As with most countries, Iran also has its share of traditions, cultural diversity and local practices that have been solidified over centuries, most of which are still fairly foreign to non-nationals. There are a couple of lesser known facts about the country that allow us to dig a little deeper into life within the Western Asian country. Here are some interesting facts to enlighten you no matter where in the world you are from.
Private Internet
In 2012, the chief of police started to spread the word that Google was being used as a spy tool in the country. This led to work on creating their own internet, and the subsequent banning of popular social media apps like Instagram and Snapchat. Primarily, leaders worry that these platforms could be used as a means to mobilize people and ultimately result in riots or revolt.
Private Internet
Soccer for the Masses
Iranians are well invested in soccer, which is typically played by both men and women. The national men’s team have qualified for multiple World Cup Tournaments, but have seen more success by playing in the Asian Cup closer to home, bagging three titles so far. This isn’t all too shabby if you consider that Iran is not traditionally a sporting nation.
The Young And Restless
The Aryan Connection
When translated into Persian, “Iran” effectively refers to the land of the Aryans. A strange coincidence indeed, and one of the fewer known facts about the Western Asian nation.
The Aryan Connection
The Young and the Restless
It is said that nearly 7 out of every 10 people in Iran are under the age of 30. Astonishingly, it is also in the Top 20 of the most populated countries in the entire world, with a population topping 80 million people to date. It’s hard to imagine how rush hour traffic looks in the heart of Tehran each week.
The Young And The Restless
The Opiate Crisis
In a nation where it is illegal to drink alcohol, some people seek alternative ways to numb their pain and curb their anxiety. Opium is relatively easy to buy, and fairly cheap too. If you thought that other countries had it worse, you’re wrong. Iran has the highest rate of opiate addictions across the world.
The Opiate Crisis
Delicate Delicacies
While the entire region is well known for being oil-rich, creating conflicts aplenty over the years, few people know about all the incredible delicacies the region should be better known for. If saffron, pistachios and caviar are on your list of must-have luxury items, Iran is a specialist nation when it comes to the production and distribution of these goods.
Delicate Delicacies
A Mat Fit for Giants
Take a second to think about the biggest mat you’ve ever seen. Double it until you can’t double it anymore. Iran produced a humongous carpet back in 2007, intended for a mosque in the UAE. The mat was as big as a soccer field and took a very long time to put together. Don’t even get us started on the transport logistics.
A Mat Fit For Giants
Archaic Laws Aplenty
Any women over the age of nine are required by law to wear a hijab whenever they are in public. If she doesn’t, regardless of her reasoning, authorities allow public lashings as an appropriate form of punishment. While this isn’t as regularly carried out in a way that it was in the past, it remains a possibility to this day.
Archaic Laws Aplenty
Nuclear Power
In the early 2000’s, Iran’s government revealed they had been working with Russia on a secret nuclear program for nearly twenty years. This was a turning point in world politics, with few fears alleviated even when authorities reassured that the goal was to produce nuclear energy only. This is still in question and widely disputed today.
Nuclear Power
If You Ask Me, It’s a Little Too on the Nose
As a result of local women starting to warm to the Western nose shape, Iran is well known as one of the nose job capitals of the world. While it’s mostly a humorous reference, it’s safe to say that plastic surgeons in Tehran will not be going hungry anytime soon.
If You Ask Me Its A Little Too On The Nose
Mother Tongue
When it comes to the Arab Peninsula, most of the world assumes that the most widely spoken language is Arabic, when it’s Persian that is actually the official language of the country. With a string of other official languages like Kurdish, Gilaki and more, the cultural diversity within the region is stronger than most people imagine.
Mother Tongue
Religious Affiliations
A large portion of Iran’s population is affiliated with the Muslim population (nearly 99%), with nearly 9 out of every 10 Muslims considering themselves Shi’a Muslims. The rest of the population, in a strong minority, are typically Jewish people. This comes as quite a surprise to most people who assume the contrary.
Religious Affiliations
Wishing The Rain Away
You’re unlikely to find anyone wishing the rain away in Iran, especially as the country is dry for a majority of the year. Maxing out at only four inches each year, drought is fairly common, even though you’re likely to find snowfall in some of the regions of the country during the course of the year. Iran is truly a multi-season nation.
