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Qazvin
From Wikitravel
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Qazvin is a city in the Qazvin (province) in Iran.
[edit] Understand
Qazvin was an ancient capital in the Persian Empire and today continues to be a vibrant city. Qazvin can perhaps be said to be a moderate city, in relation to its adherence to Islamic religious and cultural values. Many people, women in particular, dress modestly but are not limited to the a black hejab, and many women can be seen wearing thin, brightly coloured scarves to cover their hair. However, many women wear an enveloping headress, designed to completely cover all hair. It is advised to dress respectfully in this context, by all means express yourself through a nature of hejab materials and colours, but be mindful of social and religious values at play.
[edit] Get in
[edit] By plane
The nearest international airport is the new Imam Khomeini International Airport located in southern Tehran. The old Mehrabad International Airport is servicing the domestic flights since a year ago. Arriving at either airports you can easily hire a taxi to take you to Qazvin. Make sure to hire a registered taxi and agree on payment before you actually set off. Your taxi fare to Qazvin from IKIA is around $ 20-25 and from MIA is around $ 15-20. You travel all the way through an straight highway taking your time at most 2 hours and in the meantime you may enjoy watching beautifull sightseeings and two giant plants of the country, Abeyek Cement and Shahid Rajaee Gass Power plants.
[edit] By car
Qazvin is linked to Tehran and other major cities via a series of motorways, These are not usually too busy, though attempt to avoid times where workers are communting to and from work. Cars can be hired at Tehran International Airport. Taxi's are usually the most easiest means of travelling to Qazvin by car. You have a choice of private taxi's, or travelling via official taxi ranks. The main difference between the two is the state of the actual cars, however do not be put off by the sight of an elderly, slightly unconventioanl car, these are usually perfectly safe to travel in.
[edit] Get around
- The Qajar era Caravanserai of Sa'd al-Saltaneh.
- The Kharaghan twin towers, built in 1067 CE, Qazvin province.
- The Russian Church of Qazvin.
Qazvin contains several archeological excavations dating back 9000 years. There are also 23 castles from the Ismaili Assassins nearby as well. And in the middle of the city lie the ruins of Meimoon Ghal'eh, one of several Sassanid edifices in the area.
Qazvin contains few buildings from the Safavid era, when it was capital of Persia. Perhaps the most famous of the surviving edifices is the Ali Qapu mansion, today a museum in central Qazvin.
[edit][add listing] Do
Wander in the bazaars.
[edit] Learn
Try to learn Persian, and use it while in Iran. Iranians are noted for their hospitality, and would greatly appreciate a tourist's attempts to communicate via Persian. Qazvin is an historical city, try and broaden your historical knowldege by sampling the historical sites.
[edit][add listing] Buy
Take a visit to the bazaar in Qazvin. It is huge and you will be able to find all sorts on display. Jewellery in Iran is of high quality, and cheap by Western standards. The same can be said for electronical goods, which arrive in Iran via Japan, sometimes before the products can be bought in Europe and America.
[edit][add listing] Eat
Food in Iran is a delicacy, and is made up of a whole range of Middle Eastern influences. Do eat chelo kebab in one of the many restaurants in Qazvin. This meal is pretty much a standard dish in Iran, however Qazvin does have its own regional variations on the dish. Try to sample as many different foods as possible while in Qazvin, the diversity of flavors and influences makes for delicious food. Avoid salads which have not probably been washed in tap water. Restaurants are usually very hospitable, so asking for a variation in the dish, or asking for vegetarian options or about food allergies will not be a problem.
[edit] Budget
[edit][add listing] Drink
International health agencies advise drinking bottled water in Iran. This is cheap and therefore not a concern. Alcohol is not tolerated(Except for NON MUSLIMS and non-muslim religious practices).In Iran,IF any muslim is caught partaking in or producing alcohol it is illegal and punishments can be very severe.
[edit][add listing] Sleep
The are hotels scattered all over the city,it might not be very difficult for you to find a hotel in the Qazvin Area.
[edit] Contact
In need of help or advice, contact your national embassy, located in the capital city Tehran.
[edit] Stay safe
Iran is generally a safe country. It is advised however, that being an obvious tourist may attract some unwanted attention from interested Iranians, but do not be alrmed or react negatively. Standard advice to keep your bag secured and safe, and to leave personal and valuable belongings in your hotel room or hotel safe should be regarded. Iranians are generally a peaceful, hospitable people, but it is advised to act with caution when walk in the streets alone late at night or when approached by strangers to the same degree that you would in your native country.
[edit] Cope
Qazin is located in a modest and mountainous region and the weather in summer is slightly cooler than Tehran. The temprature in summer does not go higher than 35 degrees. Hoever the best time is in the Spring and Fall, when the climate is warm and breezy.
[edit] Get out
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