Most beautiful places in Iran: Photos will dazzle you
Barry Neild, CNN • Updated 10th February 2017
View Gallery
34 Pictures
(CNN) — For good or bad, it seems like everyone's talking about Iran these days. One look at this collection of images reveals the good side of that equation -- and the reason why the country is repeatedly name checked as a hot travel destination.
They're taken by Iranian photographer Mohammad Reza Domiri Ganji, who made a name for himself with a collection of gorgeous, intricate shots of Iranian mosques.
We asked Ganji to guide us to his favorite Iranian places, and show us the scenes he captured along the way.
Iran marks its national day on February 11, a date that celebrates the 1979 Islamic revolution that set the country on a path to sanctions.
It's a day likely to stir mixed emotions, but there's one thing that is certainly worth celebrating -- the beauty of this fascinating country.
1. Ali Qapu, Isfahan
Located on the western edge of Isfahan's Naqsh-e Jahan square, this six-story palace's name means "grand doorway."
Built during the 16th- to 17th-century reign of Shah Abbas I, it includes a red-colored "music hall," named for the tuneful echoes of its jar-shaped wall decorations.
"The unique and gloriously repetitive stucco ornaments and special architectural style left me no choice but to stare at the ceiling and try to photograph it as best as I can," says Ganji.
"I stood exactly in the middle of the music hall and took the photo from above my head with a wide-angle lens."
2. Arg-e Karim Khan, Shiraz
The 18th-century Karim Khan citadel stands in the center of Shiraz.
Inside there are residential quarters, baths and a courtyard filled with citrus trees. Outside, Persian-style crenelated walls are decorated with beautiful paintings and miniatures.
"The unique architecture, lighting and patterns presented in the Iranian baths catches the eye at first glance," says Ganji.
3. Borj-e Azadi, Tehran
Built in 1971, the Azadi tower became an icon of Iran's capital city, Tehran, and remained so even after the city's vast Milad tower was built in 2009.
It was created by architect Hossein Amanat under direction from Iran's last queen, Farah Pahlavi, to mark the 2,500th anniversary of the Persian Empire.
"I like this tower for its unique architecture," says Ganji. "I've always tried to choose subjects that are symbolic, so that I may project their greatness through photography and the Azadi Tower is a perfect example.
"In this instance I used a fisheye lens to give the tower a unique effect. The presence of the clouds also helped."
4. Badab-e Surt springs
Badab-e Surt natural springs have been formed over thousands of years.
Mohammad Reza Domiri Ganji
Located in the north of Iran, this natural spring produces water rich in salts and sulfur.
"It has a reflection of the sky that adds to its charm and beauty," says Ganji.
5. Boroujerdi-ha House, Kashan
This 19th-century carpet merchant's house in Kashan today serves as the base of the city's Cultural Heritage Organization.
"The house has aesthetic significance because of the molded ornaments and paintings created by distinguished 19th-century painter Kamal-ol-Molk," adds Ganji.
6. Carpet workshop, Shiraz
Carpet-making is one of the oldest and most important industries in Iran, says Ganji.
The floor coverings are famous worldwide for their quality and designs. Ganji's photo is taken in a carpet repair workshop in the city of Shiraz.
He adds: "I tried to capture the spirit of life which exists in this workshop and its workers. Every carpet brought here to be repaired has a spirit too."
7. Bagh-e Dolat Abad, Yazd
The 18th-century Dolat Abad garden follows a classic Iranian design, divided into two sections.
The outer part includes gardens and beautiful spaces that can be seen from the entrance. The inner portion represents the Iranian architectural concept of family privacy.
This building has a distinctive windcatcher -- a roof tower used for ventilation and natural air conditioning in desert areas.
"The applied symmetrical molding ornaments and colorful glasses in this edifice are exceptional," Ganji says.
"But what really grabbed my attention was the windcatcher. There's a pool in the middle of the building and when wind flows over it, the water evaporates and cools the environment."
