Iran

A Civilization of Empires, Resistance, and Strategic Influence

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Iran, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a vast and geopolitically crucial country located in Western Asia, bridging the Middle East and Central Asia. With one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations and a diverse geography ranging from deserts to snowy mountains, Iran remains a key player in energy, regional politics, and cultural heritage.

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Formation and Historical Background

• Historically known as Persia, with roots tracing back to the Elamite kingdoms (2700 BCE).

• Once the center of the powerful Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sasanian Empires.

• Became an Islamic state in the 7th century CE.

• Known for the Safavid Dynasty, which established Shia Islam as the state religion.

• Modern Iran emerged under the Qajar and Pahlavi Dynasties.

• In 1979, the Islamic Revolution transformed Iran into a theocratic republic under Ayatollah Khomeini.

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Administrative Information

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Government and Leadership

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Administrative Divisions (Provinces)

Iran is divided into 31 Provinces (Ostan‌ها), each with a governor-general (Ostandar) appointed by the Ministry of Interior.

List of Provinces and Capitals:

1. Tehran – Tehran

2. Isfahan – Isfahan

3. Fars – Shiraz

4. Khorasan Razavi – Mashhad

5. East Azerbaijan – Tabriz

6. West Azerbaijan – Urmia

7. Mazandaran – Sari

8. Gilan – Rasht

9. Kermanshah – Kermanshah

10. Khuzestan – Ahvaz

11. Sistan and Baluchestan – Zahedan

12. Kerman – Kerman

13. Yazd – Yazd

14. Lorestan – Khorramabad

15. Qom – Qom

16. Semnan – Semnan

17. Kurdistan – Sanandaj

18. Ardabil – Ardabil

19. Zanjan – Zanjan

20. Qazvin – Qazvin

21. Golestan – Gorgan

22. Bushehr – Bushehr

23. Hormozgan – Bandar Abbas

24. Markazi – Arak

25. Ilam – Ilam

26. Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari – Shahrekord

27. North Khorasan – Bojnurd

28. South Khorasan – Birjand

29. Alborz – Karaj

30. Hamedan – Hamedan

31. Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad – Yasuj

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Local Government Structure

• Provinces → Counties (Shahrestan) → Districts (Bakhsh) → Rural districts (Dehestan)

• Governors and municipal councils manage urban affairs.

• Religious authorities have influence in judicial and cultural administration.

• Local elections are held for city/village councils, with oversight by Guardian Council.

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Leadership & Governance

• Dual structure: Theocracy + Republican Institutions

  • Supreme Leader holds ultimate power over foreign policy, military, judiciary.

  • President oversees domestic policy and administration.

• Iran’s governance emphasizes:

  • Islamic law (Sharia) – especially Ja’fari Twelver Shiism

  • Resistance economy, self-sufficiency

  • Political guardianship (Velayat-e Faqih)

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Law Enforcement & Safety

• Agencies:

  • Law Enforcement Command of Islamic Republic of Iran (NAJA)

  • Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

  • Basij Militia (paramilitary and ideological)

• Areas of focus:

  • Moral policing, border security, anti-terror operations

• Emergency Numbers:

  • 110 – Police

  • 115 – Ambulance

  • 125 – Fire

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Economy & Industry

• Key sectors:

  • Oil & Gas – Among world’s top in reserves (NIOC)

  • Petrochemicals, mining, agriculture

  • Auto manufacturing (Iran Khodro, SAIPA)

  • Defense, technology, pharmaceuticals

• Sanctions impact: Reliance on barter trade, crypto, regional alliances

• GDP (2023): Approx. USD 430 billion

• Strong ties with China, Russia, regional allies

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Education & Institutions

• Major Universities:

  • University of Tehran

  • Sharif University of Technology

  • Tehran University of Medical Sciences

  • Ferdowsi University (Mashhad)

• High literacy rates (94%+)

• Emphasis on Islamic studies, engineering, medical science

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Healthcare

• Universal public healthcare with extensive rural outreach

• Notable medical facilities:

  • Sina Hospital, Imam Khomeini Hospital (Tehran)

• Advanced research in stem cells, organ transplant, vaccines

• Healthcare challenges: sanctions on equipment, medicine import

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Transport & Connectivity

• Airports:

  • Imam Khomeini International Airport (Tehran)

  • Mashhad, Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz

• Extensive road and rail networks:

  • Tehran-Mashhad high-speed rail planned

• Ports: Bandar Abbas, Khorramshahr, Chabahar (strategic port with India link)

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Tourism & Attractions

• Historical:

  • Persepolis, Pasargadae, Naqsh-e Rustam

  • Islamic architecture: Esfahan’s Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Shiraz mosques

• Natural:

  • Caspian Sea coast, Zagros Mountains, Dasht-e Lut Desert

• Religious:

  • Imam Reza Shrine (Mashhad), Fatima Masumeh Shrine (Qom)

• Skiing in Dizin, Mount Damavand hiking

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Culture & Lifestyle

• Deep literary tradition: Hafez, Saadi, Ferdowsi, Rumi

• Arts: Persian carpets, miniature painting, calligraphy

• Cuisine: Kebabs, Ghormeh Sabzi, Tahdig, Fesenjan

• National dress varies regionally; Hijab compulsory for women

• Strong family values, hospitality, Nowruz (Persian New Year) as major cultural event

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Summary

Iran is a civilization as old as time — with a legacy of empire, intellect, and resistance. Amid sanctions and strategic challenges, the country maintains its identity through cultural pride, geopolitical positioning, and scientific achievement. Iran remains one of the most consequential nations in the Islamic world and global energy markets.