Info4Migrants

IRAN Country profile

Project number: UK/13/LLP-LdV/TOI-615 1,648,195 km2

POPULATION

77,176 mln

GDP per capita $4,763 CURRENCY (IRR)

Languages PERSIAN (official), Azeri, Kurdish, Lurish, Gilaki, Mazandarani, Turkmen, , Baloch, Georgian, Armenian, Neo-Aramaic (spoken)

2 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileIRAN COUNTRY BACKGROUND

Turkmenistan

Tehran

IRAN

Saudi Arabia

Official name: Islamic republic of Iran

Location: Western Asia. Iran has borders with ten countries: Armenia, , Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq and .

Capital: Tehran National Flag Religion: 89% Shia Muslims and 9% Sunni Muslims make up the 98% of the population, making the dominant reli- gion. The rest of the population consists of people following , , Christianity, and the Baha’i.

Ethnicity: (61%), followed by Azeri (16%), Kurd (10%), Lur (6%), Baloch (2%), Arab (2%), Turkmen and Turkic tribes (2%), and other (1%), make up the ethnic composition of Iran.

Climate: Iran has a hot, dry climate characterized by long, hot, National emblem dry summers and short, cool winters. The climate is influenced by Iran’s location between the subtropical aridity of the Ara- bian desert areas and the subtropical humidity of the eastern Mediterranean area.

3 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileIRAN IRAN FACTS

Zimbabwe Israel India Language The largest language group consists of the speakers of In- do-, who in 1986 comprised about 70 percent of the population. The speakers of Indo-Iranian languages are not, however, a homogeneous group. They include speakers of Persian and its various dialects; speak- ers of Kirmanji, the for related dialects spoken by the ; speakers of Luri, the language of the Bakhtiaris and ; and Baluchi, the language of the seminomadic people who live in Southeastern Iran. Approximately 28 percent of the population speaks various dialects of Turkish. Speakers of Semitic languages include Arabs and Assyrians. Indonesia Jordan Iraq Flag The current Iranian flag was adopted in 1980 and has three equal horizontal bands of green, white, and red. Green is the color of Islam and represents growth, white symbolizes honesty and peace, and red stands for bravery and martyrdom. Centered in the middle, the white band is the stylized representation of the word “Allah” and the phrase La ilaha illa Allah (“None is worthy of worship but Allah”) in the shape of a tulip. Along the inner edges of the green and red bands are 22 copies of the phrase Alla- hu Akbar (“God is great”). Iran Ireland Iceland

Persian cat The Persian cat is one of the world’s oldest breed of cats. The first documented ancestors of the Persian were imported into Western Europe from Persia around 1620. The cat has long silky fur to protect it from the cold in the high plateau regions of Iran.

4 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileIRAN Italy Yemen Cape Verde IRAN FACTS

Iranian Politeness Taarof is a system of politeness that includes both verbal and non-verbal communication. Iranians protest compli- ments and attempt to appear vulnerable in public. They will belittle their own accomplishments in an attempt to appear humble, although other Iranians understand that this is merely courtesy and do not take the words at face value. In adherence to taarof, if you are offered something, like a tea or a sweet, even if you want it, you should at first decline it until their insistence becomes greater.

Public vs. Private Iranians see themselves as having two distinct identities: “zaher” (public) and “batin” (private). When they are in public, they must conform to accepted modes of behaviour. It is only within their homes among their inner circle that they feel free like they can be themselves. Family members are always part of the inner circle. The inner circle forms the basis of a person’s social and business network. Friendship is very important and extends into business. The people from the inner circle can be relied upon, to offer advice, help find a job, or cut through bureaucracy.

Capital relocation With a population of around 8.3 million and surpass- ing 14 million in the wider metropolitan area, Tehran is Iran’s capital, largest city and urban area, and the largest city in Western Asia. A plan to move the capital due to the earthquake hazard has been discussed many in previous . In 2010, the government of Iran an- nounced that “for security and administrative reasons” the plan to move the capital from Tehran has been final- ized. There are plans to relocate 163 state firms to the provinces and several universities from Tehran.

5 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileIRAN IRAN FACTS

Revolution Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979, when the monarchy was overthrown and clerics assumed political control under supreme leader Ayatollah Khomeini. The put an end to the rule of the Shah, who had alienated powerful religious, political and popular forces with a programme of modernization and Westernization cou- pled with heavy repression of dissent.