8. Emarat-e Badgir, Tehran
This building stands in Tehran's 19th-century Golestan Palace complex and was the location for the 1896 coronation of the Qajar dynasty Persian ruler Mozaffar-ad-Din Shah Qajar.
"The exclusive ornaments of this building, such as the glasses, the mirrors, and tall columns are of exceptional beauty," says Ganji.
9. Eram Gardens, Shiraz
Eram Gardens: "Positive energy."
Mohammad Reza Domiri Ganji
One of the most famous historical gardens in Iran, these grounds and the building within them were built in the mid-13th century, but renovated 600 years later.
Eram owes its fame and importance to botanical gardens that are home to a variety of unique and rare plants.
"As I walked into the gardens, the first thing I noticed was the positive energy emanating from the place due to its green and colorful surroundings," Ganji says.
"It wasn't just the plants. The grand building also had me in awe due to the vast range of colors and patterns used and its unique architecture.
"More striking was the lake feeding small streams that water the gardens.
"I tried to find a way to capture the building and its surrounding trees, and their reflection in the lake. In order to enhance the light and color of the scene, I took the photo during sunset."
10. Forough-Al-Mulk House, Shiraz
Built for Qajar era Shiraz dignitary Forough-Al-Mulk, this three-story building now houses a museum.
11. House of Poems, Shiraz
Shiraz has a reputation as a city of great poets and poems.
"This photo shows a building where anyone can pen verses and hang them on the wall -- their own creations or an old favorite," says Ganji. "It's also a place for drinking tea and smoking hookah.
"When you enter here, it's interesting to read the different poems written with different handwriting."
12. Jameh Mosque, Yazd
This mosque is said to belong to the 15th- to 16th-century Timurid era because of its inscriptions and architectural style, but the main building could be centuries older.
Some believe it's built on an ancient fire temple.
"When I entered the mosque I was amazed by the fantastic artwork in its ceiling," says Ganji. "It got my attention and when I saw that view, I wanted to photograph it.
"The dome of the mosque has amazing arabesque patterns and four skylights that show geometric shapes beautifully.
"Quran verses written all around the dome add to its glory and beauty."
13. Kordasht Bath, Julfa
Located in the northwestern Iranian city of Julfa, this bath was originally used by royals of the 16th- to 18th-century Safavid dynasty and later opened to the public.
Ganji says: "This photo shows the historical monument's 'Sarbineh', a vestibule, spring house, and greenhouse."
14. Maranjab salt lake, near Kashan
Maranjab: Desert reflections.
Mohammad Reza Domiri Ganji
"The salt lake next to the Maranjab desert south of Tehran. It's actually a dried lake that only very occasionally collects water after heavy rain or snow.
"I walked far alongside the lake before setting up my tripod for this panoramic night photo," says Ganji.
15. Maranjab sands, near Kashan
"This is taken on a regular day and shows what a desert is supposed to look like -- dry and hot white sands shining under the sunlight," adds Ganji.
16. Maranjab snows, near Kashan
"This shows a surprise view of the desert -- covered in snow," explains Ganji.
"When I saw snow had fallen in another part of Iran, I was curious to know if it was falling in other places.
"After hours of driving along a freezing snow-covered road, then hiking to reach the desert, I managed to photograph this rare moment just after sunrise."
17. Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Shiraz
Another Qajar-era treasure, this mosque has eastern and western bedchambers.
The eastern has a tiled altar flanked by 12 columns and colorful windows.
"In fall and winter when sunlight shines through the glass, it casts the bedchamber in a beautiful light," says Ganji.
"I've seen stained glass work in many architectural buildings, but this is exceptional. From dawn, the mosque is filled with color and light, dappling the Persian rugs, the ceiling and wall tiles with patterns and colors.
"I'm amazed at how the architect was able to combine so many things to build such an exquisite mosque.
"I visited on a winter morning and waited for the light that moves gently from left to right to fall exactly in the center so my photo could be completely symmetrical."
