Category: Culture

By Dr. Reza Farahani, Cultural Historian and Comparative Mythologist Iranian Studies Journal, Winter Edition Introduction: Bridging Worlds Through Celebration In the rich tapestry of human cultural expression, few phenomena illuminate the profound interconnectedness of human experience as eloquently as seasonal…
By Dr. Mehrdad Farrokh, Cultural Heritage Research Institute, Tehran In the delicate landscape of Persian decorative arts, where each brushstroke and carved line carries the whispers of centuries, Khatam stands as a profound testament to human creativity, patience, and spiritual…
By Dr. Mehrdad RajaviIranian Cultural Studies Institute In the vast tapestry of human cultural expression, festivals serve as profound markers of collective memory, spiritual beliefs, and social cohesion. This comparative study examines two seemingly disparate yet remarkably resonant celebrations: the…
By Dr. Farzin Mohammadi Professor of Ancient Iranian Studies, University of Isfahan As I sit in my study at Tehran University, surrounded by ancient texts and modern interpretations of Iran’s philosophical heritage, I am struck by how deeply our contemporary…
By Dr. Sarah Henderson, Department of Near Eastern Studies, University of Michigan and Dr. Mohammad Rahimi, Department of Anthropology, University of Tehran The study of death rituals across cultures reveals fascinating parallels that transcend geographical and historical boundaries. While Halloween…
By Dr. Parisa Rahimian Professor of Ancient Iranian Studies University of Tehran On a crisp autumn morning in Aban month, as I walk through the courtyards of Tehran’s oldest houses, I can still hear the echoes of celebration from centuries…
In the grand tapestry of Persian history, few symbols resonate as deeply with our national spirit as the Derafsh Kaviani. This legendary standard, with its rich history and profound symbolism, has been a beacon of hope, unity, and resistance for…
As an Iranian historian with a passion for uncovering the lesser-known aspects of our nation’s diverse history, I’ve always been fascinated by the story of Afro-Iranians. It’s a tale that weaves through centuries, filled with struggle, resilience, and cultural fusion….
The Shah Abdol-Azim Shrine, known as Shah Abdol-Azim al-Hasani in Persian (حرم شاه عبدالعظیم حسنی), stands as one of the most venerated religious and historical sites in Iran, and particularly within the sacred landscape of Ray, just south of the…
In the annals of human history, few tales are as enduring and poignant as that of the Assyrian people. Their story, woven into the very fabric of Iran’s rich tapestry, is one of resilience, faith, and cultural tenacity. As we…