Iranian cuisine and Persian cuisine include the traditional and modern styles of cooking from Persia and Iran.Situated in the Middle East, the Iranian culinary style has historically both influenced and been influenced by Iran's neighboring regions at various stages throughout its history.Specifically, these have been mutual culinary influences to and from Mesopotamian cuisine, Anatolian cuisine, Caucasian cuisine, Indian cuisine, and Central Asian cuisine.The cuisine of Turkey is heavily influenced by that of Iran, due to geographical proximity, ethnic relations, and shared empires such as the Seljuk’s.Persian cuisine also influenced that of Afghanistan, and has spread into all but the southernmost parts of India during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire.It also traveled west to influence the cuisines of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia and thence into the cuisines of Russia and the Soviet Union.Many foods famously associated with Middle Eastern, and indeed World cuisine have their origins in Iran, such as kebab and ice cream, and cookies.Fresh green herbs are frequently used along with fruits such as plums, pomegranates, quince, prunes, apricots, and raisins.Typical Persian main dishes are combination of rice with meat, lamb, chicken, or fish and some onion, vegetables, nuts, and herbs.To achieve a balanced taste, characteristic Persian flavorings such as saffron, dried limes, cinnamon, and parsley are mixed delicately and used in some special dishes.