Sorry, But This is What Iran is Really Like
Back in July of 2012, Phillipa and I set off on a journey with no destination and no time limit. Our only plan was to travel, and see what happened. We had zero plans to visit Iran, but within three months of our journey commencing, we were heading to Tehran with a one-way plane ticket, and no Iranian tourist visa. Plan-B was to then leave Iran quickly, somehow.
My initial decision-making process was “found a cheap flight from Kuala Lumpur to Tehran next Tuesday let’s go”. However, I did have some unexpected trepidation before landing in Tehran the first time. Notably, just five years ago, the Washington Post interpreted our decision to visit Iran as tourists in 2012 as unusual – so much so they wrote an article about our journey. Confusingly, they referred to me as a “travel writer”.
Right now, I’ve been in Iran since mid-September. Today I’m leaving. In total I will have spent five months here this year, and I’ve now lost count of how many times I’ve visited. When I first visited, I never could have predicted this place would deliver such a profound and permanent change on my life. Second place for my personally-positive-life-changing-destinations is the United States, Venice Beach at night circa 1989, but that’s another story.
For five years I’ve been painting a very pretty picture of Iran. Continually, for five years, after multiple visits, and well before I started doing tours here, I’ve said that Iran is the friendliest, safest, most welcoming country on the planet. Initially, and for sometime after my first few visits, I thought my glowing opinions were simply due to my glass-half-full attitude to travel. Now, after bringing more than one-hundred travellers to Iran on my Untours, I can finally provide a somewhat balanced opinion.
Much like a dictatorship on election day, I understand it would be suspicious to get 100% agreement on anything travel related. However, based on my personal polling of over one-hundred demographically diverse tourists, young, old, male, female, generally well travelled, from the four corners of the earth, something like 99% of these people agree with the statement – Iran truly is an amazing country, and you really should visit.
Almost everything that everybody ever told me about coming to Iran, turned out to be terrible advice. Most of the media reporting I continue to read about Iran, well, it’s heavily biased at best, and deceivingly inaccurate at worst. On the ground here, in a country that has the most remarkable number of attractions for the body and the mind, perhaps the best thing about Iran is this: it’s made me seriously question, or even ignore, everything I’ve ever been told – not just about Iran – but about life, the universe, and everything else.
Over the past months, I’ve travelled through two distinctly different parts of Iran. As usual, the mostly central and South-East route through cities like Esfahan, Yazd, and Shiraz. This would be the more “well known” part of Iran if there were such a thing.
Before that, I visited another part of Iran. Along with a gang of “repeat” Yomadic Untourists. We headed out to the West and North, in the exact opposite direction of my normal route through Iran, onto the Caspian Sea, over the mountains, through lush forests, filled with humidity and tropical conditions, towards the border with Azerbaijan, and South towards the Turkish and Iraq borders. I kept this tour secret, personally inviting a small group of repeat-trippers (friends) to join us.
We saw things that even Iran-veterans didn’t expect to see.
It will take years to get over it.
Here’s some of what happened.
Late one night, on the same street as our hotel in busy downtown Tehran, through my hotel window I watched a small group of friendly gents approach a large cow. The animal was very much alive and grazing on the foot-path, but I had a pretty good idea of what would be happening next, and rushed down to street level to watch.
Soon after I arrived on the scene, the men tied the cow’s feet and laid the beast on its side. With a large knife, one man slit the cow’s neck, and I watched an unfathomable amount of bright-red blood begin to spill and squirt all over the street. They skinned the cow, mostly peeling the hide with their hands. Sweating profusely from physical exertion, with knives and axes, they chopped off the hooves, head, and testicles, and eventually, the small gang of friends gathered forces to help wrestle and chain the now very much dead beast onto a gate outside a mechanic’s workshop, continuing the butchering well into the night.
