::IRPersia::

International Celebration of Nouruz for upcoming Spring

2011-03-20T23:34:00.005+03:30

Valiasr Avenue - Tehran

IRAN, is in a great atmosphere these days. Streets, side walks, shopping centers, and stores all are too crowded, but all people are happy. Probably it has been one month that from early morning to late night its the rush hours. What makes all people to be in rush? What makes people happy in these crowded busy days?

Getting ready for Nouruz, the Persian New Year Celebration, and the coming of Spring is the reason. Nouruz Celebration is one of the oldest traditions of Iranians which its root is from a great glorious civilization that goes back over 3,000 years ago. About more that a quarter of Billion people celebrate the new year and coming of Spring.

One month or more before Nouruz, people prepare themselves by cleaning their house and buying new clothes, nuts and candies, so the intensity of crowd on the streets is conspicuous in Esfand, the last month of Persian Solar Calendar. A black person called Haji Firooz (or Khawja Pirouz), wears red clothes and wanders in the streets in the last days and attracts people by singing, playing and dancing. However, nowadays, you can hardly find them in the streets, at least in the area where I live. It seems that few people are willing to become Haji Firooz.

Haji Firooz

Lord Nouruz has come.
Friends, spread this message -
The New Year has come again!
This spring be your good luck,
The tulip fields be your joy.
Haji Firooz Song

Nowrūz (Persian: نوروز, IPA: [nouˈɾuːz], "New Day", originally "New Light") is the name of the New Year in Iranian calendars and the corresponding traditional celebrations. Nouruz is also widely referred to as the Persian New Year.

Nouruz is celebrated and observed by Iranian peoples and the related cultural continent and has spread in many other parts of the world, including parts of Central Asia, South Asia, Northwestern China, the Crimea and some parts in the Balkans.

Nouruz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in Iranian calendar. It is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox, which usually occurs on March 21 or the previous/following day depending on where it is observed. As well as being a Zoroastrian holiday and having significance amongst the Zoroastrian ancestors of modern Iranians, the same time is celebrated in parts of the South Asian sub-continent as the new year. The moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator and equalizes night and day is calculated exactly every year and Iranian families gather together to observe the rituals.

Originally being a Zoroastrian festival, and the holiest of them all, Nouruz is believed to have been invented by Zoroaster himself, although there is no clear date of origin.Since the Achaemenid era the official year has begun with the New Day when the Sun leaves the zodiac of Pisces and enters the zodiacal sign of Aries, signifying the Spring Equinox.

Haft Sin

Haft Sin Table

Today, Nouruz tradition is continued through the setting of a special table or spread with an arrangement of specific symbolic items, seven of which have names that start with the Persian letter 'S' (called Sin in Persian). These are:

Sabzeh - wheat, barley or lentil sprouts growing in a dish - symbolizing Rebirth
Samanu - a sweet pudding made from wheat germ - symbolizing Affluence
Senjed - the dried fruit of the ole-aster tree - symbolizing Love
Sîr - Garlic - symbolizing Medicine
Sîb - apples - symbolizing Beauty and Health
Somagh - sumac berries - symbolizing (the color of) Sunrise
Serkeh - vinegar - symbolizing Age and Aatience

Sometimes a missing Sin is exchanged with another item starting with an S. For example:

Sonbol - the fragrant hyacinth flower - symbolizing Spring
Sekkeh - Coin - symbolizing Prosperity and Wealth

Sizdeh Bedar (13th Outdoors)

On 13th day so called Nature Day (the National day), people go to the nature and parks for picnic. Usually they take their Sabzeh and release it on a river. An ancient belief says that if girls tie two sprouts of Sabzeh and then release it on a river, soon they will find their love and an appropriate person for getting married with.

Sizdah Bedar , the national day of Nature - People go to the nature and parks for celebrating this day.

UN Recognition

The UN's General Assembly in 2010 recognized March 21 as the International Day of Nouruz, describing it a Spring festival of Persian origin which has been celebrated for over 3,000 years and calling on world countries to draw on the holiday's rich history to promote peace and goodwill.

Nouruz Carnival in New York

Iranians will start the years that are mentioned below:

1) The solar year 7033 (Aryan Civilization)
2) The solar year 6761 (Assyrian Civilization)
3) The solar year 3749 (Zoroastrian Civilization)
4) The solar year 2570 (Achaemenian Civilization)
5) The solar year 1390 (The Civilization since Islam appeared)

Iranians will celebrate Nouruz for about 13 days. First day of Spring which is equal with start of Persians New Year and Nouruz, will be on Monday 1st of Farvardin at 02:50:45 (Tehran) or on Sunday, 20th of March at 23:11:30 (GMT).

*.*Happy New Year*.*

It's a culture that people pray each other and ask God for health and happiness in the last moments of the year. So let's pray for people of Japan to be always in peace and no Tsunami happens again in next days and also pray for those who are buried under the dusts to being survived.

Sources: wikipedia.org, englishcafe.com, chiff.com, iranmap.com, opera.com

United Nations General Assembly Recognizes 21 March as International Day of Nouruz (Persian New Year Celebration)

2010-03-19T16:30:00.039+03:30

*.*Happy New Year*.*

*.*Happy International Nouruz*.*

After lots of attempts by Persian Bloggers and also by participating lots of Iranians in an Online Petition, in order to Internationalize the Iranian's National New Year Celebration, so called "Nouruz", which is being celebrated in many many countries in the world that were a part of Persian Empire, finally United Nations General Assembly has convinced to add 21st of March in the International Calendar and recognized it as International Day of Nouruz.

In the General Assembly many countries have tried to persuade the chief of UN for Internationalizing the Nouruz, and as it's clear in the news of UN's Department of Public Information, after Azerbaijan’s representative attempts, Iranian representative by quoting lines of the Persian poet Mevlana Rumi that expressed the holiday’s theme of rebirth “On our planet and in our souls” and by support of Millions of Persians everything has finished up and finally the General Assembly of UN convinced.

Persian Nouruz is going to celebrate in many countries which were under Persian Empire authority and Persian Cultures, included here:
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, some parts of Turkey, Georgia and Russia, Iraq, Lebanon, the countries under Persian Gulf, Pakistan, Most parts of India, North Western of China, Eastern and South Eastern of Europe, and many other countries which were one of the provinces of IRAN [Persia].

Cyrus the Great - Founder of Persian Empire, 2600 years ago

It's been about 1 month which the cities are all crowded in IRAN and all people are getting ready for the great celebration which is came from their glorious civilization. It's a custom in this celebration to buy Fruits, Cookies, Chocolates to welcome relatives, friends and other guests. Iranian's hospitality is known for those who traveled there.
Those who traveled IRAN do not think like other people of the world, cause they've seen something different from the things which the Western Media has shown and propagate against IRAN.
" If you're one of the many Americans who believe that IRAN is a nation of religious thugs that was born when a handful of them took our embassy in Tehran hostage, I just want you to consider one thing. Today marks the Persian New Year, celebrated by roughly more than a quarter billion people throughout the world, but originally in IRAN at least as far back as 2,500 years ago.
"March 20?" You ask. Yes. It's the vernal equinox, or more commonly known, the first day of Spring. One could make the case that a people who start their year at the beginning of Spring may come from a more civilized tradition than those whose calendar starts on a random day in the middle of winter.
So I say this Persian New Year we resolve to be more curious about the other, less insular and engage in dialog with our adversaries with the goal of finding common ground. " said Jason Rezaian in his blog.

It's been a long time Persian Nouruz being appreciated by International Communities:

A traditional Haft Sin table celebrating Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is seen set Wednesday, March 19, 2008, in the State Dining Room of the White House. Nowruz is, in Persian and some other cultures, including Kurdish culture, a family-oriented holiday celebrating the New Year and the coming of Spring. The Haft Sin table has seven items symbolizing new life, joy, love, beauty and health, sunrise, patience and garlic to ward off evil. White House photo by Chris Greenberg

21 March 2009, Microsoft Live Search Engine used Persepolis picture as its background for appreciating Persian Nouruz.

Google Search Engine Logo's has been changing each year in the first day of Spring and the first day of Nouruz Celebration.

San Francisco hosts Nouruz celebration

From the Mayor's Office of Communications

March 31, 2006

Mayor Gavin Newsom and Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi hosted 500 guests from across the Bay Area for the 1st Annual Nouruz Celebration in the City and County of San Francisco.

Ballet Afsaneh transform City Hall's rotunda in celebration of Norouz, the Iranian New Year.

Mayor Gavin Newsom consoles Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi after Mirkarimi puts best foot forward with greetings in Persian.

Nejad WorId Music Center perform hypnotic traditional Persian standards.

Haft-Sin Table in Kish Island under Persian Gulf by some Iranian divers.

Iranians will start the years that are mentioned below:

1) The solar year 7032 (Aryan Civilization)
2) The solar year 6760 (Assyrian Civilization)
3) The solar year 3748 (Zoroastrian Civilization)
4) The solar year 2569 (Achaemenid Civilization)
5) The solar year 1389 (The Civilization since Islam appeared)

Iranians will celebrate Nouruz for about 13 days. First day of Spring which is equal with start of Persians New Year and Nouruz will be at 21:02:13 Tehran (17:32:47 GMT) 20th of March.

This Persian Girl miniature is one of the symbols of Spring and Nouruz, which mostly being seen in Iranian Artists paintings.

Sources: www.un.org , www.whitehouse.gov , www.fogcityjournal.com , www.sfgate.com

The History of the Persian Carpet

2009-08-13T13:57:00.001+04:30

The Persian Carpet is an essential part of Persian art and culture. Carpet-weaving is undoubtedly one of the most distinguished manifestations of Persian culture and art, and dates back to ancient Persia.
In 2008, IRAN’s export of hand-woven carpets was $420 million. There is an estimated population of 1.2 million weavers in IRAN producing carpets for domestic markets and international export. In recent times Iranian carpets have come under fierce competition from other countries (China as well and some other countries) producing fakes of the original Iranian designs as well as genuine cheaper substitutes.

Persian Carpets can be divided into three groups:

1. Farsh or Ghāli (sized anything greater than 6x4 feet)
2. Ghālicheh (meaning rug, sized 6x4 feet and smaller)
3. Nomadic carpets known as Kilim, (including Zilu, meaning rough carpet).

To look at a Persian Carpet is to gaze into a world of artistic magnificence nurtured for around 2,600 years. The Iranians were among the first carpet weaver of the ancient civilizations and, through centuries of creativity and ingenuity building upon the talents of the past, achieved a unique degree of excellence.

The carpet is the finest and most exquisite form of expression and Iranian can find and the best specimens available today rank amongst the highest level of art ever attained by mankind. Even today, with Iranians increasingly being swallowed up in the whirlpool of a fast expanding industrial, urban society, the Persian association with the carpet is as strong as ever.
An Iranian's home is bare and soulless without Persian Carpet, a reflection on the deep rooted bond between the people and their national art.

To trace the history of the Persian Carpet is to follow a path of cultural growth of the greatest civilization the world has ever known. From being simply articles of need, as pure and simple floor entrance covering to protect the nomadic tribesmen from the cold and damp, the increasing beauty of the carpets found them new owners - kings and nobleman, those who looked for signs of wealth or adornment for fine buildings.

Many people in IRAN have invested their whole wealth in Persian Carpets - often referred to as an Iranian's stocks and shares - and there are underground storage areas in Tehran bazaar that are full of fine specimens, kept as investments by shrewd businessmen. And for many centuries, of course,the Persian Carpet has received international acknowledgment for its artistic splendor. In palaces, famous building, rich homes and museums throughout the world a Persian Carpet is amongst the most treasured possessions. Thus, today IRAN produces more carpets than all the other carpet making centers of the world put together.

The elements of luxury with which the Persian Carpet is associated today provides a marked contrast with its humble beginning among the nomadic tribes that at one time wandered the great expanse of Persia in search of their livelihood. Then it was an article of necessity to protect the tribes from the bitterly cold winters of the country. But out of necessity was born art. Through their bright colors and magical designs, the floor and entrance coverings that protected the tribesmen from the ravages of the weather also brought relief to their dour and hardy lives. In those early days the size of the carpet was often small, dependent upon the size of the tents of room in which the people lived.

The earliest known Persian Carpet was discovered by Russian Professor Rudenko in 1949 during excavations of burial mounds in the Altai Mountains in Siberia. The Carpet had been preserved purely by chance/ soon after it had been placed in the burial mound, grave robbers raided the mound. They ignored the carpet but, threw the opening they left, water poured into the mound and froze, thus protecting the carpet from decay. Called the Pazyryk rug, the carpet has a woolen pile knotted with Chords knot. Its central field is a deep red color and it has two wide borders, one depicting deer and the other Persian horseman. It dates from the fifth century B.C. and is now kept in the Hermitage Museum of Leningrad.

An other rug found in the same area, this time with a Senneh knot, dates to the first century B.C. But, long before that historical records show that the court of Cyrus the Great, who founded the Persian monarchy under Achaemenid Dynasty 2,600 years ago, was bedecked by magnificent carpets. Classical tales recount how wild alexander found carpet of a very fine fabric in Cyrus tomb.

The next great period in the history of Persian Carpets came during the Sassanian dynasty, from the third to the seventh century A.D. By the 6th century Persian Carpets had won international prestige and were being exported to distant lands. And in this time was created one great carpet which was a spectacle of overwhelming splendor. The spring or winter carpet of King Khosrow was made for the huge audience hall of the palace at Ctesiphon and depicted a formal garden. It held a political significance as an indication of the power and there source of the king and its beauty signified the divine role of the king. When the wild and uncivilized arabs defeated the Persians and took Ctesiphon, they carried off the carpet as part of their fabulous booty and it was eventually cut up into small fragments and divided among the victorious soldiers.

Yet its magnificence lived on, inspiring subsequent history, poetry and art and helping to sustain Persian morale for centuries. It also provided a source of inspiration for subsequent carpets but, although many have tried, not even the most skilled have been able to equal its spellbinding design.

Certainly when Mongols invaded the country in the 13th century they found many Persian homes and tents boasting local carpets. But for the next two centuries, the artistic life of the country, including carpet weaving, declined under the influence of the devastation wreaked by the Mongols. But, among his few graces, the conqueror Tamerlane spared artisans from his bloody havoc and had them sent to his palaces in Turkestan. Under his successor art began to flourish once more. His son Shahrokh put a great emphasis on Persian Carpets and outstanding specimens began to appear once more from court subsidized looms. The lavish royal support guaranteed the highest skills and the finest materials money could buy. Once more the art was for a great climax.

