This is needed. I studied the history of modern Iran in university, and, for a short while, worked intensively with Iranian refugees. In the last few days, I have seen so many ludicrously inaccurate statements about Iran. It is a country with a history and culture that is rich and complicated and the years since 1979 have been a brief blip out of the preceding millennia of civilization in that place - only to a country as young as the U.S., would mere decades be seen as culturally defining.
Curiously I wonder how our actions directed at those perceived to be our enemies could be more effective and less costly if we took the time to gain some understanding of where they are coming from. Ruth Benedict's role in WW2 comes to mind. Her analysis of Japanese culture was key in suggesting that the Emperor's role needed to be maintained during the occupation. The result speaks for itself. Our current Secretary of War declared that Iran is "toast." I'm not sure there is any real understanding of what we will do with the "toast." Great essay.
I love the impetus for this and I'm looking forward to more. I admit to knowing less of Iran than I do of Persian history and Zoroastrianism, so this will be useful and important for me in better understanding the worldview they bring to current events.
My knowledge of Iran is only through a few novels I’ve read and tales a doctor who fled around the time of the shah’s overthrow. Understanding other cultures and history is crucial to making decisions that affect the entire world’s future. Thank-you for this opportunity.
Well, what I read here is take over of the area by hordes of Patriarchal peoples, as it happened to Europe, The Mediterranean and eventually the Americas - the sad truth that gets us where we are now. Fully immersed in sick, destructive misogynist dominator culture, no matter the sometimes beauty that arises (Rumi, etc) despite the Patriarchy.
I haven’t read through all of this yet, but my biggest critique is separating out Arabia and Iran from western civilization.
Western civilization texts all begin in the Fertile Crescent. The Persian empire had the first bill of rights and had freedom of religion. Christianity was birthed there and flourished in the ME for centuries before it spread through Europe. The islamic golden age studied, and built upon Ancient Greek and Roman texts when Europe was in its dark ages. The renaissance was a result of their translations and preservation.
The ottomans called themselves the 3rd Roman Empire and adopted its administrative state, nearly attaining its borders. Its successor turkey, is in the EU and NATO.
Centuries on we cannot separate ourselves from the Islamic half, because we never have been separate civilizations. The Middle East is as western as the rest of us.
This is needed. I studied the history of modern Iran in university, and, for a short while, worked intensively with Iranian refugees. In the last few days, I have seen so many ludicrously inaccurate statements about Iran. It is a country with a history and culture that is rich and complicated and the years since 1979 have been a brief blip out of the preceding millennia of civilization in that place - only to a country as young as the U.S., would mere decades be seen as culturally defining.
You rule. Really cool idea.
Curiously I wonder how our actions directed at those perceived to be our enemies could be more effective and less costly if we took the time to gain some understanding of where they are coming from. Ruth Benedict's role in WW2 comes to mind. Her analysis of Japanese culture was key in suggesting that the Emperor's role needed to be maintained during the occupation. The result speaks for itself. Our current Secretary of War declared that Iran is "toast." I'm not sure there is any real understanding of what we will do with the "toast." Great essay.
Thank you! Wonderfully written and a great reminder that some things endure despite the devastation of war.
Great read
And this is now a nation to which our Unprecedented President says “unconditional surrender”.
Love the article and the history of Iran. I studied about this in a middle eastern class in university
Great !
Very cool and much needed- thank you, Mikey.
Reminded me of a poem I love, seemingly unrelated. It's in Russian though...
* * *
пчёлы ваш хозяин умер! я стучу по улью палкой
мы с ним ладили как будто - был он пьяница и мот
оставайтесь жить со мною мне орешника не жалко
только чур меня не жалить и делить со мною мёд
ну уж нет - гудят из улья - мы жильё свое закроем
место смертное покинем ивняки и сквозняки
завтра мы уйдем отсюда золотым чернёным роем
ты у нас как на ладони нам с тобою не с руки
ты не холоден ни жарок слишком легок слишком ярок
вот и бьют тебя мидяне персы властвуют тобой
ты любить нас не сумеешь мы ведь тоже не подарок
нас не всякий может холить ведать может не любой
нет! горчит твоя гречиха липнет тополь скучен клевер
за печатью восковою плачет сыростью перга
так и скажем королеве: завтра тронемся на север
подстригай свои поляны поливай свои луга
(Lena Eltang)
More enlightenment like this is needed in these days of ignorance. Hearty thumbs up!
Written like the re-telling of legends.
I love the impetus for this and I'm looking forward to more. I admit to knowing less of Iran than I do of Persian history and Zoroastrianism, so this will be useful and important for me in better understanding the worldview they bring to current events.
Thank you!
My knowledge of Iran is only through a few novels I’ve read and tales a doctor who fled around the time of the shah’s overthrow. Understanding other cultures and history is crucial to making decisions that affect the entire world’s future. Thank-you for this opportunity.
Outstanding read.
Well, what I read here is take over of the area by hordes of Patriarchal peoples, as it happened to Europe, The Mediterranean and eventually the Americas - the sad truth that gets us where we are now. Fully immersed in sick, destructive misogynist dominator culture, no matter the sometimes beauty that arises (Rumi, etc) despite the Patriarchy.
I haven’t read through all of this yet, but my biggest critique is separating out Arabia and Iran from western civilization.
Western civilization texts all begin in the Fertile Crescent. The Persian empire had the first bill of rights and had freedom of religion. Christianity was birthed there and flourished in the ME for centuries before it spread through Europe. The islamic golden age studied, and built upon Ancient Greek and Roman texts when Europe was in its dark ages. The renaissance was a result of their translations and preservation.
The ottomans called themselves the 3rd Roman Empire and adopted its administrative state, nearly attaining its borders. Its successor turkey, is in the EU and NATO.
Centuries on we cannot separate ourselves from the Islamic half, because we never have been separate civilizations. The Middle East is as western as the rest of us.