The Azadi Tower has managed to become the symbol of Iran's capital city, Tehran, in just a few decades. The graceful arch rises from Azadi Square mirroring the Elburz Mountains just north of the city. It is a 148 foot tall masterpiece of beautiful white cut marble.

The hejab is the traditional dress for women in Iran. Black was the predominate color for many years. Women are now beginning to explore other colors.

When Iranian children are not in public, they wear colorful pajama- like clothing which covers their arms, body, and legs. These outfits are similar to pajamas you would find in America. They have cartoon, animal, and funny characters printed on them. Most children will have at least five pairs of these garments. They are a common gift during the holidays.

The women are not really allowed to wear make-up, but small amounts are okay at home. However, if a woman is seen outside with make-up on, usually a fellow citizen will bring it to her attention. (Take the hint or pay the price)

What happens if you don't obey the appearance rules? If someone disobeys a small, unimportant rule then the penalty is light, like a fine. However, if you break a very strict and important rule you may receive a penalty as severe as death. These penalties are in existence because Iranians believe the way people dress represents their culture. Iranians are very sensitive to modesty and tasteful dressing. There are no set rules on cleanliness, but great importance is placed upon being clean and tidy. You will not find a dirty or sloppily dressed person in this culture.

The Cradle of Civilization rests between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers of Iraq

The hanging gardens of Babylon were a present from King Nebuchadnezzar to his bride who missed the mountains of Persia. They contained exotic plants and animals imported from all over the world.

The famous Standard of Ur, discovered by Sir Leonard Woolley, is a hollow wooden box measuring 8.5 x 19.5 inches inlaid with a mosaic of shell, red limestone and lapis lazuli. One side shows peace, the other war. The standard was held aloft by two poles on either side. Peace War

The U.S. at War The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are two of the United States' longest wars. Compare it to other wars in our history. Length of U.S. Participation Afghanistan 10 years, 1 month * Vietnam 8 years, 5 months Revolutionary 6 years, 9 months Iraq 7 years, 6 months Civil War 4 years World War II 3 years, 8 months Korea 3 years, 1 month War of years, 6 months U.S.-Mexico 1 year, 10 months World War I 1 year, 7 months Spanish-American8 months Persian Gulf 6 weeks * As of November 2011

Blue Mosque at Istanbul This is one of Istanbul’s premier sights. It is a working mosque. Please use respect when visiting it.

THEEVILEYETHEEVILEYE The Nazar Bonjuk symbolizes the "evil eye" (superstition in which one person can cast a spell on another) For protection, Turkish artisans created blue glass eyes designed to look straight back at the spell-caster as if to say, "I see what you're doing, and you can't get away with it!” The eye has no religious significance, and very few people really believe in the evil eye superstition anymore. But it's such an enjoyable tradition. Wearing one will make the Turks you meet smile. They will know you have researched a part of their culture.

TURKISHRUGSTURKISHRUGS No one knows precisely when and where the technique of weaving first started. However, there is no doubt the art of weaving began in Central Asia.

This strait separates what two continents?