I've been researching for my culture project, and have decided to look at historical Persian clothing. I want to focus on the Zoroastrian times, before the Islamic conversion. That would put us pre-7th century.
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I've been researching for my culture project, and have decided to look at historical Persian clothing. I want to focus on the Zoroastrian times, before the Islamic conversion. That would put us pre-7th century.
It is weird not having a seder plate full of maror, charoset (my favorite), karpas, Z'roa, and Beitzah. When I used to live at home, my sister, mother, and I would make Charoset. This delicious mixture of nutes, apples, cinnamon and red wine was used to build up buildings in Egypt. Waking maror was my grandfather's job- he always loved having fresh horseradish- so spicy/bitter to represent the harshness of slavery! The Karpas was my brother's job- to separate the parsley and celery-and make salt water- this combination represented the pain the jews felt. Now the gross part- the Z'roa- goat shankbone- and boiled egg (Beitzah)- that was dad's job- these represented sacrifice.
Regardless of missing the seder, I know I am not going to miss just that! When the pharoah freed the Hebrews, they fleed so quickly that their bread did not rise. SO I will be missing leavened bread for this week. Let the week of Matzah begin;-)
The lowest score is Individuality. I can definitely see this in my studies so far. Sofia and I were talking about romantic relationships in Afghanistan. They definitely show how collectivist the society is (admittedly I'm not talking about Iran here, but the analysis I read suggests its scores may look more like other Muslimcountries now). The discussion arose when I asked her what the word for "partner" was. She gave me the word for "spouse." I asked, "What if you're not married?" It turns out, there isn't a word for dating someone, or any kind of romantic relationship outside of marriage short of prostitution. Almost everyone dates, but it's always a secret. You would only tell you're most trusted friend, and definitely not you're family.
When the couple decides to get married, it is a family affair. The man goes to his family and tells them he wants to marry the woman. The women of his family go visit the women of her family and ask when the man's father can meet with the woman's father to discuss the man and women getting married. The woman's family then asks around to make sure the man's family is respectable.
If a couple didn't follow this procedure, the consequences would fall on the woman's family. The woman would be seen as a prostitute. The father would be seen as not having control over his family. The mother would be seen as not raising her child morally. It's clear the relationships are all about loyalty and family honour - signs of collectivism.
Gender dynamics are very different in Afghanistan, but I will write more about that in my learning blog!
The Parsi-Cola bottle seems to be popular in glass. This is probably because it is competing with Zam-Zam, another popular cola that is known for its glass bottles. Zam-Zam's glass bottles are part of its marketing strategy - to use Iranian history. The glass bottle is more antiquated.
Both Parsi-Cola and Zam-Zam claim to be Iran's "national" drink. Parsi-Cola's very NAME is evidence of this (Parsi=Farsi=Persian=Iranian). They are capitalizing on the politics of production in Iran. Many sources say that Iranians want to drink pop while avoiding American products (such as Pepsi and Coke). In politics, the US is "The Great Satan." However, it's also interesting how the Parsi-Cola bottles are modeled after Pepsi and Coke bottles. The colours and shapes are extremely reminiscent of its American counterparts.
Something else I noticed is that Parsi-Cola has both Farsi and English writing on it. I don't know why this might be. Perhaps it's to attract tourists?
http://k43.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/58068895.IranMar064221.jpg
http://parsikhabar.net/wp-content/parsicola-blog2.jpg
http://www.iranian.com/PhotoDay/Dec98/Images/cola.gif
http://haft2.com/haft2know/blogimages/coke.jpg
http://www.pepreinvent.com/download/pepsi/product_shots/pepsi_bottle.jpg
Diyarbakır’a gittiğimde yerel seçimler oldu. Seçimlerde, AKP’nin desteği azalınca DTP’nin desteği çoğaldı. Seçimlerden altı ay sonra Anayasa Mahkemesi DTP’nin kapatılmasına karar verdi. DTP, PKK ile ilişkileri olduğundan dolayı kapandı. MHP ve DTP’nin kürt kimliğinden dolayı kararı
destekledi.
Karar verildikten sonra AKP, anayasa değişimi teklif etti. CHP ve MHP anayasayı değistirmek istemiyorlar. Anayasa değişiminde parti kapatılması zorlaşacakmış, askeri dava açmak kolaylaşacakmis.
Hürriyet gazetesinde reform ile ilgili “muhalefet var“ yazdı. Yargı ve muhalefet partisi, karşıtlıklarını vurguladılar. Başyargıç “bu öneri anayasaya karşı... iyi reform değil“ dedi. İfadeler Hürriyet’in çok laik bir gazete olduğunu ispat etti. Karşıt görüşlü Zaman gazetesi ise reformu destekledi. “Türkler bu demokratik, önemli reformu istiyor" yazdı. İki gazete de sendikalardan destek olduğunu yazdı, ama her gazete farklı sendikaların ifadelerini aktardı.
Haberi değerlendirdiğimde gazetelerin çok farklı görüşleri olduğunu anladım. Birçok gazete okuyarak siyaset ve toplum hakkinda gazetelerin farklı fikirleri anlaşılabilir.