During the hours-long process, I was offered meals, drinks, cigarettes, swapped phone numbers and social media info, was given travel tips and hookups with family members all over Iran, and most surreal of all, I made a Skype call with the brother of one of the butcher’s, who was now living in Australia. Standing next to a still-dripping carcass on the streets of Tehran late at night, and video-calling an Iranian with a reasonably heavy Australian accent, well, it wasn’t expected, but it wasn’t surprising.
“G’day mate, how is Tehran treatin’ ya?”
For so many reasons, Tehran is a truly a monster city. Around fifteen million people live here, making it one of the biggest cities on the planet. It comes with all of the traps you might expect in a huge, developing, city. Severe air-pollution engulfs hundreds of skyscrapers, often blocking the view of the snow-capped mountains that surround the city. Frustrating traffic jams are a daily occurrence. There’s noise, grit, a degree of organic anarchy, and in general Tehran is a shock to many first time visitors.
But, with a little exploration and some local insight, visitors discover a side of Tehran that’s surprisingly green, peaceful, friendly, and for such a large city – has mind-bending levels of safety. Tehran is multi-faceted, blending ancient traditions with modern attitudes, historical palaces with modern shopping malls, traditional black tea with Italian espresso. And even ceremonial street slaughtering, with American style burgers.
Paradiso is the “new” Tehran. Dark, moody, and just the right amount of dankness to keep old cynics as happy as the young and beautiful that fill the red-vinyl booths. The music at Paradiso is Heavy Metal, Rock, and loud. Staff dressed like Kurt Cobain serve American style burgers, zero-percent Russian beer, and great coffee. It’s a trip, and sure, it’s an alcohol-free bar – but when visiting Iran, it’s best to understand you’ll often find yourself in a situation of “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em”. Iran, and Tehran, can seem a little bewildering at times.
I’m using Paradiso as just one small example of what people don’t necessarily expect to see in Iran. We know about the deserts, the ancient civilisation of the Persians, the stunning geometry of mosques, but, it’s not well known that Tehran is a city that can be contemporary, hip, fashionable, and dare I say it, free.
And Paradiso is not a rare example – I could have listed any of the restaurants and cafes at the beautifully mid-century modern ASP complex, Tabiat Bridge is perhaps the most futuristic multi-level pedestrian bridge on the planet, designed by a young Iranian woman, there are contemporary art galleries and examples of cutting-edge architecture, really, this city is mesmerising. Like any city, Tehran isn’t for everyone, but it would a mistake to short-change your time here – if you don’t mind a little urban grit with a Persian twist.
The West and North of Iran are completely different from Tehran. Out here days can pass without seeing another tourist, it’s really not the Iran from the glossy brochures. If there are glossy brochures about Iran. This part of Iran does have one thing in common with the rest of the country – there is simply an endless array of things to see and do. Truly, the variety of climates, architectures, cultures, and food, throughout all of Iran is astonishing.
We trekked for hours uphill through dense green old-growth forests with Singapore-levels of humidity, to reach centuries-old mountain-top castles constructed by the original Assassins. Rented boats, to take us through a reeded wonderland that reminded people of the Everglades in Florida. The Caspian Sea had a heavy swell, an indicator of just how large this body of water is, whilst the location provides a geographical reminder of Iran’s place in the world – with Russia, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan also sharing the world’s largest “lake”.
In the West, Lake Urmia is the most beautiful environmental disaster I have ever seen. Marsuleh is a stunning village tucked away in the mountains, with amazing local delicacies, Kandovan is one of the last remaining real-life “cave villages” (the other one is also in Iran), and near Ardabil, there are thousands-of-years-old petroglyph’s carved into rocks sitting silently among a sci-fi landscape. The famous bazaar of Tabriz, Russian-influenced downtown Rasht, each place as fascinating as the next.
And then, came the small city of Zanjan.
Last year, I first visited Zanjan. Spending a few nights, hanging out doing nothing much in particular, and researching a potential tour-route with Phillipa and my friend Rolf, a first-timer in Iran. Aimlessly wandering along the city streets one day, a local man came fortuitously running after us. As the representative for some kind of local tourism-body, he wanted to give us a cup of tea and welcome us to Zanjan. And, show us the photo of every foreign tourist that had visited Zanjan the year before.
