[IRAN] Persepolis

Persepolis is the magnificent palace complex founded by Darius the Great in about 518 BC to serve as a symbol of power and also as the setting for celebrating the great national and religious festival of Nawrooz (“New Year Day”). He ordered a promontory at the foot of the mountain called Mount Mithra, which is now known as Kooh-e Rahmat (“Mount Mercy”) to be cut to a smooth surface on which various residential and official palaces were to be built. This ancient heart of the Persian empire is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

[IRAN] Shiraz - Vakil Mosque and Vakil Bazaar

Vakil Mosque located in Shiraz, situated to the west of the Vakil Bazaar next to its entrance, is a beautiful mosque built in the mid-18th century by Karim Khan Zand, the founder of the Zand Dynasty. Vakil means regent, which was the title used by Karim Khan. The mosque covers an area of 8,660m2 with only two halls instead of the usual four. This historic building was registered as national heritage about 76 years ago.

[IRAN] Shiraz - Arg of Karim Khan

Built in 1766 during the Zand Dynasty, the Arg of Karim Khan or the Karim Khan Castle was used by the king as his living quarters. At times, the citadel was used as a prison. Today, it is a museum operated by Iran’s Cultural Heritage.