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IRAN
this ancient tradition. However, there are certain Zoroastrianism, Mithraism, Manichaeism, Mazdakism,
traits which are common to all teahouses, Yazdanism, Bábí Faith and the Bahá'í Faith are some of the
especially the most visible aspects, strong chai (tea) religions that originated there.
and the ever-present ghaluyn. Almost all teahouses
serve baqleh, steam boiled fava beans (in the pod),
Today, the Shia version of Islam continues to have an immediate
served with salt and vinegar, as well as a variety of bearing on Iranian culture and identity.
desserts and pastries. Many teahouses also serve
full meals, typically a variety of kababs as well as
Sports
regional specialities.
The game of Polo originated with Iranian tribes in ancient times
and was regularly seen throughout the country until the
Persian gardens
revolution of 1979 where it became associated with the
The Persian Garden was designed as a reflection of monarchy. It continues to be played, but only in rural areas and
paradise on earth; the word "garden" itself coming discreetly. Recently, as of 2005, it has been acquiring an
from Persian roots. The special place of the garden increasingly higher profile. In March 2006, there was a highly
in the Iranian heart can be seen in their
publicised tournament and all significant matches are now
architecture, in the ruins of Iran, and in their
televised.
paintings.
Cuisine
The Iranian Zoor Khaneh
In Persian mythology, Persian food is so delicious
Traditional cultural inheritors of the old Persia
and tempting that Ahriman (the devil) uses it to Like the Persian Rug that exhibits numerous colors and forms in a
corrupt the King of the land, causing two serpents dazzling display of warmth and creativity, Persian culture is the
to sprout from the King's shoulders, turning him glue that bonds the peoples of western and central Asia. The
into an evil tyrant; Zahhâk The Dragon King.
Caucasus and Central Asia "occupy an important place in the
Dance of Iran
historical geography of Persian civilization. Much of the region
was included in the Pre-Islamic Persian empires, and many of its
Iran has been the birthplace of many of the world's
ancient peoples either belonged to the Iranian branch of the
most influential religions and religion in Iran has
Indo-European peoples (e.g. Medes and Soghdians), or were in
always had a direct impact on its culture.
close cultural contact with them (e.g. the Armenians). In the
words of Iranologist Richard Nelson Frye:
“Many times I have emphasized that the present peoples of
central Asia, whether Iranian or Turkic speaking, have one
culture, one religion, one set of social values and traditions with
only language separating them."
The Culture of Persia has thus developed over several thousand
years. But historically, the peoples of Islamic Republic of Iran,
Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Islamic
Republic of Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Kyrgyzstan originate from
the same or similar stock, and are related to one another as part
of the larger group of peoples of Greater Iran. Armenia,
Georgia, and Daghestan were also well within the sphere of
influence of Persian culture as well, as can be seen from the
many remaining relics, ruins, and works of literature from that
region.
In particular, Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan have been able to
almost fully retain their Persian identity, while the other
aforementioned entities still exhibit considerable traces of their
Iranian past.
OPEN TRADE 30
Oct-Dec 2007