2. In Iran, giving the thumbs up is the same as giving the middle finger
Giving the middle finger is not something you’d want to do in a foreign country, especially when you don’t know how much trouble it will cause you. Unfortunately, the thumbs up gesture that we all consider to be an indication that things are good, is incredibly offensive in Iranian culture.
3. The Persian Empire was one of the most powerful in the world
The ancient ruins of Persepolis in Iran, showcasing the grand stone columns and intricate carvings of the former capital of the Persian Empire.
The Persian Empire (approx. 559 BC–331 BC) was one of the most powerful on Earth, at one point encompassing Egypt, Turkey, modern-day Iran and parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Persian Empire, also known as the Achaemenid Empire, was initially led by Cyrus II, later known as Cyrus the Great.
The empire united the sites of three ancient civilizations: Mesopotamia, the Nile Valley of Egypt and the Indus Valley of India. The empire eventually fell after the Persians were defeated by Alexander the Great.
Historical sites from this period include the ancient capital city of Persepolis, located in southwestern Iran. The ruins of the temple complex from 518 BC still exist here, giving visitors a glimpse into life in this ancient world.
4. Iran has the 10th highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Iran is in the top 10 list of countries with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites on Earth, with 27. Listed by number, the top 10 is:
(March 2025 update, with the latest data available from July 2024)
- Italy: 60
- China: 59
- France: 54
- Germany: 53
- Spain: 50
- India: 43
- Mexico: 35
- United Kingdom: 35
- Russia: 32
- Iran: 28
5. The word “assassin” comes from Iran
The term “assassin” comes from the Hashishin who operated in Iran in the 11th and 12th centuries. This group of killers, who resided in the mountains in Iran, targeted specific enemies rather than going to war.
Due to the methods and skill of this Order of Assassins, as they have also been referred to, we still use the words “assassin” and “assassination” today.
Rainbow Valley: This valley, surrounded by colorful peaks conjures images of Rainbow Mountain in Peru.
6. Iran has a rainbow island
Iran’s Rainbow Island is called Hormuz Island, located in the Strait of Hormuz near the Persian Gulf. This location in the Middle East offers a variety of geological and architectural attractions. Things to see include:
- Red Beach: The red sands here contrast vividly with the deep blue of the Hormuz Strait’s waters.
- Rainbow Valley: This valley, surrounded by colorful, striped peaks conjures images of Rainbow Mountain in Peru.
- Salt Goddess Cave: This cave may look unassuming from the outside but inside it displays a rainbow of colors that look like marble. According to local folklore it is the residence of a goddess.
- Majara Residence: These dome-like structures, designed by Tehran-based architecture studio ZAV Architects, include accommodation quarters for visitors that offer views of the Persian Gulf.
- Portuguese Castle: The Portuguese Castle, also known as The Fort of Our Lady of the Conception, is a red stone fortress that is one of the remaining monuments constructed during Portuguese colonial rule in the Persian Gulf.
Majara Residence, designed by Tehran-based architecture studio ZAV Architects.
7. The Persian cat might actually not be from Persia
There are accounts claiming that the first ancestors of the Persian cat were imported from Khorasan (a historical region in the Iranian plateau) to Italy in the 1600s. However, this is difficult to prove. The general consensus is that these longhaired, short-nosed felines were exported from Afghanistan and Iran in the 1800s, though its history before this is disputed.
8. Alcohol is illegal but can be procured in Iran
It has been illegal to sell and consume alcohol in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution but the demand for it persists in Iranian society, giving rise to smuggling and bootlegging operations. This can be dangerous as it is an unregulated industry and bootlegged alcohol has killed people as recently as 2024.
9. The Iranian calendar is very different from the Gregorian calendar
The Iranian calendar is completely different to the Gregorian calendar used in the West. The Iranian calendar starts on the midnight closest to the northern spring equinox and is calculated based on observations from Tehran, rather than based on rules, like the calendar most of us use today. Due to this, it can be difficult for outsiders to figure out and calendar converters can be found online.
