Explore the unexpected beauty behind Persia

Home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, Persia—known today as Iran—is a city with a complicated history. But despite that, it’s held onto many beautiful and rich traditions—one of which is Yalda, the inspiration behind our latest limited edition.

In the know

• Tehran's contemporary art scene is thriving. Get to know the work of emerging artists at the Iranian Artists Forum cultural hub, which contains galleries, cafes, and a cinema.
  
  
• Before the 1930s, Iran was known as Persia to outsiders.
  
  
• Persian is the oldest language in the world that is still easily intelligible by modern speakers. Persian (Farsi) is still spoken in Tajikistan and Afghanistan.
  
  
• Iran’s population is one of the youngest in the world, with a median age of 30.1 years.
  
  
• The ski resort of Dizin, 70km north of Tehran, is said to have the best skiing in the Middle East. Its highest lift is 3600m.
  
  
• The bustling Tehran Bazaar is an authentic taste of old Iran. Endless paths take visitors on a journey through spice heaven.
  
  
• Iran is one of the world's biggest producers of luxury foods, including extremely good caviar.

HAFT PEYKAR MURAL

This beautiful mural in Tehran is more than decorative street art. It’s based on the story of Haft Peykar, a romantic epic poem by Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi, written in 1197. The original title can be translated as ‘seven beauties.’

ABUNDANT POMEGRANATES

Iran is known as the largest producer of pomegranates in the world. As well as being an integral part of Yalda celebrations, this luscious fruit is full of vitamins and minerals, and is also packed with antioxidants.

BARIN SKI RESORT

One of Iran’s best-kept secrets is that it is home to some incredible ski resorts. Around an hour outside of the capital Tehran, the small ski village of Shemshak is nestled in the Alborz Mountains, at an altitude of 2500m. Situated in the heart of the Alborz Mountains is the Barin Ski Resort, completed in 2011 and designed by RYRA Studio. With 67 rooms over ten stories, Barin Resort organically reflects the landscape while providing a cozy refuge for skiers.