In 2016, he met twelve tourists in Zanjan. I laughed when he said the word “twelve”, and with unrestrained pride he said “no, really, twelve!”. Of course, he took a photo of the three of us, and added it to his collection of foreign visitors. On the wall were some photos of different attractions, and one image in particular caught my eye. Wow. The scene in the photo was unlike anything I had ever seen. Countless people filling the city streets, congregating around a city-square that looked to contain a fountain filled with blood, with everyone dressed in black. Truly, a sea of humanity. Although it was somewhat safe to assume it was taken nearby, I had to ask.
“Where was this photo taken?”
“Here! Zanjan! Ashura! Muharram!”
Studying the image, I realised the photo was probably taken from our hotel window, and immediately made plans to come back and experience the image for myself.
Muharram is the most important annual commemoration or “mourning” in Shia Islam. It’s a remembrance of the murder of an important Imam (religious leader) and his extended family, which took place more than one-thousand years ago in Iraq. The entire mourning period is forty-days long, culminating on the night of Ashura.
Each town and city in Iran commemorates Ashura in a different way. Zanjan, a small city, has a particularly large gathering. Tens of thousands of people enter the main square of the city, all dressed in black, day and night, almost constantly for a forty-eight hour period.
Men, women, young, old. Marching, praying, singing, chanting, flag waving, demonstrating feats-of-strength, there are various ways to remember the sacrifice of those who have passed. For several days, sheep, goats, and cows are ceremonially slaughtered on the streets, cooked and fed to anyone who wants a free meal. This year, Zanjan was where we spent “Ashura”, and quite honestly that experience deserves far more than a few photos and words on this page.
Nearby, in the small village of Armaqankhaneh, every house opened it’s doors and the residents feed whoever walks inside, for free. After our first free lunch, we wandered the village streets, met some young men with perfect English, and then entered the first lounge room we came across for a cup of tea and a chat. My Persian language skills are improving and fortunately I know the word for “lunch”, and “no thank you”, as for the rest of the day I was continually offered meals.
They say there is no such thing as a free lunch. Well, that may apply in the West, but, I challenge you to name another village on the planet that leaves the doors to its homes open, unquestionably and without prejudice or judgment inviting any person that comes by – for a truly free lunch. To put an exclamation on the point, later that day, our van couldn’t leave the village until a local had jumped on board and given us all a cold-drink for the journey ahead. It was the same no-strings offer for every vehicle leaving Armaqankhaneh that day.
Iran, for many, will be the perfect travel destination. The attraction may lie within the mystery – it’s off-the-beaten-track, exotic, and intriguing. Importantly, despite Iran holding over nine-thousand registered historic sites, dotted throughout the land, with more than twenty recognised as world hertiage and deemed worthy of UNESCO protection – it’s the Iranian people that are indubitably the highlight of any visit. There is a level of comfort and warmth here that I have never experienced anywhere else.
But, tourists continue to choose other destinations over Iran.
It’s understandable.
When potential tourists first consider visiting Iran, they start researching. Usually, safety is the number one concern. And usually, main-stream-media is the go-to source for all the up-to-date news about Iran. The problem is, always, there will be something that indicates “hmmm, perhaps right now really isn’t the best time to visit Iran”. Saudi this, American President that, Islam this, missiles and sanctions that.
According to the Western media, there is always a problem in Iran. Always, Iran is on the brink of some kind of impending disaster. The cautionary government travel warnings about visiting Iran have never stopped, for decades, despite many European and American destinations being far more dangerous. Even the “good” articles about Iran contain something sneaky, making you question your decision to come here.
It’s a mind trick, and we’re all falling for it. For the five years I’ve been coming here, and before every tour I organise, something pops up in the media, serving some fresh doubt. Always.
The truth about visiting Iran is the exact opposite of what is generally reported.
