Farah Diba’s marriage to Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi on December 20, 1959, marked the beginning of a dramatic and highly scrutinized chapter in both her life and in the history of modern Iran. At the age of 21, Farah entered into a marriage that would thrust her into the global spotlight and see her crowned as the young Queen of …
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The longest night of the year in the past 50 years
Yaldā Night is an ancient festival in Homeland, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan that is celebrated on the winter solstice. This corresponds to the night of December 20/21 (±1) in the Gregorian calendar, and to the night between the last day of the ninth month (Azar) and the first day of the tenth month (Dey) of the Iranian solar calendar.The …
Read More »Nostalgic images from Abali Cabaret
The Abali Hotel, a remarkable historical structure, holds a significant place in the architectural and cultural heritage of Iran. Located in Abali, a town 45 kilometers northeast of Tehran, this hotel is known not only for its unique design and innovative use of materials but also for its unfortunate decline due to neglect and mismanagement. Once the first modern-style guesthouse …
Read More »Photos of young army girls parading in front of the Shah
In the years preceding the Iranian Revolution, the regime under Mohammad Reza Pahlavi sought to solidify its dominance, both domestically and regionally. One of the most significant annual events designed to project this power was the December 11 military parade, which was held every year to commemorate the suppression of the Azerbaijani autonomy movement and the artisanal rebellion, both of …
Read More »Eli Cohen, the Israeli spy who was executed in Syria
Eliyahu (Eli) ben Shaul Cohen, a name that resonates in the annals of espionage history, is remembered as one of Israel’s most significant spies. Born in Alexandria, Egypt in 1924, Cohen’s life and actions played a pivotal role in shaping Israel’s military success during the Six-Day War of 1967. His espionage operations in Syria were not only extraordinary in their …
Read More »The collapse of the Mehrabad Airport roof in 1974
The Mehrabad Airport Roof Collapse: A Tragic Event in Persian History The Mehrabad Airport roof collapse, which occurred on December 5, 1974, is a tragic and significant event in the history of Homeland, particularly in the context of its aviation infrastructure. This disaster, which claimed the lives of at least 18 people and injured dozens more, serves as a grim …
Read More »Hoveida’s behind-the-scenes visit to the movie Heroes
Heroes is a 1970 crime thriller that stands as an intriguing collaboration between Iranian and international cinema. Directed by the veteran filmmaker Jean Negulescu and penned by Chester Erskine, the film is a fascinating blend of Western heist tropes and Iranian cultural elements. Set amidst the harsh deserts and volatile political backdrop of 1970s Iran, the film tells the story …
Read More »40 years ago, the newspaper production process was computerized for the first time.
On December 9, 1984, the Iranian press marked a historic milestone when then-President Ali Khamenei inaugurated the computer typesetting department of the Information Institute. This groundbreaking event not only introduced a new era for the Information newspaper but also revolutionized the Iranian press industry as a whole. The computer typesetting system implemented by the Information newspaper was the first use …
Read More »The actress who played Little Ali’s mother turned 75.
Farzaneh Kabuli, born in 1949, stands out as one of the most iconic and talented Persian artists, whose contributions span the realms of dance, theater, and cinema. Her journey reflects a deep passion for art, a profound connection to Persian culture, and resilience in the face of societal and political changes. From her early years as a schoolgirl fascinated by …
Read More »Once upon a time and Hafez Assad’s journey Homeland
General Hafez al-Assad, President of Syria, the distinguished guest of Shahanshah Arya Mehr, arrived in Tehran today. This distinguished guest comes from a Muslim land, a land that is well known to Iranians, a land that has remained steadfast against the heavy pressure of the war with the soldiers and military personnel of the Israeli government and is trying to …
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