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mirrorPUBLICATION OF THE CULTURAL COUNCIL OF THE EMBASSY OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF , NAIROBI-KENYA MARCH 2019 | Issue No. 7 ‘Samanoo’, symbolises rebirth Profile The Cultural Council of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Nairobi promotes mutual understanding and cultural co-operation among people of Kenya and Iran in Contents line with the principles of the cultural agreement between Editorial...... 4 Iran and Kenya. Boosting production is the pivotal issue of the new .... 5 The Cultural Council aims to create enduring partnership between Iran and other cultures and we do this by creating President in the message to the Iranian opportunities to connect with the latest skills, ideas and experience from Iran. Nation ...... 7

Activities Imam Khomeini sought material and spiritual progress Library: The Cultural Council has a very rich library consisting on ...... 9 of myriad of books in the field of Everything you need to know about Persian New Year and literature. Besides, books on human sciences, history of Iran, Islamic studies, world history, religion, Islamic ‘Nowruz” ...... 10 philosophy, a large number of books on social sciences, political science, culture and art are also available for A Fire Festivity: Cheharshanbeh-Suri ...... 14 readers and scholars. Nowruz celebration in East Africa ...... 17 Film and Art Division: The film and art division consists of video and audio tapes Why Iran creates soome of the world’s best films .... 19 of classical Persian music, art books, calligraphy models, Iranian female Proffessor wins UK award in Science attractive sceneries, handicrafts and various prominent Iranian films. In addition, film festivals and cultural and Technology ...... 21 exhibitions in various parts of Kenya are also organised by this Office. Space technology, future market for Iranian Public Relations Department: entreprenuer ...... 23 The department arranges meetings with prominent Zilu-An original Artform from Iran ...... 26 personalities from the domain of Kenya art and culture. Organises seminars, round table discussions and cultural Poet’s Musoleum, a Prime cultural destination ...... 29 programmes. Leader urges preservation of natural resources and Information Centre: The centre provides necessary information about Iranian vegetation ...... 32 art, culture and all other facets of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Sizdah Bedar, Iran’s nature Day ...... 36 Distribution Unit: Solid growth: A review of Iran’s tourism in 2018 .....39 This unit is responsible for providing Persian books, periodicals, magazines to the Persian loving people. Persian Language Teaching Centre: This unit is responsible for organising Beginners, Intermidiate and advance level Persian courses for interested students. Besides, the unit has introduced Persian language teaching programme in Kenyan Universities. Scholarship for Kenyan Students We offer scholarships to study in the Islamic Republic of CULTURAL COUNCIL Iran to pursue either Bachelors, Masters or PhD. Please EMBASSY OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN visit www.irankenya.org for more information. NAIROBI-KENYA

Translation Unit: AmBank House, 11th Floor, University Way The Cultural Council also does translation of books from +254-02) 2241216 (+254) 713 836041 Persian to English. [email protected] www.nairobi.icro.ir www.irankenya.org irani culture Graphic Editor/Production Graphic EDIT 4 Email: [email protected] Tel: +254713836041 P.o. Box 59595-00200 Executive Director Mahmoud Majlesain www.irankenya.org Editor/R Mwinyi Ramadhani www.nairobi.icro.ir Khamis Mohamed IRAN MIRROR mbassy of I.R.I Embassy of Cultural Council IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 Nairobi-Kenya ORIAL TEAM Distribution Osman Rajab Athman Farsi Mr. MahmoudMajlesain esearch I rituals, andfestive events. the social practices, preserving of recognizing the importance Intangible Cultural Heritage, unique Nowruz onitslistof Persia.of religion official the once were that religions monotheistic first the world’sZoroastrian, one of holiday to can be traced back Islam and Christianity. This are so ancient,itpredates ancient Persian culture. festival thatisthebedrock of Nowruz,a two-week long the beginning of marks countries, the vernal equinox nature. honoring therebirth of winterbehindand hardships of symbolically leaving the 1398 the Persianin calendar, theyear the beginningof springinIran.first day of 4,000 years, the also marks has been celebrated for nearly day” in Persian. Nowruz, which means“new Nowruz, which traditional Iranian festival of celebrates theancientand race, faithand ethnicity, theirreligion, regardless of New Year 1398. edition on Nowruz , Iranian edition features a special Mirror Magazine March theseasons, Iran of turning Nowruz andthe n honorof In 2009, UNESCOinscribed Nowruz The originsof In Iran and several other This year Nowruz marks Iranians,Millions of Editorial energy intotheirnew year. so peoplecanbringfresh,new Cleanliness keeps evilaway, than a deep spring cleaning. more butthisismuch sorted, and closetsare paint, coat of are washed, walls get a fresh the house”inPersian. Rugs literally means“shakingdown which with khanehtekani, weeksthe festivities inadvance barleysprouts, orlentil to wheat, sabzeh, atypeof typical spreadcouldinclude with theletterSinPersian. A symbolic objects, allbeginning arrangement displays seven traditions. This tabletop Nowruz S’s) of is at the heart celebrated. everywhere thatNowruz is New Year 1398 in Iran and patience. serkeh, orvinegar, topromise for beautifulsunrises;and represents beauty; sumac fruit health; seeb, or apples, which affluence; love; seer, orgarlic, for good senjed, aPersian olive, for representing pudding,a sweet typeof symbolize rebirth;, People preparing for start The “Haft-Seen” Seven( Wishing you a Happy T 1398/2019 Khamenei’s Nowruz Message theNew Year:issue of Imam Boosting Productionisthepivotal Commander of the Faithful and Imam of thePious(a.s.). the Faithful and Imamof Commander of the anniversarycoincides with the auspicious birth of the dear Iranian nation onthisyear’s Nowruz, which Nowruz, thePersianoccasion of New Year. Dear compatriots, may this eid be an auspicious one I thank God for ordaining that I may congratulate Transform conditions! ourconditiontothe bestof upreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution—onSupreme Leader of the 21, 2019, byon March Ayatollah Khamenei—the he following is the full text the message issued of In the Name of Allah,theBeneficent,Merciful In theNameof O’ the Transformer of power andconditions O’theTransformer of O’ the Conqueror of hearts andsights O’ theConqueror of O’ the Planner of nightandday O’thePlannerof His Eminence Ayatullah Ali Khamene addressing the Nation ontheNew Year theNation AliKhameneaddressing His EminenceAyatullah NO WR UZ and – according to theirown words – ‘unprecedented’ the youthof foiled the harsh theirplans. In the face of thenationanddetermination and insightof solidity They hadmany plotsfor theIranian nation.However, the theword. Theenemiesdevised manysense of plans. passed, theIranian nationshonebrightly inthetrue themartyrs. Imam [Khomeini]andtothepuresoulsof ourmagnanimous greetings totheimmaculatesoulof and their families. And I would like to send abundant themartyrs, thedeardisabledwarof families veterans willing. and with increasingworldly spiritual achievements, God happiness, withphysical health,with joyfuland hearts for you.youpass this year Ihopethatallof will with We experienced an eventful year. Inthe year that I especially wish to congratulate the esteemed IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019

5 IRAN MIRROR is an important matter.is an important people’s of Thesame is true the national currency the decrease in the value of of the economy, theissuesthatwe have aremany: theissue the economy.the present time istheissueof Regarding country’s urgent and serious matter and its priorityin people shouldfeeltheimpact. begins from thismoment:theyear 1398 – and the be implemented throughout thisyear – theyear that been devised.ByAllah’s favor, thesemeasuresshould be compensated for. plans and measures have Certain definitely should which matters, economic of area the in management inefficient to related is problems these people’s livelihood problems have increased.Part of be economic problems. Especially in recent months, Revolution andourIslamicRepublic. our nation, our thank God - increase the reputation of the enemies and therebyenmity and malevolence of - the their grandeur and their greatness in theface of tasks. other such and Refinery Abbas Bandar large the of inauguration Parsgas few a just field days before and ago the that, theSouth differentphasesof istheinauguration of which thecountry,fundamental products of anexample of and companies andanincreaseininfrastructural a innovations, technical knowledge-basedsubstantial increaseinthenumberof and scientific in increase an the economic confrontation, itwas manifested through throughout the year. Asfor thepeople’s positionin 6 What Iwould like tomentioninthisregard isthatthe thecountrycontinuesto The mainproblem of Therefore, thepeople managed to show their power, IRAN MIRROR IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 rally 11] and the people’s [February positions that response was Bahman the great 22nd of theeconomy.and inthearenaof powerful politics responseboth inthearenaof Europe, theIranian nationgave asolidand sanctions imposed by the In the arena of politics, themanifestationof In thearenaof United States and NO WR blessings! those nationswhocelebrate Nowruz. bestow happiness and bliss ontheIranian nationand all for you dear peopleand I askAllahtheExaltedto sake). Iplead for theprayers that noble personality of the Imam the of Time (may our souls be sacrificed for his Godwilling.achieved, we hope that the solution toeconomic problems will be be completelytangibleinthecountry. thishappens, If theyear,the beginningtoendof thisnotionshould boost production inthecountry. ByAllah’s favor, from Production”. Everyone shouldtrytodowhatthey can to forI have this year chosen is: “The Year Boosting of is a pivotal issuethisyear. Therefore, theslogan toagreatextent. thenationalcurrency in thevalue of and it can solve theproblems relatedtothedecrease and from the enemies, itcan eliminate unemployment it canensurethecountry’s independence from foreigners production is boosted, it can solveIf livelihood problems, explainyear’s Iwill whatImeanby speech, ‘production’. ouractivities. ByAllah’sthe pivot favor, of inmy new Iwouldimportance. like production tomake theissueof great of is production of issue the year, This influence. welcomed exert and acted on it.Thiswillcertainly its received to a great extent, and in many cases, the people fully implemented,but what Ican say isthat it was well Iranian Products”. Icannotsay thatthisslogan was is theexpansion nationalproduction. of experts, oneconcludesthatthekey toalltheseproblems of viewpoints the from benefitted having and research them.Thesearetheproblems. someof Basedon of factories, theirlowered capacity andtheclosingdown power.purchasing Thesame condition exists regarding UZ) Greetings be upon you and Allah’s and mercy I wish to send my peace and greetings to heartfelt That iswhy production Ibelieve thattheissueof I named the year 1397, “The Year of upport forSupport Iranian nation President in a New Year message to absence of even onepersoncan incur losses”. absence of in, participate should people all which in battlefield, a continued. entering our country from outside the borders,” he efforts”. overcome victory through all issuesand achieve more Hassan Rouhani stressed,“Donotdoubt that we will decisions, nationalintegrityandmoreeffort. year, andnamedtheNew Year new astheyear of and problemsthe achievements that people faced last in the first minutes of year 1398, President Rouhani listed inflation, more friendshipharnessing with all neighbours Washington, but ends by us. ThisNew Year is theyear of problems. Issues began with enemies, newcomers in for theyoung. Wefeel responsibletowards all must The Presidentalsowent ontosay, “Today, we arein disorder and our problems isenemies,“The basis of In themessage that was broadcasted on TV, Dr In atelevisedNew Year addresstotheIranian nation New Year production, theyear efforts, of employment President Rouhani addressing the nation during the ushering in of theNew Year. during the usheringinof President Rouhani thenation addressing NO WR UZ) less important instead of more important issuesisthe moreimportant insteadof less important failure,”our victoryandtheenemies’ said the President. on February 11. But all of thesedays were 11. Butallof on February thedays of goals on November 4, celebrating their victory in Iran 11”. as February points inhistorysuch Iran and glorious the people of resistance of the year of organisations court, international and the international theIranian nationat terrorism, victoryof theyear of on tosay, “Last year was victory against the year of springandmoderation,” hesaid. atmosphere of behind, andenteringthe winter the harddays of theNewfirst days of Year”. announce government will its new programmes inthe and morefriendshipwithallneighbourssaid,“The balanced, rates exchange making inflation, harnessing Dr Rouhani also emphasised, “Paying attention to “Anti-Iranians thought that they alltheir could reach theIslamicRepublic Iran alsowent The Presidentof “Nowruz meansgreenness, freshnessandleaving He alsodescribed New Year as theyear of IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019