The climax came with the Safavid dynasty in the 16th century. When Shah Ismael occupied the throne in 1499 he began laying the foundation for what was to become a national industry that was the envy of surrounding countries. The most famous of the kings of this era, Shah Abbas, more than any one transformed the industry, bringing it from the tents of the wandering nomads into the towns and cities. In Isfahan, which he made his capital, he established a royal carpet factory and hired artisans to prepare designs to be made by master craftsmen. He charged officers of the crown to ensure that the integrity of the industry was maintained and in his period the art of carpet weaving once again achieved monumental proportions. The best known carpets of the period,dated 1539, come from the mosque of Ardebil and, in the opinion many experts, represents the summit of achievements in carpet design. A complex star medallion dominates a rich system of stems and blossoms on a vivid indigo field. The larger of the two stole by Great Pirates [Britain] which is now kept in London's Victoria and Albert Museum while the other can be seen at the Los Angles County Museum. Excellent silk animal rugs were woven in Kashan while, to the north of Isfahan, weavers turned out the distinctive vase carpets. Rugs of great beauty were also woven in Kerman, Yazd, Fars, and Khuzestan.

Shah Abbas also developed the use of gold and silver thread carpet, culminating in the great coronation carpet now held in the Rosenberg Castle, Copenhagen, which has a perfect velvet-like pile and gleaming gold background. (These carpets has stolen again probably during political crisis which always has been made by Great Pirates [Britain] ).

Historical city of Isfahan

These carpets, of course were made for the court and the great nobles, and were protected as well as any golden treasure. They had special custodians and, even when they were brought out for state and other special occasions, were usually covered with another light fabric to protect them from wear. Growing demand from the royal courts of Europe for these gold and silver threaded carpets led to a great export industry. A large number went to Poland after King Sigmund specially send merchants to Persia to acquire them. King Louis XIV of France even sent his own craftsmen to Persia to learn the trade.

As the 17th century wore on there was an increasing demand for luxury and refinement. A set of silk carpets woven to surround the sarcophagus of Shah Abbas II achieved such a rare quality that many mistook them for velvet. But they were the last really high achievement in carpet making from that era in Persian history. Somehow, inspiration steadily began to slacken and, as the court became increasingly improvised, the quality of the craftsmanship began to fall away.

When Shah Abbas' capital city of Isfahan was sacked in 1722 a magnificent period in the history not only of carpet weaving but of art itself came dramatically to an end. The great carpet weaving fell back into the hands of wanderings nomads who had maintained their centuries-old traditions and skills, apart from a few centers, principally Josheghan, Kerman, Mashhad, and Azerbaijan. Even the low school rugs these centers produced were in danger of being ruined as an art by the growing demand from the West in the mid 19th century for quantity at the expense of quality. Cheap, dyes, low quality wool, chemical washing and even meaningless designs supplied by the European importers brought the industry almost to its knees.

After sporadic and largely successful efforts to stop the rot, the government took drastic action and confiscated the carpets in which cheap days and low quality wool had been used. The dye Masters soon came to their senses, with it began a new era of revival for the carpet crafts. The IRAN Carpet Company and a school of design were established in Tehran to restore the integrity of Art and to study and build the great works of the 15th and 16th centuries.

Source: Persia.org

Congratulation the World's Most Glorious New Year Celebration | First Day of Spring and the Nouruz of the Year 7031

2009-03-21T16:56:00.001+03:30

First Congratulation to the Soul of Cyrus the Great.

A paint from Cyrus the Great - Founder of Persian Empire, 2598 years ago

The Shrine of King of Kings, Cyrus the Great (Pasargadae - Fars Province - IRAN)

20th of March, first day of Spring and Persian's New Year and Nouruz celebration for 13 days...
Nouruz will start at 15:13:39 Tehran (12:43:39 GMT).

Persian Nouruz is going to celebrate in many countries which were under Persian Empire authority, include:
Azerbaijan, Armenia, some parts of Turkey, Georgia and Russia, Iraq, Lebanon, the countries under Persian Gulf, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Most parts of India, North Western of China, Eastern and South Eastern of Europe, and many other countries which were one of the provinces of IRAN.

*.*Happy New Year*.*

Congratulation to whole Empire of Persia and willing no ill will.

Iranians start the years that are mentioned below:

1) The year 7031 (Aryan Civilization)
2) The year 3747 (Zoroastrian Civilization)
3) The year 2568 (Achaemenid Civilization)
4) The year 1388 (The Civilization since Islam appeared)

A Haft-Sin Table

Haft-Sin Table in Pars Hotel - Kerman Province - IRAN

Arash with Collaboration of Rebecca Zadig, Aneela, Helena and DJ Alligator; One of the World's Most Famous Pop Singers, Especially Around the Europe

2009-01-29T09:36:00.001+03:30

Arash Labaf (23 April 1977 in Esfahan-IRAN) - the Persian singer, dancer, entertainer and producer residing in Malmö, Sweden. Arash grew up in Esfahan (An Ancient and Historical city in center of IRAN) and then his family moved to Uppsala, Sweden before moving to Malmö five years later.

"Travel to India"

Arash is the name of a Persian Hero after whom Arash's parents have called the 31-years old singer. After that Boro-Boro had taken the VIVA-N-Rotation and the Pop MTV2 fresh list in the storm, he shot right away on place 11 of the Germany's charts. Especially the young people stand on the great mixture of oriental atmosphere and super danceable beats, and thus Boro-Boro went not only to the Germany's Airplay charts, but became also on thousands of mobile phones a hit and reached in the Jamba ring tone charts on MTV2 Pop the place 1. And also in the TV of Germany, with "Top of the Pop".

The extremely good-looking Arash cut a fine figure and do the fans to ecstasy.
His first debut album, entitled “ARASH”, was released in June 2005, after he had finished college. His singles, "Boro-Boro" ("Go Away") and "Temptation" (featuring Rebecca Zadig) made it to the hit lists around Europe, and their respective videos garnered significant airplay on more than 20 MTV outlets across the world.
Arash's claim to fame, his hit "Temptation" was collaboration with Swedish singer Rebecca Zadig. Arash had an initial minor hit with the song done solo, but his duo with Rebecca Zadig made him much better known. Rebecca has neither very pretty voice and is from Mexico originally.

"Rebecca Zadig"

In addition to successes in his home countries' music charts, namely IRAN and Sweden, he has had hits notably in Eastern European and South-East European charts like Russia, Ukraine, Greece, Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Georgia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Romania, Turkey and in Asian music charts like in Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and throughout the @r@b Middle Eastern countries under Persian Gulf.

He has gone gold in 5 countries: Germany, Russia, Slovenia and Greece for his album, entitled “ARASH”, and in Sweden for "Boro-Boro".

In Kazakhstan Arash played recently for 50,000 eager fans, and especially in Russia, Arash is already a Superstar. Arash has released a Russian song; "Восточные Сказки" (Vostotchyie Skazki) (featuring Блестящие Blestyashchie), a Russian version of "Temptation", in which he sings in Russian and the Russian version became a big hit in Russian charts. After he has song a Russian version of his second single Temptation, he gave a private concert for the birthday of the mayor of Moscow. And at the 2006 New Year Night he had appeared with Russian stars, Blestyashchie, together in the biggest Russian show RTR and, besides, had reached 150 million spectators.

A brilliant mixture of Persian sounds and the charming scrolling of the Bollywood style which we already know from the hyper romantic, color-splendid Indian films combine with modern Pop beats and pure earwig melodies. On his first album are, for example, groovy Temptation which mixes useful Euro beats with Persian harmonies and a powerful party hit to mention.

Arash was born in Esfahan (IRAN), and when his parents gave him the name of a Persian Legend Hero, they maybe anticipated that he would do his luck in the world.

Music became his life, and his life became the music, up to the day when Arash lost his voice in winter few years ago for inexplicable reasons. The doctors had already given him up, and, in the end, his girlfriend left him in addition, so that Arash drowned his grief with alcohol and worse things. And then the miracle happened; unexpectedly and on a blow his voice came back. “Nobody knows why,” so he tells, “but it happened. I have cried for luck that I thought. “

In his "dumb" time he had written some songs - one of it was Boro-Boro which became now his big hit and confirms with it.” Pursue your dreams, until they become true! “Boro-Boro is the resignation song to the friend who had left him at that time.

He executes his songs in Persian language mainly and English.

Another collaboration of Arash was with Persian-Pakistani-Danish singer, Aneela (Anila Mirza) in the hit "Chori-Chori". "Chori-Chori" (September 2006), Aneela and Arash stepped out together on German version The Dome, presenting Chori-Chori.

"Aneela"

The three-way collaboration between Arash / Rebecca Zadig / Aneela in "Bombay Dreams" for a film under the same title.

DJ Alligator (Born on March 10th 1975, in Tehran, IRAN) appeared in Arash's music video for "Music is My Language" as the producer and rapper. The song "Music is My Language", was an appreciate for Persian Language (The official Iranians language) and also a show off for DJ Alligator to introduce himself as an Iranian. (Because before the song "Music is My Language" most people thought that he is originally Danish.)

"DJ Alligator"

In his 2006 album (Crossfade), Arash, DJ Alligator and “Shahkar Bineshpajoo” made a song for the Iranian National Football Team for their appearance in the 2006 World Cup.

Arash released in March 2008 his third album, "Donya [The World]" featuring amongst many, a Reggae/Dancehall influenced single and music video "Donya" in collaboration with Shaggy.

In June 2008 Arash released another Russian song "На моря" (Na Morya) featuring Anna Semenovich. This song became number One hit of Summer 2008 in Russia.

Arash (2005)
- Boro Boro
- Yalla
- Tike Tike Kardi
- Baskon (feat. Timbuktu)
- Arash (feat. Helena) [Download] Watch the film
- Temptation (feat. Rebecca) [Download] Watch the film
- Bombay Dreams (feat. Aneela and Rebecca) [Download]
- Behnaz
- Man o Tou
- Salamati
- Music is my language (feat. Dj Alligator) [Download] Watch the film
- Ey Yar Begoo (feat. Ebi)
- Tike Tike Kardi (Payami Lounge)
- Temptation (CMN Remix) (feat. Rebecca)
- Boro Boro (Bollywood Cafe Mix)

Crossfade - The Remix Album (2006)
- Iran Iran (feat. DJ Alligator) [Download]
- Arash (MintmanRemix)
- Tike Tike Kardi (DJ Aligator Remix)
- Temptation (CMN Remix)
- Man o Tou (Feat Lucia)
- Boro Boro (Payami Funky Sunday Remix)
- Temptation (Russian Version With Blestjashie)
- Arash (feat. Helena - English Version)
- Tike Tike Kardi (Balkan Fanatics Remix)
- Baskon (100% Persian Version)
- Ey Yaar Bego (New Version)
- Boro Boro (Saba Rock Remix)
- Arash (Payami Vocal Club)
- Tike Tike Kardi (Sodaclub Remix)
- Temptation (Payami Club)
- Boro Boro (Feat Aneela Indian Version)
- Baskon (Russian Version Bonus)

Donya (2008)
- Intro
- Donya (feat. Shaggy) [Download]
- Suddenly (feat. Rebecca) [Download]
- Miduni Midunam
- Kandi (feat. Lumidee)
- Pure Love (feat. Helena) [Download]
- Naro
- Chori Chori (feat Aneela)
- Laf
- Joone Man
- Tanham
- Doset Nadaram
- Dasa Bala (feat. Timbuktu Yag)
- Donya (Payami Break Mix)

Sources: ArashFans - Arash - Wikipedia - Arash, Rebecca, Aneela
Special Thanks from My Best Friend "Reza" ( .:TeraBIT:.)

Five of the World's Best Film Directors and their Documentaries about Beijing 2008 Olympics | What was going on back behind the 2008 Beijing?

2008-10-21T09:03:00.004+03:30

After more than 600 days of planning, filming and post production work, the VISION BEIJING film project held its global premiere on February 24, 2008, in Beijing. The works of five world-famed directors who participated the project were shown to the public, serving as an audio-video record of the rich connotations of Beijing People's Olympics. Meanwhile, this event will provide the world with some insights into Beijing's history and culture in an engrossing and entertaining way.

The VISION BEIJING project is sponsored by the Information Office of the Beijing Municipal Government, the Beijing Foreign Cultural Exchanges Association and the Beijing Tourism Administration. It was organized by the Beijing Foreign Exchanges Center and Beijing This Month Publications.

Five of the World's Best Film Directors, Giuseppe Tornatore (Italy), Majid Majidi (IRAN), Patrice Leconte (France), Daryl Goodrich (England) and Andrew Lau Wai-Keung (Hong Kong), were invited to make a short film each about Beijing and its people’s preparations for the 2008 Olympic Games.

Following their own styles, these five well-known directors told five stories of Beijing in their own ways. These passionate and inspirational films portray the beauty and charm of this ancient yet rapidly modernizing international metropolis and the host of the 2008 Olympics.

It was also the first time for Majidi to China. After showed around and after visiting Beijing’s World Cultural Heritage sites, the Beijing Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, the Beijing Shichahai Sports School and the Beijing Beihai Kindergarten;

He said: “He was particularly impressed by the vitality of elder people. This was my first chance to experience Beijing, but I feel very warm here, as our cultures are connected. China is a mysterious and wonderful place, and the Chinese people make this place mysterious and wonderful.”

"I am most impressed by the middle-aged and retired people, who have great passion for life," he added later.

Despite his impression for the elderly, Majidi, Oscar-nominated for Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film with Children of Heaven in 1998, chose his favorite subject, children.

In Colors Fly, Majidi focused on children looking forward to the Games.

Children are typically Majidi’s favorite film actors and subjects. He is always inclined to portray the real lives of common people.

Majidi is known for his sensitive portrayal of children in films such as Children of Heaven and Color of Paradise.

In his short film, Majidi captures a group of ordinary Beijing students in yellow, blue, green, purple and red clothes on a morning in Beijing. The students are shown riding their bicycles as they bear their colorful wish-filled balloons through crowds, parks, streets, office buildings and public squares. On various plazas around the city, the students let fly their balloons which attract the attention of people in the area. The balloons soar before coalescing into beautiful Olympic rings. The final scene caused thunders of applause at the premiere.

In Tornatore's first trip to China, the Italian, Academy Award winner for Nuovo Cinema Paradiso in 1999, made Reunion, telling a story about how a group of students and their teacher got back together after 30 years.

