This title offers: enthralling historical introduction; special topics that include Iranian cinema, music, and food; Iran's place on the Silk Road; an introduction to Iran's religious traditions; and, literary excerpts from both Iranian and renowned Western writers that add depth to an appreciation of Iranian culture. Iran, or Persia as it was formerly known, has been a melting pot of civilizations for centuries. The Islamic revolution in 1979 and the subsequent Iran - Iraq war reduced tourism to a trickle, but in the last decade the country's global significance within the modern world has resulted in increasing interest from travellers and business people. This is an essential book both for visitors to Iran and for those simply with a thirst to learn about and understand this diverse and beautiful land. Travel facts and tips combine with chapters on each of the country's provinces and sections on Islamic art, architecture, and religion.