The Iranian capital, Tehran, will be the point of entry into Iran for most visitors. Compared to Iran’s other capitals, Tehran is not considered to be an old city. Little is known about Tehran before 1220 A.D. when along with Rey, the ancient capital of East Media it was razed to the ground by the Mongol invaders. Tehran remained relatively unimportant until the end of the 18th century when it was made the capital by Aga Mohammed Khan, the founder of the Qajar Dynasty, who was crowned here in 1795. The city was expanded by his successor, Fath-Ali Shah, who built the Golestan Palace. Tehran has several excellent museums, including the superb Archaeological museum, with its pre-historic and Islamic sections, the Abguineh Glass, Carpet Museum, and Reza Abbassi Calligraphy museums, and also museums housed in the Sa’adabad Palace grounds, plus the stunning State Jewels of Iran (Open Saturday to Tuesday) which is one of the most fabulous collections of treasures in the world. The Tehran bazaar is one of the richest and longest bazaars in Iran with over six miles of covered passages. A full day’s sightseeing is recommended to see Tehran.