Leconte was a stranger to Beijing too but he soon caught up with his knowledge for the Chinese capital, shooting Beijing -- A Film Impressionistic. Arguably France's best director, Leconte depicted Beijing through various structures including Summer Palace, Olympic venues and modern constructions.

Retired as an athlete, Goodrich found his career in a combination of sport and film-making.
After his success in his promotional film for London's bid for the 2012 Olympics, he joined Vision Beijing.
His five-minute film, entitled Belief, focused on the hard work and thrill of athletic competition.

Hong Kong director Lau, the only Chinese director invited to the project, showed his love for the Chinese food in Color, Fragrance, and Taste Beijing.
Lau, having a large group of fans in China thanks to his hit works including Storm Riders, Infernal Affairs and Initial D, showed different types of famous Chinese food and depicted relations between food and Chinese culture.

"I love food so I am the right person to make the film," said Lau half-jokingly. "The only problem is there are too many types of food for me to choose for my film. I just have to show the best of the best."

(Xinhua News Agency February 25, 2008)

The Organizing Committee also enjoyed the support of society. More than 10 cultural celebrities served as advisors to the project, such as Xu Zhihong, Liu Huan and Ma Wei; many famous actors participated, such as Zhang Yang, Tian Zhuangzhuang and Jiang Wenli. More than 100 sites were used as shooting scenes. Nearly 300 film-makers and more than 1,500 working staff, nearly 30 famous actors and sports stars and more than 2,800 extras were involved in this project.

After the premiere ceremony, these five films will be shown via CCTV-2, Beijing TV, the national TV stations of IRAN, Italy, France, and on flights of Air France, Air China, in cinemas in Beijing, via Beijing’s city TVs, mobile TVs, subway TVs, city big-screen TVs and during other cultural exchange occasions.

Hong Kong director Andrew Lau Wai Keung listens to a question during the Vision Beijing news conference in Beijing yesterday.

The project has showcased five short films by five world famous film directors, namely Lau, Giuseppe Tornatore of Italy, Majid Majidi of IRAN, Patrice Leconte of France, and Daryl Goodrich of England. The short films are about Beijing and the people's preparations for the 2008 Olympic Games.

These angles are what five internationally renowned directors took when showing to the world what Beijing was liked in preparing for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Andrew Lau (L)

Patrice Leconte

Majid Majidi

Giuseppe Tornatore

Daryl Goodrich

In Leconte's "Beijing-A Film Impressionistic," there is no storyline but like an impressionist painting. There are many images like kites flying in the sky, the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, the National Stadium and people performing acrobatics in this impressionistic "painting". Watch the film

Following his signature theme of children, Majidi has them in his film to send Beijing's best wishes for the Olympics and hopes for a harmonious world. Named "Colors Fly", the short movie features a group of children who fly balloons in the five colors of the Olympic rings. As the children ride the bicycles on the street, they release the balloons with wishes written on them.
Watch the film
[Can also watch Colors Fly Here]

In comparison with Leconte's images, Andrew Lau focuses his camera on enticing food in Beijing. In the Hong Kong's five-minute movie, he shows the delicious buffet of food, including Peking duck in fancy restaurants and snack stands along the street. The shots of the food are enough to make any viewer hungry. Watch the film

Young athletes are the main theme of Goodrich's film. The British director was inspired by a local youth's three questions about China's role in the modern Olympics. The movie answers the queries by affirming China's status in the sporting world and its big contribution to the Olympics. Watch the film

Finally, compared with the other four films, Italian director Giuseppe Tornatore's work is a complete story. His film begins with a busy Beijing morning, when a bus driver surnamed Li recognizes an elderly woman doing tai chi in the park is his former teacher. What follows are scenes of people with various occupations, like construction workers, Peking opera singers and tricycle riders. The story follows with Li writing to her former classmates to organize a reunion with their teacher. Watch the film

Biography of Majid Majidi

Majid Majidi (Persian: مجید مجیدی , born 17 April 1959 in Tehran) is an internationally and critically acclaimed Iranian film director, film producer, and screenwriter.

Born in an Iranian middle class family, he grew up in Tehran and at the age of 14 he started acting in amateur theater groups. He then studied at the Institute of Dramatic Arts in Tehran.
After the Iranian Revolution in 1979, his interest in cinema brought him to act in various films, most notably Mohsen Makhmalbaf's Boycott in 1985.
As of 2004, Majidi was the only Iranian director who has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film with the film Children of Heaven in 1998. He lost the award to the Italian film Life Is Beautiful by Roberto Benigni.

Filmography: Directing

1) Explosion (Enfejar) (1981) - documentary short
2) Hoodaj (1984) - short
3) Examination Day (Rooz-e Emtehan) (1988) - short
4) A Day with POWs (Yek Rooz Ba Asiran) (1989) - documentary short
5) Baduk (1992) - debut feature
6) The Last Village (Akhareen Abadi) (1993) - short
7) Father (Pedar) (1996) - feature
8) God Will Come (Khoda Miayad) (1996) - short
9) Children of Heaven (Bacheha-ye Aseman) (1997) - feature
10) The Color of Paradise (Rang-e Khoda) (1999) - feature
11) Baran (Rain) (2001) - feature
12) Barefoot to Herat (Pa berahneh ta Herat) (2002) - documentary
13) Olympics in the Camp (Olympik Tu Urdugah) (2003) - documentary short
14) The Willow Tree (Beed-e Majnoon; alternate English title One Life More) (2005) - feature
15) Peace, Love, and Friendship (2007) - documentary short
16) The Song of Sparrows (2008) - feature

17) Kashmir Afloat - in production.

Awards and honors

Majid Majidi has received numerous awards up to now. Here are a few:

1) Ecumenical Special Award, 25th Montreal Film Festival, 2001.
2) Grand Prix Des Ameriques, 25th Montreal Film Festival, 2001.
3) Oscar-Nominated for Academy Awards for Best Foreign Film, 1998.
4) Grand Prix of Americas Best Film, 21st Montreal Festival for World Films, 1999.

Sources:
Wikipedia, China Daily, BoomTownBeijing, china.org.cn, BTMBeijing

Yahoo finally adds the name of Iran

2008-10-10T13:53:00.002+03:30

Yahoo removed the name of IRAN after the 2nd round of sanctions which adopted last year. But Yahoo governors finally acquiesced to re-include the name of IRAN in their Sign Up available countries list.

The frequent and intensive protests by angry Iranians started right after the Yahoo banned Persian users from creating new mail accounts and removed the name of IRAN from its list of countries in November 2007.

The Iranian users attempted a Google Bomb named “Hello Yahoo mail” which was a responsive movement against what they called “insulting the 7,500 years of Iranian civilization by the state-run portal Yahoo”.

Helloyahoomail.net provided more than 2 million visitors and users with information on Iranian culture, ancient Persian empire, Iranian literature, history of the land, its people and modern day lifestyle in IRAN to prove that Yahoo, mainstream media and other American allies are misleading public opinions by crying that Iranians are terrorists and uncivilized, they want to “conceal” the facts and realities about this ancient and historical land.
[All western politicians always through the history wanted to hide the real face of their civilization [Greece Kingdom] and the movies like 300 and Alexander are good example for their hostility and Jealousy to Great People Of Persia.

Persians were the first people who fight against slavery and wrote the first Bill of Human Rights [by Cyrus the Great] 2,500 years ago. All wars between Persia and Greece were because of, wildness of Greeks to other nations. The things that you watch in the movies about Greece Kingdom are something wrong, to deceive the other nations that have less civilization and also tell them that we are the best.

These things are not coming from my mind or someone else, ALL the things that said are coming out from the remain inscriptions and images of Persepolis which ruined by Drunk Alexander after their invasion.]

It was a dark point of Yahoo mail history to altercate with a people of ancient culture, history and peacemaking backgrounds by removing the name of their country with the pretext that IRAN is a terrorist country.

Meanwhile, the main question of Iranian cyber-activists was about the hoarding of 2,500 nuclear warheads by US that the state officials confessed to, also about the evident violation of human rights in Guantanamo jails and US government funding the terrorist groups in Iraq, bombarding Afghanistan and killing thousands of civilians etc.

It was always totally clear that which country violates human rights, boosts the terrorism and commits genocide, but the American statesmen and their mercenaries in Yahoo mail planned to alienate the global opinions from human disasters in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan by accusing IRAN and pressing its people.

Last night, following the intervention of cyber courts, internet activists and political figures Yahoo finally deferred to include the IRAN’s name in the lists again and this was a great failure for Yahoo which has already announced that it is not possible to have ties with IRAN and its people!

The page Helloyahoomail.net is a Google bomb that redirects the users searching “Yahoo mail” keyword to articles and news about IRAN, its people and their scientific, cultural progresses and mainly is a response to Yahoo men and its users who assume that they are facing with uncultured and terrorist nation.

IRAN’s Name in Signup Page

9th Iranian heritage registered to UNESCO | The Oldest Church in the World

2008-09-11T08:25:00.001+04:30

TEHRAN – The Iranian churches St. Thaddeus, St. Stephanus, and Dzordzor (Zorzor) in East Azerbaijan Province and West Azerbaijan Province were registered on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The decision was made during the World Heritage Committee session in Quebec, Canada on July 6.

The UNESCO website described the monuments as “examples of outstanding universal value of the Armenian architectural and decorative traditions” and adding, “They bear testimony to very important interchanges with the other regional cultures, in particular the Byzantine, Orthodox and Persian.”

The committee also asked IRAN to give an inclusive report on the modifications to be carried out on the Jahan-Nama Tower by February 2009, Iranian representative in the session Mahdi Musavi told the Persian service of CHN on Monday.

The tower spoils the horizontal view of the Naqsh-e Jahan Square, another Iranian complex in Isfahan Province, which was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1979.

In addition, the committee decided IRAN’s Bam Cultural Landscape will remain on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger until 2010. Bam, a historical city located in Kerman Province in southern IRAN, was almost totally destroyed by a devastating earthquake on December 26, 2003.

Bam Ancient City

—St. Thaddeus Church—

The St. Thaddeus Church, also known as the Black Church (Qara Kelissa), is probably IRAN’s most interesting and notable Christian monument, located near the Chalderan region in Maku, West Azerbaijan.

Christians from all over the world annually gather at the church on July 1 for their annual commemoration of the martyrdom of St. Thaddeus.

One of the 12 disciples, St. Thaddeus, also known as St. Jude, (not to be confused with Judas Iscariot), was martyred while spreading the Gospel. He is revered as an apostle of the Armenian Church. As legend has it, a church dedicated to him was first built on the present site in 68 CE.

Nothing appears to remain of this original church, which was extensively rebuilt in the 13th century, but some sections around the altar may date to the 10th century. Most of the present structure dates to the 17th century and is of carved sandstone. The oldest sections are made of black and white stone.

The Apostles Thaddeus and Bartholomew traveled through Armenia in 45 CE to preach the word of God. Many people were converted and numerous secret Christian communities were established there.

Around that time, Abgar died after ruling for 38 years and the Armenian kingdom was split into two parts. His son Ananun crowned himself in Edessa, while his nephew Sanatruk ruled in Greater Armenia. About 66 CE, Ananun gave the order to kill St. Thaddeus in Edessa. The king’s daughter Sandokht, who had converted to Christianity, was martyred with Thaddeus. Her tomb is located near the St. Thaddeus Church.

The church is surrounded by thick walls which form the outer ramparts of some abandoned monastery buildings.

—St. Stephanus Church—

According to Hayk Ajimian, an Armenian scholar and historian, the church was originally built in the ninth century CE, but repeated earthquakes in region severely damaged the original structure.

Located near Marand in East Azerbaijan, the church was renovated during the reign of the Safavid king Shah Abbas (1588-1629).

The general structure of the St. Stephanus Church, which also known as St. Stepanos, mostly resembles Armenian and Georgian architecture and the inside of the building is adorned with beautiful paintings by Honatanian, a renowned Armenian artist.

The Armenian Orthodox primate of the diocese of Tehran, Archbishop Sebuh Sarkisian, said on Thursday that some of the remains recently discovered in IRAN’s St. Stephanus Church may be the bones of John the Baptist.

In July 2005, Shahriar Adl, the director of the team documenting three Iranian churches for registration on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, said that they had discovered a box at the St. Stephanus Church containing the bones of one of the successors of the Apostles of Jesus.

The Armenian Orthodox primate of the diocese of Tehran, Archbishop Sebuh Sarkisian, approved the report in his August 2005 interview, adding, “About the box, which contains the remains of the apostles’ bodies and was found under the altar of the St. Stephanus Church, it is said that the box contains the body of John the Baptist. According to Armenian historian Arakel Davrizhetsi (17th century), the box, which was located under the main altar of the Church of the Holy Trinity in old Jolfa and contained the sacred remains and a scroll, was given to Shamun, the archbishop of St. Stephanus Church, after the Church of the Holy Trinity was destroyed.”

“The remains may very likely have historic value. According to the tradition of the church, we know that after St. Gregory the Illuminator was consecrated as archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, in a friendly gesture, he gave some remains of John the Baptist to Quintius, the archbishop of the region, during his return trip to Armenia. The remains were transferred to the John the Baptist Cathedral in the city of Mush in Armenia.

“Now, the remains were somehow transferred to another place, as a consequence of the wars and chaotic conditions prevailing in the land over past centuries, in which believers and church fathers changed the location of the box in order to safeguard it. A French traveler (Jean Baptiste Tavernier, 1605-1689), who saw a box at the St. Stephanus Church when he visited the place in the 17th century, had said that the box contained the body of one of the Apostles,” Sarkisian said.

Some historical sources, such as some photos kept at Tehran’s Golestan Palace, and the photos taken by Ali Khan Vali, the governor of northern Azerbaijan during the reign of the Qajar king Nasser ad-Din Shah and kept in the Adl family archives, indicate that the bones of Saint Stephanus (Saint Stephen), Saint Matthew, and the Prophet Daniel, are being kept in the St. Stephanus Church.

—Dzordzor Church—

Located in the village of Barone in Zangar Valley of Chaldoran region in the north of West Azerbaijan Province, the church was built in 1315 CE.