Iran is safe and welcoming. They love all foreign tourists. Iranians love Americans. Iranians respect women. Iran is vibrant, increasingly modern, and ridiculously safe. When travellers visit Iran, even the shortest journey becomes an inspiration to go back home and hold a photographic exhibition, write a novel, poem, or a simple blog post, or, just to continue dreaming about that incredible vacation for years into the future, always longing to return.
Travellers become voluntary ambassadors for Iran, encouraging as many people as possible to visit, dispelling myths, and spreading the stories of their fascinating and life-changing positive experiences. At first, I thought I was the only one who felt that way about visiting Iran, but now I know, it’s not just me, it’s almost everyone who comes here.
And those paragraphs, filled with positivity about Iran, will annoy so many people.
Because it’s the truth.
Nate
PS, I have just three Yomadic Iran Untours planned in 2018 – one is already sold out, one is nearly sold out, the third is filling fast. No two Iran Untours are ever the same – they’re hand-crafted, flexibly curated, and constantly evolving. Every year Phillipa and I spend months on the ground in Iran. With the help of the best locals in the game, our goal is to make each journey through Iran the best, ever. I’d love to show you around the “before” Iran, please bring your camera, all the Untour info is right here.
“A massive massive thank you for the tour. I was so glad that I came along as I was never really into guided tours. This was definitely the most interesting and fun vacation I’ve ever had.” – Bryan, Australia, Nov 2017.
PPS, this week I’ll be in seven different countries, on three different continents.
This page is tagged Ardabil, Armaqankhaneh, ashura, Iran, Kandovan, Tehran, Zanjan
44 thoughts on “Sorry, But This is What Iran is Really Like”
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Omg that last paragraph hit me so hard. I spent 6 weeks hitchhiking around Iran earlier in the year and the indescribable hospitality and friendliness of people wherever I went has, like you said, made me a voluntary ambassador.
I never tell travel stories or boast about where I’ve been, but I simply can’t stop gushing about how awesome Iranians are! It seemed like every few days I had one of your life changing experiences in Iran. I’ll never forget the countless families who invited me into their homes for a sneaky Ramazan lunch, or insisted I spend the night, or the locals who spontaneously turned into free tour guides for their city, or the people who invited me to their town’s coolest mosque, restaurant or ruins, or the long conversations I had about politics or culture or religion, or the secret booze-fueled parties, or the people who would pay for my meals out of nowhere despite repeated efforts to turn down what I thought was taarof… and of course the [surprisingly many] threesome invitations I did and didn’t take up.
If I told people half of what I experienced they simply wouldn’t believe me. So I resort to talking about the people instead, and insisting they visit for themselves. And it works. As you say, it’s a feeling shared by everyone who returns.
Also cheers for all the posts over the years… your blog was one of the main ones which forced me to finally book that on-sale AirAsia ticket and it was the best decision of my life tbh
Hey Zac, couldn’t have said it better my self.
Great post! Iran is one of my favourite countries because of the incredibly warm, curious and hospitable people. I first visited in 1999 to see the solar eclipse and fell in love with the country. Ever since, I’ve been singing its praises to anybody who’ll listen.
Wow, I would have loved to have seen Iran back in 1999. And, I’m sure I’ll be talking about Iran for twenty years (at least) into the future. Cheers Candice.
“But, tourists continue to choose other destinations over Iran.” You know I’m one of those tourists as I’ve been asking you questions about the Untour in Iran. My biggest problem is the very limited annual leave I get, whereas I need to allocate some days to visit my parents every year (otherwise my mom would kill me! :D) as well as other things. In the end, I always have to postpone any plans of visiting Iran and opt for other places instead. This is something I hope to change in the near future, though. And when that comes, I really hope you’ll be still running the Untour! All the best, Nate!
Hi Bama,
I have the same issue as you with limited annual leave :S But just go there my friend, I was there last year with Nate, it blew my mind….still putting it back together now 😉 Just do it 🙂
I know at one point I just have to decide and go. I’m sure it will be a decision I will never regret!