Wishing The Rain Away
Oil For Keeps
The Middle East is renowned for its oil reserves, with Iran making up around 10% of the total global amount. Few people know that the country pumps four million barrels of oil on any given day, making it one of the five biggest oil producers across the globe. Now that’s big business!
Oil For Keeps
Entertainment Restrictions
As you’re aware, the Internet is banned in Iran, which has also led to the subsequent banning of satellite TV. Pity the locals who aren’t allowed to watch groundbreaking shows and get their weekends kicked off with some Netflix and chill. For many, a way around this is by using a VPN, which is growing in popularity as tech capabilities around the world continue expanding.
Entertainment Restrictions
Unconventional Marriage Laws
In Iran, it is legal for brides of thirteen years and older to get married. Boys have it a little easier, as they are allowed to wait until they turn 15 before it happens. This is a very controversial law and is frowned upon in the Western world, where women’s rights are taking center stage at this moment in time.
Unconventional Marriage Laws
David’s Short Lived Presence
For nearly three decades, a star of David was on display on the roof of the main terminal at Tehran’s International Airport. When Google Earth came along and it was discovered, the government became increasingly apprehensive and defensive, and it was swiftly removed not too long after.
Davids Short Lived Presence
Breathe Easy
One thing you’ll quickly find out when visiting Iran’s capital is that the air pollution makes it somewhat hard to breathe. Researchers claim that close to thirty people lose their lives each day as a result of diseases related to the state of the air.
Breathe Easy
Divorce is not an Option
Ever since the Iranian revolution towards the end of the 1970’s, a dramatic reduction in women’s rights has occurred. This is evidenced by what happens in the case of either initiating divorce proceedings. Regardless of the circumstances, custody of any children will go to the man. Polygamy is legal, which also means men are allowed to indulge in a sea of choices as they please.
Divorce Is Not An Option
Centuries of Rug Weaving
Iranians are known for their delicate craftsmanship and over two and a half centuries of rug weaving. It’s no secret that Iran produces some of the most incredible pieces of fabric artistry imaginable. In the Western world, people are used to striving for perfection in everything they do. This is not the case in Iran, especially when they make rugs with a small defect. This is done as a way to remember that in their culture, God is the only thing that can be perfect.
Centuries Of Rug Weaving
Flexibility Around Marriage Laws
They say that progress comes with its fair share of obstacles. In 1967, the Marriage Protection Law raides the age of marriage to 18 for men, and 15 for women. Later, it was raised even higher, to 18 and 20 respectively. Problem is, it was nullified in 1979, and the original ages of 13 and 15 were reinstated as per the way things stand to this day.
Flexibility Around Marriage Laws
Voting Responsibility
Voting laws have also been changed to apply better to youngsters, especially considering that people can be married right as they enter into their teenage years. In Iran, it’s legal to vote from when you turn 15. This gives the youth a stronger voice than they might have elsewhere in the world, especially when it comes to legislative changes.
Voting Responsibility
Corrective Surgeries
Surprisingly enough, corrective surgeries (formerly sex changes) are legal in Iran. Even more surprisingly, the State is happy to fund these procedures. This is one of the few areas where Iran is more flexible and open regarding social issues, when compared to Western nations.
Corrective Surgeries
The Marriage Test Drive
While two people may fall in love quickly, whether they are a good match to be married for life is an entirely different story. Don’t forget about the divorce laws we discussed earlier. In Iran, there is a common practice called Sigheh, which gives couples the chance to suss out a short-term marriage to see if it will work. This can last for a few hours, up to a few years.
The Marriage Test Drive
Weddings in Tough Times
Aside from crude oil supplies, which stimulate the Iranian economy, the locals still face their fair share of struggles. As a result of this, weddings were on the decline in recent years, so the government sprung to action. They set up a fund of over $700 million to help fund weddings as a whole.
Weddings In Tough Times
The Host with the Most
No matter where in the world you are, it can be a challenge to decide what to bring someone as a thank you gift when they invite you over. If you find yourself in Iran, it’s good to know that flowers or pastries form a staple gift idea for the locals. You won’t have to look very far to find these wherever in the country you may be.