7 IRAN MIRROR a few countries, stoodby theIranian nation”. sanctions, butwe saw that all countries, except for wouldworld anditsallies standby it inthese hands,” addedthePresident. to power inWashington, buttheendisatour by theenemiesandthosewhohave recentlycome great Iranian nation that problems have started and bethere?Iwouldsanctions will like totellthe feelresponsibleintheseconditions”. life must workers, producers, and peoplefrom allwalks of forces,armed universities, academia, farmers, adding, the “The government, other branches, 8 “Great people of Iran! We“Great peopleof have notstarted He added, “The enemy thought that the entire when theseproblems“Someone mightaskuntil We feel responsible, allmust saidRouhani, IRAN MIRROR IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 inflicted lossesonour own forces”. we rightorleft,we attack have indeed said, “Whentheenemy isbefore us, if he battlefield, the in veryis,is important gravest strategic mistake inlife”. Stating thatknowing wheretheenemy People enjoying inapark NO WR from violence, divisionandfault-finding”. the Almighty, keep our mindsand tongues away that thosewhoimposedsanctionsonusfailed”. theirpeopleand authorities. Thismeans side of great Iranian nation, we saw respect from the neighbours aswell: RussiaandIraq”. and , and my last visits ended with withneighbours:fromstarted Turkmenistan visits first my year, last had I that visits foreign passion, vigilanceandawareness inallvisits”. year, Ivisited10provinces andIsawpeople’s decisions, moreintegrityand effort,” hesaid,“Last broke theirpromise, showed identity”. theirtrue our promises and adhered to ourvows. Thosewho this; we areagreat nation whohave been loyal to UZ) At the end of hismessage,At theendof DrRouhani said,“Oh “Wherever Iwent the astherepresentative of He alsosaid,“Iam happy that among 12 Stating that “New Year new istheyear of I ing the way Iranians viewed this day has been influen- been has day this viewedway Iranians the ing oppressed nationsacross theglobe. powerbalance of intheregionandboostedmorale of thehistoryalsochanged ings atasensitive junctureof Imam revived divinevalues- andgenuine Islamicteach the country. to playlife akey role andprogress inreconstruction of year, Imam also encouraged people from all walks of New Persian of start Year. each Inthebeginningof transform themselves. to recommendfaithfulpeople tomorally andspiritually Newsages Persian issuedontheoccasion of year used itualty, law. brotherhood of andrule Inhishistoricmes- lic onNowruz always spir usedtoseekpromotion of theIslamicRepubmam Khomeini,thelatefounder of Imam Khomeini’s role inhonoring Nowruz and chang The IslamicRevolutionunder thewiseleadershipof springand the Nowruz commencesthebeginning of Imam Khomeinisoughtmaterialand spiritual progress onNowruz NO WR UZ) - - - 1360 AHS everyone shouldactwithintheirown limits.” transgress it.Nooneshouldactagainst thelawand Everyone shouldabide by thelawand no oneshould our country proves to firmly establish therule of the law. allrevolutions; and I hopethatinthiscurrentyear,cel of and par arepart front any transgression, which kindof succeed in fulfilling all the needs this of nation; and con- lead this country toward prosperity and welfare and collectively together and unite shall officials the all and equality and that the entire nation and the government mercy,the year of blessings, purity, brotherhood, and Nowruz comeasfollowing:Imam ontheoccasionof tial. make“I amhopefulthatGodAlmightywill thisyear Some phrases from ahistoricmessage delivered by Occasion: nset of the Iranian NewOnset of Year (Nourouz) IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019

9 IRAN MIRROR - F Georgia. Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan,Kosovo,Iraqi Kurdistan and , Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Albania, national calendarinclude: Iran, ,Azerbaijan, holiday. Countriesthat have inscribed Nowruz in their the worldobserve 11 countries across people in million to statistics, over 187 calendar. According of day intheIranian Farvardin first the 21, festivity, fallsonMarch joyous12 more days of followsNowruz, which in thePersian calendar 10 The first day of day first The

which has been the most important national holiday has been the most important which Year, aptlynamedNowruz (literally, ‘New Day’), or Iranians, springheralds theadvent theNew of IRAN MIRROR IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 Persian New Year ‘Nowruz’ Everything you needtoknow about A bunch of green sprouts is placed on a car as part a tradition to mark Sizdah greensprouts atradition Bedar, tomark isplacedonacaraspart of for green A bunch whenfamiliessetoff Nowruz as anational for centuries. Humanity in2009. the IntangibleCultural Heritage of UNESCO’s Representative Listof as 3,000years, was inscribedon This ancient rite, dating as far back Families aparkenjoying thenew yearfestive at season and openspaces. NO WR Turkmenistan case of tojoin Iran onthe multinational from Afghanistan, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and and inscribedinUNESCO ’sin 2016 list upon therequest Humanity in2009.Thecase wasof onceagain updated Representative the Intangible Cultural Heritage Listof as3,000years,back was inscribedonUNESCO’s States, theUnitedKingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, , Egypt, France, theRepublicTatarstan, of theUnited but not considered as a national holiday include India, UZ Countries whereNowruz iscelebrated by thepeople rite, dating as far the globe. Thisancient many peoplearound byis observed so cultural heritage that Nowruz isanimportant Sweden. Syria, China,UAEand Germany, Lebanon, As you can see, optimist, or Halloween, you even if are too old to don to Christmas, you even arenotaChristian,oran if asyou don’t Nowruz,whenitcomes much observing of doing them?,butyou cannotdisputethevitalimportance that do not make senseanymore, sowhy are we still Nowruz. sendinggreetings toIranians celebratingwiggle outof nucleardeal, couldnot Iran todismantlethelandmark immigrating to theUS rhetoric, banned behind ananti-Muslim Iranians from the current onatableintheWhiteHouse. Evenand artistically theObama of the pictures family gathered around ‘Haftseen’ setmeticulously seen or office, in years by USPresidentObama former during allhiseight You Nowruz…”. may have heard the Nowruz felicitation messages of significance historical and cultural the the Nowruz Resolution by a 384–2 vote, “Recognizing Representatives theUnitedStatespassed House of of 2010, the Iranianspring festival origin. On 15 March of Nowruz Day in2010, describing it as a of International Nowruz. TheUN’s General Assemblyrecognized the Because you cansay allyou want about ancient rituals US President,Trump, who threw hisweight , and keeps threats at hurling NO Families enjoying traditional kebabs WR UZ of SantaClaus, perhaps,of whosingaboutNowruz inthe soot. Theythe Persian Firuz’, arecalled‘Haji equivalent in bright red clothes and a felt hat, faces covered in coming from a tambourine, played by people dressed morning, and thejoyous singingandmusic soundof matthiola, and streetsbuzzingwithactivitylateinthe hyacinths,shops lined up with pots of violets, and blossoms, drizzles, morning are infused with the scent of or house appliance. The days leading up to Farvardin redecorating,‘housecleaning’, and buyingnew clothes to prepare for itonemonth in advance, through holiday in the Iranian calendar. people begin As such, celebrate theirNew Year. the SilkRoad, butherewefocus will onhow Iranians customs and practices across countries along them. of with them,and the Nowruz ceremony isone indispensable topeoplewhohave grown up Some practices, nomatter how ancient,are a creepy costumeandgotrick-or-tricking. Nowruz annual mightaswellbe themostimportant But what is Nowruz? The riteshares many Nowruz inIran IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019

