WHY KNOW IRAN ?

Beyond the negative politics, media fuelled stereotypes, misconceptions and war mongering - lies an ancient civilisation, people, culture and land that the world truly deserves to know.

This website offers an introductory glimpse into aspects of Iran that rarely make the headlines: it’s extremely hospitable, sophisticated, educated and peace-loving people (it’s bold and talented women and youth in particular) it’s rich culture, it’s stunning and surprisingly varied landscape, it’s fascinating ancient history, its incredible traditional and modern art, it’s delicious and historic cuisine, it’s vibrant contemporary fashion and art scene, it’s rich and eclectic music, it’s impressive sporting achievements, it’s world-renowned and prize winning cinema, it’s epic world famous poetry and literature, it’s breathtaking ancient and modern architecture including it’s 24 Unesco World Heritage Sites and much more.

Online material on all of these topics is out there - but it’s buried under an ocean of incredibly negative, one-sided, biased, misleading, largely political and increasingly warmongering western media content. So, here is a small island in that ocean, where you can take a respite from the politics to watch. read and learn some positive things about Iran. To this end Know Iran collects and curate positive, non-political videos, photos and articles relating to Iran under one easy to access, browse and share roof. The Know Iran website is the sole and prime focus of this endeavour and as such Instagram and YouTube channels - have taken a back seat for now until volunteers can be found to help with this endeavour (please use the contact us page to get in touch if so) . 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 major empire and ethical 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 world renowned mystical poets Rumi, Hafez and Khayyam; and, above all, the home of a great people: innately hospitable, sophisticated, 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.