Railway Romanticism - Railway Adventure Iran
An unknown and contradictory country is slowly opening up. To get to know it, a journey by train is particularly suitable. Viewers discover Iran on the Trans-Iranian Railway, the most important rail link of ancient Persia. The line runs about 1,400 kilometers from the Persian Gulf via Tehran to the Caspian Sea. The viewers board the train in Khoramshahr on the Shatt-el-Arab, the border river between Iraq and Iran. Passing oil fields, they reach Shushtar and visit the water mills that have been honored by Unesco. Now begins the ascent to the Zagros Mountains, where the travelers make a prayer stop - which means a 20-minute delay. The Isalm is the state religion in Iran + there are prayer rooms in every train station.
Breathtaking landscapes now pass the train window until the passengers reach the crest of the line between Dorud + Arak at 2,217 meters above sea level and at the same time the highest point of the Iranian railroad network. During a short stop in Qom, the train passengers fortify themselves with Sohan, a kind of pastry made of wheat germ, flour and sugar. Via the high-speed rail line, the passengers reach Tehran, the capital of Iran, at a speed of 160. More than 15 million people live in the metropolitan area of Tehran. The viewers visit the large bazaar and learn which headscarf fashion is currently en vogue. The last stage leads further into the north of the country.
The viewers look over the shoulder of a carpet washer and learn further up in the Elburs Mountains what role the Transiranian Railway played in Stalin's major offensive against the German Wehrmacht during World War II. The oriental rail adventure ends in Bandar Torkaman on the Caspian Sea. The viewers get to know extremely hospitable people who have the hope of one day being able to experience a freer life.
Broadcasting on 12th of February 2023 at 01.30pm on SRW/ARD
Music: POPVIRUS Library