11 IRAN MIRROR the first month begins, you will be sleepy throughout the of day first the when sleeping are you if instance, For be doingthe exactwill samething throughout theyear. Hemisphere–you winterintheNorthern and the endof spring thebeginning of marks equinox –which March this tradition: whatever you aredoingrightbefore the New Year. Thereisaninterestingsuperstitioninvolved in equinox to celebrateexact the March the moment of ‘Haftseen’ (literally, theseven S’s) rightbefore the to gather around a traditional table setting called Nowruz. respects to their loves ones on the last days before fireworks instead. is mine.’ Inthemetropolis ,be lotsof there will yellow yours;sickly is ‘My paleness your color red fiery overjumping includes singing while bonfires which Suri’, another popular tradition called ‘Chaharshanbe observe light. traffic lighttoturn tonespossibleas you are waitingmost cheerful for the 12 It is very important for all members of thefamily It isveryfor important allmembers of go tothecemeterypaySome familieswill their thelastWednesdayOn theeve of theyear, of Iranians IRAN MIRROR IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 Haftseen (TheSeven S’s) NO NO WR WR the family to symbolize fertility, gold fish in a bowl, as bowl, a in fish fertility,gold symbolize to family the the onesyou seeonEaster Day) member of for each (symbolizing purityand sincerity), decorated eggs (like wealth), candles (symbolizinglightand dawn), mirror ascoin(symbolizing include someothervarieties such setting. Butover theyears, Haftseenhasbegun to strength mind. on my current stateof year, my fatefor theentireyearbe decided will based 20 this at7:45 PM onMarch about this moment,asif three inthemorning. Even as an adult now, Istillcare equinox was the March no matter if going to happen at showered, dressedinourbestclothes,awake, andfully year. we tookgreat care to be freshly Soas children, UZ UZ These are the seven 7. rebirth 6. Sabzeh(sprouts); symbolof 5. Samanu(sweet abundance pudding);symbolof patience 4. Somaq(sumac);symbolof progress3. Serkeh (vinegar) andchange symbolof health 2. Seer(garlic); symbolof beautyand love1. Seeb (apple);symbolof ea-buckthorn) symbol of stability and symbol of Senjed (Sea-buckthorn) Now, makesaHaftseen? what S’s go into any that must Haftseen Sabzi polow with fish, and dolma (cooked vegetables, (cooked dolma and fish, with polow Sabzi New Year’s, Reshteh polow (ricecooked withnoodles), sabzi (herbs and vegetable soufflé) served for dinner on Nowruz, includingAsh-ereshteh(a noodlesoup),Kuku year todoso. planning to visit Tehran, the Nowruz is the best time of decidedly less crowded you during Nowruz. If are country. Tehran that,thestreetsof Because of become are, orsometouristdestinationinsideoutsidethe totheirhometownsometimes back wheretheirfamilies would behorrifiedtofindout youhave eaten. confections, and generally everything your dietitian exciting-looking flour), rice from made (cookies berenji sweetsvariety of and ajil (trail mix),baklava, nan are busy hosting relatives close and distant, with a wide Nowruz days holidays,During thethirteen of households relative visiting,period of called ‘Eid Didani’inPersian. the New Year, onanintensive Iranian people embark looks better. Some familieswould compete over whose Haftseen Hafiz. of Divan the or Shahnameh of book the as well There are also some special dishes served during There arealsosomespecialdishesserved Many to go on vacation; people would also choose of heralds thestart After thespringequinox which Customs andCuisine Families playing during the‘Sizdar Bedar’ inapark NO NO WR WR UZ UZ year betterthanthepreviousone. hoping forready to their jobs and schools, a to go back joy, daysthirteen of relaxationand fun and getting having a good time before having to say goodbye to around, familiesbarbequing next totheirtents, everyone running and football playing and kites flying children over thecity, intheparks, onthesquares, next torivers, for someinterestingspectacle: colorful tentserected all Nowruz holidays areover. havebecause it isconsideredabadomentostill itwhen outdoors,picnicking and throwing away your Sabzeh bedar (literally, Outdoor) is tospend time Thirteen inPersianbring bad luck folklore.Sizdah Theidea of days,thirteen isalsoconsideredto andnumberthirteen As mentionedbefore, Nowruz holidays last too. Andithasaspecialname:Sizdah bedar. meat andricerolled ingrape leaves). If youIf are in Tehran on NowruzThe lastday holidays of isspecial, Sizdah bedar IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 Sizdah bedar, you are in

13 IRAN MIRROR A because the city feels like being under siege; fireworkssiege; under being like feels city the because injured. Many prefer to stay at home before nightfall, and people areburned year dozensof spectacle. Each firecrackers diverted fromimported theoriginalbasics. or locally-made from fireworks by accompanied been red color; Andtake my pallor). back sickly az man;Zardi-ye manazto”(Give meyour beautiful notably people jumping over fire shouting “Sorkhi-ye to Iranian calendar year, marked by uniquecustoms,most come true. andbad misfortunes omens, hopingthat wisheswill according to tradition, isa bid to ward all the off 14 People jumpingthefireduringNowruz In bigcities, Chaharshanbeh- Suri can be afrightening years,Over the past couple of the occasion has celebratedIt is onthelastTuesday the nightof IRAN MIRROR IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 a deeply-rooted-in-time ceremony that, New Year, Chaharshanbeh-Suri, people observe Iranian the salute to preparations final mongst “Chaharshanbeh-Suri” People jumpingthe fireduringtheFirefestival duringNowruz A firefestivity: NO WR aiis n fins ahr y uce o oe fires open of bunches by gather friends and families night before thelastWednesday theyear when of gestures merriment. yearsZoroastrians ago. hundredsof spirits, thedeparted aspracticed byof visits ancient Wednesdayunlucky theyear. of This act re-enacts the (Qashoq-Zani or spoon banging) to beat out the last the streets banging on pots and pans with spoons are stillpracticed moreorlessacross thecountry. generation. thecountry’son avaluable past to thenext pieceof in therightmanner, many believe thatthey arepassing every second,shakingwindows.go off UZ A fire festivity, Chaharshanbeh-Suri is held onthe isheld Chaharshanbeh-Suri festivity, fire A and songs feasts, fireworks, with ends night The Shrouded people, young through andold,run The event otherrituals that plays hosttoa number of However, itisanancient custom and by celebrating it with redpossiblyreferringto‘fire’. ‘red’, hence the variant translation ‘Red Wednesday’, ‘Wednesday Festivity’. in Persian ‘Chaharshanbe Tuesday theyear, evening) before of theturn called spring. natureontheeve of euphoria of a symbolize may festivity the short, In fires. open over myback wintrysallowness,”they while arejumping wishes would cometrue. andbad the misfortunes omens withhopesthattheir Chaharshanbeh-S observed and keep themlittilldawn. Chaharshanbe Ahura Mazda. presence of visible the be to considered and sacred is fire where the ritualhas its roots inancientZoroastrian traditions, tradition from oldtimes. Thepopularopinionisthat Either way, ‘Chaharshanbe thelastWednesday Theeve of (sotechnically, People “Givechant me your fiery red color and take Narratives say that ancient Iranians originally ‘Fire’, therefore, is the defining element of element defining the is therefore, ‘Fire’, A PERSIANboy leapsoverat the24thAnnual Chaharshanbeat Ambleside abonfire Suriheld Park, West Vancouver, Suri, and the practice mainly involves Some argue also means that ‘suri’ uri’, which literally means which Suri’, uri inabidtoward all off uri’ is a (barely) surviving is a(barely)surviving Suri’ NO WR March 182014 March UZ or Falgush-Neshini (Eavesdropping), where and coals with filled urn worthless coinsdown to drive the roof away misfortunes, an throw people which in receive ajil(trail mix),orKuze-Shekani (Urn-Breaking), door-to-door whilebanging a spoonagainst abowl to you trick-or-treatingwhere young will, if of peoplego Ghashogh-Zani (Spoon-banging), thePersian equivalent this special festivity, of as traditions that are part such festivity andfun. friends andeveryone you careaboutinatimeof family members, asanoccasiontojoin centuries served the Persian New Year, thenew beginnings, and has for fire. theburning liveliness andsplendorof soot you have collected over the year with the symbolic move toexchange allthedust and mantra you say as you jump, make each ina a like is mine.’ It is color red fiery youryours; yellowalong withit:‘Mysickly palenessis over them.Thereisanicesongthatgoes jumping and streets the in bonfires up setting I couldtellyou about all themany different of spring, coming the heralds fire’ of ‘festival The IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 girls hide girls