— Iranian sites on World Heritage List–

1. Chogha Zanbil, Khuzestan Province, 1979
2. Persepolis, Fars Province, 1979 [ACHAEMENID ERA]
3. Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan Province, 1979 [SAFAVID ERA]
4. Takht-e Soleiman, West Azerbaijan Province, 2003
5. Pasargadae, Fars Province, 2004 [ACHAEMENID ERA]
6. The city of Bam and its Cultural Landscape, Kerman Province, 2004
7. Soltanieh Dome, Zanjan Province, 2005
8. Bisotun, Kermanshah Province, 2006 [ACHAEMENID ERA]

9. Northwest IRAN’s historic churches St. Thaddeus and St. Stephanus, West Azerbaijan Province; and Dzordzor (Zorzor), East Azerbaijan Province, 2008

Adapted from: Tehran Times

Know More About Iranian Culture By Our Seven Questions

2008-09-03T08:29:00.002+04:30

1) Which country was not part of the Persian Empire under the Achaemenid era?

Except small part of China, as a whole China was not part of the Persian Empire.
With rulers such as Cyrus II (Know as Cyrus the Great, the first person whose wrote first bill of Human rights) and Darius I (the Great), the Persian Empire grew to include more than 23 different cultures (Countries).
It extended from the Mediterranean Sea to the Indus River and encompassed present-day Greece, Babylonia , Egypt, India, Turkey, Azerbijan, Armenia, Georgia, Jordan, Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Caucasus region, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, part of Arabia, Emirate, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and some other countries which I forgot.

2) What language is most commonly spoken in IRAN?

IRAN is home not only to Persians, but Turk, Azeri, Baluchi, and Kurd. These people speak their own language, but most can also speak Persian (Parsi).

3) Which people or groups did not invade the Persian Empire?

The prosperity and location of the Persian Empire made it susceptible to invaders, who included Drunk Alexander, the Arabs, Turks, Genghis Khan, and the Mongols and Baribarians. Egyptions were the only people which did not invade the Persian Empire and were a loyal ally for Persians.

4) What the term of "IRAN" means?

The word "IRAN" comes form the term "Aryan", which means, loosely Noble.
"IRA N" is derived from Arya and Airya, which mean "Noble" or Respectable" and are used to describe the people of Persia.
The term "IRA N" was used around the third century B.C., when a ruler described his Empire as Iranshahr-and himself as the king of kings.
And also was used around 7,500 to 10,000 years ago with term of "Aeiraniovich" to describe the region of Persians which means "The Region of Scientists People".
"Aeiran" means "Great scientist" and "Vich" means "Region or Place".

5) How the Persian Empire's ancient capital city, Persepolis, destroyed?

It was set on fire. After Drunk Alexander (Hatred character in ancient history for all Persians, like Arabs) and his army conquered the Persians, they looted the city. During a celebratory banquet, the story goes, Drunk Alexander took a woman's suggestion to join a procession to burn down the royal palace and other parts of the city. The ruins were not studied until the 1930s, when the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute sponsored an excavation of the area.

6) How long did it take a relay of couriers to travel the 1,600-mile Royal Road in Persia?

A postage stamp

Nine Days. The couriers who used the Royal Road, which ran from Susa in the southwest (Northwest of Persian Gulf) to Sardis in the north near the Aegean sea, were stopped by "neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night", according to greek historian Herodotus. It took them only nine days to deliver a message across the Empire.
Persians where the first people and first nation in the World who established "Post Organization" 2,500 years ago. [See Also]

7) Approximately what percentage of IRAN's population is Muslim?

According the eighth edition of National Geographic's Atlas of the World, 95 percent of Iranians are Muslim; the remaining 5 percent are Zoroastrians [The first religion of Persians were Zoroastrianism], Jews [It goes back to 2,500 years ago when Cyrus the Great freed 25,000 Jews whom were under rack of Babylon's governor and was slave which was opposite of Cyrus's Bill of Human Rights] and Christians.

Brown Blasted over “Persian Gulf” name distortion

2008-08-27T07:48:00.001+04:30

A professor who is teaching an Arab a simple lesson about Persian Gulf.

IRAN, Tehran: British prime minister Gordon Brown inflamed patriotic passions in IRAN after referring to the Persian Gulf as “the Gulf of Arabia” in a speech to an energy summit on Thursday. IRAN’s embassy in London criticised the prime minister in a strongly worded letter sent to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, describing it as another example of Britain’s hostile attitude towards IRAN.

The letter noted that the name “Persian Gulf” is the historically accepted term for the body of water lying to the south of IRAN, and is officially recognised by the United Nations.

In his speech to the UK Low Carbon Economy Summit, Mr Brown said: “The North Sea, which as passed its peak in terms of oil and gas supplies, will be turned into the equivalent for wind power of what the Gulf of Arabia is for oil.”

The impure project of Persian Gulf name distortion which is being managed by the Zionist and American lobbies, established by the bribed National Geographic magazine and still continues regardless to the international regulations that forbid the use of any counterfeited term and name for the registered geographical places, body waters, islands etc.

*NB: We never withdraw about our Islands (Greater Tomb,Leaser Tomb & Bu Musa in Persian Gulf) & the name of Persian Gulf.
It's impossible to change the name of Persian Gulf. Why let Persian Gulf 's Arabs which were under control of IRA N authority till 35 years ago to rename our Gulf?
In ancient Maps this Gulf was always Persian Gulf and will remain Persian Gulf forever. And also the name of Red Sea was Arab Sea which they gave up that name and now they want to take Persian Gulf for themselves which Iranians not gonna let them...

A joint performance of Chris De Burgh and Arian for Peace

2008-08-27T07:32:00.002+04:30

Title: Doostet Daram (I Love You)i
Singers: Chris de Burgh, Ali Pahlavani, Payam Salehi
Chorus: Sharareh Farnezhad, Sahar & Sanaz Kashmari
Album: Noori Ta Abadiat (A Light to Infinite)

One track is available, click here to Download file

Before anything at first I want to say a special thanks to Brave Chris de Burgh that decides to make a cultural joint with Iranians Pop Music.

Singer Chris de Burgh has defended his plans to stage a concert in IRAN.

A part of his discussion about decision:

The 59-year-old crooner told Sky News he would make a final decision on performing when he travelled to the country next month.
"My friends and I are not politically naive - we know what the situation has been," the Irishman said.
"I'm very fortunate that my music has been accepted there for more than 20 years."
There have been reports that de Burgh might not be able to sing the lyric "cheek to cheek" from his song, Lady In Red, due to government censorship.
"I go to sing for people, I do not go to sing for governments," he said.
"We've thought about it for a long time. It's not just 'We accept the invite, thanks very much, we're going to go'.
"Those people that say 'You shouldn't go', I say to them well, what are you doing to make a difference? I want to make a difference."
The concert has been flagged for a 12,000-seat stadium in the capital Tehran later this Summer.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mohsen Rajabpour, managing director of Taraneh Sharghi Cultural and Artistic Company and manager of Arian band provided information about the last stages of production of a song called a melody for peace.

This song is produced by cooperation between Chris De Burgh famous Irish musician and singer and the well known Arian Band, according to an agreement between Taraneh Sharghi and Ferryman Productions, with the theme of love and respect to human beliefs.

This song is produced with the knowledge and approval of the Office of Music of the Ministry of Islamic Culture And Guidance, effort was made to show the Iranian human loving spirit to all people of the world.

Rajabpour says about this event: "I personally wanted the opinion of Mr. Saffar Harandi Minister of Guidance about cooperation of well known foreign musicians with Iranian artists, and he commented that it is a very positive and good idea ."

Chris De Burgh, being the first foreign famous artist who performs in a joint song with an Iranian pop music band is one of the best choices for a new era of cultural connections between IRAN and the rest countries of the world.

Due to his activities which were for public benefits, Chris De Burgh was chosen by the United Nations as the Ambassador of health and campaign against malnutrition. He sang many songs about peace and presented many charity programs in all parts of the world. Due to his respectful and comforting style which always is full of love for humanity, he has become a well known face among Iranian music fans, and there is no doubt that this Irish singer is one of the most loved and popular foreign artists in IRAN. Chris De Burgh repeatedly showed his interest in Persian Culture describing it as one of the richest cultures of the world.

A Me lody For Peace is one of the songs of the forth album of Arian Band, and is distributed in IRAN by Taraneh Sharghi Company, and for the rest of Persian speakers in the world by Gemmy Music Records which belongs to Taraneh Sharghi, and in the other parts of the world by Ferryman Productions.

Arian Band's concert in Humburg

Tehran, 2002 - Sharareh Farnezhad is a guitarist in the Arian Band who also sings along with the singers

The 3 pictures below are Arian Band performing during a concert at the 23rd Fadjr International Music Festival in a hall at the Interior Ministry Hall in Tehran.

Singers Sanaz (L) and Sahar (R) Kashmari of Iranian Arian Band

Singers and musicians Ali Pahlavan (R) and Payam Salehi (L) of Iranian Arian Band

Ali Pahlavani & Sanaz Kashmari

They are so popular that their albums even sell amongst Iranians in Los Angeles.

The members includes:
Ali Pahlevan and Payam Salehi (Singers), Siyamak Khahani (Violin), Ninef Amirkhas (Keyboard), Sahar and Sanaz Kashmari (The Chorus), Bourzouyeh Badihi (Percussion), Ali Reza Tabatabaie (Drum).

ARIAN live @ Orpheum Theatre - Vancouver - Canada - Jan 2005

Sources:
Candle In The Wind, www.ArianMusic.com, www.cdeb.com, www.nancarrow-webdesk.com, www.naderdavoodi.net, www.koreatimes.co.kr

We never withdraws about islands

2008-08-27T07:29:00.001+04:30

With the powerful leadership of Iranian authorities in the Persian Gulf region, Lesser Tunb, greater Tunb and Bu Mousa will remain ;inseparable parts of IRAN never to be removed off the country.
By grudgingly misuse of the friendly and peaceful approach of Iranian government toward the issue of triple Islands, state of UAE showed it needs more harsh and cutting reaction despite of being warned so many times from IRAN.
Because of the neighborhood considerations and religious brotherhood adjacency, the Iranian governments indulges the Arabic states counterfeiting the name of Persian Gulf and their claim of sovereignty on the Persian islands, but the political analysts say its likely that Tehran takes a serious action against the disturbances.

Protesting Iranian holding up the slogan: “Great Persia including UAE under the flag of IRAN”

IRAN had also regularly condemned the Russian and American intervenes to the controversy and warned against the aftermaths.
The triple islands of Persian Gulf (lesser Tunb, greater Tunb and Bu Mousa) were historically definite parts of IRAN under the ownership of IRAN but the young state of Emirates which is still a very small province of IRAN, made some tumults about the Iranian administration, being motivated by the western powers such as US and Canada.
Iranian government frequently states strongly that there will be no withdrawal and negligence about the historical rights of IRAN, Persian Gulf and triple islands.
Last week, a large crowd of Persian youth and students held up a protesting demonstration in front of the UAE embassy in Tehran, conveying the message of national anger toward the hostile actions, carrying banners with the slogan: “Oooo you the Emirates, a tiny land of 37 years old!!” =))

We lost our provinces by damn west tricks and also stupidity of some kings;

1)We lost Afghanistan, probably 200 years ago by jerk policies of England.
2)We lost Half of our Azerbaijan by cunning Soviet Union, probably 120 years ago by Ghajar dynasty and again 20 years ago for second time by some unknown reason. Now half of Azerbaijan is in IRAN, and other half is now an independent province.
3)We lost Armenia, Georgia & also Leaser Ararat and Greater Ararat which are now a part of Turkey.
4)We lost Emirates 37 years ago & Qatar, Bahrain, Oman like that.
30 years ago there were no cement building in Emirates , which now the most tall towers are in that.

Stupid kings gave up our provinces and lands which now we will never.
And we will get back all of our provinces ONE by ONE.

Passion of Rumi, Mevlana of IRAN

2008-08-27T07:27:00.001+04:30

Shahram Nazeri is internationally distinguished by the ephitet fans gave him, the “Iranian Pavarotti”, due to his clear, noiseless and tenacious sound.
He was prized the Legionn d’honneur medal by French government and hold up many concerts in Europe and US which concluded global popularity and fame for him.
Shahram Nazeri is the most outstanding singer of Mevlana poems with the assistance of Hafez Nazeri, his son.
They lodge at the pinnacle of “Rumi music ensemble” as the premier of orchestra, getting aid from a large group of musicians and chorus, playing Persian instruments such as Santur, Setar, daf and Gheychak.
As a predominant singer of Persian traditional music who is also known as the originator of the new generation of Iranian national music, he made lots of trips and travels to Konya where the Iranian national poet, Mevlana is buried.
Mevlana known to world as Rumi, is a main rector of Persian poem, revived the Iranian literature by his collection of poetic tales in ethics, morals and daily life (Mathnavi).
There is not remaining any verse or couplet of Mevlana except in Persian, while he confesses frankly that he knows only the translation of word “water” in Turkish language.
The poems of Mevlana, this reputable Iranian poet are mystic, impressive and they become more rapturous when being sung by Shahram Nazeri and heard by those who understand Persian language and understand its delicacies.
“Passion of Rumi” stands in a golden berth among Nazeri’s albums since granted by Boston Globe for the 2007 world top 5 albums ranking.

Shahram Nazeri & his son, Hafez Nazeri

Arian: the fascinating ray of love

2008-08-27T06:51:00.003+04:30

Arian group members with the IRAN flag painted on their faces

“Immortal IRAN” is what the Arian music band frequently sings about and clamors for. The Immortal IRAN which belongs to eternal Persian Gulf, the eternal glory, the eternal faith.
Arian Music Band which ranks in the first 100s among the top world popular music bands is an Islamic-Persian pop music ensemble with an experience of about 10 years, consisted of nine talented youth, each of them expert in a specified field of musical instruments and techniques.

Chris de Burgh and Arian band - Collaborat press conference - Tehran

Ali Pahlavan and Payam Salehi are the founders of group, Ninef Amirkhas, Siamak Khahani, Borzooye Badihi, Alireza Tabatabaei, Sanaz and Sahar (Kashmari sisters) and Shahrareh Farnejad the other members.
The band uses percussions, electric guitar, local drums, keyboard and violin which compose astonishing rhythms and pieces in the school of innovative Persian music.

Sanaz Kashmari known to fans az “Sani” singing in the concert

Until 2004, they released 3 albums named “Sun flower”, “So the love” and “Till eternity” and their latest album quivered the market a few days ago called “With you, without you” enjoying Chris de Burgh as guest vocalist.
The most delightful tracks of their latest album are “dandelion”, “a light for eternity” (featuring Chris de Burgh) and “immortal IRAN” while there are 10 other tracks which really worth hearing at least for once.

