The magnificent palace complex at Persepolis was founded by Darius the Great around 518 B.C., although more than a century passed before it was finally completed. Conceived to be the seat of government for the Achaemenian kings and a center for receptions and ceremonial festivities, the wealth of the Persian empire was evident in all aspects of its construction. The splendor of Persepolis, however, was short-lived; the palaces were looted and burned by Alexander the Great in 331-330 B.C.

The famous and marvelous monastic complex of St. Thaddeus is located in the mountainous area of western Azerbaidjan province in Iran, about 20 km (12 ? mi) south of Makou (the Artaz area of Vaspurakan province). It is perched on a mountain ridge beside a stream sunken into the rock, thus giving it a natural fortified position.

The Reza Abbasi Museum (the RAM) opened in September 1977, but in November 1978, just one year after its official opening it was closed. Exactly a year later in 1979, having had changes in its internal decorations and with further expansion of its exhibition space it was reopened. In 1984, because of some internal difficulties, once more it was closed and again reopened in 1985. And finally on February 4, 2000, it was opened for the fifth time, after its renovation.Reza Abbasi Museum is administrated by Iranian Cultural Heritage Organization.