The Host With The Most
Using The Correct Hand
If you’ve been invited into someone’s home, don’t be surprised if you find yourselves sitting on cushions and eating dinner with your hands. Remember, that it is customary to eat only with your right hands, and never with your left. In their culture, the left hand is exclusively used for the bathroom only.
Using The Correct Hand
A Sea of Housewives
A lot of people would love to work from home each day, and this is the case for many Iranian women, who fall into housewife roles as part of marital duty and obligation. This is not a walk in the park however, as any stay-at-home mom will tell you. From taking care of the kids, to cooking and keeping the house clean, they literally have their hands full at all hours.
A Sea Of Housewives
Prohibition at its Finest
While alcohol is banned by the Iranian authorities, the underground market for it is still bustling with needy customers. Illegal alcohol is smuggled to such an extent that the venture is earmarked as something that brings in nearly $700 million over a given year. This rang true in the Western world too in times of prohibition.
Prohibition At Its Finest
Miracle Yoghurt
As you grow up, you may become attached to some alternative medicinal advice you received from an aunt when you were a child, or still trust in having some of your grandma’s favorite tea when you start to feel a little under the weather. Iran has something similar, in the form of their yogurt, which is used for a string of ailments. From ulcers to sunburn, yogurt has you covered apparently.
Miracle Yoghurt
Education is Everything
Fifty years ago Iran had a shockingly low literacy rate, with only four out of every ten people able to read. A more recent figure has 93% of the country earmarked as readers and writers. While things may have been somewhat more free and flexible before the revolution, people sure were reading far less than they are today.
Education Is Everything
Don’t Bring Your Bikini
Just in case you wondered if it was appropriate to wear a bikini in Iran, it helps to know that it absolutely isn’t. As a result of restrictions in part due to their religion, women may never wear a bathing suit in the presence of men.
Dont Bring Your Bikini
Shorts and Ties
In the Western world, a job interview may not involve shorts all too often (except if you’re having a Skype interview), and you’re pretty much required to wear a tie if you want to make a good first impression. Both shorts and ties are a no go for the men of Iran, who are forbidden from wearing either regardless of the situation.
Shorts And Ties
The Many Neighbors of Iran
When you glance over a map, it’s incredible to see just how massive and vast the landscape of the country is. You may also realise that it shares its borders with ten other countries, including Turkey, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, Oman, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan and even Armenia. Now that’s a lot of opportunity for trade.
The Many Neighbors Of Iran
Voicing a Negative Opinion
Human beings are wired to speak their minds, and it’s a basic fact that not everyone in a country with millions of people will agree with the policies or decisions of the sitting president. In Iran, if you have a negative opinion, you’re better off just keeping it to yourself. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei may not be insulted in any way, shape or form. If this happens, you are liable to torture, prison or in a severe case, execution.
Voicing A Negative Opinion
Finding Love Can Be Hard
If a man can’t find a wife, there is not much he can do, except move back in with his parents. This results in people calling him (and others in the same position) “na-mard”, which translates to “not men”. Way to knock a guy when he’s down, Iranians.
Finding Love Can Be Hard
Sports Entertainment
Women are not allowed to watch sport in any capacity, so some of them have started to become a little more clever in the ways they can get to support their favorite teams. Brave women who aren’t afraid of persecution have been known to cross-dress in order to be let into stadiums around the country. Dedicated, or just too risky? You decide on that one.
Sports And Entertainment
Historical Gems in Iran
Thanks to its incredible history, Iran has a whopping 21 UNESCO world heritage sites to its name. These include the likes of Soltaniyeh, a 1300’s double-shell brick dome, as well as Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System, known by fans around the world for being a work of creative genius unmatched by other similar systems.
Historical Gems In Iran
Wrap It Up, Kids
Before they can be married, Iranian couples have a few mandatory classes to go through, especially related to contraception and safe sex. It is compulsory to sit through a 60-minute lecture on the ways to prevent getting pregnant, meaning that sex education is relatively high in the country.
Wrap It Up Kids
Condoms Aplenty
If you’re looking to find a condom factory, Iran or any other Middle Eastern nations probably aren’t high up on your list. Surprisingly, Tehran has one of the only condom factories in the region, and it’s a relatively big one too. Population growth management at its finest, ladies and gentlemen.