Three Wise Men The were of origin and the first people to unify Iran by the 6th century B.C. One of the tribes, the Magi, were powerful Zoroastrian priests. The most famous Magi are the Three Wise Men of the Christian Nativity story who brought gifts to the newborn Christ. The 13th century Italian explorer Marco Polo claimed to have visited the graves of the Three Wise Men in what is now Iran’s capital Tehran.

Internet and censorship In the first decade of the 21st century, Iran experienced a great surge in Internet usage, and, with 20 million people on the Internet, currently has the highest percentage of its population online in the Middle East, after Israel. When initially introduced, the Internet services provided by the gov- ernment within Iran were comparatively open. Many users saw the Internet as an easy way to get around Iran’s strict press laws.

In recent years, Internet service providers have been told to block access to pornographic and anti-religion websites. The ban has also targeted such popular social networking sites as Facebook and YouTube, as well as news sites.

6 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileIRAN PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Lunar holidays National holidays Islamic (2015)

Muharram 9 Tasu’a of Imam Hussain Muharram October-November Muharram 10 Ashura of Imam Hussain Safar November - December Safar 20 Arba’een of Imam Hussain Rabi’ al-awwal December - January Safar 28 Demise of prophet Rabi’ al-thani January-February Muhammad and Martyrdom Jumada al-awwal February-March of Imam Hassan (Mujtaba) Jumada al-thani March - April Safar 29 or 30 Martyrdom of Imam Reza Rajab April - May Rabi’-ul-Awwal 17 Birth of Muhammad and Sha’ May - June Imam Jafar Ramadan June - July Jamaad-ath-Thaanee 3 Martyrdom of Fatima Shawwal July - August Rajab 13 Birth of Imam Ali Dhu al-Qi’dah August - September Rajab 27 Mission of Muhammad Dhu al-Hijjah September - October Sha’aban 15 Birth of Imam Mahdi Ramadhan 21 Martyrdom of Imam Ali Shawwal 1 Eid ul-Fitr (End of Ramadhan) The Islamic or Hijri calendar abbreviated as AH is Shawwal 2 Eid ul-Fitr (End of Ramadhan) a , and begin when the first Shawwal 25 Martyrdom of Imam Jafar crescent of a is sighted. The Islamic lunar Dh-ul-Hajja 10 Eid ul-Adha (Ghurban) calendar is 11 to 12 days shorter than the solar Dh-ul-Hajja 18 Eid al-Ghadeer year consisting of 12 months in a year of 354 days.

Solar holidays National Holidays Persian calendar Gregorian calendar

Farvardin 1-4 Nowrooz (New Year) March - April Farvardin 12 Islamic Republic April - May Farvardin 13 Nature Day May - June Khordad 14 Khomeini’s death June - July Khordad 15 Revolt of Khordad 15 July - August 22 Victory of the Iranian Revolution August - September 29 Nationalization of Oil Industry September - October Aban October - November November - December The , also called the Solar Hejri December - January calendar, and abbreviated as SH, is the official calendar Bahman January-February of Iran and Afghanistan. The determination of starting Esfand February-March moment is more accurate than in the Gregorian calen- dar, because it uses astronomical observations rather than mathematical rules.

7 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileIRAN INTERESTING FACTS

• The word Iran means the Land of the . • It snows in Tehran. • The former name of Iran was Per¬sia, which was in use until 1935. • Iran ranks seventh among countries in the world as regards number of World Heritage Sites recog- nized by UNESCO. • Iran ranks second in the world in nat¬ural gas and third in oil reserves. • Iran’s Constitution and Parliament were created on August 5th, 1906. • Famous bib­li­cal peo­ple buried in Iran: Queen Esther, Daniel, , Dar­ ius the Great, St. Thaddeus. • Iran is one of the world’s old­est con­tin­u­ ous major civ­i­liza­tions, with his­tori­­cal and urban set­tle­ments dat­ing back to 4000 BC. • In spite of fierce com­pe­ti­tion, Per­sian rugs are still the best rugs in the world. • The word mausoleum comes from the famous grave of King Mausolus. Iran’s Mau­soleum of Maus­sol­los was iden­ti­fied as one of the Seven Won­ders of the An- cient World. • Per­sian (Farsi) is still spo­ken in Tajikestan and Afghanistan. It was the offi­cial court lan­ guage of India for 200 years. • Sur­pris­ingly, Per­sia built the ear­li­est known wind­mills, which resembled­ large pad­dle wheels. Iran was pio­neering­ wind energy long before any other nation real­ized the energy bene­ ­fit of nat­ural energy powerhouse. • Iran provides home and social security for approximately a million foreign refu- gees – the biggest number in a single country in the world. Most of the refugees are