I will see you one day in Iran, I’m sure I will…
Hi there,
Fantastic photos. I’m a keen photographer myself (www.stevenjamesmartin.com) and was wondering what camera and lenses you use for your travel work?
Best wishes,
Steven
Hey Steven, on this post, everything was shot using a Fuji XE2S, with the 16mm/1.4 lens.
Still recovering from my post vacation depression as I had the most wonderful time in Iran on your tour. Great article as usual and what a wonderful alternative cover photo to the woman-in-black-chador-walking-in-front-of-anti-american-propaganda of every mainstream media article ever.
Still I couldn’t help but wonder if you’ve deliberately shoehorned ‘indubitably’ in the last paragraph as an inside joke 🙂
Indubitably I did 😉
You’re a legend Bryan, looking forward to catching up again one day…
Well done my friend????????. Having been on your first ever Untour(Balkans), and first Iranian Untour Tracey and I had to bring our boys on another epic Untour!! They loved it, you, and Phil and will never forget their adventure. I’m dying right now reading this????. We really need to join you in Iran again. We miss Vahid and Maury too☺️.
See you all soon????
PDogg
Cheers Paul, Tracey, fam, it’s been too long, we need to catch up…
Hi Nate and Phillipa,
Thank you for this wonderful article.
We have visited and enjoyed Iran this year as well. Our self-organized ‘honeymoon’ was regarded as an unsafe undertaking by family and friends. We enjoyed every day in Iran and were astonished by the amount of false prejudices going around about this wonderful country.
Among other untrodden gems, we traveled from the northern villages over the Iraqi border as well meeting locals we are still in contact with and who even called us to wish us happy birthday!
We as well became voluntary ambassadors (as you like to put it) and are really glad to read you are taking other people to experience the same.
Greetings from Belgium,
Delphine & Wouter
Thanks for a great comment, Delphine.
Outstanding, thanks for remembering us, photo nerds!
I had a feeling someone would say “THAT’S NOT AN 18MM LENS SHOT!” 😉
I was one of those people who kept choosing other destinations over Iran, because I was unsure about the situation there. I was drooling away at stunning photos from around the country for two-three years until I finally decided to go this fall. Today I spent the morning walking around Kandovan, greeting friendly locals who were shuffling away the snow that had fallen in the night, with the sun shining in my face, and I felt SO happy that I finally decided to come here. I’ve had two wonderful weeks travelling solo around Iran so far, and I’m already planning my second trip here. After nearly 100 countries, I feel I can also say what a uniquely good and friendly country and people this truly is.
I love your words and all the stunning photos. Keep inspiring!
Kandovan in the snow! Beautiful…
I’m so glad you left a comment – even after visiting 100 countries, you point out Iran as something special. And, after about seventy countries for me, I agree.
Nate
I wonder if you could ever go back to Perth or settle in Australia as you become a senior citizen
We’re is that final “home”.
From a long held up road pirate
Be well
Laurence
Hey Laurence – hope you’re well. I have no idea what I’m doing next year, let alone my final “home”. I’ll figure it out, hopefully, sooner or later…
Nate, the firmness of the melons attracted my attention…funny, I never noted that side of you before 😉
But your photos really do catch the different moods of big-city and “provincial” Iran – good stuff!
haha.. I was going to comment about the Melons on the photo 😉
Dear “Traveler Writer”, Nate
It was so refreshing reading your article. The different perspective you have used for reflecting the “truth” is simply amazing. The “monster” city of Tehran which you can love and hate it at the same time, has nothing to show to its guests but LOVE. We also believe the travelers are the best ambassadors of what Iran really stands for.
We wish you can convey what worth to be known about Iran through your Yomadic Tours.
Cheers
Thanks guys.
In 2014 I visited Iran with my sister. It was during Ashura and with just a few info on internet we didn’t know what to expect.
The night befor we met a guy and the next day het met us to be part of Ashura. It was as you describe. Loads of people, morning, praying in mosques and on the streets. But also the butchering. I saw goats their troats slitt.
But it was very special with very friendly people and free food everywhere.