Condoms Aplenty
Biblical Figures of Iran
Did you know that Iran is a prominent burial ground for some of the many historical biblical figures of the world? These include Darius the Great, the prophet Daniel and Queen Esther, who have a strong following among religious circles too.
Biblical Figures Of Iran
A Gift For Every Occasion
While a lot of us can relate when it comes to worrying about whether we’re giving someone the right gift, Iranians aren’t quite as fickle. They use gifts in a variety of ways, most importantly to mark achievements, but also in a way to apologize. A lot of us are known for doing this too, but it’s nice to know that the act of gift-giving isn’t dying out, even in some of the more oppressed nations around the globe.
A Gift For Every Occasion
Iran’s Impressive Olympic Run
One thing you can always bank on is seeing someone competing at the Olympic games. The country has sent participants to join in the competition all the way back to 1948, having only missed out on two occasions, both at the start of the 1980’s. It’s just a pity that its women can’t enjoy the games every four years, as they are banned from watching sporting events.
Irans Impressive Olympic Run
Credit for the Persian Cats
Few people have put two and two together when it comes to realizing that Persian cats are in fact Iranian cats, one of the oldest and most beloved breeds found around the world. These cats are sought after and cherished by their owners, often also displaying a certain air of elegance and style within a household. Their unique fur coats are the result of evolving to match colder climates and Iranian plateaus, which both form part of their original habitat.
Credit For The Persian Cats
Shoes Off Please
Iranians are strict when it comes to their clothing guidelines, perhaps mostly so with their shoe policy. When entering a home, always check to see if the host is wearing shoes or not. If the latter is the case, take off your own shoes and leave them at the entrance. As a foreigner, it can’t hurt to ask, just to be polite as well.
Shoes Off Please
Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
The richest of the rich in Tehran are slowly but surely becoming social media sensations. From cars, jewelry to champagne on ice, these youths are living the high life, even though the authorities have done everything in their power to make this type of behavior illegal. With influential parents, these laws are quickly bypassed, and Instagram is accessible using a VPN server, which gives people all over the world a glimpse into the interesting way they choose to live.
Lifestyles Of The Rich And Famous
To Be Or Not To Be
Architecture and Persian mats aside, Iran’s cultural heritage is poetry rich too. Locals are well versed in popular Iranian poetry and are usually quite open (and proud) to share some of the ancient poetry they grew up learning about, as well as hearing their parents recite from time to time.
To Be Or Not To Be
Female Drivers Wanted
While it remains an ongoing debate in Middle Eastern circles around the world, the global debate on whether women should be allowed to drive doesn’t affect Iran in the slightest. Women are allowed to drive, but there are some conditions. Should a woman be stopped for driving without her hijab, or if she has one that isn’t in the correct position, she will be remanded into custody and the car impounded. Not the best way to start your weekend, or any day of the week, for that matter.
Female Drivers Wanted
Women’s Empowerment in Tehran
As a result of women being allowed to drive cars, one of them with an entrepreneurial mindset encouraged a group to start their own all-women taxi service in Tehran, the capital. For once, the tables are turned, and men are not allowed to work for the company. A nod to girl power for sure!
Womens Empowerment In Tehran
Restrictions on Travel
While women are allowed to drive cars, under no circumstances are they allowed to ride a bicycle. For further clarification, they are allowed to ride on the back of a motorcycle, but these must always be operated by a male, which tends to be somewhat of a restrictive measure if someone is unmarried, and they don’t have a car.
Restrictions On Travel
President? Who Needs One
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is the highest point of authority in the country. Making judicial decisions and taking charge of the military, he has said power over any and all decisions in the country. This includes taking charge of all forms of media, and ensuring that radio and television networks act accordingly to further a specific political agenda.
President Who Needs One
The Iranian Army
Iran’s armed forces are no pushover fleet, especially in comparison to some of the opposing forces in the region. Made up in part by the Navy, Air Force, the Army itself as well as the Revolutionary Guards, this is an operation to be reckoned with as one of the powerhouses in the Middle East. Their military is half a million soldiers strong, coupled with over 350 000 soldiers in the reserve supply.
