Culture of Iran

The culture of Iran (Persian: فرهنگ ایران) or culture of Persia is one of the oldest and most influential cultures in the world. Iran (Persia) is often called one of the cradles of civilization. Because of its important geopolitical position, it has had a big effect on many places around it, including Southern and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.

Iran has shaped the world in many ways through beautiful art, amazing architecture, wonderful poetry, smart science and technology, helpful medicine, deep philosophy, and clever engineering. The people of Iran have a special mix of many different traditions, which helps explain why their culture has lasted so long.

History

The history of Iran's culture is shaped by ancient groups like the Elamites and Persians, along with the powerful Achaemenid and Sassanian empires.

When Islamic traditions arrived in the 7th century, they mixed with older customs, creating a unique culture. Iran made big contributions to literature, art, and philosophy. For centuries, Iran has been a center for learning and culture, influencing nearby areas. The South Caucasus and Central Asia have strong ties to Persian culture, with many ancient peoples sharing similar traditions. Over thousands of years, the culture of Persia has grown and developed, linking many regions together, including parts of modern-day Kurdistan Region, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Eastern Georgia, and Afghanistan.

Art

Main article: Persian art

Iran has one of the oldest, richest, and most influential art heritages in the world. This includes many areas such as literature, music, dance, architecture, painting, weaving, pottery, calligraphy, metalworking, embroidery, and stonemasonry. Iranian art has gone through many phases, which is clear from the unique aesthetics of Iran. From ancient times to today, it has shaped cultures around the world.

Contemporary art

Main article: Iranian modern and contemporary art

See also: List of Iranian painters

There is growing interest in Iranian contemporary artists and those from the larger Iranian diaspora. Key names include Shirin Aliabadi, Mohammed Ehsai, Ramin Haerizadeh, Rokni Haerizadeh, Golnaz Fathi, Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian, Parastou Forouhar, Pouran Jinchi, Farhad Moshiri, Shirin Neshat, Parviz Tanavoli, Y. Z. Kami, and Charles Hossein Zenderoudi.

Language

Several languages are spoken throughout Iran, including languages from the Iranian, Turkic, and Semitic language families. The main language is Persian, spoken by most people. Other languages include Azerbaijani in the northwest, Kurdish and Luri in the west, Mazandarani and Gilaki along the Caspian Sea, Arabic in coastal regions, Balochi in the southeast, and Turkmen in northern border regions.

Literature

See also: Persian literature in Western culture

The literature of Iran is one of the world's oldest and most celebrated, spanning over 2,500 years. It includes works from ancient inscriptions to celebrated poets of later times. Iranian literature is considered one of the great literatures of humanity.

Music

See also: List of Iranian musicians and singers

Iranian music has influenced cultures in West Asia, Central Asia, Europe, and South Asia. It is the origin of many complex instruments and has a rich history of musical traditions.

Dance

See also: Persian dance and Mithraism

Iran has a rich and ancient dance culture. Dances include group dances, solo improvisational dances, war or combat dances, and spiritual dances. Each ethnic group has its own distinct dance style.

Architecture

Iranian architecture dates back thousands of years and is known for its cosmic symbolism. It has influenced many cultures and includes a variety of structures from simple to majestic. Iranian architecture uses symbolic geometry and has a strong emphasis on form and decoration. Traditional gardens also reflect this style and have influenced garden designs around the world.

Cuisine

Iranian cuisine is the way people in Iran cook and eat. It is also called Persian cuisine, even though many different groups in Iran have helped shape its food. Over time, Iranian food has shared ideas with foods from nearby places like the Caucasus, Central Asia, Greece, Levant, Mesopotamia, Russia, and Turkey. Even foods from India and Pakistan have taken some ideas from Iranian cooking.

Common meals in Iran often include rice mixed with meat, vegetables, and nuts. Herbs are used a lot, and fruits like plums, pomegranates, quince, prunes, apricots, and raisins are popular. Spices such as saffron, cardamom, dried lime, cinnamon, turmeric, and parsley add flavor to many dishes. Iranian food can also be found in cities where many Iranians live far from home, like the San Francisco Bay Area, Toronto, Houston, and Los Angeles and its environs.

Bread is very important in Iran, with many kinds available, such as nan and hamir, which are baked in special clay ovens. Dairy products like yoghurt ("mast") are also widely used. Rice dishes are common, like chelo-kebab, which is rice with meat. Iranian cuisine is also known for its sweet treats, such as baklava made with almonds and spices. A popular drink in Iran is tea, often enjoyed without milk.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Iran

See also: Religion and culture in ancient Iran

Zoroastrianism was the main belief of Iran’s people for over a thousand years before new ideas arrived. After that, many people in Iran began following Islam. By the 1500s, a new group called the Safavid dynasty made Shia Islam the state religion, which changed the country’s history.

Today, most people in Iran are Shia Muslims, with a smaller group of Sunni Muslims. Other beliefs also exist, like the Baháʼí Faith, Christianity, and Judaism, and they are allowed to practice freely, though some face challenges.

