Hossein Ali Nayyari: The Cleric, the Judge, and the Shadow of 1988 Early Life and Religious Formation Hossein Ali Nayyari was born in 1935 (though some sources state 1956), in Iran, during a period of intense political transformation and growing tension between the secular monarchy and the rising religious forces. His early years were shaped by the deeply traditional Shiite …

Sizdeh Bedar: The Iranian Celebration of Nature and Renewal Sizdeh Badr, observed on the thirteenth day of Farvardin in the Iranian calendar, is one of the enduring celebrations associated with Nowruz, the Persian New Year. It is widely recognized in contemporary Iran as “Nature Day” and is a national holiday. The event is a unique occasion that stands apart from …

Mohammad Reza Aref (born December 17, 1955) is a prominent Iranian politician, academic, and engineer who has played a significant role in Iran’s political and educational landscape. His career spans several decades, marked by his contributions to academia, government, and reformist politics. Early Life and Education Born in Yazd to a religious family, Aref exhibited an early aptitude for mathematics. …

Morteza Mahjoubi: A Pioneer of Iranian National Music Morteza Mahjoubi, born in 1909 in Tehran, was one of the most influential figures in Iranian music. His contributions to Persian music were monumental, as he seamlessly blended traditional Iranian melodies with the Western piano, an instrument not originally designed for Persian musical scales. His unique style and dedication to Persian music …

The War of the Cities was one of the most destructive and psychologically impactful aspects of the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988). This series of aerial bombardments and missile attacks targeted major urban centers in both Iran and Iraq, with the intent of breaking civilian morale and forcing political concessions. Conducted in five distinct phases, these brutal attacks not only resulted in …

Jodie Foster is known for her dedication to her craft, and her preparation for roles is no exception. For the 2023 sports drama Nyad, in which she played Bonnie Stoll, the coach and longtime friend of marathon swimmer Diana Nyad, Foster underwent intense physical training to embody her character convincingly. To prepare for the physically demanding role, Foster trained rigorously …

  The Nowruz greeting ceremony was an esteemed royal tradition that transitioned from the Qajar court to the Pahlavi court, maintaining its significance in Persian culture and governance. On the first day of Farvardin, officials and dignitaries would present themselves before the Shah, where they would pay their respects and receive a special feast in return. This ceremonial gathering was …

The Qajar dynasty, also known as the Qajars, ruled Iran for approximately 130 years, from around 1175 to 1304 AH. This dynasty was established by Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar, and it was related to one of the Turkmen tribes of Iran known as the Qajar tribe. The Qajars migrated from Central Asia to Iran due to the Mongol invasion and …

Haji Firuz, also known as Khwajeh Pirouz, is a significant legendary figure in Iranian culture. He is an essential part of the Nowruz festivities, appearing in cities on the first day of the new year alongside his uncle Nowruz to announce the arrival of the Persian New Year. Haji Firuz is recognized by his distinct appearance and his role in …

Breaking Stereotypes: The Inspiring Journey of Fereshte Soltani, Iran’s Female Truck Driver In a field dominated by men, Fereshte Soltani stands as a symbol of perseverance, challenging gender norms and social expectations in Iran’s trucking industry. Six years ago, she obtained her heavy vehicle driving license, and today, she navigates the streets of Tehran as one of the very few …