Sani during the Montreal concert

Arian held about 400 various concerts in different parts of the world, totally attracting more than 2 million audiences, the most outstanding of them toke in London, Munich, Berlin, Montreal and Arab countries of Persian Gulf part.
They dedicated the benefits of their concerts to many charity purposes, the Bam earthquake surviving for instance.
Arian is moving quickly toward the gateway of international music markets, proving the idea that Muslim Iranians are capable of doing anything and climbing any eminent mountain they want.
I officially invite you to make a short trip to IRAN for the upcoming summer which will be of course a memorizing season for all the Iranians to attend the common concert of Arian band and Chris de Burgh.

Sani, Sheri (Sharareh) and Sahar

Source: Yahoo! Mail

Google Bomb

2008-08-16T13:37:00.005+04:30

Arabian Gulf

Google Search: arabian gulf

These Google Bombs are made just in order to say Persians will stand on their rights and never give them up. Persian Gulf was Persian, is Persian and will remain forever Persian Gulf.
We never let some Arabs, Zionists, Americans, Europians to change or steel our historical heritages, so they better stop steeling other countries historical values.

With money you can buy a house, but not a home.
With money you can buy a clock, but not time.
With money you can buy a bed, but not sleep.
With money you can buy a book, but not knowledge.
With money you can buy a position, but not respect.
With money you can buy blood, but not life.
With money you can buy unique objects, but not Civilization & History.

The Youngest Professor in the World

2008-05-10T07:36:00.001+04:30

The Alia Sabur is now the youngest professor in the world. She is only 19 years old.
Iranian-American Alia Sabur [Originally from IRAN and an American citizen], 19 years old, was announced to be the youngest full time college professor in history by the Guinness Book of World Records media reported on tuesday.

Source: MixIran Link

Glory of Persia in S.Korea

2008-05-10T07:34:00.000+04:30

The Persian culture is so absorbing that enamors everyone who understands beauty, elegance, dignity, morality and inspiration.
A great and distinguished sample is Johan Wolfgang Goethe the fabulous German poet who was vigorously in love of his Iranian preceptor, Hafez Shirazi that he finally devoted his “Western-Eastern diwan” to Persian literature sprouted by Hafez.
A contemporary example can be also mentioned; Prof. Richard Nelson Frye who is a reputable American scholar involved in Iranology studies, sent an official request of Iranian president, Dr. Ahmadinejad, to be buried in the vicinity of Isfahan’s Zayande Rud after his death & the request was accepted.

Numerous personals in the world are really so bewitched with the Persian culture and civilization that consider IRAN as their second homeland, regardless to their political, scientific or social figure and personality.
Within the last few days, a main headline of global media was inaugurating of the “Glory of Persia, the territory of Persian Gulf” festival in the national museum of South Korea which attracted lots of Korean citizens and politicians.
The festival has been carried on along with a comprehensive exhibition of Persian and Islamic civilization consisted of stalls within pictures and paintings, special pavilions for displaying Persian genuine cuisines and edibles, books collections etc.

In addition to all above, the dazzling show of Persian ancient artifacts and historical relics dating back too 600 B.C. was another charming part of the fair attended by thousands of hospitable Koreans.
One of the celebrated visitors was a real lover of Persian culture, Lee Young ae, an award-winning gifted Korean actress, the goodwill ambassador to UNICEF and the role-player of many dominant TV dramas in South Korea.

As a renowned artist and actress, Lee is very popular in IRAN and mainly called “Yangom” among her Persian fans [Probably more than 20 million fans], frequently been asked for interviews and news conferences.
Yangom chose only to take part inside an exclusive interview with the Iranian TV between thousands of interview requests submitted to her. Mansour Zabetian was the Iranian reporter to whom Yangom interviewed.

“I love Iranian culture, Iranian people and the IRAN.” Lee Young replied after a question about the reasons of her decision to hold an interview with IRIB.

Reply: Miss Lee! Iranians are interested in Korea and Koreans with their great Historty, Culture and Civilization too, that glance like a valuable jewel in South Eastern of Asia.

Taking part in the exhibition, Yangom was encircled by many of her fans, taking part in another interview with IRIB, speaking about her deep passion with Persian culture and Iranian people, showing the meaninglessness of geographical borders and frontiers when “Love” and “Peace” comes around and this appreciating human sense is nothing to do with borders, places and times.
Source: Yahoo Mail!

Know Some World's Iranian well-known People!

2008-05-10T07:32:00.002+04:30

Let’s start with Persian scientists:

1) Anousheh Ansari: The first female space explorer,and the first Iranian who stepped into the spatial station, founder ofProdea Systems Inc. and the fourth overall self-funded space tourist ofall the history.
2) Firouz Naderi: An Iranian scientist, Associate Director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and 2005 recipient of Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
3) Omid Kordestani: A Persian IT expert and is the Senior Vice President for Worldwide Sales and Field Operations of Google.
4) Pierre Omidyar: The Iranian president and creator of eBay, eBay is the world's first Online Shopping and Web Auction corporation and the first person who made the idea of Online Shopping and Auction Web was Persian. [See Also]

And continue with Persian artists:

1) Sami Yusuf: Persian Azeri singer and composer, the most famous Islamic music performer and rock-star.
2) Abbas Kiarostami: Internationally acclaimed Iranian film director, the holder of honorary doctorate from University of Toulouse, Konrad Wolf prize winner, the winner of Silver Lion from Venice film festival and Cannes film festival winner of Palme d’Or.
3) Mahmoud Farshchian: Internationally known Persian painter, miniaturist and calligraphist; having an experience of 50 years of artistic work, the winner of Diploma Maestro Di Pittura, II Seminario d’Arte Moderna prize.

Persian political personalities and leaders in the way:

Shirin Ebadi: Iranian peacemaking activist, the first female winner of any Nobel Prize, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize Winner in 2003.

Here is a short list of Persian writers and poets:

1) Prof. Abdulkarim Soroush: Leading Iranian philosopher, thinker and Mevlana scholar, winner of Erasmus Prize (2004) and professor of Harvard University.
2) Ali Paya: The Persian philosopher and writer, currently teaches analytic philosophy in the Westminster University.

And finally, take a look at Persian athletes:

1) Hossein Rezazadeh: Persian Weightlifter, several times Olympics Gold medal winner, the strongest man of the world.
2) Ali Daei: Persian footballer, former Iranian national team captain, FIFA top goal scorer of all times, most valuable Asian football player.

2008-05-10T07:32:00.000+04:30

The White House Is Influenced by Persian Culture

2008-05-10T07:23:00.000+04:30

Finally George W. Bush and the White House as a whole, shows the first signs of respecting IRAN and Persian Culture.

Haft Sin table in White House
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/03/images/20080319-11_p031908cg-0017-515h.html

I can surely say, contrary to what American and European politicians say about IRAN and Iranians as a whole, and other political actions against IRAN such as:
Making anti-Iranian films like: Alexander, 300, Never Without My Daughter, and etc; that mostly supported by ethnocentric Zionist regime like Warner Brothers Corporation, and the black propaganda of American-Zionist “Mercenary Medias” like FOX NEWS; most of West Culture influenced by Persian Culture as you see above.

The West knows better that it's Christmas customa like Santa Claus and Christmas Pine tree, was picked out from Persian Culture when the young Europe had choosen Christianity as it's religion.

Whole Provinces in Ancient times...

2008-05-10T07:19:00.001+04:30

19th of March equal with first day of Persians new year and Norouz celebration...
Iranians will come back to their ancient history and traditions for about 13 days.
IRAN will change her white cloth (Winter) and wear a new green cloth (Spring).

*.*Happy New Year*.*

Congratuladion for whole Empire of Persia, from east of Empire (west of China) to west of Empire (Provinces around Mediterranean Sea).

Iranians start the years that are mentioned below:

1) The year 7030 (Aryan Civilization)
2) The year 3746 (Zoroastrian Civilization)
3) The year 2567 (Achaemenid Civilization)
4) The year 1387 (Iranian Civilization since Islam appeared)

Maxims of Ali

2008-05-10T07:18:00.003+04:30

Entrust your friend with anything but your secrets.
He/She who keeps not the secrets of his own will not keep that of the others.
He/She who confides his secrets to others is a disgrace to himself.
Be honest and sincere in your words and deeds.
He/She who is just in his words will be glorified.
Hardship brings prosperity; Honesty adorns the utterance.
Truth is the straightest path and knowledge is the best guide.
A generous man's promise is cash in one's pocket.
Apologize when you do wrong; Forgive those who do you wrong.
An advice given in public is a blame.
He/She who has no compassion will not be sympathized.
The unwisest is one who considers himself the wisest.
Forgive the one who seeks your pardon.
Silence answers most of the questions.
Any novelty has its own value; whereas old friendship is valued the most.
Mind not who the speaker is; Mind what he is saying.
The best of all men is he who is most useful to the people.

Source: TEENAGER Magazine

IRAN in a Great Atmosphere | Norouz

2008-05-10T07:18:00.002+04:30

These days that third round of political sanctions imposed on IRAN, because of its Nuclear Issue that is Iranians definite right to access this source of energy; nobody in IRAN cares about the sanctions and all Iranians are going to be ready for their great ceremony, Norouz (Iranians new year celebration that will start with first day of Spiring), the world's greatest new year celebration that it goes back to probably thousands years B.C. (According to some archaeologies it refers to 7,000 years ago and according to the other group less than 7,000 years ago.)

IRAN will start the year 1387 (Solar Calendar) or year 2567 (Ancient Calendar, This calendar would have been an Iranian Calendar since its starting point coincided with the coronation of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire, 550 B.C.) in 1st of FARVARDIN (the first month of Iranian Calendar and first month of Spring) and according to Christian Calendar it will start in 20th of March.

Norouz ceremony is 13 days that during this period, Schools, Universities, and Academic institutes are off except Banks, Organizations, Companies, and Governmental Institutes that just 6 days are off for them.

The oldest of Iranian traditions, Norouz recalls the cosmological and mythological times of IRAN. Its founder is a deputy of Ahura Mazda (One of the names of GOD in Zoroatrianism; deity) on earth, a position that imparts to him and the celebration a spiritual dimension and a particular sense of secular authority. The celebration is organized according to the dynamics of love between the Creator and his creation, the material world. The annual return of the spirits of the departed to their homes is celebrated by their offspring according to primordial rites of which only a faint trace remains among the Persians and the Parsees of today. But that in no way diminishes the importance of the bond which is refreshed at every Norouz.

The word "Norouz" is a compound of two Persian words, "NO" which has the same etymology as the English word "New" and means NEW ("NO" also is lent to English language that in Old English it changed to NIWE and in Modern English is NEW), and the word "ROUZ" which means both "day" and "time" (The word DAY is another borrowed word from Persian [FARSI]*). Literally meaning the "New Day", Norouz is usually translated as "New Year". The Persian Norouz begins on the first day of Spring.

In the mind of Iranians, the word Norouz invokes colorful images which are sumptuous, elegant, and opulent as well as delightfully simple, refreshing, and cordial. Although colored with vestiges of IRAN's Mazdian and Zoroastrian past, the Norouz celebration is neither religious nor national in nature, nor is it an ethnic celebration. Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, Armenian, Azeri and Turkish Iranians and Central Asians celebrate the Norouz with the same enthusiasm and sense of belonging. Perhaps it is this very universal nature of the message of Norouz that speaks to its wealth of rites and customs as well as to its being identified as the unique fount of continuity of the Iranian culture.

*Farsi, Parsi, and Persian; all three have same meaning used to declare Iranians language.

Khwajah Piruz (Haji Firuz):

The month during which Norouz celebrations are held is an extraordinary time in the life of the community. In ancient times this aspect of Norouz was so prominent that the mayors of towns were literally displaced by the most victorious person in carrying out the commands of Ahura Mazda and his six holy immortals. This victorious (Piruz) Khwaja or Lord was given the rule of the realm for the period. As a part of his duties, Khwaja Piruz saw to it that all the people of the realm were provided with the amenities and joy that were due them. In time, especially after the fall of IRAN to the Arabs (It goes back to ARABs invasion) who would not relinquish rule to defeated foes, the office of Khwaja Piruz deteriorated into its Arabized form, Haji Firuz. Only the duty of stimulating laughter and providing a good time has remained of what must have been a complex set of social affairs. Today, Haji Firuz (The symbol of Santa Claus in Christianity has gotten from Persian culture) is no more than a spectacle that occurs during the last few weeks before Norouz. He and his troupe of musicians appear on the streets and alleyways all over the country.

Known as the traditional herald of the Norouz, Haji Firuz is a black-faced character clad in bright red clothes and a felt hat playing a tambourine and singing, "Haji Firuze, sali ye ruze." (It is Haji Firuz time, It happens one day a year!). People of all ages gather around him and his troupe of musicians and listen to them play the drum, saz or kamancheh and dance. Those who are impressed with the troupe's performance shower it with coins and paper money.

Often, well-to-do Iranians invite Haji Firuz to their home to perform for their wife and daughters who would otherwise never see Haji Firuz in action on the street. Here the group plays popular folk music, performs a variety of comic routines, and tells jokes. At the end of the performance the members are invited to a nice Norouz meal and are handsomely compensated for their contribution with an eydi (Norouz gift).

Haft-SIN Traditions:

A few days before the arrival of Norouz, a rather large table cloth is spread on the floor of the main room of the house and the following items are placed on it:

1) Lighted Candles:
Which represent the goodness and warmth that enters life with the coming of spring and the dissipation of evil that has had the world in its cold grip, are placed on the tablecloth. In a large setting, an open fire would replace the candles. The number of the candles must be the same as the number of the offspring in the household. Often an egg accompanies each candle. It should be mentioned that the candles on displays must be allowed to burn themselves out. It is bad luck to blow out a candle.

2) A Copy of Holy Book:
A copy of Quran (Holy book of the Muslims) or the Avesta (Holy book of the Zoroastrians) or the Bible or the Torah (depending on the faith to which the family belongs) is placed in a prominent place on the tablecloth. The holy scripture refreshes the bond between the faithful and the source of good emanating from the light.

