Did you know that not far from Tehran is where the infamous Assassin cult, the Hashshashin, was created? Its leader, Hassan-i Sabbah, built his fortress on top of this massive rock in the 11th century. I'll take you there and talk about how Iranians view this enigmatic character today in a future installation on this blog. Photo by author.
There is perhaps no more important role for National Geographic than to attempt to increase understanding between peoples, particularly at times when tensions between states and the resulting hyperbole at a state level obscures or prevents a dialogue between peoples—you know, real people.
The genesis of the August cover story on Iran lies in part with that idea, but also in the simple fact that the magazine has not visited the major archaeological sites of Iran since the revolution there in 1979. A whole generation of Americans has grown up without seeing the wonders of ancient Persia at Persepolis, Cyrus’s tomb at Pasargadae, or Darius’ panel at Bisetun. It is fair to say that since the revolution, the connection in American minds between Persia and Iran has faded to the point where many might be surprised to hear of it. It doesn’t take long, in talking to Iranians, to find that Persia is alive and well, interwoven into the fabric of modern Iranian society in unexpected ways.
The NGM article takes on a two-fold task. First, the photography displays the amazing archaeological heritage of ancient Persia and Iran. Second, the text attempts to open a window into the world of Iranians living in Iran today by exploring their self-image. How do they see themselves? How do they relate to their Persian past and their Islamic present? What can they share with us about themselves that will help us understand them?
I visited Iran in 2007 to help with preparations for the August story. I took a 2,500 mile road trip in a taxi that started in Tehran and looped counter clockwise around the country. On this all-too-brief excursion I was impressed by the generosity of the people, the beauty of the landscape, and the richness of their history. This month, I will use this blog to share my experiences there and add some information and perspectives to what appeared in the magazine. So stay tuned for the first installment.
In the meantime, what did you think of August’s cover story?
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Comments
Jul 28, 2008 9AM #
Iran may have a lot of things wrong with it but look the beautiful things that are there http://petergreenberg.com/slideshow/world_heritage_sites/
Jul 28, 2008 9AM #
I thought it had a bias. The emphasis on the pre-Islamic Iran as representative of "true Persia" was funny. The author stated that Iran had gone downhills since the fall of the Sassanids -- nevermind the very Islamic and Shia Safavid dynasty which was entirely skipped over.
Jul 28, 2008 9AM #
As an Iranian born, U.S. citizen, I found your article very insightful and fair-balanced. A parallel that can be drawn regarding the CIA backed coup of ’53, which quelled a true democratic movement, ultimately resulting in all of the current geo-political issues at hand, is with the injustices made against blacks and American Indians in our recent history, which as a nation we have rightfully apologized for. Until we do the same and acknowledge the past wrongdoings in Iran (and other places in the world we have wrongfully meddled), we cannot set the right course for the future, pursuing a peaceful world. We must remember that a prime motivator of a terrorist, is the historical injustices against his/her nation. More importantly, one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter. It is up to all of us to take a deep, painful look, and correct our course.
Hooman Shadravan
West Hills, CA
Jul 28, 2008 9AM #
I find some aspect of the article rather troubling. For example you say:
“An irony is that the Islamic revolution—at times referred to here as the "second Arab invasion"—appears to have strengthened the very ties to antiquity that it tried so hard to sever;”
I don 't see some much an irony here as evidence of poor journalism. You have decided that the goal of “ Islamic revolution” was to sever the ties of Iranian with their past. When you don't see the evidence you label it is “irony”. Have you considered that this may not be an irony, rather that reality doesn't match your own biases and spins.
Jul 28, 2008 9AM #
I loved the article and the pictures. Having been married to a Persian man for over 30 years I enjoyed giving the article to my grown kids. Our family has a whole generation of American/Persian kids who have never seen Iran or really understand Persian culture except for kabab and iranian rice and whatever our family have past down.
Thank you for doing the article.
Daryl Kangarloo
Myrtle Beach, SC
Jul 28, 2008 9AM #
Thanks for your article! Islam ruined our beloved country, Iran.
Jul 28, 2008 9AM #
The article featured stunning photography and some important facts. Neither of these however could gloss over the horribly racist comments against Islam and Iranians. As stated in this article, Iran is a land of Azeris, Kurds, Torkmen, Balooch and of course Arabs. Iranians cherish their history all 2500 years throughout and that undoubtedly includes the rich culture of Islam shared by so many people and lands the world over. Iranians care deeply about the suffering experienced by their brother/sisterly neighbor countries such as Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine.
The racist comments posted by that anonymous "Persian" woman in particular are in no means reflective of the people of Iran and the author clearly must know this.
Jul 28, 2008 9AM #
Shortly before the 1979 Revolution,the NGM covered extensively the Sha´s ruled Iran.Not an insight about the internal tensions that could explain the tragic aftermath.
Given the present nuclear threat in the Middle East,I encourage NGM to continue blindfolded and keep fingers crossed for a change of attitude of the Mullahs.
Federico Rubio
Madrid.Spain
Jul 28, 2008 9AM #
hello my friend iam aphotographer from IRAN plaese see may photos tanks
Jul 28, 2008 9AM #
Amazing article! Shows the need for a rich culture, history and a nation with such identity to be unearthed from an opressive government.
Jul 28, 2008 9AM #
Just wanted to introduce this site to NGM Readers that are interested to know more about Iran:
http://www.bmspages.com
You can find updated information about Iran's History, Culture, Art and Major cities here.
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