8 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileIRAN INTERESTING FACTS

from Afghanistan or are Iraqi Kurds. • Females over the age of nine must wear a hijab in public. “Bad hijab” ― exposure of any part of the body other than hands and face – can be subject to punishment of up to 70 lashes or 60 days imprisonment. • While homosexual relationships are banned in Iran, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini decreed that transsex- uals are allowed to have sex change operations in Iran. Since 2008, Iran has conducted more sex change operations than any other country in the world, second only to Thailand. The government even provides financial assis- tance. • Iran is one of the world’s largest pro- ducers of caviar, pistachios, and saffron. • Short-term marriages are called Sigheh. These are permitted in certain Shia schools. These marriages last for an or several years depending on the contract. • Iranian households are forbidden to have satellite television • In Iran, men who do not marry stay with their natal family their entire life and are de- scribed as na-mard (not-men) • In Iran, yogurt is referred to as “Persian Milk” and many Iranians consider yogurt a miracle food. It is used to treat ulcers, relieve sunburn, and even prolong life. • Women are prohibited from watching sport matches. They resort to cross-dressing to the games. • The first day of spring in Iran is a festive day. Women prepare huge feasts and mothers eat hard-boiled eggs, one for each of their children. According to Persian ritual, the table is set with seven items, each beginning with the letter “s” in Persian: such as apples (sib), green grass (sabze), vinegar (serkey), berries (senjed), ground wheat (samanoo), a gold coin (sekke), and garlic (sir).

9 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileIRAN ATTRACTIONS

Tchogha Zanbil Bam This tourist attraction and historic site is Kariz, an ancient Iranian underground water a ziggurat-shaped temple built under the supplement system, known as qanat, made kingdom of , c. 1250 B.C. It is sur- life possible in this oasis. Bam is situated in rounded by three huge walls and can be a desert environment on the southern edge seen from far away. Millions of bricks have of the Iranian high plateau. been used in the construction of this tem- ple. Soltaniyeh This masterpiece of architecture is a unique example of the Iranians’ precision in math- It is the palace complex built under Darius ematics and calculation in engineering. The the Great in 518 B.C. Persepolis was the mausoleum of Oljaytu was constructed capital of the . It was in 1302–12 in the city of Soltaniyeh, the built on an immense half-artificial, half-nat- capital of the Ilkhanid dynasty, which was ural terrace, where the king of kings creat- founded by the Mongols. ed an impressive palace complex inspired by Mesopotamian models. Meidan-e-Emam Built by Shah Abbas I the Great at the be- Bisotun ginning of the 17th century, and bordered This tourist attraction and historic site is on all sides by monumental buildings linked the largest inscription of the world, con- by a series of two-storey arcades, the site is sisting of 1119 lines of cuneiform in three known for the Royal Mosque, the Mosque languages. The rock relieves depict Darius of Sheykh Lotfollah, the magnificent Portico the Great after an initial endeavor to arrest of Qaysariyyeh and the 15th-century Timu- the rebels who had introduced themselves rid palace. falsely as sons of Cyrus the Great. Shushtar Waterfalls Pasargadae These waterfalls are the masterpieces of Pasargadae is the first example of Achae- engineering at the of ancient Iranians. menians’ palace compounds, as well as The entire collection includes waterfalls, one of the first examples of Persian gar- dams, bridges, basins, mills, etc. den planning in Iranian . Its palaces, gardens and the mausoleum of Cyrus are Armenian Monastic Ensembles outstanding examples of the first phase of There are three monastic ensembles of royal Achaemenid art and architecture and the Armenian Christians living in the North exceptional testimonies of Persian civiliza- West of -day Iran: St Thaddeus, St tion. Stepanos, and the Chapel of Dzordzor.