3) Haft SIN (Seven S):
Haft SIN ("Haft" means "Seven" and "SIN" means letter "S") or Seven edible things the names of which in Persian begin with the letter "SIN" or "S" are placed in a tray or otherwise placed next to each other on the tablecloth. Sib (apple), Somaq (sumac), Sir (garlic), Samanu (a paste made with wheat sprouts), Senjed (jujube fruit), Sowhan (a candy made with honey and nuts), Siyahdane (sesame seeds), Serkeh (vinegar), and Sangak (bread baked on a bed of rocks) are the usual edible items from among which seven are chosen. Since the edible items on the Haft-SIN are not to be eaten until after the change of seasons, often non-edibles such as Sekke (coin), Sonbol (hyacinth), Spand (the wild rue), Sabzeh (wheat or lentil sprouts) are substituted. The seven "SIN"s symbolically recall Ahura Mazda and the six Amesha Spentas who help him regulate the affairs of man according to the "Zoroastrianism" or order prescribed by Ahura Mazda's Ahuric Order. It should be added that today the seven "SIN"s are interpreted rather differently, as the following example illustrates:

A) Samanu (A paste made with wheat sprouts): Sweetness, Fertility, Having many children

B) Senjed (Jujube fruit): Love

C) Sir (Garlic): Medicine for recovering from evil

D) Sib (Apple): Health, Natural Beauty, Fragrance

E) Somaq (Sumac): Color of the Sun at Sun-rise

F) Serkeh (Vinegar): Age and Patience; Wards off bitterness in life

G) Sabzeh (Wheat or Lentil Sprouts): Purity, Opulence, and Good Fortune

Needless to say, these interpretations are not sanctioned by any particular authority or based on any overall analysis of the theological and/or cosmological values that Ancient Persians might have had for them. What else can be an apt interpretation of Sekke (coin) in this context but affluence, wealth, and prosperity? Ironically, this is one of the "S's" that comes into fruition right after the "Tahvil-e Sal", means the hour during which the old year ends and the new year begins. The Coins which equal the number of family members, are distributed among the members by the family patriarch (Grandfather or Father).

Additionally, it should be mentioned that Haft-Sin could have been Haft-Shin (Seven "SH")--SHir (milk), SHekar (sugar), SHahd (nectar), SHarbat (sherbet or compote), SHaneh (comb), SHarab (wine), and SHam' (candle)--in pre-Islamic times. "SHIN" has been changed to "SIN" to accommodate Islam's disapproval of Sharab or wine. Why that one item could not have been replaced with a different item beginning with "SHIN" is not known.

Other traditions relate Haft-SIN or Haft-SHIN to Seven Trays filled with Seven delicious food items or Seven different growing seeds, or Sseven varieties of nuts offered to the King. Others consider the Seven "S's" to have been Life, Health, Happiness, Prosperity, Joy, and Beauty, all forming the Seventh "S" which, according to Zoroastrian traditions, represents Truth.

Still others contend that while the first tray to Ahura Mazda was empty (Truth is a combination of things with no substance of its own), the other six trays were filled with Flowers, Sugar, Milk, Cheese, Yogurt, Butter, Cream, Eggs, Water, Mirrors, Candelabra, Burning Coal, Silver, and Gold. These items, according to this belief, represent Truth, Good thought, Dominion, Piety, Prosperity, Immortality, and Obedience.

A) A mirror placed on the sofreh face up with a plain hard-boiled egg placed on it in the middle.

B) A bowl of clear water with an orange and a leaf of a rose bush floating in it.

C) Live goldfish in a bowl of clear water.

D) The barley, lentil, or wheat sprouts that had been growing since early March decorated with a red ribbon around the outside and an orange seated in the center.

In addition to these there are representatives of the other kingdoms sustaining life on earth, i.e., products from the animal kingdom in the form of Cheese and Yogurt, the plant kingdom in the form of Flour, Vegetables, Rice, and of the water kingdom in the form of the Goldfish are also placed on the table-cloth. Pomegranates and pussy willows also are sometimes seen. The latter is especially important as it blossoms at this very time of the year.

An upright mirror and plenty of colored eggs, cookies, and various types of fruits and sweets, candies, and nuts are added to decorate the table-cloth.

Sizdah Bedar:

Sizdah-bedar is the Persian Festival. It is celebrated on the 13th day of Norouz. The idea behind celebrating this day was to go outdoors and have fun on the thirteenth day of the new year; and let go of all the unlucky omens; since many people believed that thirteen is an ill-omened number. It was believed that "Joy" and "Laughter" would clean the mind from all evil thoughts. The word "Sizdah" means "Thirteen", and "Bedar" means "to get rid of". Altogether "Sizdah Bedar" means "Getting rid of the thirteen".

There are other rituals associated with Sizdah-Bedar, among them; is the knotting blades of grass by unmarried girls in hope of finding a good companion. The family members may meet each other at the festival and find possible candidates for their unmarried daughters, as well as sons, and to make arrangements for their proper introduction at later time! The knotting of the grass represents love and the bond between a man and a woman.

Normally about a week before the new Iranians would start to grow certain types of grains; usually wheat or lentil; the process is just like growing sprout yet they will let it grow long and green blades and keep watering it till the thirteenth day of the new year. The grown plant is called Sabzeh (wheat or lentil sprouts). Sabzeh is supposed to have collected all the sickness, pain and ill fate that may lie ahead of the family throughout the coming year! Bringing someone else's Sabzeh on the thirteenth day, therefore, is considered to be a bad omen, and may invite other peoples' pain and hardship to oneself. The last ritual that wraps the day up is to throw away the Sabzeh (newly sprout grains). During this outing the sabzeh that had been displayed and with it, all the sins, worries, and concerns of the past are thrown into running water. The new year then begins with a fresh slate on the 14th day of the month.

Sizdah-Bedar is also believed to be a special day to ask for rain from one of the Zoroastrian deities that was called "Tir"; and is depicted as a horse. Sizdah-Bedar is also a day for competitive games. Games involving horses were often chosen since the horse represented the deity of rain.

Eydi, Hediye or Kado (All three means Gift):

Norouz visits may include exchange of gifts. Exchange of gifts, however, should not be confused with Eydi (New-year gift), which can take a number of forms depending on circumstances. Within the family, the head of the household may give either Coins or new bank notes of certain value to the members of his family or to visitors as Eydi. The Coins may be Gold, Silver or of some special make. On Norouz days, the family may stage a small "money-hunting" game. This is very much like finding Easter eggs in the grass. The money, however, is usually placed under the edges of carpets in various rooms in the house.

Norouz visitors during the early days of the celebration are children and young adults; they visit the older members as a sign of respect. Similarly, employees visit their bosses and directors at this time. The reason for the lack of such a visit is usually interpreted as the existence of some deep-rooted hostility or hatred on the part of a young family member or an employee. The visitors do not bring any gifts but may receive a gift. During the latter part of the twelve-day Norouz celebration, the older members of the family visit the younger members. This visit may include gifts, usually larger gifts like carpets and cars, or sth cheaper based on the families possession as Eydi. Bosses and directors often delay a promotion to be given as an Eydi to a deserving employee on the occasion of the Norouz.

In modern times, Norouz visits have expanded into parties. Some of these parties are communal in nature. Members of the Iranian society organize them. They charge a fee for food and drinks. Other similar parties welcome the guests as "members" of the family. In the latter situation, it is appropriate to bring a gift. The gifts given usually include but are not restricted to confectioneries, especially GAZ (a candy made with honey and nuts) made in Isfahan or SOWHAN (a candy made with honey and nuts, but defferent from GAZ) made in the holy city of Qom. Although, even in IRAN, these sweets are not made at home, they are available from Iranian specialty shops in most major cities. Other types of sweets, pistachio nuts, dried nuts and fruits, books, flowers, and liquor (outside IRAN) are also appropriate gifts for the occasion.

Prayer (2)

2008-05-10T07:13:00.001+04:30

Dear God, I thank You for this day of life
For eyes to see the sky
For ears to hear the birds
For feet to walk amidst the trees
For hands to pick the flowers from the earth
For a sense of smell to breathe in the sweet perfumes of nature
For a mind to think about and appreciate the magic of everyday miracles
For a spirit to swell in joy at Your mighty presence everywhere

Source: TEENAGER Magazine

Don't Quit

2008-05-10T07:08:00.001+04:30

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but Don't Quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When you might have won if you'd stuck it out.
Don't give up, though the pace seems slow
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man;
Often the struggler has give up
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late, when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit
It's when things seem worst that you mustn't Quit.

Source: TEENAGER Magazine

Sparks an Outcry in IRAN 300

2008-03-03T15:32:00.000+03:30

Tuesday, Mar. 13, 2007 By AZADEH MOAVENI/TEHRAN

Xerxes, the Persian King, played by Rodrigo Santoro, attempts to ply Leonidas, played by Gerald Butler, with promises of wealth and power if Leonidas' Spartan troops surrender, in the film 300.

All of Tehran was outraged. Everywhere I went yesterday, the talk vibrated with indignation over the film 300 — a movie no one in IRAN has seen but everyone seems to know about since it became a major box office surprise in the U.S. As I stood in line for a full hour to buy ajeel, a mixture of dried fruits and nuts traditional to the start of Persian new year festivities, I felt the entire queue, composed of housewives with pet dogs, teenagers, and clerks from a nearby ministry, shake with fury. I hadn't even heard of the film until that morning when a screed about it came on the radio, so I was able to nod darkly with the rest of the shoppers, savoring a moment of public accord so rare in Tehran. Everywhere else I went, from the dentist to the flower shop, Iranians buzzed with resentment at the film's depictions of Persians, adamant that the movie was secretly funded by the U.S. government to prepare Americans for going to war against IRAN. "Otherwise why now, if not to turn their people against us?" demanded an elderly lady buying tuberoses. "Yes, truly it is a grave offense," I said, shaking my own bunch of irises.

I returned home to discover my family in a similar state of pique. My sister-in-law sat behind her laptop, sending off an e-mail petition against the film to half of Tehran, while my husband leafed through a book on the Achaemenid Empire, noting that Herodotus had estimated the Persian army at 120,000 men, not one million as the film claimed. The morning newspaper lay on the table with the headline "300 AGAINST 75 MILLION!" (the population of the country). It was echoed by the evening news: "Hollywood has opened a new front in the war against IRAN."

The timing of the computer-generated film, which depicts the ancient confrontation of Sparta and the Persian empire at the Battle of Thermopylae, is certainly inauspicious. It falls on the eve of Norouz, Persian new year, a time when Iranians typically gather in proud celebration, observing rites that date back over 3,000 years, way before Islam, to the age of Zoroastrianism, when their ancient land produced the world's first monotheistic religion. It is not a particularly welcome season to be portrayed as pillaging, deranged savages. Since the entire country will be on two weeks of official holiday, there will be no shortage of time to sit about discussing the slight and what it portends for IRANs current confrontation with the United States. For a people prone to conspiracy logic, the box office success of 300, compared with the relative flop of Alexander (another spurious period epic dealing with Persians) is cause for considerable alarm, signaling ominous U.S. intentions.

While the hullabaloo over 300 may dampen Iranians' holiday spirits, it offers common cause between people and their estranged government. Top officials and parliament have scorned the film as though it were a matter of state, and for the first time in a long while, taxi drivers are shaking their fists in agreement when the state news comes on. Agreeing that 300 is egregious drivel is fairly easy. I'm relatively mellow as Iranian nationalists go, and even I found myself applauding when the government spokesman described the film as fabrication and insult. Iranians view the Achaemenid empire as a particularly noble page in their history and cannot understand why it has been singled out for such shoddy cinematic treatment, as the populace here perceives it, with the Persians in rags and its Great King practically naked. The Achaemenid kings, who built their majestic capital at Persepolis, were exceptionally munificent for their time. They wrote the world's earliest recorded human rights declaration, and were opposed to slavery. Cuneiform plates show that Persepolis was built by paid staff rather than slaves And any Iranian child who has visited Persepolis can tell you that its preserved reliefs depict court dress of velvet robes, and that if anyone was wearing rags around 500 B.C., it wasn't the Persians.

It is going to take an act of foolhardy courage to distribute that film in IRAN. It will truly be 75 million against 300.

Source: CNN.com | Time.com

Spenta Productions | THE TRUTH BEHIND '300', the movie

2008-02-29T12:03:00.000+03:30

For many Iranians the cinematic movie '300' may come as a shocking revelation. But to those of us who came up through America's school system, the 'Battle of Thermopylae,' which is what the movie '300' is based on, is as familiar as George Washington's fabled "cherry tree" episode.

The Battle of Thermopylae was of course written by the classical Greek author, Herodotus, who lived in the Persian city of Halicarnassus. His book, 'The Histories' became part of Western folklore only recently. It was not until about 1850 that America embraced Herodotus as the leading authority on Persian history.

Before 1850, however, the West had a very favorable impression of the Persian Empire. That's because the West's main source for Persian history was the Bible and the 'Cyropaedia,' written by another Greek author named Xenophon.

But the Cyropaedia glorified the monarchy of Cyrus The Great, and in the wake of two bloody revolutions fought by America and France to liberate themselves from their own monarchies, a major campaign began, around the mid 19th century, to promote democracy throughout the rest of Europe, and Herodotus was the perfect propaganda tool.

Herodotus was a democratic groupie and was quickly ushered in as the "Father Of History." Around 1850, his 'Battle Of Thermopylae' came to symbolize the West's struggle for democracy against the powerful forces of Persia's monarchy.

The story is easy to buy into: 300 brave Spartans saved Western democracy from 2.7 million evil Persians. But aside from the fanciful numbers which need decimal-point adjustments, this whimsical tale has far graver consequences than a mere biased account of history.

The 'Battle Of Thermopylae' has been the single most powerful wedge, which has divided East and West for over 2 millennia. In a time when East and West should be reconciling their differences, along comes the movie '300' to drive that wedge even deeper.

What is most disturbing about this movie is not that it lacks historical accuracy. It is not that Xerxes, the Grandson of Cyrus The Great and loving husband of Esther, is shown as an oversized drag queen. It is not even the outdated racist cliché of casting the Persians as Africans and the Spartans as white, blue-eyed 'Chippendale dancers,' when in reality the roles may well have been reversed.

What is so distressing about this movie is the realization of the tremendous power Hollywood wields in determining a people's identity. It is the same nightmare Native Americans endured during the whole 'cowboy-movie' genre.

But for those who are quick to dismiss '300' as a fleeting fantasy flick aimed at the insignificant, 17 to 24 year-old male video-gamer, think again. First there was Alexander, now '300,' next could well be the 'Battle Of Marathon,' another one of Herodotus's glowing accounts of ancient Persia.