18. Niavaran Palace, Tehran
Niavaran palace: Royally beautiful.
Mohammad Reza Domiri Ganji
In the decade before the Islamic revolution, this palace served as a residential home for the shah's family and was where they met foreign guests.
The complex was originally built in the Qajar era, but the main palace was built under orders from Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, Iran's last shah.
19. Palace of Ardashir, south of Shiraz
Third-century Persian ruler Ardashir I -- the founder of Iran's Sassanid Empire -- built this palace for himself.
In front is a lake that supplied the palace with water. Some believe the building was abandoned because the lake proved too arid.
20. Pasargadae, northeast of Shiraz
The capital of Cyrus the Great's Achaemenid Empire, sometime around 550 BC, lies about 130 kilometers northeast of the city of Shiraz.
This complex is known for its most famous monument, the tomb of Cyrus, but it also includes the prison of Solomon and the Pasargadae palace and citadel.
"This is a very important monument, as it is relates to one of the most famous Persian emperors," says Ganji.
"For this reason I've always wanted to immortalize the place at its best, under a star-filled sky."
"The Milky Way is only visible on certain summer evenings where the sky is clear and there's no moon.
"Normally, no one is permitted to enter Pasargadae, so as well as finding the perfect time and moment, I also had to obtain various permits to take this photo."
21. Royal Palace of Cyrus, Pasargadae
This photo shows the remains of the Audience Hall of this once vast palace, thought to have been surrounded by Persian gardens.
Says Ganji: "When I was taking this photo, I lay on the ground for several minutes, staring at the sky.
"I imagined I was there thousands of years ago at the time that Cyrus the Great lived with his council, ruling the greatest empire of all time -- Persia."
22. The tomb of Cyrus the Great, Pasargadae
The tomb consists of a chamber with sloping roof built on seven stone tiers.
In 336 BC, when Alexander the Great invaded Persia, Pasargadae was destroyed and the entire treasury of the palaces and tomb of Cyrus were looted.
23. Persepolis (Takht-e-Jamshid), northeast of Shiraz
Persepolis: City of kings and emperors.
Mohammad Reza Domiri Ganji
Persepolis was one of the most important cities of Persian Empire it was destroyed in 330 BC during Alexander the Great's invasion of Persia.
"I've always loved this historic complex because it's a reminder of one of the great empires of Iran and is part of our historic identity," says Ganji.
"When you walk through the Gate of All Nations and enter Persepolis, it's best to think of just one thing: This is exactly where many kings and great emperors have set foot. It's an incredible connection to the past.
"As with Pasargadae, this took a lot of effort to photograph because it's hard to get permission to enter at night."
24. Shah Mosque (Imam Mosque), Isfahan
Located on the southern side of Isfahan's Naqsh-e Jahan Square, this mosque belongs to the Safavid era and was built under orders from Shah Abbas I.
This mesmerizing building has an enormous dome, nearly 57 meters (170 feet) high, as well as tall minarets.
"The ceiling of this place is like none other," says Ganji. "One of the most exquisite works of architecture, it's hard to look away.
"I stood in the middle of this structure and used a wide lens so I could capture its perfect symmetry and the ceiling in its entirety."
25. Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Isfahan
Another highlight of Naqsh-e Jahan Square, this was also built during the reign of Shah Abbas I.
Loaded with mosaics, this masterpiece was created by chief architect Sheikh Bahai, who collaborated with famous calligraphers and artists of the period.
The building has a 45 degree angle, allowing worshippers to face Mecca.
It's the only mosque in Iran that doesn't have a courtyard.
26. Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and Shrine Ensemble, Ardabil
Another Safavid dynasty treasure, this place gained fame through a shrine built to Shah Ismail I's ancestor Sheikh Safi al-Din.
This picture shows the building's porcelain dome, with alcoves that once held goblets and jars gifted by a Chinese emperor.
