Western Iran

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Introducing Western Iran

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From paddy fields to blizzards to the original Garden of Eden, this region will shatter your preconceptions of Iran. Standing at the frontiers with Mesopotamia and Turkey, western Iran has witnessed many of civilisation’s great empires, fortunes oscillating between trading glories and military decimation. The deeply hospitable region lacks the iconic gem-city sites of central Iran so it’s often skipped by first-time Western visitors. But that makes it all the more appealing for those who relish delving a little deeper and being the ‘only tourist’.

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Western Iran is a linguistic and cultural patchwork: Kurds predominate in Kordestan and Kermanshah provinces; Lors in Ilam and Lorestan; Arabs inhabit southern Khuzestan; Talesh and Gilaki are the traditional languages of Gilan (the southwest Caspian hinterland); and Azaris whose language is more Turkish than Persian, predominate in the rest of the northwest. In the most remote regions, and more generally in Kurdish towns, traditional dress is still worn.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009

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  1. parstourist avatar
    RE: Western Iran

    by parstourist 03 January 2009

    Palangan and Oraman villages in Kordestan province are very valuable. Along the borders you'll be safe unless reduce the distance which…
  2. parstourist avatar
    RE: Western Iran

    by parstourist 03 January 2009

    Palangan and Oraman villages in Kordestan province are very valuable. Along the borders you'll be safe unless reduce the distance which…

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