Herodotus is accepted blindly by virtually all Western demographics. Even the New York Times is not immune. Here is how it described the Persians in its April 20, 2004 issue about the Battle Of Marathon:

"the defeat of a ruthless state (Persia) that had enslaved much of the known world from the Balkans to the Himalayas."
William J. Broad_NY Times

"the ancient Greeks defeated the Asian invaders (Persia) and saved Europe in what scholars call one of the first great victories of freedom over tyranny".
William J. Broad_NY Times

What stretches the limits of hypocrisy is that there isn't a single shred of archeological evidence that the Persians ever owned slaves. Yet we know that slavery was an integral cornerstone of Greek society. Aristotle's manifesto even sanctions it. Persia, which was once a haven for runaway slaves from Egypt, Greece, and later Rome, is today branded as a slave-hungry empire by cultures which were built on slavery!

What makes Herodotus's propaganda so difficult to refute is that it is peppered with facts. But in reality, it is a desperate diatribe. Perhaps his biggest ploy is his attempt to equate democracy with freedom. These two words are used virtually interchangeably throughout his book. And the West has swallowed it hook-line-and-sinker.

But America's founding fathers knew better. They implemented many safeguards to protect freedom from the pitfalls that mired Athenian democracy. Even Winston Churchill said, "Democracy is the worst form of government except for all the others which have been tried."

Democracy may well be the best form of government. But what makes America great is not so much democracy, as it is its Bill Of Rights. And this is exactly what made Persia Great. Democracy can often lead to tyranny by the majority as was the case in democratic Athens, where women, slaves and foreigners did not have the right to vote.

In monarchic Persia, however, women enjoyed a level of gender equality unmatched even to this day, and slavery was not practiced. The fact is, Persia's monarchy was more free than Athens' democracy, all because of Persia's Bill Of Rights.

No one exemplifies Persia's freedom better than Herodotus himself. He describes Athens as the bastion of freedom, yet he chose to live in Persia. Xenophon, on the other hand, who actually lived in Athens, reminisces enviously about the monarchy of Cyrus The Great.

Herodotus claims Persia had enslaved most of the known world, yet we know Herodotus was not a slave. He traveled freely throughout the empire, openly criticizing it.

Why did Herodotus not live in Greece? Because Persia - the empire he is so quick to demonize - afforded him the very freedom to publish his scathing report of it. People want to live where their god-given rights are protected, regardless of whether its democratic or monarchic.

These god-given rights were first drafted into law by the founder of the Persian empire, Cyrus The Great. In fact, ancient Persia may well have served as the blue print for America's Bill Of Rights. Both Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, the architects of America's Constitution, were great admirers and owned several copies of Xenophon's Cyropaedia.

Today, no other country resembles ancient Persia as closely as does the United States. If any country should sympathize with, rather than celebrate, Persia's quagmire in Greece, it is the United States. Few events in history mirror America's war on terror as closely as Persia's war on Greece.

The Greeks had been carrying out terrorist attacks on Persian holdings for years. They had attacked Persian cities, set fire to Persian temples, disrupted key trade routes, and pirated merchant ships crossing the Bosphorus. They incited rebellions inside Persian provinces, but perhaps most abhorrent to the Persians was the ease by which the Greeks broke their treaties and betrayed Persia's trust.

Rather than resort to violence, however, Persia tried to keep the Greeks in check by financially supporting Greek politicians who were "pro-Persian," much the same way America fights its proxy wars. But what finally triggered Persia's wrath was an act rarely mentioned in the West, though well documented, even by Herodotus (7:11).

Persia's 9/11:

In 498 BCE, Athens carried out a terrorist attack on Sardis, a major Persian city, which made 9/11 seem like child's play. Aristagoras, an Athenian, set fire to the "outlying parts" of Sardis trapping most of its population "in a ring of fire." (Herodotus 5:101)

More innocent civilians died at the hands of Aristagoras than Osama bin Laden could ever hope to kill. And just as most of the world supported America's retaliation against Al Qaeda, so did it rally in support of Persia's attack on Athens.

The Spartans were not even targets of Persia's attack, until they violated a universal protocol by killing a Persian messenger who Herodotus claims was asking for Sparta's submission but in reality was probably sent by Persia's king, Xerxes to convey the same message America sent to the entire world after 9/11: "you're either with us, or against us."

The Spartans were Greek Jihadists who lived only to die. They were by all accounts ruthless savages who murdered Greek slaves known as "Helots" just for sport, cultivated a culture of thievery and rape, and practiced infanticide, as the movie '300' rightly points out in its opening scenes. Sparta was not even democratic. It was an oligarchy at best. Despite knowing all this, the West continues to hail the Spartans as the saviors of Western democracy.

Yes, the Spartans died fighting a foreign invader. But so do countless terrorists. Yet few would consider them "good guys." Those who do are then not much different from Westerners who cheer for the Spartans.

Persia was drawn into a protracted war against terror, much the same way the U.S. was. Cheering for the Spartans merely because they were underdogs, is like cheering for Osama bin Laden today.

The Power Of Film:

History is no longer written by the victors, it is written by filmmakers. Most minority groups in America have come to realize this fact and are quick to bankroll films that communicate their stories to the rest of the world. Perhaps the movie '300' was a necessary wake-up call for the Iranian/Persian community to support responsible filmmakers, who report history with honesty and integrity.

Alex Jovy's epic movie about Cyrus The Great could have done wonders for the Iranian image (www.chahayagroup.com). But Alex Jovy's movie today sits idle due lack of money. My documentary film about Cyrus The Great has languished for a mere want of $400,000 (www.spentaproductions.com/cyruspreview.htm).

Iranians are the most affluent minority group in America. If they set their mind to it, they could set the historical record straight virtually overnight. Until then, their history will be written by the likes of Zack Snyder.

Frank Miller a historcal liar!!

2008-02-21T13:39:00.004+03:30

Engineering An Empire:

The Persians originally Aired on Monday, December 4, 2006 on the History Channel.

Here is an extract:

The Persian Empire was one of the most mysterious civilizations in the ancient world. Persia became an empire under the Cyrus the Great, who created a policy of religious and cultural tolerance that became the hallmark of Persian rule. Engineering feats include an innovative system of water management; a cross-continent paved roadway stretching 1500 miles; a canal linking the Nile to the Red Sea; and the creation of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Mausoleum of Maussollos. The rivalry between Persia and Athens led to a 30-year war known as the Persian Wars, the outcome of which helped create the world we live in today.

Moments in Life

2008-02-18T07:24:00.001+03:30

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There are moments in life when you miss someone so much that you just want to pick them from your dreams and hug them for real!

When the door of happiness closes, another opens; but we often look so long at the closed door that we don't see the one which has been opened for us.

Don't go for looks; they can deceive. Don't go for wealth; because that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile, because it makes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. Find the one that makes your heart smile.

Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be; because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong; enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

The happiness of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failure and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you are the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

Don't count the years - count the memories!

Prayer

2008-02-14T13:27:00.001+03:30

For flowers that bloom about our feet
For tender grass so fresh, so sweet
For the song of the bird and hum of the bee
For all things fair we hear or see
For the stream and sky so blue
For the shade the branches give
For fragrant air and cooling breeze
For beauty of the blooming trees
For this new morning with its light
For rest and shelter of the night
For health and food, for love and friends
For everything Your goodness sends
Dear God we thank You

Source: TEENAGER Magazine

Shame on 300

2008-02-10T17:08:00.000+03:30

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Pay attention! I want to tell you my intent
They want to erase my identity
The history of the land of the ARYANS
Is screaming until we come to it
So now is the time for you to hear
IRAN is my land
The country which after 7,000 years is still standing
And the heart of IRANIANS are still like a sea
Hear this, my fellow IRANIANS, from a Persian
I stand like an Achaemenian Soldier for my land
Hold IRAN like a gem in your hand, and say
My complaint will burst out like a shot
Let's stand together and sing our anthem
My sisters, my brothers, my fellow IRANIANS
IRAN's civilization is in danger
All of us are soldiers beneath our flag
We won't let anyone spread lies about us
For us, IRANIANS, it is our calling
That we wear the symbol of "FARVAHAR" around our necks
Our unity against enemies is the cause of their distress
IRAN's name for us is an honor
And our respect for her is like a thorn in eye for those
Who want to injure her.

You want to say:
That we came from generation of Barbarians?
So take a look then to Persepolis [Takhte Jamshid]!
It's West civilization that came from Wild & Sexy Cultures.
You're showing IRAN's name in vein
So your name could be written big on a cover of a DVD?
I'm writing down your intentions in my book
I know why you made this film, "300"
I know that your heart is made of stone and lead
In this sensitive air and bad atmosphere
You want to start fishing in dirty waters [Profiting]
But this I tell you in its original language
IRAN will never be spoiled and surrendered
GOD has given you two eyes to see!
Take a look and read the books written by:
Saadi and Avesena, Ferdowsi, Khayyam or Mevlana Rumi
Always throughout history we were the start [on top]
But now Persians can't sit down quietly
Let IRAN's name be marred by a few tricksters
I'll shred your intentions with the "Razor of faith"
WHO are YOU, to speak about the history of IRAN?

It was Cyrus the great that started the peace
Freed the Jewish from the grip of Babylon
Cyrus the great wrote the first BILL OF HUMAN RIGHTS.
That is why I carry my esteem and great pride
For my IRAN, the history of my land
For the earth of this land which my body is from
Wherever of this world you live my fellow IRANIANS
And till your blood flows through you
Don't allow yourself to be satisfied
That anyone can fool around with your heritage
The history of IRAN is my identity
IRAN! Protecting you and your name is my best intent.

Like the thirst of a seed [wheat] for water
Like the dampness of rain, the smell of earth
Like you, pure eyes, like the feeling of its earth, for you
My land! singing for you is in my heart
Singing of my land, is my feeling
My love, the earth of this land, IRAN.

Google or Yahoo,which one is better?

2008-02-09T07:37:00.001+03:30

Yahoo! Mail

Download Google Talk
1.53 MB

Achaemenian Soldier

2008-02-09T07:36:00.001+03:30

This is an Achaemenian Soldier.

(Shame on 300, the movie)

Download full size (900*1480)
138 KB

Bahrain and Qatar, small provinces of Iran

2008-02-09T07:34:00.000+03:30

The modern Iran of 21st century that is best known for its Mevlana, Nezami and Ferdowsi as national poets and Persepolis as a ceremonial building, consists of 30 provinces while Guilan, Tehran, Fars, Khorasan (Balkh) and Isfahan are the most important of them.

As a multi-ethnics country, there are several cultural and lingual tribes located in Iran such as Persians, Turks, Afghans, Arabs, Kurds, and the Azeri therefore many sociology researchers say that it has not been observed such an ethnical diversity in any part of the world. Also there are many active religious minorities in Iran such as Jews, Christians and Zoroastrians who perform their special costumes liberally without any restriction.

If you take a look of the former map of Ancient Persia, you can simply discover the greatness and majesty of Iran that even remains until today. All of these small states that own their exclusive government today such as Turkey, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon, Iraq, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Armenia, Jordan, Syria, Emirates and Kuwait were the common provinces of Iran during the Achaemenidan, Sassanid and Safavid dynasties. Also the borders of Ancient Persia were spread from the western parts of China to the eastern parts of Egypt and it is not an exaggeration if we claim that Iran has been shaping almost the half of world.

Although Iran is ranked as the 14th largest country of the world today, but its largeness and glory has not been lost even after that humiliating treaties between Qajar dynasty and Russia or Britain were been signed.
Perhaps Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman have their own government, president, king and diplomacy today but you can easily find the evident footsteps of Persian culture inside their daily life, language, religion, economy and politics.

At first, the most predominant language in all of these countries is Persian. Secondly, the strongest economical partner of these governments is Iran and if the Tehran headquarters decide to impose sanctions on the neighbor countries for any reason, there will be no doubt that a shaking crisis will occur in the region.

Also a simple search shows that Persian names are being used in a wide range among the people of neighbor countries.
Besides these, using of Persian and Iran-made merchandise is increasing in the Middle Eastern and Asian countries considerably where the people count on Iran as their motherland and former home.

By taking our mind to the clear historical facts and avoid concentrating on the black propaganda of “mercenary media” who try to falsify truth and reality just for the sake of their lords, it will not be difficult to understand that Iran has more than just 30 provinces so we will try to claim the definite rights of our country as soon as possible and make these provinces back to Iran. All of the countries that have common borders with Persian Gulf and Iranian Sea (that is mistakenly being called Oman Gulf) have a history of less than 200 years and it shows that they were formerly parts of Iran and separated temporarily because of some reasons.

Source: Yahoo! Mail

The Maragheh Observatory

2008-02-06T20:17:00.000+03:30

Maragheh Observatory (Rasad Khaneh Maragheh) is an ancient observatory, which was established in 1259 by KHAJEH NASIR TUSI (a Persian of the Twelver Shi'a Islamic belief.)
He was a Prolific Polymath Writer, an Astronomer, Biologist, Chemist, Mathematician, Philosopher, Physician, Scientist, and Theologian.

Maragheh Observatory was once the most prestigious observatory in the world. It still preserves it's glory in the hieghts west of Maragheh, East Azarbaijan province.

Description:

The construction of a fine observatory, Hulegu was happy to agree. Hulegu had made Maragheh his capital. Construction of the observatory began in 1259 west of Maragheh, and traces of it can still be seen there today. The Observatory at Maragheh became operational in 1262. Interestingly the Persians were assisted by Chinese astronomers in the construction and operation of the observatory.
It had various instruments such as a 4 meter wall quadrant made from copper and an a azimuth quadrant which was the invention of TUSI himself. KHAJA NASIR TUSI also designed other instruments for the observatory which was far more than a center for astronomy. It possessed a fine library with books on a wide rage of scientific topics, while work on science, mathematics and philosophy were vigorously pursued there. TUSI put his observatory to good use, making very accurate tables of *Planetary Movements. Considerable parts of the groundwork are preserved in the ruins.

History:

Hulego Khan believed that many his military successes were due to the advice of Astronomers (who were also Astrologers), especially of NASIR TUSI. Therefore when TUSI complained that his Astronomical Tables are outdated, Hulegu gave a permission to built a new observatory in a place of TUSI's choice. According to books like "Jam-e-Tavarikhe Rashidi" the building of the Rasad Khaneh started in 1259 (657 A.H.). The library of the Maragheh observatory contained 40,000 books on many subjects, not only related to Astrology/Astronomy. With it were associated the endeavors of numerous scholars,
whom KHAJEH NASIR mentions in Zij-e-ilKhan, an Astronomical Almanac.

