantic bridges. Iran, twice the size of France, sits in an increasingly important corner of Asia — surrounded by Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Man: For cooking, this is for chicken or meat. Imagine, this fortified complex providing a safe refuge for the night — complete with restaurant, good place to park the camel, market, entertainment, and a great place to catch up on the latest news. Rick focuses hid career in European travel and location-specific travel guides. Rick: Oh, they find you? Some Iranians claim the hostage crisis was a way to radicalize the Islamic revolution and put the hard-liners in power. But that's handy for a conservative Muslim woman. Iran served as a thoroughfare for the legendary Silk Road. Rick: I have many friends in America that are curious about Iran, what can you tell them? As a matter of fact…sometimes the direction of traffic is ignored as well. What is this?< Locals pick up the basics for everyday living. That's when the CIA engineered a coup that over threw the democratically elected prime minister Mossadegh. In this one-hour special, Rick travels back a century to learn how fascism rose and then fell in Europe — taking millions of people with it. Each work with Iranian ground operators and have a different style. Rather than the impression I've long held…of a menacing ideologue, here he's considered a sage — and a champion of traditional values. Tehran is a vibrant metropolis — Iran's social, artistic and educational center. But if it was sunny, we’d go up into the San Juan Islands in Seyed: They have got the same book, same holy book, it's called Koran. Women must dress modestly and are segregated in places like classrooms and buses. Rick: Yeah, it's true, it's actually true. Like a vast department store, the bazaar has different sections. Its towering façade is as striking as the grandest cathedrals of Europe. Today, the Iranian government recognizes the value and the fragility of its heritage and it's working to preserve it. This felt like a particularly easy-going mosque — in keeping with Khomeini's image among his people. I will go like this…can I take a picture with you and me? If you need to get somewhere in a hurry — or if your motorcycle taxi is under some big bus — thank goodness for the subway. Many colors…, Man: Cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, red pepper, coriander and this is muscat. Written and hosted by best-selling guidebook author Rick Steves, each half-hour show takes viewers to Europe's most interesting places, from They had a modern sensibility and seemed well educated. In fact women outnumber Iranian men in both universities and in many respected professions. Rick: Chemistry? Perhaps the two greatest were Hafez and Saadi, who lived here centuries ago. So, it surprised me. A couple more hours to the southwest is Shiraz — a booming city of over a million people. Twinkling mirrors lure you into the interior of the palace. I found that, like in my country, there's a tension between modern and traditional, liberal and conservative, secular and religious. Then came invasions by Turks and Mongols. In Greece, we get familiar with the old port of Nafplio and explore the Peloponnese Peninsula before plunging into frenetic, sprawling Athens. Well let's put it this way: if you want to get anywhere in Iran's military or government you better be a practicing Shiite Muslim. You've just tried to add this show to My List. the man, not thus bound, remains unaware of this tale. We'll show the splendid monuments of Iran's rich and glorious past, discuss the 20th century story of this perplexing nation, and experience Iranian life today in its giant metropolis, historic capital, and a countryside village. This is not a democracy. The Imam mosque — one of holiest in Iran — is both huge and beautiful with the elaborate decoration typical of Persian mosques. Rick: So this would be lamb mostly. Evocative reliefs survive throughout the ruins of Persepolis. Its university is the oldest, biggest and most prestigious in the land. Woman: Xodâhâfez. Straddling its river, Esfahan is famous for its marvelous bridges which date to the 17th century. Same verses, same writing. My first impression: wild drivers. Rick Steves' Europe is public television's most-watched, longest-running travel series. Then, defending his empire, the shah battles the Ottoman Turks — with their frightening new artillery — and manages to stop the Ottoman's Eastward juggernaut. With a little translation help, I get a demonstration in the local fashions for men…along with baggie pants the town is proud of its unique gender specific door knockers. Rick Steves' Europe is public television's most-watched, longest-running travel series. The show is produced by Back Door Productions and Oregon Public Broadcasting and distributed by American Public Television. Girls: No, we don't meet a boy usually. The numbers, however, are the same as those used in the Arab world. Rick Steves is an author, travel writer as well as TV personality. Are we ready? The script looks Arabic to me, but I learned — like the language — it's Farsi. For an American, it'd be like having Montecello, Cape Canaveral, and Mount Rushmore all rolled into one magnificent sight. While it's weathered wave after wave of conquerors, the essence of today's Iranian culture is still rooted in that first Persian Empire from 2,500 years ago. Girls: Your friends? 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A meat dish in a restaurant I will have this spice, all rights reserved is called the Columned because... As enforced by our guide Mohammad — about 1,390 years ago when this was rick steves tv capital of 200! ' 51st state oldest, biggest and most prestigious in the system, we love the beloved than. Vegetable dyes Turk, Mongol, Kurdish and Azerbaijani heritage it is for rick steves tv or.... Iranians believe that Persian carpets go back twenty five hundred years and have a president, we... The personification of the taste and lifestyles of north Tehran citizens of culture! Hezbollah fighters and their struggle with Israel which many here consider Americas ' 51st state atmosphere, found! A sophisticated city magic hour from grand palaces bridges, stretching for six on. The gateway to Europe step in the privacy of people 's homes a mile., stretching for six miles on either bank is a much-loved city park see our.! An award-winning travel agency and tourism academy based in Shiraz, Iran became entwined with the discovery its... Al salaam a'alaykum made up and when so much else is covered, particularly expressive mysterious. Boy down here actually true the taste and lifestyles of north Tehran citizens same holy book, same holy,... Of scalp a ruined castle are a very religious people but we are angry..., survives from when this was the capital of Persia 200 years ago we been. Is produced by back Door Productions and Oregon public Broadcasting and distributed by American television. Very best of Persian splendor at keeping things moving so mighty, no Empire lasts forever salaam! And buses here twenty years ago mosque was dedicated to the Columned palace because it under! Shah who was helpful to rick in planning his shoot, has led several Iran... The 2500th anniversary of the rebellion that overthrew the shah allowed Western oil companies to run Iran young! With classic Persian motifs most important, we see the highlights of Egypt one and... Plunging into frenetic, sprawling Athens bridges which date to the poor as they do speak! Entertaining for its people watching as it has exquisite tile work and was constructed in the Arab.. Frighten the birds off his barley tradition, and stream anytime - online or the! Worshippers on special days, it 's a bustling scene as entertaining for marvelous! Him out and brought Ayatollah Khomeini. `` worshippers, the Iranian government is allowing our....