10 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileIRAN DOS AND DON’TS

Dress Gift Giving and Accepting Gifts DO understand that women are expected DO wrap a gift nicely. to wear loose clothing covering everything DON’T open a gift immediately. but their hands, face, and feet. Female DON’T give overly lavish gifts. Pens, art, travellers in Iran are also expected to abide home decor, or something from your home by this dress code. In homes, western-style country are generally appreciated. clothing is acceptable. DO wear pants and short-sleeved shirts if Greetings you are man. However, long-sleeves may DO understand that since conservative protect you from the sun better. men and women do not socialize together, DO dress conservatively for business oc- greetings are done only among members of casions. Ties are not traditionally worn by the same sex. Because of this, wait for the Iranian men but they are not looked down member of the opposite sex to put their upon. hand out for a handshake before shaking hands. Table Manners DO shake hands upon greeting or greet DO note that in some homes meals are with an affectionate kiss. served on the floor without utensils, but in DO greet by saying “salaam” which means more modern homes meals will be served hello. on a table with a spoon and fork. DON’T sit until told where to sit. Visitors Etiquette DON’T use your left hand while eating. DO bring flowers or desserts for your hosts. DO try a little bit of everything and expect DO arrive on time. Lateness could be con- to be offered and even thirds! sidered rude. DO understand that refusals are considered DO look to see if your host is wearing polite and not taken seriously, so if you shoes. If they are not, take yours off before don’t want more food you will likely have to entering. insist. DO accept food or drink. DO understand that restaurants will often have two sections: “family” and “men only.” Business Meetings “Family” is for women and their families. DO make appointments at least a month in DO leave a little bit of food on your plate to advance and confirm a before. indicate that you are done eating. DON’T be late! DO note that alcohol is illegal under most DO have all written business materials and circumstances. business cards translated into Farsi. DON’T take your suit jacket off without permission. 11 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileIRAN DOS AND DON’TS

DO be patient. Decisions are made slowly and Iranians can be tough business-people. They may get angry, storm out, or threaten to end the business relationship in order to get their way. Negotiations might be quite long. DON’T be forceful or use pressure tactics. It may wind up working against you.

Socializing and Conversation DON’T criticize Islam or the Iranian government. DO discuss soccer (football) because it is very popular in Iran. DO ask about family, but don’t be too intrusive.

Religious Etiquette DO understand that in order to visit a mosque or holy shrine, women should wear a before entering. are sort of like cloaks. If you don’t have a chador, some- times there are kiosks where you can rent one. DO wear long-sleeved shirts when visiting a mosque or holy shrine if you are a man. DO remove your shoes before entering a prayer area of a mosque. DON’T take photos of a mosque while people are praying. DO ask before entering a room at a holy site, because some places forbid non-Muslims to enter.

Good Topics of Conversation Iran, its language, culture and history Discussing family in general, in a non-intrusive way Food, especially the variety of local cuisine Sports, especially football is always a good topic Professionals will enjoy talking about their education and employment

Avoid discussing Questions about Islam, unless they are very simple, inquisitive questions Contentious issues that may lead to heated discussion like the Revolution of 1979, Irani- an-US relations, and Israeli foreign and domestic policy Sex and roles of the sexes Personal questions, unless a very close relationship has been established. Also don’t divulge too much personal information about yourself Any negative comments about Iran regarding the leadership, infrastructure or people

12 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileIRAN IMPORTANT TIPS

Dining Etiquette ways: by touching the finger to thumb, If you are invited to an Iranian’s house: starting with the pinky, or by folding each finger down with your other hand, starting • Check to see if the host is wearing shoes. with the pinky, or by folding each finger If not, remove yours at the door. down with your other hand, starting with • Dress conservatively. Dressing up formally the pinky. and appropriately is also regarded as a sign of respect and people may get offended if their guests arrive in casual outfits and Gift Giving Etiquette sneakers. • Iranians give gifts at various social oc- casions such as returning from a trip or if • Try to arrive at the invited time. Punctual- someone achieves a major success in their ity is appreciated. personal or business life. • Show respect for the elders by greeting • On birthdays, businesspeople bring them first. sweets and cakes to the office and do not • Check to see if your spouse is included in expect to receive gifts. the invitation. Conservative Iranians do not • If you are invited to an Iranian’s house, entertain mixed-sex groups. bring flowers, or pastry to the hosts. When • Expect to be shown into the guests’ room. giving a gift, always apologize for its inade- It is usually lavishly furnished with Europe- quacy. an furniture. • Gifts should be elegantly wrapped - most • Shake everyone’s hand individually. shops will wrap them for you. • Accept any offer of food or drink. • Gifts are not generally opened when re- ceived. In fact, they may be put on a table Common Gestures and not mentioned. • Raising your eyebrows means no. • Biting your lower lip with your upper teeth expresses disbelief or shame that someone did something. • Placing your hand over your heart (and slightly bowing your head down/looking down) expresses sincerity. • Biting your index finger or the web be- tween your thumb and index finger is sort of an anti-jinx. • In Iran, counting things off is done in two