Many people in Iran have invested their whole wealth in Persian carpets- often referred to as an Iranian's stocks and shares - and there are underground storage areas in Tehran's bazaar that are full of fine specimens, kept as investments by shrewd businessmen. And for many centuries, of course, the Persian carpet has received international acknowledgment for its artistic splendor. In palaces, famous building, rich homes and museums throughout the world a Persian carpet is amongst the most treasured possessions. Thus, it is not surprising that current production levels throughout Iran equal those reached prior to the Islamic Revolution of 1979. In fact, rugs are now even produced in areas where weaving was heretofore not practiced. Thus, today Iran produces more carpets than all the other carpet making centers of the world put together.
Practice:
Persian carpets and rugs have always been and still are an intrinsicpart of Iranian culture and its people's daily lives. Indeed, carpets and rugs are in many cases the most valued possessions, and they are an integral part of an Iranian home. Historically, from being simply articles of need, as pure and simple floor entrance coverings to protect the nomadic tribesmen from the cold and damp, the increasing beauty of the carpets found them new owners - kings and nobleman, those who looked for signs of wealth or adornment for fine buildings.
Perspective:
There are two aspects that I am able to conclude from the role of Persian rugs in Iranian culture. One is the pride Iranians have for their rugs and how the country and its people revel in their own history. They see their rugs are status symbols which describe wealth, social standing, and history of their own family. The second relates to how Iran functions. The society revolves around the family which is central to Iranian life and the dynamics of its culture. There is no doubt having a Persian rug as a center piece to one's home says an inordinate amount about one's family. I think both aspects, national pride and the strong emphasis on family life, makes Persian rugs so valuable within the country and to the average Iranian since they value family and pride.
Indivduality
Iran's lowestHofstede ranking is Individuality (IDV) at 41, compared to the Muslim countries average of 38. This manifests itself from close long-term commitments to the member 'group', which is the family, extended family, or extended relationships. Loyalty in a collectivist culture is paramount, and over-rides most other societal rules and regulations. The society fosters strong relationships where everyone takes responsibility for fellow members of their group. Furthermore, I think older generations demand a greater sense of respect within the society as a whole. The survival of the group ensures the survival of the individual. Lastly, harmony and interdependence of group members are stressed and valued. I believe there is a stronger emphasis on having a more indirect/high context manner of communication within Iran.
Masculinity
From what I have read, there seems to be an apparent divide between the socializng of men and women within the Iranian soceity. Examples such as the separate eating areas for men and women in public restaurants and that Conservative Iranians would not invite females over to dinne or to socialize demonstrates this cultural divide. I believe, at least from what I've read about Iran, that it is a masculine domintated country where women are somewhat assertive and competitive,but not as much as the men, so that it shows a gap between
men's values and women's values.
Uncertainty Avoidance Index:
This score indicatesthe society’s low level of tolerance for uncertainty. In an effort to minimize or reduce this
level of uncertainty, strict rules, laws, policies, and regulations are adopted and implemented. The ultimate goal of this population is to control everything in order to eliminate or avoid the unexpected. As a result of this high Uncertainty Avoidance characteristic, the society does not readily accept change and is very risk adverse. In order for change to come about, it must be an extremely gradual and slow process so that the society as a whole can accept and understand it. Uncertainty avoiding cultures try to minimize the possibility of such situations by strict laws and rules, such as Islamic law, safety and security measures such as the Revolutionary Guards, and on the philosophical and religious level by a belief in absolute Truth; 'there can only be one Truth and we have it'. People in uncertainty avoiding countries are also more emotional, and motivated by inner nervous energy.
Power Distance Index:
Iran has high PowerDistance (PDI) is indicative of a high level of inequality of power and wealth within the society. This condition is not necessarily subverted upon the population, but rather accepted by the society as their cultural heritage. Examples of this are the following:
-Centralized companies
-Strong hierarchies
-Large gaps in compensation, authority,and respect
Overall, the Power Distance rank of 58 comparesto the Arab (Muslim) World ranking of 80.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The research by this website was conducted in 1972. There should bea more moderate application of these two Hofstede Dimensions, specifically those mentioned below, within the society. However, with the over-throw of the Shah in January of 1979, and the subsequent re-emergence into Islamic fundamentalism, the current Hofstede Dimensions for Iran may conform more closely with other Muslim countries that have higher Uncertainty Avoidance and Power Distance rankings.
Scores found at:
http://www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_iran.shtml
Introductions are generally restricted to members of the same sex since men and women socialize separately. Greetingstend to be affectionate. Men kiss other men and women kiss other women at social events. If they meet on the street, a handshake is the more common greeting. When Iranians greet each other they take their time and converse about general things. The simplest and most common greeting is "salaam" (peace).
Dining Etiquette:
-Check to see if the host is wearing shoes. If not, remove yours at the door.
-Dress conservatively.
-Punctuality is appreciated.
-Show respect for the elders by greeting them first.
