Culture and Customs of Iran (Culture and Customs of the Middle East)

Iran is often a hotspot in the news, and the Muslim state is usually negatively portrayed in the West. Culture and Customs of Iran rejects facile stereotyping and presents the rich, age-old Persian culture that struggles with pressures of the modern world. This is the first volume in English to reveal the important sociocultural facets of Iran today for a general audience in an objective fashion. Authoritative, substantive narrative chapters cover the gamut of topics, from religion and religious thought to Iranian cuisine and festivals. Provides An Overview Of The History And Culture Of Iran, Featuring Discussion Of The Country's Religion, Literature, Drama And Cinema, Architecture, Carpets, Food And Dining, Family, Women, Gender Relations, Holidays, Music, And Dance. Introduction: The Land And The People -- Religions And Religious Life -- Literature -- Drama And Cinema -- Architecture -- Carpets -- Food And Dining -- Family, Women, And Gender Relations -- Holidays, Festivals, And Annual Events -- Music And Dance. Elton L. Daniel And Ali Akbar Mahdi. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [215]-222) And Index. Contents......Page 6 Series Foreword......Page 8 Preface......Page 10 Chronology......Page 14 1. Introduction: The Land and the People......Page 18 2. Religions and Religious Life......Page 54 3. Literature......Page 82 4. Drama and Cinema......Page 110 5. Architecture......Page 136 6. Carpets......Page 170 7. Food and Dining......Page 182 8. Family, Women, and Gender Relations......Page 190 9. Holidays, Festivals, and Annual Events......Page 214 10. Music and Dance......Page 226 Glossary......Page 248 Selected Bibliography......Page 252 Index......Page 260