Tag: Bandar Torkaman

The Caspian Sea North of Iran The Caspian Sea is the largest lake in the world, situated in south-eastern Europe and south-western Asia. It is surrounded by 5 different countries, Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Iran.  The Sea is home to a wide range of species.  More than 850 different animals and at least 500 different types of plants live in this sea.  However, the diversity of species can be considered almost too low for the size of this water body, most of them being indigenous like caviar. In Persian, the Caspian Sea is called Daryaye Kahzar, which is doubtlessly one of the most beautiful parts of Iran.  In the summertime, millions of people from all over the country, especially Tehran, travel to this coast.  In Iran, it is also known as Shomal-e Iran meaning Northern Iran, an area along the coast of the Sea.   The forested coastal plains rise up to the Alborz Mountains.  This region consists of the three provinces of Gilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan, each with plenty of attractions.  The climate of the southern Caspian Sea is perfect for agriculture.  There is an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and herbs as well as rice and tea, so important to Iranian culture.  Northern Iran, to the south of the Sea, is the rainiest region.  In addition, the area is located in the northern part of the Alborz Mountain Range with a lot of high-altitude mountains, where melted snow has created splendid rivers.  Furthermore, there are many exquisite dense forests between the Alborz Mountains and the Caspian Sea.   One of the most famous is the Hyrcanian Forests, registered on the list of UNESCO natural sites. There is also another UNESCO site in this region.  Gonbad-e Qabus tower is a UNESCO world heritage site, being the tallest pure-brick tower in