Toward the end of 2023, Iran has been in the news due to a perceived connection with tension in Gaza. Last year, Iran was in the news due to concerns about how women and dissidents were being treated. [View 2022 Report] This document provides some context and current news about Iran.
Historic Sites
Iran is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, beginning with the formation of the Elamite kingdoms in the fourth millennium BC. Iran has 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the third-highest in Asia after China and India. Of these 24 sites, 22 are cultural sites and the remaining two are natural. [Source]
Culture
Today, these rituals are performed in parts of Iran, Azerbaijan, and Iraq. It combines martial arts, strength training, music, and calisthenics. UNESCO recognizes this system as the world’s longest-running form of such training. Elements from the pre-Islamic Persian culture, Sufism, and spirituality of Shia Islam are combined to give Pahlevani And Zourkhaneh. [Source]
The cooking traditions of Iran, also called Persian cuisine, is praised worldwide. The cuisine includes a wide range of dishes like kebab, pilaf, mast-o-khiar, salad Shirazi, torshi, etc. A traditional system of athletics was used to train the ancient Persian warriors. It was called “Pahlevani And Zourkhaneh.”
World Reputation
Iran is valued and respected all over the world. Iranian history, culture, food, literature, language, music, traditions, and religions are highly revered and valued. Iranian people are considered to be smart, innovative and beautiful. Because Iran is beloved around the world, any instability or disruptions to the country are of concern to many people.
Context
The video below is by Rick Steves from 2009 and provides some context about Iran.
News
Entries below are in chronological order with the most recent at the top. Entry headers provide source and date.
CBS (30 Dec 2023)
“Iranian woman uses brewery to connect with her family heritage” — At her New York brewery, Zahra Tabatabai is trying to bring beer back to it roots, infusing the classic beverage with a taste of who she is and where her family came from. Roxana Saberi reports on the history of beer, how Tabatabaie is combining old and new traditions, and more. [Source]
NBC News (4 Nov 2023)
“How a new generation of Iranian-American filmmakers are reclaiming the narrative” — A new comedy drama “The Persian Version” features a cast made up of almost entirely of Iranians or those of Iranian descent. NBC’s Yasmin Vossoughian spoke to the director the film about how Iranian-Americans are trying to rewrite the narrative amid the Woman, Life, Freedom moment. [Source]
Drew Binsky (5 Jul 2023)
“I Spent 5 Weeks in IRAN” — This documentary is long overdue! It highlights the highs and lows (mostly highs) from my 5 weeks traveling around Iran, to 8 different regions and 14 cities and towns. Join me as I take you across Iran’s breathtaking landscapes, from the magnificent deserts to the majestic mountains, ancient cities, and bustling bazaars. Discover the untold stories and untapped beauty that lie beyond the headlines, showcasing the true spirit of the Iranian people and their warm hospitality – which might just be the absolute best in the world. I am not blind to the fact that Iran has been going through a revolution since Aug 2021, when a young lady was killed for not wearing her hijab in public – so I wanted to give my platform to various Iranian women to open up and share their own personal stories about the situation. You can find their interviews at the very end of the documentary. [Source]
8K Xplore (14 Apr 2023)
“IRAN – JEWEL of the MIDDLE EAST” — Iran, a country that will leave you speechless! Join us as we embark on an extraordinary journey through this mesmerizing land of rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From the ancient ruins of Persepolis to the bustling streets of Tehran, we’ll uncover the hidden gems and stunning beauty that Iran has to offer. [Source]
Amazing Places (17 Feb 2023)
“Isfahan, Iran” — The city of Isfahan was twice the capital of Persia. Isfahan flourished most under the Safavid dynasty from the 16th to the 18th century when its finest monuments were created. Isfahan is one of the most important architectural centers in the Islamic world. There are 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Isfahan: Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Masjed-e Jame, and The Persian Garden (represented in Isfahan by Chehel Sotoun). [Source]
Exploropedia (30 Dec 2022)
“Tehran, Iran 🇮🇷 in 4K 60FPS ULTRA HD Video by Drone” — Hello and Welcome to this aerial drone footage of Tehran, Capital of Iran, in 4K HDR UHD resolution! Tehran, Iran 8K ULTRA HD 60 FPS Collection of Drone & Aerial Footage [Source]