Charmy's Pasta in Tehran: It's like eating in a friend's kitchen
There are very few places where you feel completely at home when you walk in. But this was how we felt when we went to Charmy's, a fresh vegetarian pasta place in the centre of Tehran close to the Vahdat (Roudaki) Hall; it is a very nice yet small and warm, as well as extremely clean, eating spot. The place has been open for almost 2 years, and 23rd February is the anniversary of their opening. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/9/10
Photos: Railway watchman in Tabriz, Iran
The Railway watchman, with a large wrench in hand, walk the rails between stations scanning the railway nuts with their watchful eyes. If they find any problem areas, they're the ones who will have to warn the locomotive's operators. -Photos by Ali Hamed Haghdoust - 2/8/10
Photos: Pir Shahriar Ceremony in Oramanat Takht Village, Iran
Pir Shahriar (or Pir Shaliar) is one of the oldest ceremonies which is still celebrated twice a year in the village of Oramanat Takht in Iran's Kurdestan province. According to some historians, the origin of this event goes back to a 1000 years ago. Others believe the tradition is much older than that. -Photos by Nima Dimari - 2/7/10
Bistro: A fresh health food cafe in Tehran owned and run by women
At the top of the Mirzaye-Shirizi Avenue before the Motahari intersection is a small café, Bistro, which has been opened by two young ladies Maryam and Pooneh. Maryam has quit her full time job in order to devote her time and energy to what she finds fun, interesting and what she has wanted to do for a long time. - 2/4/10
My Visit to Iran
I went to Iran, the country of my birth, in November of 2009 and stayed there for two months after being away for 30 years. I had left Iran right before 1979 revolution that overthrew the Shah. Before I left for my visit back to Iran, I was feeling very agitated and depressed about the way things are here in the USA and I felt like I needed to get away for a while. -Azita Ebrahimi - 2/3/10
Photos: Ajigol Wetland in Northern Iran
February 2 is World Wetlands Day -- The internationally-protected Ajigol Lagoon in Golestan province in northern Iran is home to migratory birds. The Ajigol Lagoon and the nearby Almagol and Alagol lagoons were designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention in 1975. -Photos by Aboutaleb Nadri - 2/2/10
Leon: A chic and friendly small restaurant in downtown Tehran
Fereshteh is an old friend of mine who is very kind. Our mutual friend Papar was here for a short visit and they came to see me at my office and had some tea. I asked where they were going and she said Leon! I had been hearing about this restaurant in Aban street for some time from other people too. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/25/10
Photos: 46 Injured as Iranian plane catches fire on landing
An Iranian passenger aircraft caught fire on Sunday morning while it was landing in Mashhad airport in northeast Iran. Miraculously no passenger was killed or suffered major injuries in the air disaster; only 46 passengers who mostly suffered a shock were hospitalized. - 1/24/10
Iran's Transport Minister Summoned to Parliament Over Air, Train Accidents
Transport Minister Hamid Behbahani was summoned to the Majlis Development Committee on Sunday to account for back-to-back train and plane accidents. Reza Nakhjavani, the director of Iran Civil Aviation Organization, and Abdolali Saheb-Mohammadi, the director of Islamic Republic of Iran Railways, were also called along him to the parliament to explain the causes of the accidents. -MNA - 1/24/10
Photos: Iran train derailment leaves 7 dead, 12 injured
Train derailment in northeastern Iran has left 7 dead and 12 injured so far. The train was traveling from northeastern city of Mashhad to capital Tehran. - 1/23/10
Photos: Migratory birds return to Zayandeh-Rud River in Isfahan
Migratory birds return to Zayandeh-Rud River which passes through the beautiful city of Isfahan, a city considered Iran's cultural center. Zayandeh Rud (life giver river) is the largest river on the central plateau of Iran, Isfahan Province. -Photos by Khosrow Khaleqi, MNA - 1/21/10
Urge Your Member of Congress to Oppose The STEP Act
Congressman J. Gresham Barrett (R-SC/3rd) introduced the Stop Terrorists Entry Program Act (STEP) into the House of Representatives on January 13, 2010, a bill he originally introduced back in 2003. The STEP Act would bar the entry of individuals to the United States from Iran and other countries that are "State Sponsors of Terrorism", as well as Yemen. - 1/14/10
