The giant fortress of SARYAZD is one of the most eye-catching and incredible fortresses. Having many distinctive features both historically and architecturally as it stands unique amongst the very many fortresses dispersed around the central desert of Iran.

The fortress, which remained in a state of inattention and obscurity for a long time is situated beside a village called by the same name in Mehriz district near the city of Yazd. It is known for its being the only three-storied fortress in Yazd province still standing.

Saryazd fortress is built three stories high with a small hidden entrance for each floor designed in such a way as to make it difficult, if not impossible, for medieval soldiers from invading armies to penetrate inside the fortress. The structure of the fortress consists of two separate cores each surrounded by its own set of massive walls. This fortress was built and rebuilt over the course of several decades and centuries. Its inner core dating back to the Sassanid era some 1800 years ago, is considered the very stronghold of the overall structure which was designed to protect the patriotic and pious inhabitants of Saryazd village during invasions. At one time it served as the last line of defense by Zoroastrians against invading armies some 1400 years ago.

The outer core was later built during Safavid era with the intention of providing security for local inhabitants. It also provided sufficient numbers of stables for protection of cattle against common banditry rampant at that time.

The whole site is surrounded by a ditch over 5 meters deep only accessible over a wooden bridge directly in front of the main gate. The fortress is also special for having a rare track-laid gate with giant patches of iron - rammed onto it, thus preventing it from catching fire.

Dark roofed alleys of the fortress are constructed narrow enough to let only one man to pass at a time. It did not take so long for an invader to find himself like a mouse caught in a dark maze while every other alleyways led to a square-like checkpoint. Here dozens of warriors and swordsmen with their backs against the sunlight would be laying in ambush to gang upon the intruder. However while men and young boys were fighting down in the alleyways, women, children and elderly were kept in safe rooms up on higher stories.

People of Saryazd are famous for their patriotism and bravery. They have repeatedly resisted against various invaders and fought to the last drop of their blood in line for upholding their dignity since time immemorial.

As I read the news of Iran's continuing intransigence on nuclear issues, I thought of a conversation with an Iranian engineer in the Shiraz airport this past April as we waited to board a plane to Bahrain. He would go on to Germany where he had lived for many years.

This conversation was one of several experiences while in Iran this past spring that came to mind as I read calls for "crippling" sanctions in response to the news in mid-September of Iran's second and previously undisclosed nuclear enrichment site in Qom.

Sanctions against Iran have a long history. In 1995, President Bill Clinton prohibited all commercial and financial dealings with Iran. I felt the continuing consequence of this ban when I could not use credit or debit cards in my travel there.

A year later, Congress toughened the sanctions to penalize other countries that might invest in developing Iran's capacity to refine or further develop its petroleum resources. As a result, the capacity of refineries in Iran is inadequate to meet their needs for gasoline which must be imported although the country is a major exporter of petroleum.

After the election of reformist President Mohammad Khatami, President Clinton eased, but did not eliminate, sanctions. In 2001, Congress passed and President George W. Bush signed a renewal of the sanctions bill despite the pleas of President Khatami. The fact that Khatami's suspension of nuclear enrichment did not achieve an end to sanctions may have encouraged Ahmadinejad to pursue a more aggressive course when he was elected president in 2005.

Ahmadinejad immediately reversed the suspension of nuclear enrichment and, we now know, began construction of a second enrichment facility in the mountains near Qom. After this site was disclosed in September, the leaders of France, Great Britain and the U.S. stood together to announce severe sanctions if Iran does not back away from these steps which enable their development of nuclear weapons. Russia now seemed prepared to support sanctions, as they had not in the past. Chinese support remains a question.

1. All climates in one place

One of the amazing features of Iran is its diverse climate. Iran is a four season country, so you will find all kind of climates in the same time in different regions of country. In winter, southern parts of Iran and coasts of Persian Gulf have nice weather. In summer and hot seasons, Northern provinces and mountain areas have a cold weather.

2. Hospitable people

The reality is that, Iranians are very hospitable people and they are eager to help others, especially foreign travelers and tourists. If during your journey in Iran you faced with any problem, don't hesitate to approach people and ask for help. Not all Iranians know English, but they will try to help you.

3. Country of ancient civilization and culture

Iran has one of the oldest civilizations and cultures in the world. Visiting Iran's historical sites means getting familiar with mankind's history. From ruins of Persepolis of great empire of Achaemanian to architecture and Islamic art in Esfahan, from literature and poems of brilliant writers and poets like Hafez and Sa'adi in Shiraz to Ferdowsi's Shahnameh in Khorasan, from ruins of watermills in ancient city of Shoushtar to Zoroasterian sites in central regions of Iran, everywhere you will see depth and richness of Iranian heritage.

4. Iran Wonders

Iran's natural and historical attractions appeal many visitors from all around the world. These include natural sights like hot deserts in central and eastern regions of Iran, huge mountains of Zagros in the west, glorious Damavand Peak in the north, unique Alisadr water cave in the North of Hamedan, and Hara marine forests that is located on and near the island of Qeshm in the Persian Gulf, or historical heritages like eye-catching museums of Sad-Abad in Tehran, Islamic architecture in famous mosques of Esfahan, Old bazaar of Tabriz, Masouleh, an old village which is well-known for its rural and spectacular architecture, and hundreds of other places, that attract thousands of visitors each year.

5. Iran is a vast country

Iran is one of the biggest countries in the Middle East. This region recognized as one of the famous centers of ancient civilizations. vastness of Iran causes a wide variety in weather, local cultures, and mood in different historical or natural destinations you see. So, Iran is a great option for tourists.

6. Economy Travel

Iran is so wide that you should devote enough time (at least few weeks) to see all interesting places in country. Thus, the expenses could be important factor. But you can enjoy a quality vacation with reasonable budget during your journey because costs are considerably lower than many other countries in the region and throughout the world.

7. Delicious Food

If you are interested in tasty and delicious foods, Iran is right place for you! Iran is located at junction of 3 continents (Europe, Asia and Africa), so it has foods of different cultures and countries. In main big cities of Iran (like Esfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz, Mashhad and capital Tehran) not only you will enjoy local tastes, but also international quality foods