Directory A–Z - Iran - page 664

Magnificent Victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran (11 February; 22 Bahman) The
anniversary of Khomeini's coming to power in 1979.
Oil Nationalisation Day (20 March; 29 Esfand) Commemorates the 1951 nationalisation
of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company.
No Ruz (21 to 24 March; 1 to 4 Farvardin) Iranian New Year.
Islamic Republic Day (1 April; 12 Farvardin) The anniversary of the establishment of the
Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979.
Sizdah be Dar (2 April; 13 Farvardin) 'Nature Day' is the 13th day of the Iranian New
Year, when Iranians traditionally leave their houses for the day.
Heart-Rending Departure of the Great Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran (4
June; 14 Khordad) Commemorates the death of Ayatollah Khomeini in 1989. About
500,000 Iranians flock to Tehran, Qom (where he trained and lived) and the village of
Khomein (where he was born).
Anniversary of the Arrest of Ayatollah Khomeini (5 June; 15 Khordad) In 1963
Khomeini was arrested after urging the Muslims of the world to rise up against the super-
powers.
NO RUZ
No Ruz (see the boxed text, Click here ) , the Iranian New Year, is a huge family celebra-
tion on a par with Christmas in the West. From a practical point of view, Iran virtually
shuts down between 21 March (the beginning of new year) and Sizdah be Dar (2 April).
Finding hotel accommodation (especially midrange and top end) is very tough from about
17 March until 2 April and all forms of long-distance public transport are heavily booked,
though savaris run more frequently making some shorter trips relatively easy. Government
offices and most businesses, including many restaurants, close from 21 to 25 March in-
clusive, and many stay shut the full two weeks. It's not impossible to travel during No
Ruz, but think twice before heading to popular tourist destinations such as Esfahan, Mash-
had, Yazd, Shiraz and anywhere on the Persian Gulf or Caspian coasts. Mountain areas
such as rural Kordistan and primarily business cities such as Tehran and Kermanshah re-
main relatively uncrowded. On the positive side, museums and tourist sites stay open
longer hours while some normally closed attractions will open.
Insurance
In 2011 it became compulsory to have travel insurance to get a visa to Iran. When looking
for a policy, make sure Iran is actually covered. Some insurers, particularly in the USA,
consider the region a 'danger zone' and either exclude it altogether or insist on exorbitant