Photos: The Wonders of Nature - Varzaneh Desert
Varzaneh desert is located east of city of Isfahan and 30KMs far from Gavkhooni International Wetland. Varzaneh is one of the natures wonders to visit and enjoy the wonderful views of the sand dunes and the scenery. -Photos by Aulieh Sa'adatpour, MNA - 1/12/10
Photos: Najvan Forest Park in Isfahan, Iran
Najvan Forest Park is one of the natural and recreational attractions of Isfahan. Najvan, with an are of 1200 hectares, is the biggest park west of the city of Isfahan. Najvan is composed of "Naj" which means pine in Persian and "van" which means place in Persian. Thus Najvan means a place with lots of pine trees. -Photos by Alieh Se'adatpour, Mehr News Agency - 1/11/10
Iran to screen all American tourists in response to US plans
Iran plans to screen all U.S. citizens applying for tourist visas to enter the country in response to the United States' decision to screen travelers from Iran, MP Alaeddin Boroujerdi said on Sunday. The U.S. recently approved a plan to screen foreign visitors from certain countries, including Iran. -MNA - 1/11/10
Photos: Snow in Tabriz, Northwestern Iran
These photos, captured by Majid Hamed Haghdoust, show the snow-covered city of Tabriz, located in the northwestern province of East Azerbaijan in Iran. The snow blanketed the city on Wednesday. - 1/8/10
Enhanced Airport Security Measures to Affect Travelers to and from Iran
Starting on Monday January 4th, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented new enhanced security screening measures for individuals traveling to the United States from or through 14 chosen countries, including Iran. -PAAIA - 1/6/10
US: More Screening for Travelers from Suspect Countries
The Transportation Security Administration said Sunday that every individual flying into the United States "from or through nations that are state sponsors of terrorism or other countries of interest" will be subject to "enhanced screening." -VOA - 1/4/10
Beyond the Clamor of Tehran
ABOUT 250 miles north of Tehran lies the city of Gorgan. Nearby is the Great Wall of Gorgan, a defensive barrier built some 1,500 years ago, which stretches for roughly 120 miles. -New York Times - 12/24/09
Iran To Lift Visa Regime For Azerbaijanis
Iranian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mammad Bagir Bahrami told a press conference in Baku on December 7 that any Azerbaijani citizen will be able to travel to Iran without a visa and stay there for one month. - 12/8/09
Captured British Sailors Tell Their Stories About Time in Iranian Detention
Five British yachtsmen who were detained by Iranian authorities for nearly a week after their boat drifted into the country's waters say their situation was dealt with in a professional manner. - 12/3/09
Photos: Makhounik Village - The Legendary Lilliput of Iran
Village of Makhounik has been nicknamed as the Lilliput of Iran and the land of tiny people. This is due to short height and stature of the inhabitants of this village. Makhounik is located about 142 kilometers from the city of Birjand in Iran's South Khorasan province. The village is only 1/2 hour away from Afghanistan border. - 11/30/09
Photos: Beginning of Ski Season at Tochal Ski Resort, Tehran
The ski season commenced at Tehran's Tochal Ski resort on November 13, and the ski lovers rushed to the resort to take advantage of the fresh air and the inviting snow. Mount Tochal is a mountain in the Alborz range and adjacent to metropolitan Tehran, Iran. The mountain has a 12 km long ridgeline. The highest peak, also called Mount Tochal, is at an elevation of 3,964 m. A gondola lift runs from Tehran to the Tochal Ski Resort and a modern hotel. Tochal is a popular recreational region for Tehran's residents.-Photos by Mehdi Ghasemi, ISNA - 11/24/09
Photos: Catching, Selling Shrimp - Qeshm Island, Persian Gulf
Following photos show the fishermen of Persian Gulf island of Qeshm catching shrimp and selling their catch at the local market. Qeshm, an Iranian island, is situated in the Strait of Hormuz off the south coast of Iran and east of the Persian Gulf. The Island is located a few kilometers off the southern coast of Iran, opposite the port cities of Bandar Abbas and Bandar Khamir. - 11/24/09
Photos: Kandovan, A Village Carved Inside Rocks
Kandovan is a tourist village located in Iran's East Azerbaijan province, between Tabriz and Osku. Its fame is due to its special cone-shaped houses which are carved inside rocks. Some of the houses are at least 700 years old and are still being inhabited. Kandovan also has scenic beauty. It's a popular resort with hotels and restaurants there to serve tourists. - 11/22/09
