[shadha]

AsSalamu' Alaykum,

InshaAllah over the next few months, I'll finally embark on the process of attaining a passport. My hopes are to InshaAllah take a vacation to Iran within the next two years. Preferably next year but that's unlikely so I won't keep my hopes up. [Then in a few years Morocco, , but I'll focus on one country at a time.]

Anyway, I was wondering if any members currently live in Iran or frequently visit Iran and if so, if they can share their knowledge of the culture and more importantly, most importantly, how I will be treated. I am obviously black and I am obviously American- how good is it looking for me? What are the must sees? I am not into going to a city that will remind me of modern America, I'm interested in historical sites. InshaAllah I'll get to go with my Iranian born father in law, so I won't be dependent on others I don't know.

I am already aware of the warning issued by my government, find it to be bias but whatever. I realize the protection I will lose etc. by traveling to Iran.

So, yeah.


shadha-

[Aryan_]

You're black?

Iran is safe as houses, went there last in 2003 but not much has changed. In Tehran Iranians are a lot more westernised. Not many people speak English there compared to Pakistan or other middle eastern countries, so ideally you'll need someone who can speak Farsi. You have all the western style food joints, but under "islamic" names.

The people are nice. Most are hard working and work long hours and are curious to meet Americans/Brits. DIdn't get to see much of the other areas. Also been to Kerman, but I doubt you'll be anywhere near there.

[shadha]

I'm half black.

Would Tehran be of the safest places to vacation in? I'll find out where the family is residing. Although, as I said before, I don't want to travel across the world to see stuff that is in my backyard.

How did you like Kerman?


shadha-

[ilovethisdeen]

I’m excited that you are planning a trip to Iran! I haven’t been since I was little but am [inshallah] planning on going in the next year or so. I always use Lonely Planet and trust their advice so I wanted to give you a link for their profile on Iran:
Iran Travel Guide: Overview - Lonely Planet WorldGuide

Do you know which cities you will be visiting? Since you stated that you would like to see historical sites, I would recommend Shiraz & Isfahan. Shiraz is where the Persepolis is located [must see!!]. Everyone whom I’ve spoken with who has been there has said it’s a very beautiful city with endless gardens, historical monuments, and palaces. Isfahan would be the place to go if you are interested in Persian architecture. There are many beautiful mosques there [as well as beautiful churches and synagogues].

I wouldn’t say that Tehran is necessarily the safest place to vacation in Iran. Tehran has a huge population (at least 8 million+) and, as with all big cities, you will have to be cautious of the possibility of street crime (snatching of bags & wallets etc). The traffic there is also horrible so be aware - best to just take cabs/bus around . I’m sure you would find it a fun city though [with great food!]. The northern part of Tehran is very mountainous and beautiful nature-wise. I was born in Tehran so I’m going to be bias & say it’s the best city in Iran

Regarding being an American tourist.. One of my friends is actually in Iran right now [he is African-American]. He will be back [inshallah] next week. When I see him I'll ask him about his experiences and any advice he may have.

I would trust your father-in-law’s judgment on places to visit and things to see. I’m sure he will lead you in a good direction. Like Aryan stated above, not many Iranians know English [compared to nearby countries] so I would definitely recommend you being with someone who speaks Farsi at all times. Also, make sure to have a lot of cash with you because most places will not accept cards/money orders/etc.

I’m a huge fan of the photo site Flickr (Welcome to Flickr - Photo Sharing). I did a keyword search for a few cities and came upon the following people’s sets of photos of the respective cities. They may not be the best photo sets but if you scan through them they may give you an idea of what you can see in each city [they have descriptions and names too].

Happy Travels!

Random photos of Iran:
IRAN - a photoset on Flickr

Isfahan:
ISFAHAN - a photoset on Flickr

Shiraz:
Shiraz - a photoset on Flickr

Yazd:
YAZD - a photoset on Flickr

[annie_359]

Don't be silly, first of all you look more Middle Eastern than Black and wear Hijaab too so won't stick out too much and your father in law is Persian so you will be in more than capable hands.

For historical landmarks do check out Isfahan.

Anyway, you've got absolutely ages to go until you're set to go, so plenty of time to plan.

Annie

[Variable]

I really want to go, I almost did once... Although now I'd take my board a long with me and the first thing I'd probably do when I got there is hit the slopes...I heard it's 7 bucks for a lift ticket!

