WHY KNOW IRAN ?

Beyond the negative politics, media fuelled stereotypes and misconceptions lies a people, culture and land that the world deserves to know.

This website offers an introductory glimpse into aspects of Iran that rarely make the headlines: it’s surprisingly varied landscape, it’s hospitable people (it’s bold and talented women and youth in particular) it’s rich culture, it’s ancient history, its traditional and modern art, it’s delicious food, it’s fascinating contemporary fashion scene, it’s eclectic music, it’s impressive sporting achievements, it’s renowned cinema, it’s epic and poetic literature, it’s undiscovered wildlife and much more.

Online material on all of these topics is out there - but it’s buried under an ocean of negative ‘political stuff’ i.e the stuff about the Iranian government and its actions at home and abroad. So, here is small island in that ocean, where you can take a respite from the politics and browse, see and learn some positive things about the people of Iran and their beautiful land and culture. To this end I search out, categorise, and curate positive, non-political videos, photos and articles relating to Iran under one easy to browse and share roof. The Know Iran website is the sole and prime focus of this endeavour and as such Instagram and YouTube channels - though slowly taking shape- are taking a back seat for now. This website is therefore designed primarily to be experienced on a desktop computer.

It’s time to know Iran…a land of 24 UNESCO World Heritage sites, snow-capped mountains and skiing slopes, lush grasslands, vast leafy forests, golden beaches and mesmerising deserts. A country with a profoundly rich and influential 3,000 + year history, culture, architecture and cuisine; the birthplace of the world’s first monotheistic religion, the Persian Empire and Cyrus the Great - who freed the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity and established the first ever charter of human rights; the land of beloved mystical poets Rumi, Hafez and Khayyam; and, above all, the home of a great people: innately hospitable and peace loving and hugely talented - particularly it’s courageous youth and women who, against all odds, continue to push the boundaries of progress and achievement in the fields of art, film, architecture, fashion, sport, academia and beyond.

I hope you enjoy the journey.

July 2018.