It is not known with certainty until when it had been active. It turned into ruins as a result of frequent earthquakes and lack of funding by the state. SHAH ABBAS the great arranged for repair, however, this was not commenced due to the King's early death. Presently the remnants of the observatory from 1259 can be found outside the city over the hill of Taleb Khan at the west of Maragheh.
The remains inspired Ulugh Beg to construct his observatory in Samarkand in 1428.

Hulegu's older brother, Khublai Khan also constructed an observatory, the GAO-CHENG Astronomical Observatory in CHINA.

To save the installation from further destruction, Iran's Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization (ICHTO) built a dome-framed shelter and it plans to hold an exhibit of Astronomical Devices used at Maragheh Observatory.

The Observatory is currently covered with a dome-framed brass structure and is situated two miles west of Maragheh.
UNESCO Named the Year 2008 as the Maragheh Observatory Year.i

Source: TEENAGER Magazine

Persian Gulf

2008-01-27T18:51:00.000+03:30

We, the Undersigned wish to educate, and inform you of the history of Persian Gulf, and Oppose any name change attempts by any organization or government. Centuries ago, in the Latin American geography books the Persian Gulf has been referred to as More Persicum or the Sea of Pars (1). The Latin term "Sinus Persicus" is equivalent to "Persicher golf" in French, "Persico qof" in Italian, "Persidskizalir" in Russian and "Perusha Wan" that all mean "Pars" (2).

The Greek historian Herodotus repeatedly referred to the Red Sea as the "Arab Gulf" (3), and Straben, the Greek historian wrote: Arabs are living between the Arabian Gulf and the Persian Gulf (4). There are undeniable legal evidences and documents in confirmation of the genuineness of the term Persian Gulf. From 1507 to 1560 in all the agreements that Portuguese, Spanish, British, Dutch, French and Germans concluded with the Iranian government or in any other political event everywhere there is a mention of the name Persian Gulf (5).

The document for the independence of Kuwait signed on June 19, 1961 by Abdullah As-Salem As-Sabah refers to "Al-Khalij al-Farsi" in the Arabic texts and "Persian Gulf" in English texts, and has been registered in the Secretariat of the United Nations according to article 102 of the U.N. Charter and can be invoked at any U.N. office (6).

Since the beginning of the 20th century, the name "Persian Gulf" has been used in geography and history books with less reference to the "Fars Sea". Such a change has suggested the idea that the "Fars Sea" had been an old name substituted by a new term "Persian Gulf" (7) in 1930s efforts for changing the name of Persian Gulf was heightened when Sir Charles Bellgrave, the British diplomatic envoy in Iranian island of Mishmâhig, which today known as Bahrain opened a file for the change in the name of the Persian Gulf and proposed the issue to the British Foreign Office.

The United Nations with its 22 Arab member countries has on two occasions officially declared the unalterable name of the sea between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula as the Persian Gulf. The first announcement was made through the document UNAD, 311/Qen on March 5, 1971 and the second was UNLA 45.8.2 (C) on August 10, 1984. Moreover, the annual U.N. conference for coordination on the geographical names has emphatically repeated the name "Persian Gulf" each year (8).

Although using the "Arabian Gulf" instead of the "Persian Gulf" has no basis and will not be accepted in any culture or language, however, it will not diminish our responsibility in expressing the reality and eliminating ambiguities as the main and oldest inhabitants of the region.

Footnotes:

1- Institute of Political and International Studies, series of articles of seminar on Persian Gulf issues,
page 135
2- Institute for Political and International Studies, selected Persian Gulf documents, volume 1, page
18, Institute of Political and International Studies, series of articles of seminar on Persian Gulf issues,
page 136.
3- Institute of Political and International Studies, selected Persian Gulf documents, pages 18-22,
Institute of Political and International Studies, series of articles of seminar on Persian Gulf issues,
page 137. Seyed Hassan Mousavi "A brief discussion on historical-political geography of the Persian Gulf..." sociology and humanities of Shiraz University, page 118. Mehdi Azimi, "Persia Gulf Political History", Port and Sea, page 22.
4- Institute of Political and International Studies, selected Persian Gulf documents, volume 1, page 22.
5- Institute of Political and International Studies, series of articles of seminar on Persian Gulf issues, page 148.
6- Institute of Political and International Studies, ibid, page 149.
7- Pirouz Mojtahedzadeh, "Persian Gulf in return for history", political and economic, Nos. 105-106, page 26.
8- Pirouz Mojtahedzadeh, "Persian Gulf in return for history", Nos. 105-106, page 28

The History of TERMEH

2008-01-15T23:14:00.000+03:30

TERMEH is a nice cloth that is woven since SAFAVI era in IRAN and now Yazd province is the main center of producing it.
There is an argument between researchers about it's origin. Some of then believe that Termeh has been made in KASHMIR
and then brought to Iran. Others say that Iranian have been the innovator of weaving Termeh and this material has been
taken in to concentration like other handicrafts in other parts of the world.
(Kashmir: Historical region divided between India and Pakistan).

But it is the real fact that Iranian Termeh in comparison with what ever produced in Kashmir is much better and it has
different coloration and designs.

The only reason that made the Kashmir Termeh famous is using a kind of string which is produced by "Wild Goat's Wool".
Besides, the main place where it lives is Himalaya Mountains range, located North of India. So Kashmir Termeh weavers
have had more availability to it while Iranian had to use Fleece.

Weaving:

In the past, the first step in Termeh weaving was preparing it's raw materials. So it was very important to be careful
while preparing wool, washing and drying.

Weaving Termeh needs good wool which has tall fiber. Usually the designs of Iranian Termeh were the result of the
co-operation between main persons (an expert and a worker called "Goushvareh kesh"). Weaving Termeh was a very careful,
sensitive and time consuming work that a good weaver could produce only 25 to 30 centimeters in a day. The background
colors which are used in Termeh are Jujube Red, Light Red, Green, Orange, and Black.

Termeh as a valuable cloth has many different usage. So it woven on different sizes and shapes such as:

1. 150*150 centimeters for table cloth and wrapper.

2. Checked pattern which is like Bee's Hive and is used for table cloth.

3. Striped pattern which is of two models: Narrow and Wide striped.

4. Atabaki pattern which was one of the Kashmiri's Termeh was used for expensive fabric because it was a finely women
Termeh.

5. Zomorrodi pattern in which the used green color more than the others.

6. "Kashmiri Shall" (Cashmere) in which the shape of Deer's Horn was used for it's design.

Termeh is a very durable cloth in which fixed colors are used so we can use any kinds of washer.

Source: Tourist Magazine

Mehregan Celebration

2008-01-10T19:00:00.000+03:30

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MEHREGAN is one of the most Ancient Farina Festivals know dating back at least as far as the earliest Aryans (Iranians).
There are many accounts as to the beginning of Mehregan. A few, different versions are listed bellow:

1. Mehregan is a day of victory when angels helped "Feraydoun" and "Kaveh" become victorious over "Zahak".
They imprisoned him in the Damavand Mountain where he died from his wounds.
2. Mehregan is the day God gave light to the world that had previously been dark.
3. On this day "Mashya" and "Mashyaneh" (a concept of Semitic Adam and Eve) were created.
4. On this day the sun was created.

In some from or another, the feast day of Mehregan has always been honored for many thousands of years in IRAN.
MEHR is also the time of harvest, (same principles as thanks giving).
Some scholars believe that the month of Mehr was the beginning month of the calendar year during the Achaemenian era.
The Mehregan feast celebrated the beginning of a new year.
Mehr in Avestan is "Miora" and in Pahlavi "Mitr". In modern Farsi, it has become "Mehr".
Although it can be slightly confusing, it should be remembered the word "Mehr" has been used for God, an angel, a symbol of
the sun, as well as the seventh month of the Persian Calendar.

When the Indo-Europeans lived together, Mehr was considered one of the great Gods of that time.
The Ancient Iranians thought Mehr was responsible for Love and Friendship, Contracts and Convenants, and a Representation for light.
Later, Mehr was also considered as a symbol of the sun. There again,
Mehr was considered to be a God of heroism and warfare the Iranians soldiers were strong believers and had songs for Mehr.
With expansion of Achaemenian Empire, the worship of Mehr was taken to other countries.
Long ago, Mehregan was celebrated with the same magnificence and pageantry as Norouz. It was customary for people to send or give presents
that they personally liked themselves! Rich people usually gave gold and silver coins, heroes and warriors gave horses while others gave gifts
according to their ability, even an apple those fortunate enough, will help the poor with gifts.
After the Mongul invasion, the feast celebration of Mehregan lost its popularity. But Zoroastrians of Yazd, Kerman, and Shiraz continued to celebrate Mehregan.

How to prepare for Mehregan:

For this celebration, the participants wear new clothes and set a decorative, colorful table.
The sides of the tablecloth are decorated with Marjoram. The Holy Book Avesta, a Mirror and Sorme Dan (Antimony Cellar)
are placed on the table together with Rose water, Sweets, Vegetables and Fruits, especially Pomegranates and Apples.
A few Silver Coins and Senjed Seeds (fruit of the lotus tree) are placed in dish of pleasant smelling wild Marjoram water. Almonds and Pistachio are also used.
A burner is also part of the table setting for Kondor (Frankincense) and Espand (Rue Seeds) to be thrown on the flames.
At lunch time when the ceremony begins, everyone in the family stands in front of the mirror to pray.
Sherbet is drunk and then as a good women, Sorme is rubbed around their eyes. Handfuls of wild Marjoram, Senjed Seeds and Noghl (Sugar Plum)
are thrown over each others heads while they embrace one another.
In some of the villages in Yazd, Zoroastrians still sacrifice sheep for Mehr. These sacrifices are done on the day of Mehregan and for three days afterwards.
The sacrifice should be done during the hours of sunlight.
The sheep is placed on three stones in the furnace, representing the "Good Words", "Good Deeds" and "Good Thoughts", and barbecued.
After this special ritual, the sheep, including the skin and fat is taken to the fire temple.
The fat is thrown on the fire to make the flames burn fiercely and then the participants pray.

To learn more about Iranian Festivities and Celebrations also see Norouz (New Year) and the Jashne Tirgan (Tirgan Celebration).

Source: Tourist Magazine

Shame on 300, the movie

2008-01-04T12:18:00.000+03:30

Great Persians essay is an evidence that proves, the 300 is a BIG, BIG LIE against Empire of Persia, Xerxes the great and Persians as a whole.

.:Anti 300:.

Accepted by 75 million Persians all over the world and also people who think logically.

Great Persians

2008-01-04T11:43:00.001+03:30

IRAN, the only inheritor of PERSIA'S EMPIRE and territory of people with more than 7,000 years of great civilization; Now after this long period of time, it's still IRANIANS pride.
But in these prides, there are a lot of things that we have never heard of or we wrongly thought they were innovations of the WEST. Bellow are just a few of things about Persians Culture, Civilization, and Innovations:

1. The first humans that invented "Sewage System" were Persians.

2. Initial use of Metals Fuse in the world were by Persians in a city called "Silck" near the present KASHAN.

3. The first humans that invented "Coin" in order to trade and also started to Coinage of money were Persians.

4. The first World's "Cavalry Army" innovated by "Iranian Sam" with 115 soldiers.

5. The first Governmental Employment System was established by CYRUS the great and the employs and employees worked for 40 years; and after that, in retirement, they received
"Retirement Salary" and they became "Life Insured".

6. Cyrus the great originated a plan which according to that, all people in all territories were obliged to "learn Literacy free of charge". He was thought that the King can built and developed the country, just when people of that country have enough literacy and intelligence.

7. The Present Calendar (30 Days Month) was made by DARIUS command. He prepared a council with directionship of a Babylonian Scientist.
In the calendar of Ancient Persia, the first and fifteenth day of month were off and in general just 36 days were off during the year, 5 days for religious holiday and 31 days for Statutory holiday.
There were two important holidays, the first one was "Nouruz Holiday" (the new year celebration at the first of Spring) and the other one was "Death of SIAVASH".

8. Darius the great established World's first "Military Bases" and "Military Services" and according to that, all young men even the King and Minister's sons had to go to military and learned military skills in order to defend the PARS territory.

9. Darius the great established the World's first "Ministry of Roads and Transportation", "Ministry of Water", "Ministry of Development and Housing", and the "Ministry of Post"
in Persia probably 2,500 years ago.

10. Darius the great built the PERSEPOLIS Palace that was "World's Art Exhibition" and used 25,000 construction workers, working 10 hours in summer and 8 hours in winter.
The government gave one Gold coin to each architect every 5 days and also gave 250 grams Meat, Oil, Butter, Honey and Cheese to each worker's family in addition to their salary.

11. The Persians were the first people of the World who discovered "COPPER".

12. The Persians were the first humans that Tamed horses and gave to the World as a Gift.

13. As a matter of fact, Persians were the first people who trained some animals as Pet. Unfortunately some people have been thought that, it was the West's innovation.
According to a lot of proofs, the Persian Cat was the Ancient Persians favorite pet.

14. "Fire" was discovered by Persians.

15. The first humans who started Planting and Farming (Agriculture) were Persians.

16. Persians were the first humans who started to "Spin Wool" and invented "Thread".

17. The first people who started to print images and shapes on their clothes were Persians.

18. One of the Persians inventions that has startled everyone in every place of the world and also it's used by almost all people of world is "PANTS".
Yes it's right..."Pants" was invented by Persians with a little differences to contemporary "Pants". The first invented pants was loose in it's legs and became thin in toes.

19. The first people who used "Perfume" to became aromatic were Persians.

20. The first kind of "Alphabetic Letters" invented by Persians where lived in the South of Persia (North of the PERSIAN GULF) 7,000 years ago.

21. The first people who innovated "Glass" and used it to decorate their houses were Persians.

22. The first people who discovered "Coal" and used it's energy to do metal fusion or to warm their houses were Persians.

23. Persians were the first people who invented "Object Measurer" and started to scale Weigh, Distance and other things.

24. The "Earth Circularity" found out by "Aborayhan Birouni", one of the greatest Persian Astronomers and Scientists.

25. The World's first "Art and Industrial School" established by Cyrus the great in the "Shoosh", was to teach art and technical works to teenagers and youths.

26. Darius the great seized "Babylon" and after that freed 25,000 Jewish slaves that were enslaved and also were on the rack and tormented by the governor of Babylon.

Edited by Prof. Samin Roshani