Iran’s culture (languages, religion, calendar, arts, foods, history)

Iran’s culture : Iran is a southwest Asia Country, neighboring Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Armenia on the north, Afghanistan and Pakistan on the east, and Turkey and Iraq on the west.

languages

Persian script of Nastaliq to be registered at UNESCO

Iran’s languages

Official language of Iran as one of the most important character of Iran’s culture is Farsi (Persian). Historically one of the most prominent languages of the Middle East and extended regions. Iranian culture is one of the oldest in the region, and it has influenced cultures like Italy, Macedonia, Greece, Russia, the Arabian Peninsula, and parts of Asia.

Other than Persian, and in order of the estimated number of speakers, the languages of Iran include Turkish(Azari), Kurdish, Gilaki, Mazandarani, Luri, Arabic, Balochi, and Turkmen; smaller languages such as Qashqai, Taleshi, Tati, Baadi and many other local languages.

Religion

History of Iran religion from Zoroastrian to Islam

The second ingredient of Iran’s culture is religion. Most of Iranians are Muslim. Islam in Iran has two branches, Shia and Sunni. Shia is majority so Shi’i Islam is the official religion. About 90 percent of Iranians practice Shi’ism. By contrast, most Arab states in the Middle East are predominantly Sunni.

Also Shi’i Muslim has several branches. The Ithnā ʿAsharī, (Twelver Shiʿi) branch, is the official state religion. The Kurds and Turkmen are predominantly Sunni Muslims, but Iran’s Arabs are both Sunni and Shiʿi. There are small communities of Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians throughout the country.

Iranian cuisine

Spilling the Beans about 5 Traditional Persian food - IranRoute Blog

Iranian food

you find cuisine as a part of Iran’s culture. Actually it’s impossible if you haven’t heard about Qormeh Sabzi or Iranian Kebab or other delicious Iranian food. The truth is Iranian food is famous between the travelers who visit Iran and sometimes it is the reason that many tourists travel to Iran.

Yes, it’s true, The reputation of Iranian food is so epic that made many people and food lovers from around the world come and visit Iran cities to only trying Iranian food. You may think all the Iranian food includes meat, especially red meat. but we should say that there is a lot of Iranian food that is suitable for vegetarians. You can see list of Iranian food here.

Calendar

The Persian calendar is a solar calendar, however, some of the official religious Islamic and Shia holidays are based on a lunar calendar. Government official working days are from Saturday to Wednesday. The Iranian calendars are a succession of calendars invented or used for over two millennia in Iran, also known as Persia. One of the longest chronological records in human history, the Iranian calendar has been modified time and again during its history to suit administrative, climatic, and religious purposes.

The modern Iranian calendar is currently the official calendar in Iran. It begins at the midnight nearest to the instant of the vernal equinox as determined by astronomical calculations for the Iran Standard Time meridian (52.5°E or UTC+03:30). It is, therefore, an observation-based calendar, unlike the Gregorian, which is rule-based. The Iranian year usually begins within a day of 21 March of the Gregorian calendar.

Arts and Literature

The Study of the Principles of Iranian-Islamic Art – London Academy of Iranian Studies

Iran’s Art

Iran has a great art heritage visible in architecture, paintings, calligraphy and poetry. This heritage was translated to several languages and influenced many cultures. Contemporary literature was influenced by classical Persian poetry although it reflects the particularities of modern day Iran.

Iranian films are celebrated and internationally acclaimed. The films have won 300 international awards in the past 10 years. The best known Persian directors are Abbas Kiarostami, Majid Majidi, and Asghar Farhadi. Iran has a long history of fine silk and wool rug weaving, that is why Persian rugs are internationally known as the most beautiful across the world. Iran produces more rugs and carpets than all other countries put together.

History of Iran

Iran has one of the richest historical lineages. Iran’s history can be divided into three parts:

the pre-Islamic ancient period (c559 BC to 651 AD);
the Islamic era (651 AD to 1800 AD);
the modern era, defined by its encounter with Western modernity from around 1800.

Some of Iranian Traditions

If you are planning to establish a business with Iranian people, below are some important rules for customs that you should know.

The most common greeting is “salaam alaykum” or more simply “salaam” which means “peace”.
Introductions are generally restricted to members of the same sex since men and women socialize separately.
When Iranians greet each other they take their time and converse about general things.
Try to never be late, punctuality is appreciated.
Show respect for elders by greeting them first.
Iranians prefer to do business with those they know and respect, therefore they expect to spend time cultivating a personal relationship before business is conducted.
Iranians are deliberate negotiators and can drive a hard bargain.
Companies are hierarchical. Decisions are made at the top of the company, either by one person or a small council.
Business attire is formal and conservative.
When presenting business cards, it is recommended to have one side of your card translated into Farsi, and to present your card so the Farsi side faces the recipient.