Adventure with Persian Culture

Iran as we know it today is home to the most militant Islamic regime in the world. Their recently elected president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is shocking international Community nearly every time he opens his mouth, with anti-Semitic and anti-western Statements that resemble rhetoric of Hitler's Nazi regime. He also claims nationwide Support and defines fundamentalist Islam as the only existing basis for Iranian culture, which is very far from truth.

Six years ago I married an Iranian man named Alireza, and that was when my adventure with Persian culture began. It was a big surprise to my western thinking family. My Grandfather was literally crying as he envisioned me in a black chador from head to toe among the host of other wives. In like manner aunty asked me one time:” How are you going to deal with his family?”- Then paused and commented-“From what I see in the news, they are such a wild people”.

Like most people in the west, all that my polish family knew about Iran and its people was what they watched on TV since the time of revolution in 1978. Hands stained with blood, viscous murders of all political opponents, American embassy's hostage crisis, torture, polygamy and the oppression of women. All of these made them see Iranians as a violent bunch of uncivilized fanatics. When Persia was the center of a thriving civilization long before the inhabitants of the western hemisphere, could ever read or write. The founder of Persian Empire Cyrus the Great, was the first ruler in history to respect basic human rights. He gave freedom to conquered nations to express and preserve their distinct cultures, customs, languages and religions. Thus, he was the father of multiculturalism that we so applaud today. Many Iranians inside and outside their homeland identify themselves as Persians and practice their ancient customs. My husband's family is prime example of that.

After Ali and I were married in May of 2000, we went to visit them in Germany. All I knew in Persian at that time consisted of Salaam and chetori which translates:” Hello, how are you doing?”. Therefore, when we entered the apartment of Ali's brother where the rest of the family had gathered, I greeted them in Persian and the flood of hugs and kisses from women followed. My sister in-law immediately sat me by the table with a huge fruit plate on it and offered me tea with dates. I was overwhelmed with their warmth And hospitality, felt as if I was one of them and a part of the family for ages. Only language barrier reminded me otherwise. Soon I discovered that as the only Aruse Farangi( foreign wife), I was their pride and treasure.

The women dressed in much the same way as I was. Men and women spent time together every evening among the family and friends around Persian food and music, eating , telling jokes and watching movies from before the revolution. There is a lot of nostalgia and longing for lost freedom. Iranians who live abroad continue to hold on to their Persian heritage and identity. They speak Persian at home and teach their children from very young age behavioral etiquette as well as respect towards parents and elders as a whole. Husbands treat their spouses with much respect, even more than I see in the west ,including my own country of origin- Poland.

Art and poetry are also very much part of Iranian's life. Their homes are typically decorated with hand-made paintings on the skin or the ones woven in fabric. One of my brother's in-law beautifully sings well-known cultural songs, and my Father in-law writes poetry as a hobby. I cannot wait until I know Persian well enough to read it.

Ever since Persia was conquered by Arabs in seventh century AD, her people maintained their ancient values and rites. Every spring the celebration of No Rouz (New year) Continues with traditional Haft Sin( seven things that start with S) setup in every household , despite repeated attempts by Muslim clergy to stop it.

I fell in love not only with my husband, but also with his culture and people. I believe we owe them many values we enjoy today and still more, that this rich cultural spirit of Persia will overcome the temporary dark cloud of oppression and will contribute Valuable lessons to humanity in the future.

For more information about Persian culture visit : farsinet.com.