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accesses have been counted. This page was last minorly updated on
the 6th of November, 2004.
An Introduction to Iran
Throughout history known as Persia, Iran was the heart of the ancient Persian Empire, whose territory extended from parts of Europe and Africa to much of Asia. The ancient Persians were known as good administrators, and were especially renowned for their system of mail delivery. In the seventh century, invaders from the Arabian peninsula conquered Persia, bringing with them the then-new religion of Islam.
In the early twentieth century Iran's tremendous oil wealth began to be exploited, with most of the gains going to the colonialist European powers, particularly Britain and France. This profiting, and the oppressive Western influence that came with it, was steadily resented by many Iranians. In 1979 Iran's leader, the pro-West Shah of Iran, was banished, and the current Islamic Republic was founded.
| Religion and Government in Modern Iran
Islam is the official religion of Iran. Iran is not a multifaith society. The form of government in Iran, known as an "Islamic Republic," is in large measure based on the rules and principles of Islam. In Iran, these principles have been interpreted to allow a democratic process, whereby the President (currently Khatami) and a 290 seat Assembly (or Congress) are elected. It should be observed that not only men, but women have the vote in Iran. This marks Iran as among the more progressive of the Islamic Republics. This progressiveness is held in check by the "Leader of the Islamic Revolution," a political and religious figure who is at least as powerful as the Iranian President. This figure, who may also be described as the Chief Cleric, is not elected by popular vote, but appointed by a religious council. The Chief Cleric (currently Khameini) is powerful because he controls the courts and the police, is a voice of great religious authority, and is not accountable to the President or the Assembly. Elections in Iran are scheduled for May of 2001. |
 President Khatami |
 A Shrine in the Town of Kashan |
Iran's Culture
The intertwining of religion and government in Iran has a profound influence on the culture. Iran is notorious for strict and severe punishment of crime. Pork is not eaten and alcoholic drinks are forbidden. Surprisingly, the use of the drug heroin is high, and heroin addiction is a major problem in Iran. In Iran women must cover themselves in loose clothing from head to toe when in public. Facial veils are not required, but the hair must be covered. An Iranian man may have up to 4 wives, if each wife is willing and a permit is issued. Monogamy however is the norm. Most marriages are arranged. Many forms of contraception are available, with contraception having not been found to violate Islamic principles. Although Iranian women have far fewer freedoms than Western women, they have greater liberty (such as the vote) than many other Arab countries, for example Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Soccer is a beloved sport in Iran, and Iranians showed great friendliness to Americans (despite a troubled past) when the US faced Iran to qualify for the World Cup. Iran won. |