27. 33 Pol (Si-o-se Pol, Bridge of 33 Spans) or Allahverdi Khan Bridge, Isfahan
This majestic structure, built under Shah Abbas I, takes its name from the archways which stretch across the water.
It's a popular place to stroll.
28. Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse, Kashan
Cool and clean: Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse.
Mohammad Reza Domiri Ganji
A mix of 11th-century Seljuk era and Qajar era construction, this bathhouse is notable for its astonishing molded ornaments and thick plasterwork made with lime and mortar.
"To photograph this bath I went there several times and sat on its couches for hours," says Ganji.
"I tried to choose a time when artificial lights were off and the only source of illumination was the light from holes in the ceiling.
"An interesting fact that I discovered is the bath's heat source is just a small flame, with warmth and smoke transferred by small channels beneath."
29. St. Thaddeus Monastery, near Maku
Also known as the Black Monastery due to the dark stones used to build it, this monument in northwestern Iran is a relic of the region's early years of Christianity.
A place of pilgrimage for many Armenian people, it's built over the tomb of Christian missionary St. Thaddeus (or St. Jude) and retains its status as a monastery.
"Because of its importance for non-Muslims in Iran, I've always wanted to take a photograph worthy of this building's status to add to my collection of my historical places in Iran," says Ganji.
"After obtaining the necessary permits to photograph after dark, I was able to capture this panorama on a very cold winter night.
"Other than the small guard room, there was no light."
30. Tabatabaei House, Kashan
Built for a famous Kashan merchant during the Qajar era, this house has several sections decorated with different types of art and architectural features, such as stucco and stained glass.
31. Timcheh, Kashan
This small caravanserai, or inn, located in Kashan's bazaar consists of small roofed spaces that were mainly used for selling carpets and other luxurious goods in the Qajar era.
The picture shows the unique glorious ceiling of this structure.
"All around there are shops selling rugs and historical artifacts, but the most amazing view here is this ceiling," says Ganji.
"Under the ceiling there's a big pond, which I had to stand in to take this photo directly under the ceiling's center."
32. Tomb of Hafez, Shiraz
The 14th-century tomb of Iranian poet Hafez has been remodeled and renovated over the years, with the most recent additions contributed by French architect Andre Godard and Iranian archeologist Ali Sami.
Says Ganji: "Contrary to appearances in this picture, this place is always very busy, particularly in the late afternoons and evenings.
"It's a popular site, with poets and poetry enthusiasts, groups of friends and young couples all coming together to recite Hafez's romantic poems.
"I used a fisheye lens to take this photo on a day that two popular Iranian teams were playing football. Most people were at home watching the match, so it was much quieter."
33. Vakil Bath, Shiraz
Amazing symmetry: Vakil Bath.
Mohammad Reza Domiri Ganji
This 18th-century Zand dynasty building, decorated within by paintings of Persian mythology, was used for bathing but also served as a social hub.
People would gather around its howz, the centrally positioned symmetrical pool.
"The amazing symmetry of the architecture and its limestone embellishments make this bath one of a kind," says Ganji.
"To capture this stretched panorama, I needed permits to allow me to stand in the middle of the deep bath."
34. Vakil Mosque, Shiraz
Another Zand dynasty building, this is one of the Iran's most beautiful mosques, decorated with colorful ceramics.
"I like this mosque because of the many pillars used inside," says Ganji.
"As you enter, the repetition of these pillars makes the place grand and beautiful, and gives the impression of many separate spaces.
"In my photo I've tried to show this repetition in the best way."
35. Vank Cathedral, Isafan
Built during the 17th century by Armenian settlers, this cathedral's decorations include delicate blue and gilded ceiling paintings depicting the Genesis creation story.
The church is still used by Armenians in Isfahan today and is open to visitors.
"I was amazed by the golden color of the ceiling and the unique paintings all around," says Ganji.
"I put my camera on the floor and tilted it upwards using a wide lens to capture this photo."