Caspian Sea With A Few Good Friends
I had felt like that for the last couple of months, and had got to the point that I had to do something about it seriously; so I decided to take off, out of the chaotic normality of everyday life in Tehran and with a few good friends headed to Shomal (Iran's North by Caspian Sea) for a few days. Even the warning of floods and rain did not change my plans. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/16/09
Photos: Women Rowing Team Practicing in Zayandeh Rud, Isfahan
Following photos by Hossein Baharloo show the women rowing team practicing on the beautiful Zayandeh Rud river in the historic city of Isfahan in the shadows of the ancient Sio-seh-pol bridge. - 11/12/09
Mouffetard: A Cozy Old Restaurant In Tehran City Center
The Mouffetard Restaurant was a place that we used to frequent a lot when were much younger. It had decent food, decent service and even sometimes music. I had not been there for years even though I had often passed it by during the day. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/12/09
NEW GOLF AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT IN IRAN: Interview with Nasser Farzaneh
Nasser Farzaneh, Managing Director of the Spanish Iranian Company "Anglo Hispano Spain" revealed today in an interview with The Travelling Golfer's Guide that his company is well into its plans to create a golf and sports development in Iran. "We have been sitting on them for a couple of years", he admitted "But it wasn't the time to launch such a revolutionary project, especially as it is centered around Golf. - 11/11/09
Health officials want to cancel hajj for Iranians due to swine flu
The Health Ministry and the Majlis Health Committee are seriously opposed to allowing Iranians to go on hajj this year due to the swine flu epidemic, MP Mohammad-Reza Rezaii-Kouchi said on Saturday. - 11/7/09
Photos: The Beautiful Nature - Manjil Heights, Gilan
The photos by Sina Shiri presented here are from the beautiful nature in the heights of Manjil, a historical town in Iran's northern province of Gilan. Manjil is known as the windy city of Iran; a reputation caused by its geographical position in the Alborz mountains i.e., at a small cleft in Alborz that funnels the wind through Manjil to the Qazvin plateau. Throughout the history Manjil has been a gate to the Southern Caspian area. - 10/31/09
Limon - A New Classy Restaurant in Tehran
Once in a while, even in Tehran, one walks into a real surprise. This is what I felt when our friend Ali had invited us to a new restaurant in town. As always he wanted to impress his guests with his wit and taste and despite my reservations I must admit that he won me over. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/26/09
Iranian tourism officials banned from giving interviews
Iran's Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization (CHTHO) has recently forbidden its managers to be interviewed by the news media or for them to disclose any information to the press on the number of foreign tourists visiting Iran. - 10/21/09
The Swiss Restaurant in Forsat Street,Tehran
I am certain that those of us who used to go out in Tehran many many years ago will have been familiar with the famous Swiss Restaurant in Forsat Street. Next to the Fardis Hotel, it has been around for nearly fifty years and it was one of the best places in Tehran to dine -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/14/09
Swine flu claims 3 more lives in Iran, death toll reaches 10
The Iranian Health Ministry announced on Tuesday that three more persons have died of swine flu virus over the last week, bringing the number of patients who have died so far of the H1N1 disease to 10 in the country. - 10/14/09
Tehran's Longest Metallic Overpass Opens
Roshandelan overpass, which is one of the most important urban projects of Tehran and will facilitate motor traffic along Enqelab Avenue as well as Roshandelan Street, Pich Shemiran intersection and Bahar Avenue was inaugurated on Saturday, October 10 in a ceremony attended by Tehran Mayor, Dr. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf. - 10/13/09
Tehran Subway Passengers Hit 1.6m a Day
Managing director of Tehran and Suburbs Operations Company noted that since the beginning of October and the new academic year, the number of subway passengers has increased to 1.6 million per day and is expected to hit 1.7 million per day in November. - 10/13/09
Photos: A walk in the mountains around Tehran