-Check to see if your spouse is included in the invitation. Conservative Iranians do not entertain mixed-sex groups.
-Shake everyone's hand individually.
-Accept any offer of food or drink. Remember to do 'taarof'.
-Tablemanners: Iranians are rather formal. Although some meals in the home
are served on the floor and without eating utensils, it does not
indicate a lack of decorum. In more modern homes, meals are served on a
dining table with place settings.
-Eat only with the right hand.
-Try a bit if everything that is served.
-Meals are generally served family-style.
-Most tables are set with a spoon and fork only.
-Part of Iranian hospitality is to shower guests with abundance.
-Expectto be offered second and even third helpings. Initial refusals will be assumed to be polite gestures (taarof again!) and are not taken seriously.
-Leave some food on your plate when you have finished eating.
-Restaurantsgenerally have two sections - "family" where women and families dine
and "men only". Tips of between 10 and 15% are appreciated in hotel
restaurants.
Business Relationships:
Iranians prefer to do business with those they know and respect,therefore they expect to spend time cultivating a personal relationship before business is conducted. Who you know is often more important than what you know, so it is important to network and cultivate a number of contacts. Expect to be offered tea whenever you meet someone, as this demonstrates hospitality. Finally, since Iranians judge people on appearances, dress appropriately and stay in a high standard hotel.
Information found at:
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/iran-country-profile.html
The beads can be bought almost anywhere, especially in sidewalk trinket shops and bazaars (çarşı) in larger cities. Of course, there are artisans and glass-blowers who craft the evil eye artfully and carefully. Usually, however, the evil eye is placed or worn as an accessory used more for its symbolic value than its intrinsic artistic worth. To this end, the nazar can be found on charm bracelets, earrings, safety pins, clothing and a whole host of other styles, all often very inexpensive.
Here is a tree in Kapadokya that is a popular destination for tour groups. Its branches are full of nazar beads:
Maşallah :)
Also, in our meetings with Haya, we went through some of our old vocabulary and we watched a video clip that shows an Israeli street market, and we practiced on our listening a little bit. However, I think it is still too early for me to try to understand without the subtitles in English. But, I could learn some new vocabulary (cheap, soft, fresh, shopping, taste, and etc.) from the video.
Turkey's famous product that represents its culture is coffee. It is totally different than American coffee in many ways. First of all Turks do not drink coffee in a plastic cup or standing up. Drinking coffee in Turkey is a way to have a conversation with someone, an enjoyable time of sitting and chatting. They even have a saying that when you invite someone for coffee, that you will remember that bonding time you had with him while drinking your coffee for forty years. In America you just go in a Starbucks or a Costa cafe for five minutes pick up your coffee and then you just go wherever you have to go either at work, home or anywhere else. Turkish coffee is normally prepared using a narrow-topped small boiling pot called an kanaka, a teaspoon and a heating apparatus. The ingredients are finely ground coffee, sometimes cardamo, cold water and maybe sugar. It is served in a demitasse. Some modern cups do have handles; traditional cups did not, and coffee was drunk either by handling the cup with the fingertips or, more often, by placing the cup in a zarf, a metal container with a handle.Turks drink their coffee in a round ceramic little cup. Their coffee is not made with a machine like American coffee but it is prepared by boiling finely powdered roast coffee beans in a pot.
In Turkey coffee is very important and it is a way of meeting new people and get to know them. It is very similar to my country Cyprus, the cups are quite similar and the way we make coffee. We also like to sit and chat while we drink our coffee. In Greece coffee was called Turkish coffee due to the Greco-Turkish relationship but the named changed after the Turkish invasion in Cyprus.
Is Turkey a individualistic country or a collectivistic? No culture or country is exclusively individualistic or collectivistic. Turkey though until now was more of a collectivistic country. Their family is very important to them and they always think about the people who are close to them. For example if someone is going to make a decision for himself he would first think about his family and then his own concern. In Turkey health comes first, second comes family and third your own pleasure. As a country they are very proud of their ethnicity and they always move forward as a group.
The cecular policies of Ataturk, however took away from the collective Turkish identity. His policy was that there should be no religion which changed the Turkish identity forever. People were united with their belief in Islam but now they began to separate.This period was followed by a period of economic expansion, industrialization of business and other individualistic ideals. Turkey is well known for its business and Turks in general are very good business people. Turkey is rapidly changing from being a collectivistic country to a individualistic one due to their expansion and their development.
Just moving this from the other section of my page!
Practicing with Sofia was helpful, but I've found practicing on my own to be essential. Writing and saying the words over and over is a good warm up, but I've developed an even more helpful way to make the words stick in my long term memory. It's called talking to myself. I've started having conversations (well, one really - the same conversation over and over) with myself aloud in the park. Speaking at full voice is better, I've found. I guess it's that action learning kicking in. Whispering the words under my breath in the library isn't as effective as speaking the same way I would normally. It's also fun having someone to talk to. While I'm working (I'm a nanny), I talk to the child I care for. Holden makes a great audience, because he doesn't care that I'm saying the same things over and over (he doesn't even speak English yet!).