Philosophy

Main articles: Ancient philosophy § Ancient Iranian philosophy, and Iranian philosophy

Iranian philosophy has very old roots, starting from ancient traditions that began with the Indo-Iranian people and the teachings of Zarathustra. Over time, many changes happened in Iran, like big events such as the Arab and Mongol invasions. These changes led to many different ideas and schools of thought. Some of these ideas came from very old Iranian beliefs, mainly connected to Zoroastrianism. Others appeared later, before Islam, like Manichaeism and Mazdakism. After Islam, Iranian philosophy grew by mixing with old Iranian ideas, Greek philosophy, and new Islamic philosophy. Two important schools from this time were the Illumination School and the Transcendent Philosophy. Today, Iranian philosophy faces limits because of strict control over ideas.

Mythology and folklore

Iranian mythology is made up of ancient stories and tales about magical beings that show ideas about good and evil, like Ahura Mazda and Ahriman. These stories also talk about gods, brave heroes, and amazing creatures. A famous old book called the Shahnameh, written by the poet Ferdowsi, tells many of these tales. It is based on older stories about Iranian kings and heroes from the Zoroastrian tradition.

Storytelling has always been very important in Iranian culture. In the past, special performers called minstrels would tell these stories in royal courts and public places. Even today, people enjoy hearing these wonderful tales.

Holidays and festivals

See also: Holidays in Iran, Iranian calendars, and List of festivals in Iran

Iran has many special days and celebrations throughout the year. The Persian year starts at the time of the vernal equinox, which is when the sun is directly above the Earth's equator. The most famous holiday is Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, celebrated on this day. Families often welcome Nowruz by jumping over small fires and lighting fireworks.

Another important celebration is Yaldā, marking the longest night of the year. Families gather to share stories and enjoy special foods. Different groups in Iran also celebrate holidays from their own traditions, such as Islamic, Christian, Jewish, and Zoroastrian festivals.

Public holidays

Main article: Public holidays in Iran

Iran has many public holidays, with 26 days off each year. Some key dates include the celebration of Nowruz and political events like the anniversary of the Iranian Revolution. The country uses a special solar calendar to decide these dates.

Wedding ceremonies

See also: Persian wedding

In Iran, weddings have two main parts. The first part is called "Aghd," where the couple and their families sign a marriage agreement. This usually happens at the bride's home. The second part, "Jashn-e Aroosi," is a celebration that can last from three to seven days. During this time, there are feasts and joyful activities in a room filled with flowers and special decorations.

The decorations often include beautiful fabrics like cashmere, gold-embroidered satin, and silk. There are also special items such as a mirror, candles, herbs, and spices placed on the floor. These items have meanings, like bringing good luck and happiness to the couple. Other items include sweets, nuts, fruits, and a Holy Book to give blessings to the newlyweds.

Persian rugs

In Iran, Persian rugs have always been an important part of the culture. Iranians were among the first people to weave carpets. They started with simple fabrics to keep warm on cold, damp ground. Over time, rugs became more beautiful and complex, and today they are prized for their intricate designs. Iran makes more rugs than any other country in the world.

Fashion and clothing

Main article: Fashion in Iran

We do not know exactly when weaving began in Iran, but it likely started when people first began to settle down. Early Iranians used animal skins and hair for clothing. Over time, clothing became more advanced, with fabric and color playing important roles. The way people dressed depended on their social status, the climate, and the season. Persian clothing during ancient times was both functional and beautiful.

Cinema, animation, and theatre

Main articles: Cinema of Iran, Iranian animation, and Persian theatre

A very old cup found in southeast Iran might show one of the earliest examples of animation. The first known Iranian filmmaker, Mirza Ebrahim (Akkas Bashi), filmed a ruler’s trip to Europe. The first public cinema in Tehran opened in 1904. Iran’s first silent film, Abi and Rabi, came in 1930, followed by the first talkie, Lor Girl, in 1932. By the 1950s, Iran had begun making animated films.

Important films like Qeysar and The Cow appeared in 1969. Iran’s cinema grew stronger after a big change in the 1970s. Directors like Abbas Kiarostami brought Iran into world cinema, winning major awards. Iranian films are now seen in famous festivals around the world.

Iran’s theatre goes back to ancient times, with dances and stories from myths. Traditional Iranian theatre includes funny plays, shadow shows, marionettes, and puppet shows. The Roudaki Hall is home to important music and dance groups and was later renamed Vahdat Hall.

Sports

Main article: Sport in Iran

See also: Pahlevani and zoorkhaneh rituals

Polo is a fun game that started a long time ago with Iranian tribes. People played it all over the country until big changes happened in 1979. After that, polo was mostly played in quiet, rural places. But recently, around 2005, people started talking about it more. In March 2006, there was a big and famous polo tournament, and many important games are shown on TV now.

Women in Persian culture

Main article: Iranian women

Iranian women have faced many changes in their rights and roles over time. After events in 1979, some laws became more strict for women. Despite these challenges, many Iranian women have continued to pursue education and careers. Today, women make up a large part of students in universities and work in many fields, including science, arts, and literature. Their efforts have helped bring important changes and progress in Iranian society.

Contributions to humanity in ancient history

People from Iran, also called Persians, have created many important things that helped shape our world. From making the first bricks around 6000 BC to inventing wine and the guitar, their ideas have influenced many areas of life.

Iranians also gave us early forms of games like backgammon, the world’s first charter of human rights called the Cyrus Cylinder, and the first banking system to help farmers during tough times. They introduced valuable crops such as spinach, peaches, and tulips to other parts of the world and built amazing structures like ziggurats and ancient refrigerators known as yakhchals. Their advances in science and medicine, including the foundational The Canon of Medicine by Avicenna, continue to impact us today.