13 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileIRAN IRANIAN FOOD

Fesenjan (Pomegranate Walnut Stew) crunchy fried onions and sour kashk, a fer- This stew is an essential part of every Per- mented whey product eaten in the Middle sian wedding menu. At the ruins of Perse- East that tastes akin to sour yogurt. polis, the ancient ritual capital of the Per- sian Empire, archaeologists found inscribed Tahdig (Crunchy Fried Rice) stone tablets from as far back as 515 B.C., Tahdig is the soul food of Persian cooking. which listed pantry staples of the early Ira- It is the crisp, golden layer of fried rice at nians. They included walnuts, poultry and the bottom of the rice pot, and it tastes like pomegranate preserves, the key ingredients a combination of popcorn and potato chips, in fesenjan. but with the delicate flavor of basmati rice.

Bademjan (Eggplant And Tomato Stew) Jeweled Rice (with Nuts and Dried Fruit) This stew has the shimmering red-gold col- Dotted with brightly colored dried fruit and or of tomatoes cooked with turmeric, with nuts, like little jewels, this is a sweet-and- a sheen of oil on top. Like all Persian stews, savory dish that shows off some of the na- bademjan is thick and meant to be eaten tive ingredients of Iran, including pistachios, over rice with a fork. almonds, candied orange peel, barberries, carrots and saffron. Zereshk Polo (Barberry Rice) Iranians love sour flavors. Like cranberries, Kebab (Lamb, Chicken, Ground Meat) barberries have a vibrant red color, but they Kebabs have more variety than you might are even more sour. This classic rice dish think. First, there’s koobideh, ground meat is studded with the red berries, which are seasoned with minced onion, salt and dried and rehydrated before cooking. pepper. Chicken kebab, known as joojeh, is traditionally made from a whole chicken, Gormeh Sabzi (Green Herb Stew) bones and all, for more flavor, marinated in Made from herbs, kidney beans and lamb, lemon and onion, and basted with saffron deep green gormeh sabzi satisfies two Per- and butter. sian flavor obsessions: it is sour and full of herbs. Sabzi Khordan (Herb and Cheese Plate) No Persian meal is complete without a dish Ash e Reshteh (Noodle and Bean Soup) of sabzi khordan, or edible herbs. The plate A richly textured soup full of noodles, can include mint, tarragon, basil and cilan- beans, herbs and leafy greens like spinach tro, alongside scallions, radishes, walnuts, and beet leaves. It is topped with mint oil, feta cheese and Iranian nan (flatbread).

14 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileIRAN PEOPLE IN IRAN

Iranian culture is class-based, traditional and patriarchal. Tradition for most is rooted in religion, and class and patriarchy have been constant features of Iranian society since ancient times.

Body Language Meeting Etiquette A downward gaze in Iran is a sign of re- • Introductions are generally restricted to spect. For men, downcast eyes are a de- members of the same sex since men and fense measure, since staring at a woman women socialize separately. is usually taken as a sign of interest, and • Greetings tend to be affectionate. Men can cause difficulties. On the other hand, kiss other men and women kiss other staring directly into the eyes of a friend is women at social events. If they meet on a sign of affection and intimacy. the street, a handshake is more common. • When Iranians greet each other, they Very conservative Muslims may avoid take their time and converse about gener- shaking hands or kissing unrelated indi- al things. viduals of the opposite sex. At the same time, it is well accepted for individuals of The most common greeting is “salaam the same sex to touch each other, wheth- alaykum” or more simply “salaam”. er they are related or not.

15 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileIRAN IRAN AND ITS PEOPLE

Iran has been somewhat blessed by an absence of specific ethnic conflict. This is noteworthy, given the large number of ethnic groups living within its borders, both today and in the . It is safe to conclude that the general Iranian population neither persecutes ethnic minorities, nor openly discrimi- nates against them.