15 IRAN MIRROR now you need firecrackers to ward off evil spirits (or spirits evil off to ward firecrackers nowyouneed life, modern and misfortunes bad memories typical of is nolonger allthe enough topurifyyour of psyche fire overthe jumping dangerous,sometimes if too.As a and scary and Loud, firecrackers. into off setting of night bonfires over jumping from deforming say, has been over theyears transforming, orsomewould themetropolis,time. Butinthebustleof thefestivity on the street totalk,connect, sing and have a good people from a neighborhood gather around a bonfire remind you Guy Fawkes of Night,perhaps), where Suri traditions is the jumping over bonfires may (which aboutthemisinbooksoronlinesources to learn not even aware these customs, and the onlyplace of life. Sadly,transitioned intomodern many peopleare traditions left now, especially in bigger cities that have is, thereisbarelythe truth any thoseinteresting of passersby their wisheswould but come true; to see if behind awallto theconversations andlisten of 16 Perhaps, theCharshanbe themostpersisting of IRAN MIRROR IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 NO WR traditions, thatis. generations wouldbe curiousaboutthelong-lost still and pictures for the next generations. the next If altogether. Atleast, onecan store theminwords practice, and thenyou begintolose thepractice inevitable. First,you losethemeaningbehind sometimes even standingstill. the skyisclear, and time seemstomove even slower, in smallercities, areas, rural where the air iscleaner, centuries-old customs traditional songs and observing localpeopleonthestreets, singing catching of chance life. You modern and pollution,of have abetter among all the glitter and sparkle, as well as the dust to theancienttimes, arehavingahard time surviving noises. an unsuspectingpasserby) by makingloudexplosion UZ Losing traditions totimeand progress is sad but Traditions, as especially those going as far back A the centuries tocome that brought Zanzibar and Africa’s migration from Iran and the Persian regionover Gulf and settled there. They a larger wave were of part of Tanzania thecoast of Zanzibar off to theislandof 1,000 years ago, Iranians from agroup Shiraz of move probably the leastwidelyknown isinTanzania. About knownor Nayruzi orpopularly asMwaka Kongwa. names by the native is the Nowruz Swahilis. such One of theirculturehave been absorbed and givenof localized non-Africans to settleinZanzibar and over timeaspects celebration theNew Year of orNowruz. cultures. Aprominent cultural Iranians festival was of the close relationsbetween AfricanandIranian different Africaresultedin Shirazi familyintheeastcoastof presenceof Shirazi governors.The long-term of centuries afterthat,Kilva was governed by asuccession f all the countries where Nowruz is celebrated,Of of set first the were Shirazis the Historically, Mombasi, Kilva and they gradually seizedpower inZangebar, Shirazi familyto Africa, fter theimmigration of owruz Celebration in Nowruz Celebration East Africa Shangvaya. For many Women Nowruz celebrating inZanzibar NO WR UZ moment, which is marked by fireworks and explosives and fireworks by marked is which moment, in theforthcoming year, andthatpreciselycalculated for theirbeloved thewellbeing ones and happiness of big bonfire. Nowruz celebrations, Makwa Kogwa even includes a to be without a guest on the holiday.unlucky Like most offered toany guest who passes by, as it isconsidered around thevillage. Thecelebration includeslarge meals fields the in songs Women,sing meanwhile,fresh. year out the grievances from the past year the new and start air to order in other engageto each with fights mock in There, Makunduchi. men use banana stems the village of traditions. celebrated as a new year festival with itsown set of holiday underthenameMwaka Kogwa. Theholiday is with them,and over timeZanzibaris adopted the with thePersian regions. Gulf coastgenerallyeastern intoanintimaterelationship The Shirazis gather around the table, pray silently The mostwell-known Makwa Kogwa takes place in The Shirazis whosettledinZanzibarbrought Nowruz IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019

17 IRAN MIRROR agriculture,professions. andskilled transportation, have been engagedthe Baluchis in trade, mechanized when the and British colonialforces in Omani forces, and after 1890, they joined the German Nowruz Celebrations every year. originatinginIran. ing SunniMuslimcommunities 1820s are heterogeneousSwahili-speak Baluchi-cum- - Mbulushi)—who settledinKenya and Tanzania in the carry thefundown tothenearby beach ranging from traditional songstodisco, whileothers dressed. Dancinggoesonlateintothenightwithmusic gathering spot as everyone arrives all beautifully included. At evening time, Koba ground becomes the held in the open with everyone participating, strangers 18 They cametoZanzibarasmercenarieswiththe They tooareactively involvedor intheNairuzi SwahiliThe Baluchis—in called Wabulushi (singular: IRAN MIRROR IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 home toprepare afeastandbanquet is new year. the unloaded on the13th daynormally of are commonactivitiesaswell.Haft-seen is and sightseeing dead, donating to charities paying visittotheelderly, paying tributetothe introduces thenew year. gifts, Exchanging East African countries became independent, With theday activitiesdone, thefolks go The descendantsof theIranianShirazi’sThe descendantsof thenew year Nowruz celerating on the13thdayof East Africa. Since the 1960s, NO WR of rebirth andrenewal.of but it alwaysit hasreached, theoriginalmessage marks Nowruz isthat it has taken differentshapes everywhere been added to the old ones. The beautiful thing about or developed differenttraditions, andnew ones have has been celebrated. Different regionshave preserved changed significantly over the thousands of years that it the Tanzanian Zanzibar(moreonthatsoon!). islandof theBalkans and on Middle East,and even of inparts and Central and across many differentcountries, includinginAfghanistan is closelyassociated with Iran. ButNowruz ismarked families whowere soonengaged farming. inmodern a settlementwas about seventy Baluchi establishedof Rujewa District alone, Tanzania, inthe Iringa region of was in1979 aftertheIslamicRevolution inIran. In ThelatestimmigrationEast Africa at irregular intervals. in the1960s, new have waves arrived Baluchis in of to of Though many the Baluchis of UZ Even thoughNowruz hasancientroots,the holiday has Nowruz isoftencalled the Persian New Year and Europe, countries America, and various North Gulf outhern Asia,among acrossSouthern the East Africa emigrated F world’s bestFilms the some of Why creates Iran By HamidDabashi major film-makers have risentoglobalattention. extraordinaryof cinematicevents these through which last 100 years or more has been a varied topography Kiarostami amongworld-class film-makers. thesefour, of importance northetowering presence of could have appeared, but no onecan question the might suggest One any othergreat works that number of issurprising. selected, were that films particular Iranian cinema made list, northe it ontothisillustrious A Farhadi, Separation (21)madeitintothetop25. by Asghar One, films. foreign-language (97) were the100 greatest onBBCCulture’sof list Where istheFriend’s Home? (94), and Taste Cherry of the country’s outstandingcinematicmoments. By and large, thecritics whowere consulted to Iranian cinemaover Thewiderlandscape the of keyNeither thefactthatanumberof momentsin (39), –Close-Up Kiarostami Abbas by films Three BBC Culture’s recent poll to find the greatest the find 100in to top celebrates Dabashi Hamid foreign-languagefilms. poll the recent it into Culture’s BBC made films Iranian our Asghar Farhadi the84thAcademy Awards at FILM from Europe totheOttomanandRussian empiresallthe Bombay. Abdolhossein Today,The Iran of was produced by ArdeshirIrani and 1932, also known YesterdayLor Girl, asTheIran of and current its frontiers. The to very first confined Iranian was sound film, Dokhtar-e it Lor/ when cinema Iranian of film festivals. these European to made, were films Iranian first very the where India in studios film Company India East the sphere – both in itsoriginsand its destinations–from Iranian cinema took place on a transnational public of Iran. And the historicalformation and cultural historyof has beenlongand winding, from itsoriginsinthesocial Korea, theMiddleEast,AfricaandLatinAmerica. which overshadowwhich other festivals in the Locarno,and Berlin, Venice, Cannes, chiefly festivals, film international major the through cinema world other create BBC Culture’s list likely know Iranian or any of There is a larger reference that extends frame of There has never been a moment in the long history festivals major these into films Iranian of path The Sepanta in the Imperial FilmCompany in IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 US , Japan,

19 IRAN MIRROR when Samira Makhmalbaf premiered her debut film debut her premiered Makhmalbaf Samira when Iranian cinema, particularly on the perception of poignantspin familyput aparticularly Makhmalbaf the stage, world the on film-maker Iranian leading gave hisworkglobalpower and significance. SatyajitRay TheApuTrilogy of (1955-1959) and astonishing visualandnarrative panache. anthropomorphic relationship withhisanimal The Cow a villager and his unique told the story of storybyBased on ashort Gholam-hosseinSaedi, cinema. Iranian the emerging in moment defining a consolidated its globalrecognitionas further in Berlin where itwon thecritics’prize(Fipresci);a screening Iran and screened at the 1971 Venice FilmFestival, TheCowMehrjui’s (1969) was out of smuggled ground-breaking way. and a unique in fiction and fact of fusion the defined Shot onlocationinalepercolony, TheHouseisBlack a on film Iranian creative ithasnotdiverged path from which since. set Farrokhzad (1962), Black is (1948), Yasujiro placed Bicyclehim next Thieves toVittorio DeSicaof film-maker in Iran, but his reception in Europe suddenly time Kiarostami was aknownsuccessful andfairly FilmFestival. Bythis (1985) premiered attheLocarno when his now classic film Where is the Friend’s Home? Abbas Kiarostami,Runner that the world took notice of significance. Naderi gaveto which a deeply moving, allegorical ayoungsolitary lifeof boy mesmerisedby running, itsown,a cinematic landscape followingof the the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), The Runnercrafted thecountryduring the southof locations in multiple theThreeContinentsinNantes. Shotin the Festival of was a revelation whenitpremiered at something of Amir Naderi’s masterwork, TheRunner(1984), which What brought thefocus toIranian cinema was back captured by the Iranian Revolution 1977-1979. of Iranian cinema in the 1970s, the world’s attention was 20 While KiarostamiWhile was established asthe Before that fateful decade had ended, Dariush It was The immediately after the global success of Although therewere many developments crucial in IRAN MIRROR IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 With a single short documentary,With asingleshort TheHouse Iranian shines overcinema. thehistoryof hertime,(1935-1967), a leading poetof as Iranian visualandperforming arts. Persianthe riseof prose and poetry as well way was toEgypt andIndia,which thesiteof The figure of Forough Farrokhzad Forough of figure The R evolution andrecognition zu of TokyoOzu of Story (1953) and FILM dues. Manijeh Hekmat,whotoohave notreceived their like Rakhshon Banietemad, Marziyeh Meshkini, and film-makers women gifted some from benefitted also oversights. Iran among such has Farmanara are chief Farrokh Ghaffari,Ebrahim Golestan,andBahman Amongitsoldermasters,deserved. thecinemaof richly they attention the received never films Iranian generations Iranian film-makers. of country’s and inspired successive cinematic repertoire aestheticallyand thematically,that fed back, intothe component attention,acrucial best worksinternational Salesman’ filmaward. thebestinternational jurysaid in a statement on granting ‘The the panel of are or could be as a human being,” said a member of excitementfull of and wonders. A film about what we and most importantly, a lookout tothefuture. Astory while being contemporary, vision has an international Agency reported. the at film closing ceremony the10-day festival, of MehrNews international best for prize ($56,300) FilmFestival inGermany.34th Munich winner Asghar Farhadi scooped the topprizeat cinematicdrama. in definingthissenseof photography, MahmoudKalari,has beeninstrumental The ingenious cinematography Farhadi’s of directorof his films remain deeply dramatic in a theatrical sense. had cometocinemafrom atheatrebackground, and filmThe Salesman went on to winthe same award. 2016 Farhadi his later, years five and, – 2012 in film foreign-language best for Award Academy the Farhadi’sdrama family ASeparation (2011) won what Iranian cinema had to offer.the perception of Iranian cinemaand,withit,Iran itself.reception of she was just18. The Apple (1998) at the Cannes Film Festival when In theprocess, thebest nodoubt,someof The global staging of Iranian film offered some of its that, film a to award this give to decided “We ‘The Salesman’was awarded the€50,000 Iranian drama ‘The Salesman’ by Academy Award Asghar Farhadi altered The spectacular riseof It was a transformative momentintheglobal Source ;BBCCulture I Faculty of Faculty of to guidance has provided more than60 graduate students. she and papers scientific fields. makes attempts to remove gender inequality in scientific science, technology, engineeringandmathematics. promote the leading roles held by women in the fields of reported. in science andtechnology UK award wins professor female Iranian Award in Scienceand Technology intheUK,IRNA from Shiraz University, hasgained 2019’sSuffrage ranian female professor, Marzieh Moosavi-Nasab, Dr. Zohreh Azimifar, Associate Professor at the Moosavi-Nasab has presented more than 250 success, scientific women’s introducing award, The The Suffrage scienceaward isgranted in orderto Electrical and Computer SCIENCE &TECHNOL Engineering at Shiraz that Azimifar, associate professor of scientist speaking attheaward grating ceremony inUK. basic sciences, and literature, arts of said the female encourage their offspring to study hard in different fields and societyIranian women make specialeffortsto award, 2017. University, was the previous winner of female students, tocontinuein highereducation. motivating and encouraging young students, inparticular Shiraz University,of for havingnumerous impactsin toMarzieh Moosavi-Nasab,passed her heirloom also and adjunct professor of OGY MRC London Institute of MedicalSciencestweeted of MRC LondonInstitute For Iranian women, life thefamilyis foundation of The Marzieh Moosavi-Nasab, from Shiraz University Suffrage cience scheme celebrates womenScience scheme IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 niversity of WaterlooUniversity of has Shiraz Suffrage science University