Iran was the best experience!
Typical, great, Iran hospitality. Ashura really is something!
Thanks for the wonderful post and fabulous pictures. As an American, I’m very interested in visiting Iran, but as you pointed out, security is a major concern. If nothing else, it’s always tough to consider that you may have been misled, particularly by trusted information sources. Also, trying to reconcile the Death To America gatherings with your obviously honest statement about the people loving Americans is difficult. Any thoughts would be welcome.
Hey Christian – I am considering writing more about what Americans could expect in Iran.
But, basically, it’s completely safe for Americans in Iran. If you speak to any American who has visited Iran, they will almost certainly agree. The Iranian people don’t like the American government, but they do like Americans. I think there’s more than a few Americans who would agree with this point of view right now!
Also, yes, it’s tough to consider that we’ve been misled. But, we have.
Come and join me in Iran!
Hi Nate,
This is an informative post about IRAN. I didn’t know that being a desert country Iran has the world’s largest inland sea. Thanks for bringing this in notice.
One day i may visit this country.
Nate his articles about Iran are the best ever. I also feel like a priest sometimes, trying to convert people to Iranism 🙂
My first time Iran was 2015. An excuse to climb Damavand. After that, traveled south to Shiraz and visited Kashan, Yazd and Esfehan. The classic tour, one might say.
Went back a second time in March of this year. Started in Teheran. Traveled all the way south (part of that classic tour again) to Bander Abbas. From there we went to Qeshm Island for a couple of days. Also spend a day cycling around Hormoz Island. Hormoz is perhaps the most spectacular place I have ever been ! Highly recommended.
Back to Bander Abbas and from there a train back to Teheran. From Teheran we took a taxi to Dizin for 3 days of snowboarding, which was truly amazing. Drank tea with the lift boys on the slopes.
From Dizin found some local guy who was willing to drive us (by Chalus Road) to a place on the Caspian Sea.
Nearly had a head on collision on Chalus Road when our driver passed some cars in a corner and a car came from the opposite side.
At the Caspian Sea spend our last couple of days at a home stay with some really friendly locals. She cooked and he took us for a hike in the local rainforest, which also is truly beautiful. Had some tea with local shepherds who live with their goats in the rain forest.
Then it was back to Teheran by bus.
Found a dodgy looking local who took us to the airport and of course, like pretty much every Persian you meet, turned out to be as friendly as you could imagine.
Been to a lot of places, but never had a feeling about a country like I have about Iran.
Still in contact with some locals by WhatsApp and not a week goes by where I am not reading something about Iran.
The bug has bitten me too and I hope to be back asap for a 3d visit !
Keep up the good work Nate and keep on spreading the Persian gospel 🙂
Never before in the history of the internet, have four letters appeared more TL;DR. 😉 jokes!
When did you become such a word Smith? Honestly Nate, I look forward to each new Yomadic article with great gusto, devouring every (oh so long) word and delighting in each photograph. That long range one of the group of women is flawless mate. There’s an article today 11/01/18 on n.ews.com.au about Iran and how it’s a lovely place to visit, but your article of course smashes it by a long shot. Take care of my Philippa and buy her some cake today. Much love bruv …
I lived and worked in Esfahan Iran in 1978-79, during the time of Iranian Revolution. rn. Of course, it wasn’t the best time to be experiencing Iran, but despite the awful timing, I found the Country to be exotically fascinating and beautiful; its people warm, welcoming and generous. I’m glad that the years have not changed that. Your article only reinforces my hope to one day return – though I was disappointed to recently see a video of the Esfahan bazaar with tiled floors! My memory of the beautiful, exotic 800 year old bazaar was turned on its head to see that change! It now appears to be striving to be a Western shopping mall.
Hi Joyce, I love hearing stories and reading comments from people who visited Iran around the time you did, so thank you very much for taking the time to leave your words here. As for the Bazaar – there are large parts of the Bazaar that I’m sure haven’t changed much in a very very long time, however, as you may know, Esfahani’s are quite interested in making a dollar or two, and certainly have upgrade the Bazaar in parts. I’ve seen changes just in the six years I’ve been visiting. In any case – it remains a very long way from a Western shopping mall (thankfully).