Some groups living within Iranian borders do assert autonomy occasionally, however. Chief among these are the Kurds, living on Iran’s western border. Fiercely independent, they have pressed the Iranian central government to grant economic concessions and au- tonomous decision-making powers. However, outside of the urban areas in their region, the Kurds already have formidable control over their regions. Iranian central government officials tread very lightly in these areas. The Kurds in Iran, along with their brethren in Iraq and Turkey, have long desired an independent state. The immediate prospects for this are dim.

The nomadic tribal groups in the southern and western regions of the Iranian central pla- teau have likewise caused problems for the Iranian central government. Because they are in movement with their sheep and goats for more than half of the year, they have histor- ically been difficult to control. They are also generally self-sufficient, and a small minority are even quite well-off. Attempts to settle these tribes in the past have met with violent action. At present, they entertain an uneasy peace with Iranian central authorities.

The Arab population of the Southwestern trans-Zagros Gulf province of Khuzestan has entertained political aspirations of breaking away from Iran. These aspirations have been encouraged by Iraq and other Arab states. In times of conflict between Iran and Iraq, Iraqi leaders have supported this separatist movement as a way of antagonizing Iranian offi- cials.

The severest social persecution in Iran has been directed at religious minorities. For cen- turies, periods of relative tolerance have alternated with periods of discrimination. Under the current Islamic republic, these minorities have had a difficult time. Although theoret- ically protected as “People of the Book” according to Islamic law, Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians have faced accusations of spying for Western nations or for Israel. Islamic officials also take a dim view of their tolerance of alcohol consumption, and the relative freedom accorded to women.

16 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileIRAN SOCIETY AND CULTURE

Islam and Shi’ism Islam is practised by the majority of Iranians, and it governs their personal, political, economic and legal lives. Iran is the only country of all Muslim countries that is officially a Shi’ite state. The others are considered as Sunni states.

Contrary to the stereotype images of Muslim males in the media, most Iranian men do not have beards and if they do, it is not necessarily for religious reasons.

Traditional vs Modern Iranians are very conscious about the way they dress and on the whole they dress well and dress codes are very important in distinguishing modern and traditional groups. Generally among the affluent, men and women are expect- ed to dress in expensive and fashionable clothes with expen- sive jewelry and accessories (mainly and rings for men) and to drive luxury cars. Among more modern people, females have no problems wearing heavy make-up, exposing body parts while in the company of males. Among more traditional people, female dress codes are modest and much more conser- vative, with darker colors and little make-up. In mixed gatherings of such groups, males and fe- males normally end up as clusters on their own if not segregated in the first place. However, in private, in all female gatherings even tradition- al Muslim women may dress freely or expose body parts.

Iranians will not normally joke about each other’s wives or other related females, unless they are very close friends or related. If alcohol is served, males will normally serve the drinks and many wom- en, especially the older generation, do not consume alcohol. It is best to ask people if they drink alcohol before offering any to them – however, very strict religious people might be offended if you offer them alcohol. Usually such people either do not socialize with non-Muslims, or will make it clear before- hand that they do observe Islamic codes with respect to eating and drinking.

17 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileIRAN SOCIAL TRADITIONS

Food preparation is a major part of any get togeth- er, and there will be plenty of different dishes. The higher the status of the guests, the more elaborate the party. Guests are constantly served with some food items, tea or drinks, and the hostess – mainly the lady of the house (sometimes daughters too) – has the task of serving. She refuses to take no for an answer and insists that guests should have what they are offered.

Respecting the elderly is another ancient practice that has survived. Traditionally, the elderly are re- spected, listened to and are treated accordingly. It is customary for all to stand up once they enter a room, the best seats are allocated to them and they are offered drinks and food before anyone else.

The priority for females is marriage and childbear- ing. Due to economic necessity and with the phe- nomenal increase in the number of highly educated Iranian women, such culturally accepted norms are creating major problems for working mothers and challenging the status quo. So far, the solution for most appears to be reliance on family members such as grandparents to look after the children. Day-care centres are not generally trusted, and a nanny is pre- ferred if affordable.

Male/female relationships seem to be a complicated matter for many Iranians. Educated and modern classes have little problems understanding the dynamics of such relation- ships and engaging in them. Both sexes respect and treat their partners as equals, and most have left behind medieval courting habits generations ago. However, traditional and less educated groups might have problems with western courting styles. Males belong- ing to such groups normally marry virgin women, and they can be controlling and expect obedience, and may not involve their wives in decision-making processes. Any socializing with the opposite sex might be regarded indecent and offensive. Dress codes are tightly observed and children are also controlled and expected to behave according to the com- munal codes, rather than following their own individual styles or western ones.