21 IRAN MIRROR ability toinspire others. Theawards themselves and achievements scientific their foraward holders roles. seniorleadership others toenterscience and reach women in science and engineering and encourage The Royal Society, London.Theawards celebrate at the Suffrage Science Awards ceremony, heldat world willbepresented with hand-crafted jewellery 12 female scientists and engineers from across the acareerinengineering.women, tochoose inspire and encourage morepeople, especially workforce, ithasnever to been more important gapskills loomingandtheneedfor amorediverse thesectorinUK.Withalarge less than11% of iseventhe challenge greateraswomen make up and engineers across industries. Withinengineering recognise leadingandpioneeringfemalescientists want tobegoing, and re-emphasised theneedto not the direction we22% in 20181. This iscertainly occupations actually dropped from 23% in 2017 to However, women thepercentage incoreSTEM of is safetosayUK, it thatthesectorisfastgrowing. overallemploymentthan 6timesthatof inthe increasing by 6.3% from 2017 to 2018 at more Awards 2019. on8March fourth the at Engineering &Physical Sciencesuffrage Science peers by their heirlooms scientific Women’sInternational Day, 8th. March over 50connectedwomen.creating anetwork of and the relay continued in 2013, 2014 and 2016, suffrage jewellery ontothenext in2012, cohort from thelifesciences. Thesewomen passed their Women’s Day. Itbegan 11women withagroup of International 2011 on the 100th anniversary of theUK’s Council. MedicalResearch institute of Sciences Centre (CSC),a biomedical research 22 The 12awardees by arechosen theprevious Women’sOn International Day, 2019, 8March With thecoreSTEMemployment sector Leading female scientistsandengineersawarded The award was the granted on theoccasion of wasThe Suffrage Sciencescheme founded in IRAN MIRROR IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 in initiated in2011, by the MRC Clinical scientific enter subjects, andtostay. to women encourages It and for theirabilitytoinspireothers. science for their scientific achievement scientific their for science This publicengagement was scheme SCIENCE &TECHNOL effort toimprove femalerepresentation.” scienceandengineering, andtheglobal nature of Kong andtoUganda, illustrating the international travelled from theU K, acrossEurope tothe USA, Hong 120 women scientists. Since 2011 the awards have This year’s over awardees of join a community to helpotherssucceedinscienceandengineering. talentand contacts a self-perpetuating network of 2011. Amandasays: MedicalSciences(LM)in MRC LondonInstituteof Professor DameAmanda Fisher, the Directorof Reader inPolymer Bioelectronics, Rylie Green. 12. 11. 10. Scott and current Hargrove, BAFTA nominatedsciencepresenterFran and on the‘Needsand Challenges inEngineering broadcaster Vivienne Parrylead adiscussion will one femalescientisttothenext. movement, from and are passed onasheirlooms jewellery,are itemsof inspiredby theSuffrage 3. 2. 1. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. The 2019award winnersare: “Now initseighthyear, create theseheirlooms wasThe Suffrage Sciencescheme initiatedby Alongside theawards, sciencewriterand Society’ withBabylon HealthCT niversity of Leeds, universityUK of Dr Roisin Dr Sarah Harris Andrews, UK Professor Moira JardineSt. University of Cambridge, UK Professor MelindaDuerUniversity of University, Iran Professor Marzieh Moosavi-Nasab of Manchester, UK Professor SueKimber University of university Groningen, Netherlands Professor Amina Helmi of Dr Isabel Palacios Queen Mary u niversity Dr Tara Oxford, University UK Garnett of Cambridge, UK Professor SerenaBest UK Professor Karen Holford Cardiff Belgium Professor Tiny deKeuster Universiteit Gent, OGY Owens Cambridge, University of UK Suffrage Science awardee and University, UK O Caroline University, Shiraz for entrepreneurs Iranian Space technology, market future entrepreneurs toprovide space-based creative solutions Shabnam Yazdani said that the agency encouraged space-based businesses development department factors for thecountry. development of themain promotes space-based businesses asoneof not an exception. Now, theIranian inrecentdecades, inspace technology is achievements from whatwe previouslyperceived. interest inspace technology, make itdifferent which advances and growing in technology private-sector stars and space centers. Nationsface private funding, doors! was and done behindclosed technology unreachable in theirweird costume exploring otherplanets. Space satellites, astronauts publicwithlaunching in themindof the moon.For years, was space technology associated In an interview with YJC, the director of ISA withYJC,thedirector of In aninterview has made severalIran, as a country which However today the space is not limited to looking to acenturyago,About half humanleftfootprints on SCIENCE &TECHNOL Space Agency (ISA) data as well as providedsome information by drones smart agriculture. of field the in active startups the for data and fund and ISA, inorder to provide some facilities and development technology the agriculture research andincreaseitsquality.improvement theirharvest of leads to management, and farm which pattern in order to modify their croppingconsult to farmers better process from seedingtoharvesting. agriculture, leadstoa great impact onsmart which solving problems. some ideasfor theirbusinessfor entrepreneurs to start for andproblems challenges Iran dealswith. OGY However needsomemeteorological thestartups In mid-January, anagreement was signed between can giveThe space-based business and startups haveThe space-based business and technology a She saidthatIAprovides necessary data as well as Smart agriculture andspacetechnology agriculture Smart IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019

23 IRAN MIRROR efficiency. and energy withpublic information transportation andsociety.technology innovations, promote workingenvironments, and connect Ideally, theseapplications can enhance knowledge and betweenthe communication government and citizens. reduce costs and resource use, as well as increase (ICT)applications areexecutedtechnology toenhance, resources moreefficiently. from citizens, devices, and assets to manage available wired cities, are urban areas that collect electronic data known digitalcities, as cyberville, intelligent cities, and services. hence, space-based the role no one can undermined of areprovided by solutions,facilities and services hi-tech the cities. Thefuturecitiesaretheplacesinwhich, 24 pace-based data and service canprovide Space-based data and service A wide range information and communications of cities,According to statista, smart also commonly The urban development nowadays islink withsmart cityisfulfilledthroughspacetechnology Smart IRAN MIRROR IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 smart agriculture. smart some space-based data on meteorology and for with providing farmers services launched forinfrastructure themtousethesedata. and the government can layfor theirservices ome startups inIran haveSome startups recentlybeen SCIENCE &TECHNOL can benefit from this market, which can save lives of save can which market, this from benefit can disaster. naturaland other organization can decrease the riskof recovering afterdisasters. response with timelyand accurate measures for can be provided for civilprotection and emergency more vulnerableduring disastersanddecreasetherisk. are population,which the placeswithconcentrations of recovery planning. andreconstruction also provides for information post-disaster response, crisis management. The space-based technology canhaveinformation role acrucial inallphasesof disasters. of in order to implement measures to mitigate the effects city. smart in thecountry to boost the concept of launched space-based technology. urban development through of air pollution as a part main factors for city and can manage having a smart This isan untapped market for who Iranian startups Through satellite-driven data the urban planners Rapid affected area damage assessmentmaps of The satellitedata can provide about information throughThe space technology satellite-derived isimportant Measuring and anticipating theeffects of Some navigation has recently apps and startups Besides, driverlesscarsandelectronic identityare atural disasterandspacetechnology Natural OGY global space industrycouldgenerate $1.1 revenue of andplansto save endangeredservices area. in protecting the environment through providing several among thesubjectsaddressed intheMOU cameras todetect and dealwithillegal huntersare sensors, drones,surveillance motorcycles, modern nightvision detection fire as such advances security with using fences,park equipping the protected areas Iran. northern wildfires as inGolestanNationalPark, technologies using modern such disasters natural contain to (MOU) Technology understanding (ICT)inked amemorandum of and Information Communications and the Ministryof environment andreducetheenvironmental harm. resources, would the space-based technology save the theenvironment weof live in. well. as entrepreneurs for beneficial is and people several According to Morgan Stanley, it isestimatesthatthe space-basedbusinesses inworld Future of andentrepreneurs canhave roleStartups acrucial Protecting Mirza-Bayloo plaininGolestannational In mid-January, Environment (D OE) of theDepartment Through monitoringforests andothernatural role hasacrucial inprotectionThe space technology Protecting environment through spacetechnology SCIENCE &TECHNOL . worth it. and hasgained goodresults. Itmay take timebutwell through this newly emerged technology. Iran is ontrack fields different in challenges national our for solutions find and life daily our to technology space the invite breakthroughs inrocketry. minerals—all possible, theoretically, withtherecent Mining equipmentcouldbesenttoasteroids toextract space travel couldbecome commercially available. be delivered by more quickly rocket. Perhaps private data,justasdemandfor thatdataexplodes.cost of willhelptodrive downbroadband service the Internet that offer satellites scenario.in themostbullish Launching global space economy as70% by 2040—and as much theprojected growthrepresent 50%of will the of medium-term and access. Internet short- significant may opportunities comefrombroadband satellite most the Yet, trillion or more in 2040, up from $350 billion, currently. OGY To aglobalboom,we should such have ourshareof Packages today delivered by could airplane or truck Morgan Stanleybroadband estimatesthatsatellite IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019

