Iran

The Persian cat, known for its long, luxurious fur and distinctive face, originated in Iran. These cats were once considered royal pets when explorers brought them to Europe in the 17th century.

Iran is home to one of the oldest postal systems in the world. Couriers used the Royal Road, a network of roads so efficient that it inspired the saying, “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” This is the unofficial motto of the United States Postal Service.

Before refrigeration, Persians built yakhchāls, ancient ice houses, to store ice through the hot summers. These structures, with their thick walls and ingenious cooling design, preserved ice from winter into the summer months, showcasing early refrigeration techniques.

The Dasht-e Kavir, or Great Salt Desert, covers a vast area of Iran and is one of the largest salt deserts in the world. Its unique landscape includes salt flats and sand dunes, and optical illusions called mirages, making it a surreal place that feels like another planet.

In parts of Iran, especially in the desert, the night sky is so clear that you can see millions of stars. There is even a place called the “Starry Sky Reserve” where light pollution is almost zero, making it perfect for star-gazing.