An alternative story of Iran
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Iran’s urban life is vibrant and modern. Taxis play the latest in Iranian pop. Many women wear skimpy, colourful head scarves and the tightest possible coats. Young couples hold hands. Coffee shops are popular. Some are arty and funky, frequented by artists and film-makers. Others are very chic, their clientele wearing the very latest in fashion. Some reveal posters of Che Guevara.
The art, music and film scenes have been revived in recent years. Modern Iranian art is exhibited in the capital’s many galleries. Iranian rock bands make their own distinctive music. Both Western classical and traditional Iranian music concerts are also popular.
Hossein Derakhshan (Creative Commons rights-protected)
Over 70% of Iran’s 68 million population is under the age of 30. The youth hang out in Tehran’s beautiful parks, fast food joints, trendy bookshops and coffee shops. Hiking and skiing in the mountains bordering the capital are popular activities. Universities are full to capacity. Bookshops in the vicinity sell a wide spectrum of books.
© Alireza Najafian
Iranians take great pride in their national Islamic and pre-Islamic heritage. Although Islam is an important dimension of Iran’s identity, many remember the pre-Islamic ancient Achamaenid and Sassanian eras as though they happened yesterday. For others, being Iranian is just as important as being Muslim. While Islam’s traditions and rituals are widely practiced, it is considered a private issue and separate from politics.
Iranians long to be part of and contribute to the global community. Intellectual, political and social discussions are at the heart of Iranian families.
Shabnam Holliday
Shabnam Holliday is a PhD candidate at the Institute of Arab & Islamic Studies, University of Exeter. Her research is on contemporary Iranian national identity.