25 IRAN MIRROR with thread. It has major similarities to Hasir mats(made with thread. It hasmajorsimilarities said: “Zilu is a type of rug and floor covering thatStudents News Agency (ISNA), is woven Heritage withtheIranian Organization, inaninterview thought. of thread rug, has a profound and depth cultural richness that Zilu,althoughlookinglike asimplehand-woven Meibod. Mosque of is presentlyavailable for visitinginCongregational to manyKelid. Theoldestziludating back centuriesago, eight-sided andlarge and eight-sidedzilus, Banrumi include: Naftal, Pert Toureh, Zolfak,Rokneddin, small areas. in desert especially coverings, floor enduring most and suitable the craft hasbeentraced toancientera. The provincial Zilu-weaving center is Meibod,inwhich familiestheirlivelihood. provides hundreds of which of 26 Mahdi Najafian, head of the Ferdows Cultural Ferdows the of head Najafian, Mahdi anddesigns shows techniques structural of An analysis Famous namesinthishand-made traditional industry carpet hasprovenThis light themost tobeoneof lighthand-wovenZilu isakindof carpet, the weaving IRAN MIRROR IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 Zilu – AnOriginal South Khorasan Province, IRIANIAN AR nomadic lifestyles. and is more adaptable farming Kilim to livestock an agricultural and villageperfectly, lifestyle whereas hand-woven product. cotton, suits Zilu, since it’s made of are rarely seen in Kilim,or in anyones which other weaving styles. differences intheirraw materialsandalso intheir Kilim, since the two hand-woven products have major inspired by Hasir.” Hasir weaving, orelseperhaps industry wasthe Zilu thatZiluweavingcan surmise may have evolved from in holyplaceslike mosquesandtemples. Therefore, we hand-woven item.Italso, like Hasir, was mainlyused to Hasir,major similarities mankind’s earliest-known saying, “Intheweaving and the patterns, Ziluhas Toon.”the existence 400Zilusinthecityof of travel stories, NasirKhusraw (1004-1088) mentioned Ferdows. thecityof Inhis of theoriginalarts and one of creation, historical traditional, a is Zilu fiber). plant of There are complicated weaving techniques inZilu, There arecomplicated weaving techniques the difference betweenMost peoplecantell and Zilu He spoke about theprovenance thisartform, of rtform fromIran Artform T 1400 kgweight. width for weaving a6-meterZilooand lift morethan size. energy. Nowadays, women alsoweave Zilooinsmaller strength and its weaving is so hard and needs lots of men wove ziloobecause its device is very big and the highestquality. are usedinsidehouses, whilegreenand red onesareof used in mosques and holy places. Thered and blue ones on colour and function. Whiteand blue ones are mainly like thoseinotherregions, were locallyproduced. areused, colours.limited varietyThecolourswhich of inscribedtablets.the designstake theform of weaving isatamoredeveloped stage thanKilim. Itseems, thedesert. however,the borders of that Zilu is more appropriate for hot regions, especiallyon regions. Zilu,withcottonthread as itsbase material, World Crafts CounciltoGloballyRegister Persian A Zilooweaver shouldmove about13kmalongthe The commonweaversare men.Inpast,just Ziloo of Ziloo weaving isahardwork: Generally, Ziluiscategorized intothreetypesbased Contrary tootherIranian carpet types, Ziluhasa Zilu mainlyuses geometric patterns, and sometimes wool,and isthussuitablefor is made of Kilim cold IRANIAN AR T 400-square-metre tilewithaZiludesign. the desiredresult,”we hesaid. willachieve over thepast two monthsand are totallyhopefulthat great potential and we have revived its potentialities Meybod Ziluregisteredinternationally. Thiscityhas Meybod.Abolhassani, adeputygovernor of and industry,”documents related to this art said Alireza and an exhibitionZilu museum, showcasing photos and -Abbasi Complex,weaving and Zilu workshops, the Weavers’ Company, theNari-QalehCooperatives, the India, Kuwait and Iran, have visitedtheMeybod Zilu the Ziluwoven inMeybod, Yazd province. Organization registering internationally to lookintothepossibilityof Cultural and (UNESCO), have Meybod arrived intheIranian cityof Scientific Nations United Educational, the of affiliate an Council, handicrafts. Persian of international rug, onthelistof registering theIranian-madea type Zilu, Zilu h ofca si a ln s newy o makea to isunderway aplan said official The “We have made numerous effortstohave the “These experts, whomarewomen comingfrom allof Three experts from the World Crafts The World Crafts Council isconsidering IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019

27 IRAN MIRROR weaving isbeingtaughtwithnew methodsinthe Meybod is noteworthy and it isvery great that Zilu centres inthecity. professional Ziluweavers. andtheywith thisart themselves aresomehow the Ziluindustryas authorities inthecityare familiar inside thetown Meybod, of saidHijjawi-Qaddumi. theZiluweavingthat from process AtoZof aredone ourselves Ziluweaving allthestages and learned of peopleinMeybod.jobs of somehow involved the main in it,and that it isone of industry in Meybod, and all familymembers are they found outthatZiluweaving isapopular available and the visit sheand other experts made, 28 Hijjawi-Qaddumi said the Zilu weaving in Hijjawi-Qaddumi saidtheZilu art upon the Ziluweaving training She thentouched The WCC assessorsaidMeybod has theedge in thesevisits, we“During the courseof sawfor IRAN MIRROR IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 Meybod. to visit her of day first the during industry Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi hailedtheZilu (WCC-APR) Region Pacific Asia Council’s Meanwhile, the World head of Craft he said based on the information She saidbasedontheinformation IRIANIAN AR satisfaction, thengoodnews may beannounced. with othermembers, andthey expressfull their is shared Crafts Council. She said after the report and industry, they totheWorldsend areport will to locations associated with the Zilu weaving art this issuetobeannounced,” shenoted. for assessments]regarding theoverall results[of to beregisteredglobally;however, we shouldwait well asthepapers received, thisindustrydeserves but given theexisting evidenceanddocumentsas theMeybod herassessmentof Zilu. of this accomplishment. it to world markets, adding Meybod has secured pay dueregardindustry andtointroduce totheZilu involved inZiluweaving isawinningace for thecity. training centres. She said after the experts wind up their visits tomaketoo early adecisioninthatregard,“It isstill Hijjawi-Qaddumi thentalked about the outcome to important be would it underlined official The She said the fact that women in Meybod are T P cultural destination cultural Poets’ atmosphere of the mausoleum itself attracts every the mausoleumitself atmosphere of to designamemorial tothemausoleum in1971. proposed by Mr. Ghulamreza Farzan in acompetition AzerbaijaninEurovision 2009. the republicof special thatitwas asthe symbolof surprisingly chosen theregion;so place among the symbolsand indices of beautiful and creatively designedthathave aspecial who diedinthelast800years. Iran andneighboringcountries statesman of illustrious poets,mystics, morethan400tombsof and comprises of thisland.Because it cultureand literary of symbol of visitors interestedinliterature andart. Besides the cultural themausoleum, value of thetombwasStunning and spiritualbuilding of the tomb’s building is so of In addition, architecture Undoubtedly Maqbaratoshoara can be seen as a attracts a great number of Iranian and foreignattracts a great number of cultural destinationfor travelers toTabriz. It oets’ MausoleumorMaqbaratoshoara isaprime Mausoleum, a prime IRANIAN AR T its establishment isnotknown. a memorial monumentinthe 1970s. The precise date of timeuntilit wascourse of renovated with and adorned the over floods and earthquakes by hurt was texture city. Iranian the northwestern to the glorious cultural scene of buried from the 11th century onwards. Itisa testimony where over 400 writers, poets, mysticsare andlinguists reflecting pool from a thesouth. through viewed best maybe mausoleum the of concrete arches Scenic, angular and interlocking interesting placetogo. most famous contemporary poet’s tomb, ittoan all turn pool, handmade beautiful stone sculptures and the person interestedincultureandliterature. Formerly known cemetery, asSorkhab Formerly itsoriginal district, MaqbaratoshoaraLocated in Sorkhab is Some visitorssay thesiteisphotography heaven. Surrounding areawithalarge lushyard and relaxing IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019