The Iranian Army
Keep Your Friends Close…
While not directly involved in Middle Eastern conflicts, it’s safe to say that Iran does have a vested interest and some hands in the political climate surrounding some of their neighbors. With military allies in Iraq, Lebanon and Syria, it serves as a form of financial and weapon aid whenever the need arises. This helps Iran keep its allies taken care of in case of future conflicts.
Keep Your Friends Close
The Surprising Taekwondo Champ
At just 19 years old, Kimia Alizadeh has won multiple medals as that national Taekwondo fighting champion in Iran. Rio’s 2016 Olympic Games helped her to walk away with bronze, solidifying her role in the history of the country and making her the first Iranian female ever to win a medal at the games.
The Surprising Taekwondo Champ
Breaking Religious Conventions
The Bahá’í Faith has a following of over 300 000 local members in Iran, but the group is not recognized by their own government, who refers to them as a dangerous cult. This minority group is banned from operating within the borders of Iran, even though they are the largest religious minority group in the country. Perhaps that’s exactly why they get so much heat from authorities.
Breaking Religious Conventions
A Helping Hand
Iran hosts more than a million foreign refugees within its borders, which is one of the highest numbers of any country to date. More recently, it faced international criticism as a result of using Kurdish and Afghan refugees as a way to grow their dwindling workforce for the minimum wage, albeit that these refugees are still receiving more than they likely would in the countries they escaped from.
A Helping Hand
Old Friends, New Enemies
It’s hard to believe that there was a time when Iran and the US had a great relationship. The mistrust can be traced back to the early 1950’s, when the CIA was involved in “Operation Ajax”, a secret mission to overthrow Prime Minister Masaddegh and his government. This would have resulted in the US acquiring 40% of the oil industry, but the plan was foiled and tensions have been strong since.
Old Friends New Enemies
Hostage Woes
Back in 1979, the scandal broke out when the US embassy in Tehran was attacked by Islamist students and militants. They were demanding the release of Shah Pahlavi, who was to be tried for crimes against Iranian citizens. In reality, Shah Pahlavi was already busy dying of cancer at the time. Regardless of this, it took nearly a whole year for the hostages to be released from the ordeal.
Hostage Woes
Gender Inequality
In 1979, when Iran fell during the revolution, an immediate consequence was the return to a legal system tied up within Islamic law. Women were subsequently downgraded from where they had been, now classified as legally inferior to their male counterparts. Citing Zionism, the government stood by this and it has led to an even more unequal society in the time since.
Gender Inequality
The Iran-Iraq War and Capitalism
The U.S is known for its ability to navigate through murky waters, which was particularly the case during the Iran-Iraq war. During this time, sanctions were imposed on Iran and other countries were deterred from selling weapons to the. As later evidence would suggest, the U.S was, in fact, the ones selling weapons to them for their own gains.
The Iran Iraq War And Capitalism
Uncommon Inventions
If you’ve ever played polo, or seen a movie where a wealthy British person is riding around on a horse hitting a ball with a stick, it probably didn’t even cross your mind that the sport was started in Iran. This is true, in fact, dating all the way back in the 6th century BC. While mainly done in training for the cavalry back then, the game has now branched out into an international audience, with thousands of players all over there world.
Uncommon Inventions
Earth Shattering Crises
Iran got a lot of international attention in 2003 when the city of Bum suffered a catastrophic earthquake, which was to become one of the most devastating natural disasters ever to hit the region. Over 30 000 people died as a result of the quake and its aftershocks.
Earth Shattering Crises
Uniting Ground for Shia Muslims
Of the millions of people living in Iran, over 90% are believed to be Shia Muslims. This makes the country the largest concentration of the group in any nation around the world. As a result of this, ties with Lebanon and Iraq, both prominent Shia-majority nations, continue to grow from strength to strength as time goes by.
Uniting Ground For Shia Muslims
VPN Needed
The government is pretty strict about the internet, and why a large share of social media sites are banned in the country. The sites themselves are blocked, and cannot be accessed by the people without the use of a VPN. While popular social media sites are off the table, Gmail is still available and many people use it regularly as part of their day to day business dealings.
