The Middle East and North Africa Union of the Seventh-day Adventist Church website serves as the central hub for news, resources, and information for Seventh-day Adventist communities within its geographical region.
Located in Western Asia, Iran is a land of snow-capped mountains, ancient cities, colorful deserts, and lush green forests. Over 88 million people live here, and the official language is Persian (Farsi), a poetic and powerful language spoken for centuries.
Iran was once the heart of the mighty Persian Empire, which stretched across much of the known world. Its capital, Tehran, is a fast-paced modern city, but just beyond the traffic lie ancient palaces, bazaars, and ruins that whisper stories from thousands of years ago.
Iran's history dates back to at least 3,000 BC, making it one of the oldest continuous cultures in the world. The Persian Empire was once the largest on Earth.
From the ruins of Persepolis to the grand Golestan Palace, Iran is packed with historical treasures that attract travelers and scholars from around the globe.
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The Lut Desert in Iran holds the record for the highest ground temperature ever recorded on Earth—70.7°C (159.3°F)!
🔗 Discover Dasht-e Lut
Iran may not be called “Iran” in the Bible, but it appears many times under its ancient names: Persia, Elam, and Media. God used this region in powerful ways.
“This is what the Lord says to His anointed, to Cyrus…” – Isaiah 45:1
God called Cyrus, king of Persia, by name before he was born. He allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. Cyrus was a foreign king,but chosen by God.
The story of Queen Esther takes place in Susa, a city in ancient Persia (modern Iran). Her courage saved the Jewish people, and her legacy still shines today.
Many Bible heroes lived in Persia under foreign kings. God used this empire to preserve His people and fulfill His promises, even in exile.