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| When The Silk Road was at the height of its glory, the Persians acted as middlemen in the trade of the brilliant fabric, buying it from those who brought it from the East and, with a suitable mark-up, selling it on to the West. Consequently, the land which later became Iran was a vital link in the long commercial chain which was The Silk Road. The main route and the feeder routes criss-crossed the country.
Throughout its history, Iran has seen conquerors storm in, become enchanted at what they find and eventually succumb to the sophisticated customs and age-old traditions of this ancient land. In turn, the Persians absorbed from newcomers the best they had to offer.
This process of cultural refinement produced stunning architecture evident in the temples and palaces of kings who ruled empires centuries before the birth of Christ, in the sky-blue domes of intricately decorated mosques and madrasas built after the arrival of Islam, as well as lovely - and lovingly made - handicrafts which enchant today's tourists.
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The Ziggurat of Chogha-Zanbil located in south-west Iran is a remarkably well-preserved temple built by the ancient Elamites around 1,250 BC in concentric storeys and dedicated to the god Inshushinak. Ruins of the town of Dur Untash, a one-time pilgrimage site, surround the ziggurat. Persepolis was one of the wonders of ancient Persia and used as a ceremonial capital by the Archaemenian kings between the 5th and 4th centuries BC. After his victory over the Persians, Alexander the Great set fire to the palace complex, although much remains. It is near Shiraz. Arg-i-Bam, the Citadel of Bam, is among the most impressive historical sites in the world as it is an entire city over 2,000 years old and seemingly frozen in time. The citadel contains fortifications, towers, buildings, stables and a mosque. The Holy Shrine of Imam Reza in the north-eastern city of Mashad is one of the most important pilgrimage centres in the Muslim world and comprises the shrine, courtyards, mosque and a museum, all decorated with a treasury of Islamic art - tile work, calligraphy, carvings and other decorations. Nagsh-i-Jahan Square in the central city of Isfahan is perhaps The Silk Road's most beautiful plaza. Half a kilometre long and 160 metres wide, it dates from the 17th century. It is surrounded by arcaded shops and anchored on the four sides by two mosques, a palace and the entrance to the city's fascinating bazaar. Bisotoun Inscriptions and Reliefs were carved out of a cliff by the ancient Persians. Robat Sharaf Caravanserai is a perfect example of Silk Road hospitality. Chehel-Sotoon Palace overlooks Isfahan's main square. Blue Mosque of Tabriz dates from the 15th century and is known for its tile work. Tomb of Omar Khayyam is in the old Silk Road city of Nishapur. |
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