Music is embedded into the Iranian nation. Played in restaurants, at weddings and occasionally in the street, the sweet sound of Persian music rings through the country. Iran’s history with music is long-lived. Dating back to the Elamite era, 800 BCE, the music of Iran has always been a firm form of expression. Although IranContinue reading “The Traditional Musical Instruments of Iran”
Author Archives: zarairene
The Door to a Lesser Side of Iran
“We don’t just have Muslims and mosques in Iran,” grins my guide, Saeed, revealing the gaps in his teeth and a deep river of wrinkles around his mouth. His dark grey shirt clings to his body in the blaze of overwhelming heat as he pushes open the time-worn door of the Vank Cathedral. It standsContinue reading “The Door to a Lesser Side of Iran”
The Persian Picnic
Tap, tap, tap, clink, clink, clink. Coppersmiths and metalworkers chip away at their material of choice in the Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Esfahan. The trickling sound of black tea emerges, hot and steaming from a traditional samovar. The call to prayer roars through the dusty streets of Mashhad followed by scurries of worshippers making theirContinue reading “The Persian Picnic”
A Slower Pace to Cook
With a looming lockdown and uncertainty of when we can travel again, there’s been a sudden need to adapt to this brand new way of life. There’s no rush, no immediacy, no desperate need to have to be somewhere. We are more laid-back, plodding on at a steady speed and are simply savouring being atContinue reading “A Slower Pace to Cook”
Best UNESCO Heritage Sites in Iran
With a growing list of over twenty UNESCO Heritage Sites, there are a range of landmarks to discover in Iran. You can walk around majestic ancient ruins or soak up the rich history of the Qajar dynasty to name a few. Here is a guide to the five best UNESCO spots in Iran for someContinue reading “Best UNESCO Heritage Sites in Iran”
The Best Parks and Gardens in Iran
As spring has just arrived, green spaces are rifer than ever in Iran. Playing a huge part in Iranian culture, the great outdoors is well loved by everyone throughout the country. Parks, and Persian gardens, are a big attraction, with a number of the latter being awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Here is a guideContinue reading “The Best Parks and Gardens in Iran”
Welcome to Iran – A World Premiere
Stratford East in London will be presenting a new production this spring. From the 18th April–16th May, Welcome to Iran will be on its stage. The show is about Ava, a British Iranian in her twenties. After her father passes away, she travels to Iran to discover her past, heritage and culture. She delves deepContinue reading “Welcome to Iran – A World Premiere”
Q&A with Writer Lois Pryce
Author Lois Pryce spent two months riding on a motorcycle in Iran. She covered 3000 miles of the country in 2013 and 2014. She documented her travels in her third book, Revolutionary Ride, which was published in 2017. She has a never-ending love for Iran. Learning so much about the country and meeting the warmContinue reading “Q&A with Writer Lois Pryce”
The Edinburgh Iranian Festival Returns
The Edinburgh Iranian Festival will be returning from 6–12th March 2020. The theme for this year is ‘Gender and Freedom of Movement in Iranian Society’ featuring an impressive schedule of documentaries, short and feature films. Various filmmakers will be present ready to answer any questions after the screenings. The National Museum of Scotland is alsoContinue reading “The Edinburgh Iranian Festival Returns”
The Best Hikes in Iran
Iran is a country that enjoys four seasons year round. With that comes a plethora of outdoor activities to enjoy at various points throughout the calendar. One activity which you’ll be able to enjoy for the majority of the year is hiking. It is hugely popular throughout the country and there are numerous trails ofContinue reading “The Best Hikes in Iran”
Another Iran 