29 IRAN MIRROR historical sites, as to offeritsvisitorssuch has much meters inheight. thecomplexis situatedinthemiddleof withalmost30 Iranian poetbeing laidtorestatthesite. Hismausoleum 18, 1988) isprobably themostrenowned contemporary cultural figuresburiedthere. Homam Tabrizi areotherexamples literary and of Qatran Tabrizi. as Khaqani, Anvari Abivardi,classical poets such and tradition was establishedby entombingotherprominent a that say Narratives mausoleum. the at buried figure literary first Tusithe Asadi be believedAhmad to is ibn in1972andwasstarted completedin1982. Persian operation elements of Construction architecture. and traditional modern who made an amalgam of 30 Soaked inhistoryand dotted withsplendidvibrant Mohammad-Hossein Poets Shamseddin Iranian poet, linguists, and author Abu Mansur Ali IRAN MIRROR IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 Iranian architect Gholamreza Farzanmehr Iranian architect Cemetery.and Sorkhab known asHaziratoshoara, Haziratolghozat a literary complex. Inthepast ithasalsobeen more than a cemetery and can be considered Its modern designwasIts modern developed by According to experts, Maqbaratoshoara is Sojasi, hapur Nishapuri, and Shahriar (1906 – September IRIANIAN AR attraction of Tabriz.attraction of profile the Maqbaratoshoara tourist enhanced and made it amust-see of Shahriar of burial subsequent both in Persian and Azerbaijani. The death and in Maqbaratoshoara and the onlyonewhoworked Neyshapouri. Shirazi, Shakibi Tabrizi, Maghrebi Tabrizi and Tabrizi, Khaghani, Qatran Tabrizi, ManiShirazi, Lesani Shams al-Din Sajasi,Mojiroddin Balaghani, Homam Anvari Abivardi, ZahireddinFaryabi, Falaki Shirvani, the regionhave beenlaidtorestthere. system. efficient transport ubiquitous carpet shops, abundant public places and peak commercialcenterontheSilkRoad. gives referencetothecity’s gloriouspastwhenitwas a since antiquity. Its UNESCO-registered bazaar complex justtoname afew.Church Museum, ConstitutionHouse, Khaqani Park, and Qajar House Museum,MunicipalHall,StMary’s Church, Azarbaijan Museum, Arg-e Tabriz, ElgoliPark, Shahriyar Shahriar was thelastpoettohave beenlaidtorest Other famous Persian poets buried there include The first poet buried inthiscomplex was Asadi Tousi. Some 400 poets, Iran and mystics of andluminaries also famousforIt is havinghospitablepeople, Tabriz cultural exchange haslongbeenaplaceof T Shapour arkis Sarkis a large number of Tabrizia large number of poets, the most famous of entering asepulcher. Theplaces is the restingplace for from a far and you wouldn’t know at once that you are popular travel websites inthe world: Mausoleum have posted to TripAdvisor, the most one of forliterary resort intellectualsandeducated people. tourists annually,” hesaid. Iranian-Islamic literati. Maqbaratoshoara isconsideredatreasuryof Culture and Islamic Guidance Ali Akbar Safipour, director general East of Azarbaijan in1972anditwasstarted completedin1982. operations a competitionheldin1970. Construction Maqbaratoshoara, said the design was selected in thecomplex 30meters. of ataheightof The structure of the monument catches your eye the monument catches of The structure comments that visitors tothe Poet’sHere isa select of He calledMaqbaratoshoara asaspiritualand domestic and foreign“It hosts a large number of Tabriz Municipality currently manages the mausoleum. Gholamreza Farzanmehr,the designerof Shahriarislocatedinthemiddle The mausoleumof Under travelers’ eyes “Tombs poets” of Organization, said IRANIAN AR T of thebuilding. (Rezaof may notbeabletoget thephotoshewishestooutside whom isShahriar. Now, due to renovation process, one Netherlands; ReviewedNetherlands; April2018) tombs inside. (Leovanstraten2015 from Leeuwarden, the was more impressive then the inside. There are only a few Reviewed September2018) Zealand; Reviewed October 2017) interesting. (Youngone51 from New Plymouth, New restricts theviews butinsidewasoutside which very are gladwe went. work Unfortunately isbeingdone did totryandbetterunderstand theIran people, we ReviewedNetherlands; December 2017) it becomes too hot.(Rsmidt1959 from Amsterdam,the before localsyou morning lot of shoulddoitintheearly you decide is splendid.If to climbuphilltogether witha and theviewuphill over Tabriz anditssurrounding areas After my visitIwould thebuilding say theoutsideof Not somewhere we would visitbutwe normally is notworthvisiting, buttheclimb The monumentitself “Very interesting” “Visit thetombs” “Not interesting” IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 Sattarzadeh from Muscat, Oman;

31 IRAN MIRROR I become accustomed toplantingtrees, hesaid. encourage thelively young and respectable people to the of Office the of Supreme Leader. garden the in 2019, 6, March (Wednesday),morning planted twosaplingsthis fruit Ayatollah theRevolution— Khamenei—the Leader of 6to13. onMarch annually observed the first day of the National Week of Natural Resources encouraged to plant trees across the country, held on the National Treeof Planting Day, people are inwhich Rangelands hassaid. Forests and Institute of the Research faculty member of forest befour areasmust timestheglobalattention, 32 of theworldaverage,of the soattentiontopreserve is onequarter with 0.2 hectares per capita, which ran’s forest areaisapproximatelyhectares 12million He saidthat Forests and ranges shouldbe highly “This tree planting ceremony isa symbolic event to Planting, theNationalDay of On theoccasion of on the occasion made the remarks Mohammad Darvish IRAN MIRROR IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 resources andVegetationresources natural of preservation Leader urges Ayatullah KhameneiplantingatreeduringIran’s Day nature IRAN NA TURE D allow itto happen. serious incountering these transgressions and do not shouldbeveryon tosay: incharge Thedepartments buildings,regions for and constructing went thesake of plants in plants-rich trees, of slamming the destruction symbolic one, valuing aimedatenhancing thecultureof Planting Treessaplings on theNationalDay of a preserving the flora should find its real place inthe place real public culture. its find should flora the preserving he flora, trees and of reminded hisaudience:Theimportance and pastures forests, the neglecting to due country the on imposed damages the to Pointing flora. corner, and it isindeedareminder forof theimportance Plantingbears tidings that the Spring is around the of life.”plants arethesymbolsof resources. TheLeader always says that“treesand theylast forever will because these arerenewable thesenaturalvalued resources are used wisely, and if The Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that the NationalDay upreme Leader called the act of planting Supreme Leader called the act of A Y attaching significance to trees and other forms of culture inthecountry. and other vegetation into a public convention to turn and a public trees to significance attaching and I would planting, like preserving theissueof saplings, and two fruit trees – is of symbolic significance. attentiontovegetation of throughoutlack thecountry. negligence towards forests, grasslands and because of present time, we have suffered damage as a result of thecountry.and grasslands inthe public culture of Inthe trees, plants, to the issue of vegetation,attached forests be should significance due that is country.point the The vegetation of in theimportance also remindsusof and it intoapublicconventionshould turn andculture forests andwoods. the Judiciary,should endeavour toprevent damage to forests as andpastures. Monitoringestablishments, such the best formaking their these actionswhile preserving should preventThe responsibleentities stated, andheld: preventing and theexpansion deserts with theaimof of thecountry saplingsinsomeareas of planting harmful We sometimeshearthatsomecause damage plantingtrees– two productiveThis actof Tree spring theemergence PlantingDay of isasignof significanceAttaching to trees, plants and vegetation theIslamicRevolutionThe Leader of alsocriticized IRAN NA TURE D A country, Godwilling. plants,greenery andthelike of be many will for the benefits the and move this bless will Exalted the Allah And willing. God future, the in area this from benefits it, the country and the people will reap more value of trees and in theenvironment and by appreciating the should dotheirbesttoprevent damage toforests. – as the judiciary branch organizations such supervisory and forests. The organizations – including in charge should seriously endeavor grasslands to preserve something toprevent thisfrom happening. Also, they It isessential for the organizations to do in charge preventto desertification. order in country the of areas areplanted in some are unsuitable and harmful which this issue. We have saplings and trees heard that certain to be attached should significance Great country. the vegetation formsof insomeareas of planting harmful that somedonotpayof enoughattentiontotheissue issue and prevent itfrom developing. Itisalsoheard organizations shouldseriouslyconfront incharge this erectingbuildings andthelike. The the purposeof areas – they tree-rich destroyto certain trees - with Y Leader of theIslamicRevolutionLeader of Ayatollah Ali vegetationLeader highlightspreserving I hope that by the people’s stimulating interest in IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019

33 IRAN MIRROR vegetation greatsignificance. isof of deserts, the preservation and spread of considering the country’s ecological situation vegetation,shortage of hesaid,adding that andairpollutionare relatedtothe storms against hehighlighted. encroachment,” interests. Forests shouldbe safeguarded and natural national resourcesregardless of theNatural Resourcesoccasion of Week. planting two tree saplingsonthe fruit forest against encroachment. measures take to officials vegetation,the need to preserve urging Khamenei on Wednesday emphasized 34 A lot of predicaments emerging from dust A lot of “Some profit-seeking traders exploit forests after The Leader made the remarks IRAN MIRROR IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 everyone shouldbe grateful for thisblessing. respect to the nature and that symbol of Khamenei described tree plantingasa avoided. exceptwhich in somerare casesitshouldbe isamong “wrong” fruits acts saying of import produced fruits in Iran, on thequality of “these forests bepreserved”. must world but some profiteersruin them,insisting unbeatable in the Iran are nearly northern At the end of hisremarks, AyatollahAt theendof Elsewhere inhisremarks,hecommented notedthatforestsThe Leader in further Iran’s Nature Day IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019

