First of all, let me tell you a story:
One day, an Iranian friend of mine, Sarah, who lives in one of the Scandinavian countries, called me and told me her mother had called her on WhatsApp the day before, which was odd because she used to call her daughter at particular times and this one was not the same as the rest. Sarah became so nervous and answered the call anxiously.
“But hopefully my mother was fine.”, Sarah said. She told me in her gentle voice that she was in a subway station in Tehran; she had come across a young American couple who were said to be hitchhikers. They were all on the same train.
Sarah`s mother wanted her to tell the hitchhikers if they needed anything to be provided free of charge. “Anyway, they are our guests in Iran”, Sarah`s mother said.
Sarah said that the couple warmly appreciated the kindness and hospitality once she restated what her mother had said. They also admitted that this feature of Iranian culture had given them a sense of satisfaction and security while they had been in Iran. Finally, they were not in need at all and the conversation ended by wishing them luck.
Up to now, you have probably guessed what symbol I mean.
“Hospitality” is a symbol of tourism in Iran, although there is also a bird called Qoqnus from Iranian mythology which is Iran`s visual symbol; and it represents an outstanding role in the culture. Such an image can be noticed in our website`s title, accompanied by phrases such as “The magnificent Iran” and “A uniquely distinct experience”. Being written at the top of our website VAJMEDAVEL.COM, all of these signs and symbols truly represent and validate Iran`s symbol of tourism, as well as appreciating its rich cultural heritage.
Qoqnus is a mythical bird that has always appeared to be the supporter and savior of honest humans throughout entire history, who are advocates of justice and equality. It has served to be protecting them against the hardships and predicaments in their lives as well.
Considering the symbol`s visual features, a tail of seven feathers and a specific blue color (aquamarine). As the number “seven” is said to be sacred in almost all nations, the feathers turn out to be referring to such a belief. In addition to that, the color conveys a sense of tranquility, peace, and positive energy. We are honored to derive the logo of our organization Vaj Medavel based on the characteristics mentioned above.
It is worth mentioning that unfortunately, through some media advertisements published abroad, some individuals attempted to tarnish the image of Iranian culture by emphasizing unsafe ambient. Hopefully, thanks to some websites such as “TripAdvisor[1]” and “Coach Surfing[2]”, on which tourists freely express their opinions, the sense of satisfaction as a result of traveling to places in Iran can be felt and understood.
Iran has many well-known and also some unknown monuments and symbols of tourism representing cultural heritage, which is registered by UNESCO, the organization which accounts for such actions. These can be all considered to be the symbol we are seeking but since Iranian people value hospitality and warmly welcome tourists, the absence of such a symbol is felt among all of the cultural and tourism-related factors of “Magnificent Iran”.
So, there is no doubt that the general symbol of tourism in Iran is “hospitality”. This also applies to medical tourism, as in hospitals and clinics, which are equipped with the international ward for patients from abroad, we have witnessed a sense of appreciation and satisfaction being conveyed by the tourists.
By choosing Vaj Medavel, we are honored to be given the opportunity to host the rituals of hospitality and serve you the best. We are willing to create an enjoyable and memorable experience of diverse medical and recreational trips you will always remember.
[1] https://www.tripadvisor.com/
[2] https://www.couchsurfing.com/