Recent Events in Iran

In the Iranian presidential election in 2009 Ahmadinejad’s victory was highly disputed. The victory caused large protest and corruption all over the city. His opponent Mir- Hossein Mousavi and his supporters alleged voting fraud (About Iran). In July of 2009, 1000 people were arrested and 20 killed in the corruption and violence in the street (About Iran). Many believe foreign power’s started the uprising and protest. The uprising was called the “the greatest domestic challenge” to the Islamic government in the last 30 years (About Iran).

Iran Culture

"OFFICIAL NAME:Islamic Republic of Iran (known to the West as Persia)
GeographyArea: 1.6 million sq. km. (636,295 sq. mi., slightly larger than Alaska).

Capital--Tehran

GovernmentType: Islamic republic.
Constitution: Ratified in December 1979, revised 1989."

(US Department of State).

Different then what most people believe, Iran is a very diverse country based on ansestry. The country is predominatly Persian but other groups include Arabs, Kurds, Balochi, Bakhtyari, Lurs Armenians, Assyrians, Jews, and Brahuis. The Islamic revolutions have effected the the way in which these citizens relate when it comes to government. With the fall of the Pavlavi Shahs the working class was able to play a part in the growing constitutional monarchy. These “lay people” were committed to preserving the republic and that why they were fit for the job (US Department of State).

Although the Islamic codes prevent the use of some make-ups and perfumes the modern day women still use them anyway. Iranian women are known for plastic surgery to enhance their look in public. Also with the boom in the 20th century of the cosmetic\fashion industry in the west, modern middle and upper class females might look like they came straight out of Cosmopolitan magazine at private gatherings, but are covered up when in public. “Polygamy… resulted in tense competition amongst women for looking their best” (Price). Perfumes are always in great demand. Rose and Moshk (from dried blood of gazelles) are the two most popular. Public and private bathhouses contained attendants in order to keep up the hygiene demand. Soaps are made from animal fat and shampoo is made from lotus leaves. In these gender-segregated areas messages, henna tattoos, haircuts, and threading of hair were not out of the ordinary. In the Iranian culture, removing body hair was a sign of coming of age and crossing into womanhood and only to be done at marriage. This serves as an issue for women venturing the western world as they are faced with different societal values. Iranian women face a battle that American women face too, “THE PREFECT IMAGE.” Persian literature and paintings depicts long black curly hair, small mouth, long-arched eyebrows and large almond shaped eyes, small nose, extremely thin waste line and round face with beauty spots. The are forced to compete to look like the supermodels of today when in reality beauty is skin deep (Price).

HENNA TATOOS

EYE BROW THREADING

History of Iran

The history of Iran dates back over 2500 years ago (background note: Iran). Iran had a series of Empires and dynasties that ruled their nation over the course of these years, starting with the Persian Empire. Iran has had over 41 different dynasties or empires over a 2500 year timeline. “The Islamic conquest of Persia from 633- 656 and the end of the Sassanid Empire was a big turning point in Iranian History (Ancient region: Iran). Iran government has gone from a king, monarchy, to now a republic (background note: Iran).

Ancient Persepolis

Persepolis was a city that displayed the Persians great wealth and power. Its palace complex,founded by Darius the greatin 518 B.C., was concieved to be the seat of government for Achaemenian kings and center for cerimonial festivites such as New Years. The cities primary use was to provide a lavish place of residence for kings and show off their wealth. However Persepolis was short lived, Alexander the great looted and burned all the palaces in 331-330 B.C.

(Webpath express). Alexander created one of the largest empires in ancient history and spread Greek civilization deep into the east. Persepolis was abandon soon after. The ruins of Persepolis were rediscovered in 1620, they lie at the bottom of Kuhi-i-Rahmat or"moutain of mercy." ("PERSEPOLIS").

1979 Iranian Revolution

Iranian Revolution of 1979 was provoked by decisions and policies made by the Shah (emperor of Iran.) In the 1950's a political crisis developed over the control of the oil industry. The prime minister, Muhammad Mossadegh, pressed the Shah for more power over oil which caused an outbreak of fighting, Mossadegh was put in jail. This made many people unhappy with the Shah. Throughout the 1960's the Shah took charge of economic development and started a strong policy on modernization, this left very few benefits for the average citizen. Shiite Muslims were also made very unhappy with the new policy because it declined traditional power to the Shiites. They believed in traditional Islamic law and followed a clergy man by the name of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini despite his exile in 1963. By 1987 riots became civil war and popular opposition forced the Shah to leave the country. After the Shah left, Khomeini returned in Feb. 1979 and established an Islamic Republic, which is the theocratic form of government that the Shiites wanted. On December 2nd he became absolute ruler for life.("1979 Iranian Revolution").

Sean Dwyer

Iranian Women

When everyone thinks of Iranian women they think of the clothing that covers there entire body revealing only thier eyes when in fact the women of this country are working hard to fight the stereo type and relate with the western world...




Even in Ancient Mesopotamian times they wives and mothers of the kings were treated with much respect and formally educated. They had the ability to take the place of their husband in times in their absense when he was dealing with foreign affairs. Sadly though, men and women were and still are not seen as equals. Most of the time women will not make eye contact with men during conversations ("World Edition: Iran").Many women have wanted to change the way they are viewed in this country. About 25 years after women’s suffrage in the US was achieved, a human rights activist and lawyer Shirin Edadi, worked to promote causes for women and children. She wanted fair inheritance laws and divorces. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003 for her efforts in democracy and human rights ("World Edition: Iran"). This is just one famous woman who made a difference in her area. As you see in the video there are everyday women standing up for themselves by participating in the fire department or something just a simple as revealing their hair (something very against the law.)

This is a political cartoon displaying how women don't have the rights to do what they want like the strive for.

These are two pictures of women years ago and modern day fighting for fairness in thier constitution!