Tehran – The ancient city of Lei, now part of Tehran, is set to host travelers and holidays during the two-week Nowruz holiday, which officially began on March 21st.
Large-scale recovery, conservation and preparation efforts over the past two years ensure that several important historical sites, including Cheshmeali, Rushkanfores, Tape, Mill and Irajfores, are ready to welcome visitors.
Qadir Afravand, director of Ray’s National Heritage Site, highlighted these efforts, noting that some of the region’s most prominent and attractive historic landmarks have been meticulously prepared for tourists.
Among them were the archaeological site of Cheshmeali, which boasts over 8,000 years of history, Rashkan Fortress, once the historic Ray centre in eastern Lei near Galei, and the giant Iraj Fortress, the largest ancient fortress in the world.
A unique aspect of Rey as a Knowles destination is its proximity to Tehran, making it easy for millions of residents of the capital to explore historic wonders. Visitors can begin their journey early in the morning with a pilgrimage to the sacred temple of Imamzadeh Shah Abdul Azim, then embark on a cultural and historic tour, discovering attractions such as the historic bazaar of Lei, Cheshmee Ali, Rashkan Fortress and the ancient core of the city. This experience offers both spiritual fulfillment and an intriguing glimpse into Iran’s rich heritage.
The historic center of Rey received significant enhancements for the first time, including restoring the last remaining guard tower of the ancient fortress, installing protective coverings, lighting and fencing around major areas. These improvements are being made to accommodate what is suitable for the influx of Nowruz visitors.
Additionally, Cheshmeh Ali has undergone extensive renovations in collaboration with the municipality, featuring improved pavement and landscaping, providing a visually appealing environment for visitors. Already a favorite among locals, the site is further enriched by recent archaeological excavations led by researchers at Shahid Beheshti University, and has sparked greater interest in the site.
Additionally, TapeH MIL has undergone major transformations with new protection measures, boundary fencing, and thorough recovery of unique stucco decorations. These enhancements, combined with Rey’s breathtaking green plains in early spring, promise an extraordinary experience for this year’s Knowles travelers.
For the second year in a row, all these historic sites will showcase dedicated tour guides carefully selected from professional cultural heritage experts. These guides provide detailed archaeological insights, answer visitor questions, and enhance the overall experience of exploring Ray’s epic past.
Afravand also expanded the invitations open to travelers across the country to visit Rey’s historic treasures, explaining their importance as unparalleled.
According to Afrovand, Rey is one of the oldest cities in the Central Highlands of Iran, with a history of human settlements spanning over 8,000 years.
According to the Encyclopedia of Britannica, Rey’s history is featured in Avesta (the original document of the Iranian religion, Zoroastrianism), and is also mentioned by the Biblical Book of Apocrypha, as well as by classical writers.
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