Once famous for its outstanding archaeological sites, magnificent mosques and fine carpets, the name Iran later became synonymous with Islamic fundamentalism and the politics of oil. Almost completely closed to Western visitors between 1978 and 1990, Iran is now well past its tumultuous revolutionary period and is intent on opening up its borders to those more adventurous and culturally-tolerant travellers who wish to explore this large country (almost the size of Italy, Spain, France and the British Isles combined). Although often thought of as a land of barren hills and deserts, Iran is in fact a land of great contrasts. Altitudes range from 26m below sea-level by the Caspian Sea to 5760m above sea-level in the Elburz Mountains, temperatures from minus 35°C in winter in the northwest to over 50°C in summer in the south, and annual rainfall from over 2000mm in parts of the Caspian watershed to almost zero in the central deserts! This wide diversity in climate is reflected in the diversity of habitats, which range from luxuriant deciduous forests near the Caspian through oak, pistachio and almond woodlands in the central highlands to acacia woodlands, fan-palms and mangrove swamps in the south.
Iran is a mosaic of ethnic minorities cemented by the Persian culture. The minorities of the country maintains its local customs and traditions, such as the Kurds, Persian Jews and Christian Armenians amongst many others. Persians constitue the majority of the population.
These photos are taken during a three week birdwatching trip to the country in april 2003. Biologist Houman Jowkar acted as guide and interpreter.