Iran, 3rd

by Baker, Patricia L.; Smith, Hilary

• ISBN13: 9781841622897
• ISBN10: 1841622893
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-11-30
• Publisher: Bradt Travel Guides

Summary

Bradt's Iran has both a cultural and historical focus. It not only covers world-famous sites such as Persepolis, but also delves into the lesser-known monuments and little-recognised figures of this vast and ancient land. Additionally, the guide covers clothing conundrums (women - buy a $20 manteau as soon as you arrive; men's shirts should not be garish) and taboos, including the intricacies of when and how to remove your shoes. It suggests what to eat and where to shop, including more serene alternatives to the country's boisterous bazaars. And, it advises, should you accidentally run up against the authorities, 'Women, forget all feminist scruples and cry.'The first and second editions of this guidebook were written by Patricia Baker PhD, an independent lecturer and researcher specialising in Islamic art, who died in August 2008. This edition is updated by her close friend and colleague, Hilary Smith MPhil, a guide and lecturer who first visited Iran in 1976 and has been returning regularly ever since.

Author Biography

The first and second editions of this guidebook were written by Patricia L Baker PhD, an independent lecturer and researcher specialising in Islamic art, who died in August 2008. This edition is updated by her close friend and colleague, Hilary A Smith MPhil, an independent lecturer and guide who first visited Iran in 1976 and has been returning regularly ever since.

Table of Contents

Introduction

General Information

Background Information

Practical Information

The Guide

Tehran and the Road South

West of Tehran: Qazvin and Hamadan

From Kashan to Isfahan

The Caspian Region

Into Iranian Azerbaijan

Shiraz and Around

Persepolis and the Surrounding Area

The South Coast

En Route to Yazd and Kirman

The Road to Mashhad

Language

Glossary

Further Information

Index

Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

Mention to relatives and friends that you are going to Iran, and the chances are that they will stare, pause, swallow and hesitantly if not incredulously ask 'Iran? Are you sure?' You may well feel they have a point after your first contact with Iranian Consulate staff as it seems that officialdom is conspiring against you visiting Iran and learning first-hand something about the country, its history and its culture, past and present. Iran is one of those countries, like others in the Middle East and elsewhere, where issues concerning religion and the modern world confront you at all turns and compel you to consider your own stance. It is impossible to return from even a short visit and not feel that, while seeing magnificent historic architecture and evidence of ancient civilisations, you have also been witnessing history in the making.

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Excerpted from Iran, 3rd by Patricia L. Baker, Hilary Smith
All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.

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