[wheelworks]

Insha Allah if I start saving now, I'll be able to make it for Hajj next year

[Macaca]

Originally Posted by shadha

AsSalamu' Alaykum,

InshaAllah over the next few months, I'll finally embark on the process of attaining a passport. My hopes are to InshaAllah take a vacation to Iran within the next two years. Preferably next year but that's unlikely so I won't keep my hopes up. [Then in a few years Morocco, , but I'll focus on one country at a time.]

Anyway, I was wondering if any members currently live in Iran or frequently visit Iran and if so, if they can share their knowledge of the culture and more importantly, most importantly, how I will be treated. I am obviously black and I am obviously American- how good is it looking for me? What are the must sees? I am not into going to a city that will remind me of modern America, I'm interested in historical sites. InshaAllah I'll get to go with my Iranian born father in law, so I won't be dependent on others I don't know.

I am already aware of the warning issued by my government, find it to be bias but whatever. I realize the protection I will lose etc. by traveling to Iran.

So, yeah.


shadha-

I'm not saying this is any sexual way or anything,but..... just think for a second you're someone else. You see your (shadha's pic) as you have posted on here before, don't you think that if someone looks like you they should hide their face? You definitely should,imho that's just my opinion. And yes you are African-American,but not 100%, but believe me if you go to Iran, heck,if you leave your house,for someone like you covering the face is really important,imho.
Again, im not saying it in a sexual way or anything or forcing anything,I just think people would be distracted by you if you left your face uncovered out in public.

[IbnMardhiyah]

Originally Posted by Macaca

I'm not saying this is any sexual way or anything,but..... just think for a second you're someone else. You see your (shadha's pic) as you have posted on here before, don't you think that if someone looks like you they should hide their face? You definitely should,imho that's just my opinion. And yes you are African-American,but not 100%, but believe me if you go to Iran, heck,if you leave your house,for someone like you covering the face is really important,imho.
Again, im not saying it in a sexual way or anything or forcing anything,I just think people would be distracted by you if you left your face uncovered out in public.

???

Dude, plenty of gorgeous women in Iran look way better than her and they leave their faces uncovered too.

[Variable]

Originally Posted by Macaca

I'm not saying this is any sexual way or anything,but..... just think for a second you're someone else. You see your (shadha's pic) as you have posted on here before, don't you think that if someone looks like you they should hide their face? You definitely should,imho that's just my opinion. And yes you are African-American,but not 100%, but believe me if you go to Iran, heck,if you leave your house,for someone like you covering the face is really important,imho.
Again, im not saying it in a sexual way or anything or forcing anything,I just think people would be distracted by you if you left your face uncovered out in public.

ahahahahahahahaahhaahahahahahaha

[Variable]

Originally Posted by IbnMardhiyah

???

Dude, plenty of gorgeous women in Iran look way better than her and they leave their faces uncovered too.

Iran is the land of beautiful girls... Shadha will fit right in

[zzze]

asslamau alaykum

i agree with variable, ibn prefers women who look liek they can have 15 children

[Timbit]

One of my profs is from Iran and witnessed the Islamic Revolution. So she's Muslim but kind of has her own views on things. That generation is an interesting one, eh?

[Anderson]

Originally Posted by Macaca

I'm not saying this is any sexual way or anything,but..... just think for a second you're someone else. You see your (shadha's pic) as you have posted on here before, don't you think that if someone looks like you they should hide their face? You definitely should,imho that's just my opinion. And yes you are African-American,but not 100%, but believe me if you go to Iran, heck,if you leave your house,for someone like you covering the face is really important,imho.
Again, im not saying it in a sexual way or anything or forcing anything,I just think people would be distracted by you if you left your face uncovered out in public.

LOLL

Ditto what IbnM said, Iranian women are generally beautiful and plus they have mutaa there, which is the best concept since bread on butter, so their men are pretty much content enough not to harass people.

Hillarious post if you were joking though.

[shadha]

Macaca: I'm not saying this is any sexual way or anything,but..... just think for a second you're someone else. You see your (shadha's pic) as you have posted on here before, don't you think that if someone looks like you they should hide their face? You definitely should,imho that's just my opinion. And yes you are African-American,but not 100%, but believe me if you go to Iran, heck,if you leave your house,for someone like you covering the face is really important,imho.
Again, im not saying it in a sexual way or anything or forcing anything,I just think people would be distracted by you if you left your face uncovered out in public.

.............yeah so anyway, Ibn your face is the major suck, ilovethisdeen, thanks for the links!, and Vari, we should go together.


shadha-