Ismailis are, in fact, a sub-branch of the Shiite Muslims who are known by various names like Ismailis, Bateni, Qermati, Saba’ie, etc. The point of diversion between them and 12-Imam Shiite branch (the dominant branch in Iran) began after the 6th Imam, Jafar-e-Sadeq. Unlike the Twelvers who believe the 7th Imam is the 6th […]
About 3000 years ago, the inhabitants of Iranian plateau and its sub-divisions were speaking languages called Irano-Aryan languages. These languages are still spoken in the regions beyond the present borders of Iran, from Turkey to Pamir and from Caucasus Mountains to Oman Sea. The common origin of all these languages was spoken at least […]
Mysticism is the heart-felt recognition obtained through revelation and intuition. Sufism has been defined in different ways. To better understand these two concepts, one can get a perception by comparing practical and theoretical mysticism. Practical mysticism is the most audaciously wanted perfection and the highest spiritual interest that expresses human relations and responsibilities within […]
Iranian myths consist of the views and perspectives of the inhabitants of Iranian plateau about the confrontation with good and evil, gods acts, heroes’ bravery and legendary creatures. These myths play very crucial roles in Iranian culture. Most of our information about Iranian myths come from two sources: Avesta, the holy book of Zoroastrians, and […]
Nomads are the people who migrate from one place to another with their tribe, family and all their belongings. Migration is a way of life for nomads in which herding cattle is the basis of economic life. Changing of location and migrating of human groups are two outstanding characteristics of nomadic life. In such […]
The inhabitants of the ancient eastern world worshiped the Sun, the Moon, stars, rain, water, river, spring, cows, camels, horses, etc as well as the opposite extremes such as darkness, lightning, clouds, winter, snakes, eagles, wolves, etc to be away from their harms. Iranians were influenced by Semites, Babylonians and Assyrians’ incantation sayings, magic and […]
Ancient Persians have always been well-known for the ways they had treated water, supplied it, preserved it, harnessed it, transferred it, redirected it and distributed it. Water management in a geographical location where it cannot be found abundantly all year round is a challenge by itself. It represents the determination of a nation to survive […]
As world travelers, you have certainly heard of the world bazaars and seen several of them here and there. On the surface, they may look like shopping centers, but some deeper reality can be found under the skin of Iranian bazaars. I want you to know more about what’s down there and who’s doing what in such living […]
Nowruz, Iranian New Year, has got deep roots among ancient Iranians, particularly farmers. As their lives depended largely on agriculture and producing food, it has got strong connection to such lifestyle. You need to know Nowruz history and roots of Nowruz Celebration to understand it better. When no agricultural activities were possible in Winter, each […]
This is the second part of the series of activities people are involved in before Nowruz and after that. More Customs and Traditions before Nowruz Below is the list of more customs and traditions of the Iranian New Year: Making Noise with Spoon Decent girls and women, who had wishes like getting married, walked […]