The presence of Jews in Iran dates back more than three thousand years to the forced migrations of Jews from Israel to Assyria, Babylon, and the western and central parts of Iran over several successive periods. They have had close cultural and religious ties with other Iranians throughout history, such that in Siahkal, Jews fasted with Muslims during the month …
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Pope Francis (1936–2025): A Legacy of Humility, Reform, and Global Compassion Introduction Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, served as the head of the Catholic Church and the sovereign of Vatican City from March 13, 2013, until his death on April 21, 2025. He was the first pope from the Society of …
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Firouz Shirvanlu: A Life in Art, Politics, and Cultural Innovation Firouz Shirvanlu (September 1938 – January 20, 1988) was a prominent Iranian translator, writer, and cultural director known for his significant contributions to the arts and culture of Iran during the second Pahlavi era. His life was a complex tapestry woven from threads of political activism, cultural innovation, artistic expression, …
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The Pahlavi Immortal Guard: Guardians of the Peacock Throne Introduction The Pahlavi Immortal Guard (Persian: Gard-e Javidan) was an elite military unit in Imperial Iran, established to safeguard the monarchy, particularly the person of the Shah and the royal family. Active during the reign of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, this elite guard represented not only a physical bulwark around the monarch …
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Seyyed Mohammad Hossein Behjat Tabrizi, better known by his pen name Shahriar, stands as one of the most iconic literary figures in modern Iranian literature. Born on January 11, 1906, in Tabriz, and passing away on September 17, 1988, Shahriar created a bridge between the traditional Persian literary heritage and the emerging socio-political consciousness of the 20th century. A master …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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