Tehran, Iran (CNN)The Holy Defense Museum may not be the first place travelers would seek out when visiting Iran.
In a country with more than 3,000 years of history they"re more likely to see the ancient ruins at Persepolis or take a walk through the vast Naqsh-e Jahan square in the city of Isfahan.
Nevertheless, and despite its less-than-glamorous name, the Holy Defense Museum in Tehran does offer something different: It"s like a war memorial for the digital age.
As an Iranian raised abroad, I visit the country regularly.
The dual perspective of knowing the country from within and without has given me a unique perspective on a place often misunderstood by the West.
The city was eventually liberated two years later.
A virtual experience allows visitors to walk through parts of this city, creating a particularly visceral experience as they wander past abandoned homes and schools all bearing the scars of war. Video projections and sound effects add to the realism.
Many exhibits have a serious artistic flair.
For example, the walls of one corridor are lined with land mines. They"re all painted white to represent the indiscriminate nature of such a weapon.
This newly opened museum (parts are still under construction) was a surprise package -- much like Iran would be to many in the West.
I had expected a propaganda overload, but there was no finger-pointing. Instead, I found a place that was imaginative, innovative and sensitive, especially as it retold a period of Iranian history that"s so tragic to so many.
The Holy Defense Museum may not have the historic resonance of some of Iran"s other tourist hot spots but to me, it revealed a lot about modern Iranian culture and the way it is coming to terms with its not so distant past.
Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/06/travel/iran-holy-defense-museum/index.html
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