Iran

A masterfully researched and compelling history of Iran from 1501 to 2009 This history of modern Iran is not a survey in... (more)

A masterfully researched and compelling history of Iran from 1501 to 2009 This history of modern Iran is not a survey in the conventional sense but an ambitious exploration of the story of a nation. It offers a revealing look at how events, people, and institutions are shaped by currents that sometimes reach back hundreds of years. The book covers the complex history of the diverse societies and economies of Iran against the background of dynastic changes, revolutions, civil wars, foreign occupation, and the rise of the Islamic Republic. Abbas Amanat combines chronological and thematic approaches, exploring events with lasting implications for modern Iran and the world. Drawing on diverse historical scholarship and emphasizing the twentieth century, he addresses debates about Iran's culture and politics. Political history is the driving narrative force, given impetus by Amanat's decades of research and study. He layers the book with discussions of literature, music, and the arts; ideology and religion; economy and society; and cultural identity and heritage. (less)

"Iran Travel Guide -- Expert travel tips from Tehran highlights and hotels to archaeological and UNESCO sites, Persepoli... (more)

"Iran Travel Guide -- Expert travel tips from Tehran highlights and hotels to archaeological and UNESCO sites, Persepolis, history and culture. Also featuring itineraries, safety and visas, hiking, the Silk Road Trail, Yazd, Abyaneh, Gilan mountains, Qaleh Rudkhan, Esfahan bazaars, Babak Castle, Kashan, Iranian Kurdistan, skiing and local cuisine." -- (less)

Explores the issue of foreign relations with Iran by placing opinions from a wide range of sources in a pro/con format. ... (more)

Explores the issue of foreign relations with Iran by placing opinions from a wide range of sources in a pro/con format. Features articles that express various perspectives on this topic. (less)

"Iran, formerly Persia, is the biggest country of the Middle East. Due to the fact that sky-high snowy mountains, extend... (more)

"Iran, formerly Persia, is the biggest country of the Middle East. Due to the fact that sky-high snowy mountains, extended deserts, verdant oases, turquoise cupola mosques and cultural and architectural relic sites of World Heritage are waiting for all visitors it can be a very desirable destination even for tourists who continuously look for the new and varied. In Tehran, the luxurious palaces of Persian shahs, the Museum of Archaeology and the Museum of Carpets and Rugs are the sights that "must" be seen. Yazd and Kerman is well-known for their mosques and bazaars, Naqsh-e Rustam is for its rock-hewn tombs, Rayen and Persepolis are for the remains of their palaces and castles from the time of the Persian Empire. The two most beautiful cities of Iran are the splendidly situated Shiraz and Isfahan that is full of vitality." (less)