In this exciting episode, we’ll explore the rich tapestry of Iranian life, from the grandeur of Persepolis to the poetry of Hafez, from bustling bazaars to the serene rhythms of Persian gardens.

Iran is a country of contrasts and continuity — where millennia-old traditions coexist with contemporary creativity. In this podcast, we’ll uncover the stories behind Iran’s remarkable history, tracing the rise and fall of empires, the influence of Zoroastrianism and Islam, and the enduring legacy of Persian civilization on the world stage.

But history is just the beginning. We’ll dive into Iran’s diverse culture — its languages, customs, and celebrations — and meet the people who keep these traditions alive. We’ll savor the flavors of Persian cuisine, from saffron-infused stews to rosewater sweets, and learn how food connects families and communities across generations.

Join us for this timely show about this ancient and culturally rich mysterious country.

The following books and articles have been used to assist in the production of this show. Please help our show and click on either of the links to purchase the book(s).

• History of Iran: An Enthralling Overview of Iranian History, Starting from the Ancient Persians through the Persian Empire to Modern Iran - Full of exciting events, memorable actors, bloody conflicts, and thriving cultural accomplishments, the history of Iran is a pleasure to dive into for any curious mind. From the prehistoric ages to the modern Islamic Republic, Iran has always maintained its prevalent position in history as one of the most vibrant, distinct, and diverse countries in the world. Located in western Asia, sandwiched between the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf, the mountainous regions of the Zagros Mountains have long been home to a civilization whose marvelous development throughout history is like no other. This book seeks to explore the rich history of Iran, all the way from the first Iranian peoples to the creation of the modern nation-state we know today. It analyzes the transformation of the region’s inhabitants from a primitive society to a world superpower to a country centered around strong religious principles and beliefs. Here’s just a small portion of what you will discover in this book: Detailed descriptions of Iran’s demography, culture, and physical and political geographies History of the first Iranian civilizations before 1000 BCE An in-depth look at the rise and fall of different powerful dynasties in the ancient and early medieval periods A journey through the Muslim Arab domination and the emergence of Islam as the prominent faith The age of various empires until the early modern times The Qajar and Pahlavi monarchies and the birth of the Iranian nation-state The triumph of the Islamic Revolution under Ruhollah Khomeini And much, much more!
• Revolutionary Iran: A History of the Islamic Republic - A new edition of the definitive history of revolutionary Iran, essential for understanding the country today For some 40 years the Islamic Republic has resisted widespread condemnation, sanctions, and sustained attacks by Iraq in an eight-year war. Many policy-makers today share a weary wish that Iran would somehow just disappear as a problem. But with Iran's continuing commitment to a nuclear programme and its reputation as a trouble-maker in Syria, Afghanistan, Lebanon and elsewhere, this is unlikely any time soon. An unending stream of assertions about the revolution's finally running down continue to be defied by events, and Iran's institutions are still formidable. This is the definitive history of this subject, from one of the world's principal experts.
• Iran: A Modern History - This history of modern Iran is not a survey in the conventional sense but an ambitious exploration of