Coincidentally, I am flying back to Iran in just a few hours from now to run a couple more tours, and very much looking forward to it…
This is amazing! Iran has always been a country I’ve wanted to visit but was a little afraid to, and now this has made me want to go even more.
I live in Iran. It is a beautiful country, but only for tourists, not for its inhabitants. You know nothong about Iran, unless you have grown up here.
I agree that without spending a lot of time in Iran, or growing up in Iran, it’s difficult to get the full picture. Recently I just spent three months in Iran, rented an apartment, and tried to learn more about the country. Each visit, I learn more – I now spend around half of my year in Iran and in a few weeks from now I’m returning again.
Hi,
I am an Iranian girl living in Tabriz Iran I really enjoy reading this article I am very happy that tourists do like my country. I remember that one day i saw a beautiful girl multiple times a day in Bazar of Tabriz, at the last time she smiled at me too 🙂
I was in doubt about migrating to an other country because of bad economic conditions and lack of jobs here (people here are really under economical pressure) , but when I read your article I feel that I love my country and may be it is my duty to not leave my country. I decide to live here and try to have a role in improving my country’s situation.
One thing I want to criticism is the first photo of the page ( cow and the butcher) I think as a first photo it gives reader an unpleasant feeling like that Iranian people are terrorists 😀 😐
Hi Pariya… thanks for your lovely comment. I am in Iran right now, I have been here five months in total in 2018. Yes, there are serious economic issues in Iran, and if you want to see another country then I wouldn’t blame you. However, Iran remains such a great place – if you can make your life happy here, then I think it’s one of the best places to live anywhere on the planet.
And don’t worry about the Ashura/butcher photo – some people will see it as bad, the intelligent people will see it for what it really is – a cultural tradition. We all kill animals in every country!
Love the Iranian people we have several in my company I live near Northwestern University in Evanston Illinois. Enjoy interacting with the students they seem surprised when I ask if they are from Iran. Remember the turmoil of the 1980,s. I live in Rogers Park would to meet or correspond with Iranian guys.
Hi all…
as an iranian person (im an iranian) i love to see posts and commends like this witch says the truth about iran not just some liyes that scares outher people from iran but pesonaly i dont think like tourists… that is right iran is good ,, but may just for tourist not we(people who live here) u know iran is a realigous based country and all of the people have to accept it so it means if u are a girl u cant deside what to wear ,, u cant go stadiums to watch sports from near u cant sing and… or if u are a teenager in iran(boy or girl the same) and u want to be secsesful (witch every singel person in the world wants it) there is just one way and that is study .. not only 12 years to finish school and high school (u cant even be a simple worker like thst ) .. u gotta study for 18-22 years (MEANS UNTILL U R ABOUT 30) and then there is no guranty that u will find ur dream occupation and ur dream life… trust me there is no more way u know why be coz this is a realigous based country do u like music ?? U cant coz it is not accepted in islam( u cant even sing in street in most of the cities ) do u want to be a dancer not accepted (SUPER SPECIALY FOR GIRLS) do u want to be a good football player u can BUT u wont get paid (happend just one week age for hole of Sipa team players ….. finally every single person in ur country who has an emportant responsibility (for country) like is looking for a way to steal a lot of money from poor people and go to a foreing country (u prbebly have heard about thousends of big or smaill embezzlements in iran) and outher things that makes like americas sanctions or that the irans goverment wastes the countris money in outher countris like iraq or yemen or
Sry it has lots of gramatic problems i typed so fast and didnt think much and i dont know why i saddenly clicked on post without finishing very well thanka for ur nice site and would love to speak more about HOW POOR IRANIAN PEOPLE ARE AND NO ONE CARES….
i seriously want to spend some time in Iran. i enjoyed the writings. please contact me your help would be appreciated.