Iranian Society - Traditional Cultural Inheritors of The Old Persia

Traditional Cultural Inheritors of The Old Persia

Like the Persian carpet that exhibits numerous colors and forms in a dazzling display of warmth and creativity, Persian culture is the glue that bonds the peoples of western and central Asia. The Caucasus and Central Asia "occupy an important place in the historical geography of Persian civilization. Much of the region was included in the Pre-Islamic Persian empires, and many of its ancient peoples either belonged to the Iranian branch of the Indo-European peoples (e.g. Medes and Soghdians), or were in close cultural contact with them (e.g. the Armenians). In the words of Iranologist Richard Nelson Frye:

"Many times I have emphasized that the present peoples of central Asia, whether Iranian or Turkic speaking, have one culture, one religion, one set of social values and traditions with only language separating them."

The Culture of Persia has thus developed over several thousand years. But historically, the peoples of Iran, Iraq, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Georgia, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan originate from the same or similar stock, and are related to one another as part of the larger group of peoples of Greater Iran. The Northern Caucasus is well within the sphere of influence of Persian culture as well, as can be seen from the many remaining relics, ruins, and works of literature from that region.(e.g. 1) (e.g. 2)

• Iran is filled with tombs of poets and musicians, such as this one belonging to Rahi Mo'ayeri. An illustration of Iran's deep artistic heritage.

• Iranian chess (shatranj) set, glazed fritware, 12th century. New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.

• Craftsmanship in Iranian Architecture. An excellent animation depicting the intricate details of the traditional interior design: (click).

• An ancient ice house, called a yakhchal, built in ancient times for storing ice during summers.