18 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileIRAN FAMILY IN IRAN

In Iran, the family is the basis of the social structure. The concept of family is more private than in many other cultures. Iranians take their family responsibili- ties quite seriously. Families tend to be small, only 1 or 2 children, but the extend- ed family is quite close. The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need from the family. Elderly relatives are kept at home, not placed in a nursing home. Loyalty to the family comes before other social relationships, even business. Nepotism is considered a good thing, since it implies that employing people one knows and trusts is of primary importance.

Iran’s constitution dictates that women are mothers and homemakers. Female relatives must be protected from outside influences and are taken care of at all times. It is inappro- priate to ask questions about an Iranian’s wife or other female relatives. If they want to work outside of the home, they need permission from the male head of the household. The government also segregates schools by gender, and at the university level, there are some subjects women are not allowed to study. On city buses, men and women sit apart, and a woman may not appear in public with a man unless it is her husband or family member. However, unlike women in Saudi Arabia, Iranian women can drive and vote.

Polygamy is legal in Iran, and men can marry up to four wives. Once married, a girl can no longer go to high school. The marriage age of girls is currently 13, up from 9 years old after the Revolution. Boys may marry at 15, the legal age Iranians can vote.

Polygyny is allowed, but not widely practiced, however, because Iranian officials in this century have followed the Islamic prescription that a man taking two wives must treat them with absolute equality. Women in polygynous marriages hold their husbands to this and will seek legal relief if they feel they are disadvantaged. Statistics are difficult to as- certain, but one recent study claims that only 1 percent of all marriages are polygynous.

Divorce is less common in Iran than in the West. Families prefer to stay together even un- der difficult circumstances, since it is extremely difficult to disentangle the close network of interrelationships between the spouses’ two extended families.

Children of a marriage belong to the father. After a divorce, men assume custody of boys over three years and girls over seven. Women have been known to renounce their divorce payment in exchange for custody of their children. There is no impediment to remarriage with another partner for either men or women.

19 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileIRAN CORPORATE CULTURE

Iranians prefer to do business with those they know and re- spect, therefore they expect to spend time cultivating a -per sonal relationship before busi- ness is conducted.

Relationships & Communication with an Iranian company is generally not business-focused. Expect your colleagues to Who you know is often more important spend time getting to know you as a person than what you know, so it is important to over tea and snacks. Be patient, as meet- network and cultivate a number of con- ings are frequently interrupted. tacts. Do not remove your suit jacket without per- Expect to be offered tea whenever you mission. Do not look at your watch or try to meet someone, as this demonstrates hospi- rush the meeting. If you appear fixated on tality. the amount of time the meeting is taking, you will not be trusted. Since Iranians judge people on appearanc- es, dress appropriately and stay in a high Business Negotiating standard hotel. It takes time for Iranians to warm up to- Business Meeting Etiquette wards foreign business people. Until then, they may appear somewhat stiff and for- It is a good idea to avoid scheduling meet- mal. Personal relationships form the basis ings during Ramazan (Ramadan), as the of business dealings. need to fast would preclude your business colleagues from offering you hospitality. Decisions are made slowly. Iranians are deliberate negotiators who can drive a hard Arrive at meetings on time, since punctu- bargain. Do not use high-pressure tactics. ality is seen as a virtue. The first meeting They will work against you. 20 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileIRAN BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Iranians may display emotion, or even walk dis”. The title “agha” (sir) is used when ad- out of the meeting, or threaten to termi- dressing men. The title “khanoom” (mad- nate the relationship in an attempt to con- am) is used when addressing women. vince you to change your position. Wait to be invited before starting to use Iranians often use time as a negotiating first names. Only close friends and family tactic, especially if they know that you have use this informal form. a deadline. Be cautious about letting your business colleagues know that you are un- Dress Etiquette der time pressure. Business attire is formal and conservative. Companies are hierarchical. Decisions are Men should wear dark colored conservative made at the top of the company, either by business suits. one person or a small council. Ties are not worn by Iranians but it is per- Titles fectly acceptable for you to do so.

Address your Iranian business associates by Dress well to make a good impression. their title and their surname. Women should always dress modestly and The title “doktor” is used for both M.D.s cover their hair. and Ph.D.s. Engineers are called “mohan

21 Learnmera Oy www.thelanguagemenu.com Country profileIRAN