Time Zone |
Asia/Tehran |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+3.5 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+4.5 |
Time Zone |
Asia/Beirut |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+2 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+3 |
Tehran is the capital and largest city of the Islamic Republic of Iran, located in the northern part of the country in the southern foothills of the Elburz Mountains at an altitude of about 1,200 meters above sea level. As a political, economic and cultural center, Tehran has a population of more than 8 million and is one of the major metropolitan areas in the Middle East.
Tehran became the capital of Persia at the end of the 18th century and retains a wealth of historical monuments such as the Gulestan Palace and the Freedom Memorial Tower. The city blends traditional Persian culture with modern developments, with museums, bazaars (traditional markets) and mosques showcasing its diverse face.
The city is Iran's industrial, financial and transportation hub, known for its petrochemical and textile industries. Tehran's metro system is one of the busiest in the Middle East, but traffic congestion and air pollution remain challenges. Residents are mostly native speakers of Persian, and Islamic customs deeply influence daily life.
The surrounding Elburz Mountains offer skiing and hiking resources, and Damavand Peak is the highest volcano in Asia. Tourists often visit the Museum of Treasures and the Palace of Saad Abad to experience the glorious history of the Persian Empire.
Jbeil, also known as Byblos, is a historic city on the Mediterranean coast of Lebanon, about 40 kilometers north of the capital Beirut. One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Jbeil dates back to 7000 BC and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city is known as an important port for the ancient Phoenician civilization and was once the center of the Egyptian papyrus trade, with the word "Byblos" deriving from the Greek word for "papyrus". Archaeological sites including Phoenician temples, a Roman theater, a Crusader castle and the Ottoman-era Old Town attract visitors to explore its layers of history.
Today, Jubail blends old-world charm with modern life, and with its picturesque fishing ports, traditional bazaars and waterfront restaurants, it is an important cultural destination in Lebanon. Its economy is based on tourism, handicrafts and fishing, and its mild climate makes it suitable for year-round visits.