VPN Needed
Energy for the Masses
Iran is a fossil fuel abundant nation, known as being one of the three biggest natural gas producers in the world. Hot on the trail of Russia, Iran is also putting extensive efforts into research and development in the renewable energy space, and has been doing so for quite some time. Iran’s first wind-powered plants were opened back in 2008, which was somewhat ahead of most of its counterparts in the world.
Energy For The Masses
Battling Extinction
If wildlife gets you excited, you’ll never guess what you can see within the borders of Iran, and only within those very borders and nowhere else. The Asiatic cheetah (or Persian cheetah) used to be fairly common in the region, but now only 50 of these are found in the wild, making them a rare gem within the ‘Big Five’ family of animals.
Battling Extinction
Foodies Unite
Persian food is widely known as incredibly flavorful and something that few foodies can resist digging their hands into. Spices aplenty, Persian dishes are known for two things: their vibrant colors, as well as their blissful aromas. If you happen to find yourself in Iran, try their pilaf, mast-o-khiar or their kebabs. Or get one of each!
Foodies Unite
Steeped in Ancient Tradition
Mount Damavand in Iran is the highest volcano in Asia. Found in the Alborz area close to the Caspian Sea coast, it is the tallest peak in the country and the second tallest in the continent, second only to the iconic Mount Everest.
Steeped In Ancient Tradition
Baklava is Best
You’d be hard-pressed not to find a dessert to your liking in Iran. The home of Baklava, an iconic puff pastry filled with pistachios and other nuts (which is drenched with honey syrup), Iranians take their desserts seriously. For something a little different, Faloodeh is the cold alternative, which is a collective of thin noodles in rosewater infused frozen syrup. Is your mouth watering yet?
Baklava Is Best
Iranians and their Tea
Black tea is a common drink for Iranians of all ages. When visiting someone’s home in the region, brace yourself for a couple of offers of tea, especially if you’re staying for more meals than one. Often, families will spend some time bonding over a cup of tea and some conversation, which is not something all too common in the Western world.
Iranians And Their Tea
Cinema Nouveau
In the last ten years, Iranian films have won a staggering 300 awards across the globe, solidifying the country as a key player in the indie film space. This has not only created new job opportunities for locals but made pseudo-celebrities of Iranian directors like Abbas Kiarostami and Jafar Panahi too.
Cinema Nouveau
Polo in Iran
Ahead of the 1979 revolution, polo was fairly widely played across Iran, largely due to its roots in ancient Persia. These days it is played a lot less frequently, although since the mid 200’0’s it has started to gain a following among a younger generation of players, likely keen to attach to their heritage in interesting new ways.
Polo In Iran
Not Your Traditional New Year’s Eve
Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is celebrated towards the end of March each year. This is a mega holiday lasting nearly two full weeks, that isn’t exclusively celebrated in Iran. Other countries to enjoy this festive time include Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan and many others.
Not Your Traditional New Years Eve
Persians and their Wine
While alcohol is forbidden in Iran, a discovery made by the University of Pennsylvania suggests that we have the Persions to thank for the invention of wine. This came largely due to excavations at Hajji Firuz Tepe in Iran itself, which adds another notch to the historic diversity already present in the country. It’s just a pity that the locals can’t enjoy their own discovery too.
Persians And Their Wine
Trigonometry, Geometry and More
There is strong evidence suggesting that Persian mathematics aided in laying the foundation of Algebra and Trigonometry as we know them today. The word Algebra, in fact, can be traced to the title of renowned Persian mathematician al-Khwarizmi’s book, which was called ‘Ilm al-jabr wa’l-mukabala’ in their native tongue.
Trigonometry Geometry And More
Strumming Along
Ancient Persian can also be said to be responsible for the invention of the guitar, which initially was simply referred to as the Tar. This instrument has roots all the way back to the 1700’s and it’s four-string capabilities ring oddly similar to the guitars we’ve come to know and love in modern culture today.
Strumming Along
The Bigger The Better?
Known for their love of kebabs, Iranians are typically known to be more overweight, with the nation claiming a Top 50 spot on the list of the most obese countries in the world. A whopping 14% of the population is considered obese or morbidly obese. While still a challenge, they have some ground to catch up if they want to match the US, who ranks in the Top 10 at the moment.
The Bigger The Better