35 IRAN MIRROR S Islamic culture,Islamic view andrespectthe natureasoneof Almighty. Therefore, theIranian families, inspiredby the profound wisdom, prudence, God andmanagement of mankind to ponder in thenature so that he realizesthe God’s glory and magnificence, and in many ayahs invites creationasthe displayQuran of considers thesceneof presence in thegreen and beautiful nature. Theholy benefitsin of the power of God are parts and glory of Watching thegreen landscapes, coupledwithpondering blessing.a divine is highly interestedinnaturewhich welcomes eco-tourists. TheIranian people are which have spring. granted aspecificbeautytothenatureof lawn green the amidst flowers red and white yellow, covered gardens andplains. emerged from the soil and lawn-like green velvets has 36 Iran ishometonumerous climates, every of part the whereas flowers colorful of full are Mountains

of spring has spread all over Iran.of Seedlings flowers of fragrance pleasant The life. nature’s renewal theseasonof pring inIran is truly of IRAN MIRROR IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 Sizdah Bedar, Iran’s NatureDay Families enjoying during the 13th day of Nowruz isalsoreferred day toasNature Families which enjoying duringthe13th dayof IRAN NA TURE D it clean. Iranians spend theirtimesinthenature and try tokeep the greatdivineblessings. Invarious opportunities,the New Year (Nowruz) people onthisday. honey madeof andvinegar,syrup areeatenby many addition tolettucewithsekanjabin, atraditional Iranian noodles, greensand beans, and covered with curd, in springtime air. ItisalsoreferredtoasNature’s Day. outdoor games, have specialfood, and enjoy thefresh mountainsides, orthecountryside. outdoors in parks, valleys,festivities include picnicking The calendar. Persian the on month first the Farvardin and friends. nature,festival of by spending time outdoorswithfamily Iranian people celebrate izdah Bedar marks the end of thetwo-week theend of Sizdah Persian Bedar marks Ash-e reshteh,apopular Iranian stew made of Sizdah to play Bedar gives Iranians achance The ancient Persian festival the 13th day marks of A Y Spring holidays and has deep roots Sizdah Bedar, thePersian Nature, which marks the end of Norouz celebrations. theendof Nature, marks which referred to as The Day Farvardin, of Iranian month of visit theirrelatives and friends. Today the is 13th of discarding it,expressing awishtofindpartner. young thegreenery before totietheleavesgirls, of what Iranians doonSizdah-bedar. homeisconsideredabadomen. bringing itback thefamilythroughout thecomingyear.path of fate hidingonthe collected allthesickness,painandill “Haft-Seen table”.Thesabzehissupposedtohave throw away the“sabzeh” (Sprout) from theNowruz’s on thisday ritualsandcelebrate. toobserve Hemisphere. spring intheNorthern thevernalequinoxday thebeginningof of marking region, andtheBalkans. Western Asia, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Black but alsobyin living othergroups andethniccommunities and is celebrated worldwide, not only by the Iranians, in Iranian history. Throughout spring inIran,days people theinitial of It isalso customary for young single people, especially theenvironment of isalsoan integral part Preserving Touching someoneelse’s greeneryonthisday or thepicnicday isto A ritualperformed attheendof 21. Families gather togetherIt usuallyfallson March the is and Farvardin of day first the marks Nowruz hasbeenknownNowruz for itself over 3,000 years IRAN NA TURE D Sea natural beautiesandrainfalls throughout thesedays, is regions in western Iran. nature in Zagrosamong the wonders mountainous of wonderful waterfalls and the natural oak forests are mountains blanketed with snow, deep valleys, springs, theseregionsinspring.moderate Thehigh climateof mountainous regionsattendfoothills toenjoy the Alborz Mountains, creatingauniquelandscape. region. Inthisregion,the“Velesht” lake isengulfed by for theeco-tourists, this wholongfor the beauties of altitude above the sea level, isa tourist attraction site Iran, ata1,000-meter theCaspianSeainnorthern of lies 50 kilometers from “Kelardasht”, which region of spend the Iranian New Year in thisblessed region. The isvery roofs beautiful. Therefore, many theIranian holidaymakers of with ceramic houses wooden and fields attractive forests,groves, fruit citrus tea farms, paddy landscapes. Iran’s of todescribe parts green opportunity Thisraises a golden and even their lunch. take asnuts, withthemsomefoods fruits such theeverydaythe anxietiesof life. They also the day outdoors to enjoy thenature, far from tradition, peopleleave theirhomeand spend On this day, according to an ancient Iranian A Y n The Day of Nature,On TheDay Iran’s of theresidentsof and The CaspianSeacoastal belt, coupled with itsthick IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 Ealam province, given its

37 IRAN MIRROR of this area add to its beauty and freshness. Exactly on of Golestan Kuh. The springs in various herbs adorn parts red and yellowrare species of tulips and many medical attracts nature onthisday. thelovers of Inspring, the Khansar city in province is another place which people’s hospitality. leaving themwithever-lasting Shirazi memoriesof in Shiraz attracts holidaymakers tothisbeautifulcity, flowers.of one canseethepower Godinthedelicacy andgloryof springinthiscity. beauty of have heardof to all,especially thosewhohave come to this city. All bytouched theinfinitedivineglory. Ealam,we seeing thenatural are further beauties of eco-touriststothesesceniclandscapes. Upon number of large a flowers, attracting and bushes, with decorated 38 The beautiful Golestan Kuh plain in the vicinity of Nature,On theDay of the attractive spring nature of trees, orange and pine, on flows breeze the When Spring season in Shiraz in southwesternIran is familiar IRAN MIRROR IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 IRAN NA TURE D refresh themselves intheNew Year. holidayslast day inafriendlyatmosphere, of and programs for sothatpeople endthe people inparks happiness and security. Therefore, they prepare certain the naturedaycities trytoturn intoaday fullof day. host tofamilies, whoenjoy the blessed natureonthis Tehran as such and athletes. Onthenatureday, theregionssurrounding intorecreational regionsforturned tourists, mountaineers, colorfulfishinthe species of waters around KishIsland. Iran witnessthe Kish islands. Naturelovers of inthispart attractiveness citiesaswellas Qeshmand totheport specific a grant sunshine the and weather pleasant the the Persian Iran on the shores of this time in southern Gulf, Every year, several organizations invarious Iranian The heightsaround thecapitalTehran have today A Y Suleqan, Darband, and Farahzad, are H year 1396 (ended March 20). year 1396(ended March some 400,000 medical touristsduringthepast Iranian statistics, hosted official country to states. the According the U and medical tourists from Iraq, Azerbaijan,Afghanistan, same periodlastyear. theyear,of rise from isseenasa remarkable the which holidaymakers toured Iran during the first eleven months theyear,eight monthsof up57percentyear onyear. hosted over five million foreign nationals during the first Organization, ithasexperienced asolidgrowth. by theCultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism in 2018(1397) Solid growth: Iran’s Areview of tourism Official data shows medical tourist arrivals tourist medical shows data Official The countryisalsoagrowing destinationfor health Latest data shows morethanseven million Based onCHHT .S March 2019)? Well,March according to data compiled current Iranian calendar year 1397 (ending on ow Iran’s tourismindustryhasperformed over the ., European countriesandthePersian littoral Gulf O statistics,the IslamicRepublic The youth enjoying skiiduringwinter T OURISM by 30 percent in thecurrent Iranian year as, according comes tooutbound travels. Iran’s outbound tourism fell CHHT year-on-year growth, based ondata compiled by the demonstrates 82percent the nine-monthperiod,which nearly doubled in the first three months of the year, of corresponding tospring2018,from ayear earlier. months three first the in doubled nearly decreased. tourists. the neighboringcountryintoIran’s largest sourceof shows 113 percent year-on-yearwhich increase, turning year, Iranian current the of months nine first the during its besttoattract morevisitors from neighbors. travelers to the IslamicRepublic but the country is doing anti-Iran propaganda campaign has lessened Western However, the situation istotallydifferent whenit xperts sayExperts thatU Contrary toAmericans, European arrivals inIran has For instance,Iraqis morethan2.2million visited Iran O . Some 1,980 IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 .S .-led sanctionstogether withits U .S . citizensvisitedIran during

39 IRAN MIRROR to pushed up the costs of travelingpushed up thecostsof abroad. foreign currencies againstof rialthathas deemed tobethe sharp riseinthevalue ayear earlier. at 8,483,317 stood figure the as overseas during the aforementioned period, 2018) from a year earlier. 21, March the nine-month period (started 40 official data, it fell by 30 percent during percent 30 by fell it data, official The mainreasonbehind thedeclineis 5,900,381 Iranians traveledA totalof IRAN MIRROR IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 list. inscribed on theUNESCOWorld Heritage towers, 22 being which and mansions, of bathhouses, madrasas, mausoleums, churches, as bazaars, museums,mosques,such bridges, Norway, andFinlandareplacedin. Switzerland, where theUK,Denmark, category a risk”, “insignificant with countries risk level around the world, puts Iran among Iran embraces hundreds of historical sites Iran embraces hundreds of The 2019 Travel RiskMap, shows the which Bafgh desert inYazdBafgh desert province, Iran Badabe Soort Natural Springs located inMazandaran Northern Iran Springslocated SoortBadabe Natural IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019

41 IRAN MIRROR The tombs of the Necropolis,The tombs of Shiraz Province 42 IRAN MIRROR IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019 Nasir ol-MolkMosque, Shiraz Abyaneh village(Red village),Kashan inIsfahan province Tehran Cityoverlooking Mountain Damavand IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019

43 IRAN MIRROR 44 IRAN MIRROR IRAN MIRROR MARCH 2019