At about 7 in the morning, we set off from the sleepy village of Ahar, which is off the Lavasan to Fashun road, and walked along an easy and clear path northwards � the way was very green and peaceful, with hardly any other walkers. We went through a wooded valley, past cherry orchards and passing apple trees and pear trees, before getting to a steep slope which was heavier going. -Syma Sayyah and Paul Sanford, Tehran - 10/7/09
Photos: Life in the Village of Anbouh in Gilan, Iran
Following photos by Narges Tankberis have captured the people and scenery of the beautiful village of Anbouh located near the city of Rudbar in Iran's northern province of Gilan. Rudbar or Roodbar is a city situated in the mountainous region of Gilan Province in Iran. - 10/5/09
The Tough Days of Zayandeh Rud
Zayandeh Rud (life giver river) is the largest river on the central plateau of Iran, Isfahan Province. The Zayandeh starts in the Zagros Mountains and flows 400 kilometres eastward before ending in the Gavkhouni swamp, a seasonal salt lake, southeast of Esfahan city. The Zayandeh Rud is spanned by many historical Safavid era bridges, and flows through many parks. Zayandeh Rud normally has significant flow all year long, unlike many of Iran's rivers which are seasonal. But this year the severe draught has caused the river to completely dry up. -Photos by Hossein Baharloo, ISNA, - 9/29/09
A Picnic by Damavand
Our good friend Mehrdad and his brother Babak were our guides and our mutual friend Eli our host. We started late morning and drove east of Tehran towards Damavand. It is the highest mountain peak in Iran and it looks stunning, majestic and awesome on the rare occasions that we can see it from different parts of Tehran if the pollution allows. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 9/25/09
Iran's aviation regulation seen as a factor in air crashes
Iran often blames sanctions for preventing aircraft upgrades. But one industry official faults politically driven regulators who fail to do their job, and who bend the rules for well-connected airline -Borzou Daragahi, LA Times - 9/15/09
U.S. to Sell Plane Spare Parts to Iran
Specifically, the Obama Administration has stated that if Iran were to request safety of flight waivers for repairs/overhaul of its civilian passenger aircraft not involved in military purposes, the United States would be very forthcoming, with the simple and obviously necessary proviso that the parts are replaced outside Iran so the old parts cannot be re-used in military aircraft. - 9/14/09
Iran says US aviation sanctions 'inhumane'
Speaking to Press TV, CAO spokesman Reza Jafarzadeh said on Saturday that "Although these sanctions have resulted in the development of Iranian specialists, nevertheless, this act by the US is against humanity and contrary to all international conventions." - 9/12/09
Photos: Isfahan's Sabzeh Maydon, fruit and vegetable market
Sabzeh Maydon (literally meaning Green Square) or Kohneh Maydon (Old Square) in Isfahan is next to Jameh mosque. There is a plan to renovate this fruit and vegetable market and interconnect it to the rest of Bazar and ultimately to Naghsh-e Jahan Square. - 9/11/09
Photos: Beautiful Shomal, Iran's Caspian sea area
Traveling to North Iran with Azen Haghighi, photographer - rice harvesting, lush roads, fishing... - 9/8/09
Photos: Allahnazar Village in Sarakhs, Iran
Sarakhs is both a city and also a 8407 km-square district of Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran. Sarakhs town was once a stopping point along the Silk Road, and in its 11th century heyday had many libraries and a famous school of architects. Much of the original city site is now just across the border at Saraghs in Turkmenistan. -Photos by Amin Khosroshahi, ISNA - 9/5/09
Regular flu more fatal than swine flu in Iran
Seasonal flu death rate is higher than swine flu's, the director of the Iranian Society of Internists warned in Tehran on Saturday. - 9/5/09
Photos: Darvish Khan's Stone Garden
Darvish Khan's Stone Garden is located about 45 kilometers from the city of Sirjan in Iran's Kerman province. The garden was created almost 4 decades ago by the late Darvish Khan Esfandiarpoor, a deaf and dumb gardener, upon losing his treasured garden. Darvish Khan lived in the garden, with his only son and 7 grandchildren, till his death. - 9/2/09
Report and Photos: Kojoor (to Caspian Sea) Canyon in Mazandaran, Iran
Kojoor Plateau is a small plain that sits at an elevation of 1500 m among the peaks of the Alborz Mountains roughly 22 Km south of the Caspian Sea Coast. Although the mountains that surround the Kojoor plateau are forested, the plateau itself remains tree-less. -Nader Honarkhah - 9/1/09
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