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.