IRAN: Poetic Persia
Iran is set apart from other Middle Eastern countries because the majority of Iranians are Persians (not Arabs), with their own traditions, language (Farsi) and literature. Iran is a beautiful country of ancient history, awe-inspiring architecture, manicured gardens, fresh delicious cuisine, breathtaking nature, and a national passion for Persian poetry. Romantic, divine and spiritual, Persian poetry is heard in music, woven into carpets, spoken at funerals and celebrations, engraved into architecture, and written as philosophy. Ferdowsi wrote the longest epic poem in history, The poet Hafez is quoted in every Iranian home, and Rumi is the most popular poet worldwide.
Persian history began with Cyrus the Great in 539 BC, a wise leader who created the oldest known charter of human rights. The current Islamic Republic of Iran suppresses human rights, and both of our governments promote a media of hostility and fear between each other. Yet, I found the Iranian citizens I met to be the opposite reflection of their government.: They differentiate people from politics. After asking where I was from, citizens expressed a “Welcome to Iran”, or “Thank you for coming to our country” or “We love Americans”. I experienced their deeply ingrained hospitality, kindness and generosity to honor and welcome guests in their country and into their homes.
I