Travel to Iran, Land of Hospitality & Culture

Iran Religion & Policy System

Iran is an Islamic Republic country, so the country is led by the Supreme Leader. He has the highest-ranking political and religious authority in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The judicial system, armed forces, state television, and other key governmental organizations are under the control of the Supreme Leader. After the supreme leader, the president has the highest political rank, who is selected by election every 4 years. Most of the Iranian people’s religion is Islam and they are Shi’ia. But there are other religious minorities, such as Armenian, Jewish, Zoroastrian, and Christian. Before Islam, the majority of people were Zoroastrian. There are some obligations in each religion. Muslims must pray 5 times a day (at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening). It’s recommended to pray in mosques. During your travel to Iran, maybe you can visit some famous mosques and enjoy their artistic architecture. Muslims also have to fast one month each year, this month is named Ramadan. During the holy Ramadan, they must fast from dawn to sunset and not eat and drink anything, no smoking and no chewing gum during this time. After sunset, all the family members and sometimes friends gather together and break their fast. Iranian people call this ceremony “Iftar”. During this month most café and restaurants are closed during the day and they serve food after dusk. But hotel restaurants and cafes and some in the street serve foods for tourists. Muslim people are prohibited from drinking Alchohol and eating Pork meat. So drinking Alchohol in Iran is against the rules.

Iranian Greeting & Meeting Etiquette 

Iranian People when meeting each other usually say “Salaam” Or “ Salam Aleykom”. Since Men & women socialized separately, mostly they shake hands, hug, or kiss the same sex. It’s not usual for a man to kiss or hug a woman in greeting unless she is a member of his family.

Taarof 

In Iran, “Taarof” is a cultural practice involving politeness, respect, and humility through speech and behavior. It often entails offering something, like hospitality or assistance, even if it may not be genuinely intended or expected to be accepted. This creates a courteous interaction where the offer recipient may decline out of politeness, and the offerer may insist on the offer to show their sincerity. Taarof is deeply ingrained in Iranian social norms and is used in various situations to maintain harmonious relationships and display cultural etiquette.

Iranian Festivals: Celebrating Nowruz, Yalda Night, and Chaharshanbe Souri

Iranian festivals are vibrant celebrations deeply rooted in culture and tradition. “Nowruz” marks the Persian New Year, symbolizing renewal and the arrival of spring. Families gather, homes are cleaned, and the “Haft-Seen” table is set with symbolic items representing life’s elements. “Yalda Night” falls on the winter solstice, a time to celebrate the victory of light over darkness. People come together, stay up late, share stories, and enjoy fruits like pomegranates and watermelons. “Chaharshanbe Souri” is the fire-jumping festival on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz. People light bonfires, leap over flames, and chant for the removal of negative energy, welcoming the new year with optimism.