Ancient Persia – a country and culture as old as time, a land rich in archaeological sites, historical monuments, scenic beauty and remarkable natural contrasts, a cultural and spiritual bridge between the East and the West, a bridge of great beauty – The Bridge of Turquoise! Iran has always been a source of mystery to the outsider, not only because of the enigmatic nature of its people, but also for the diversity of its topography and scenic beauty. The high mountainous plateau, the great plains, the serpentine green valleys, the lush green Caspian littoral, the golden coasts of the Persian Gulf, and the vastness of its deserts have all intrigued and influenced both the visitor, and the settler, inspiring the latter to create a culture as striking and unique as the land itself. Iran is the land of ancient civilizations, archaeological and architectural wonders, the cradle of world religions, and a bed of ideas. It was here that the Elamites formed an empire in the 3rd millennium B.C., equal in might to those of Sumer, Akkad and Assyria. And it was here that the Persians founded the first world empire in the 6th century B.C. under Cyrus the Great. Alexander of Macedon invaded Iran in 330 B.C., destroying the great Achaemenid cities and monuments, and his successors, the Seleucids, ruled briefly before being driven out by the Parthians, who had their glorious turn for close to five centuries. They were in turn followed by yet another great Persian Dynasty, the Sassanians, in the 3rd century A.D. The Arab armies invaded Iran in 6th century A.D. when Iranians embraced Islam. In the centuries that followed, Persians left an unmistakable impact on the politics, science, art and architecture of the Islamic World. Today, the legacy and relics of this glorious past walk hand in hand with the teachings of mystics, philosophers and poets, a fusion that is the spirit of Iran, this great land of natural and spiritual contrasts and, yet, amazing achievements. Many great monuments in Iran are now registered as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Iran is also listed as one of the ten most important countries boasting tourist attractions. Modern Iran – a booming and developing country, rich in natural resources, with highly sophisticated technological capabilities, and a young and educated population, opening new horizons to economic, business and investment opportunities.