Iran was Known as Persia for most of its long history, Iran once represented the mighty Persian empire that encompassed everything from modern Turkey in the west to India in the east. Visitors today will notice the Arab, Greek, Mongol, and Turkish influences. Sightseeing in Iran allows you to follow in the ancient footsteps of a former world power, nowhere more apparent than at Persepolis, an old Persian capital established long before the birth of Christ and burned down by Alexander the Great. Iran has hid in the tourism shadows since the 70s and has begun to emerge as one of the most fascinating middle eastern countries to visit.