A Mysterious Monument Among the Hills of Turkmen Sahra The Khalid Nabi Cemetery, located in Golestan Province, Iran, near the border with Turkmenistan, is renowned for its unique tombstones, many of which have unusual and enigmatic shapes. This fascinating site is situated approximately 64 km northeast of Gonbad-e Kavous, nestled among the Gokcheh Dagh hills […]

Shushtar -The Ancient Masterpiece of Water Engineering Introduction The Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System, recognized as a masterpiece of human ingenuity, stands as a testament to the advanced Persian water engineering skills of ancient civilizations. Located in Khuzestan Province, Iran, this extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 5th century BCE, during the reign […]

Nowruz Among Azeris: Traditions, Customs, and Festivities Introduction Nowruz, the arrival of spring, is deeply rooted in Azerbaijani traditions and customs. This ancient festival is not only observed in Iran but also recognized as an official holiday in countries such as Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Russia, Turkmenistan, India, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Iraq, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Albania, China, and […]

Celebrating Nowruz among Kurdish The Fire and Joy of Nowruz in Kurdistan Spring arrives in Kurdistan not just with blooming flowers but with the flames of celebration. Nowruz, the Kurdish New Year, is more than just a date on the calendar—it is a festival of resilience, unity, and ancient traditions passed down for centuries. Preparing […]

Nowruz: A Celebration of Renewal Across Cultures Introduction Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is one of the oldest celebrations in human history, symbolizing renewal, rebirth, and unity. Marking the arrival of spring, this festival is deeply rooted in Persian culture but extends far beyond Iran, connecting millions of people across different nations. The Global Reach […]

Haft-Seen: The Ancient Persian New Year Tradition with Over 3,000 Years of History Introduction Haft-seen Sofreh Haft-Seen or Haft-sin is one of the oldest and most important symbols of the Persian New Year (Nowruz), which has been laid out in Iranian homes for over three thousand years. This tradition has deep roots in Iranian culture […]

Nowruz Traditions Across Iranian Ethnic Groups: Customs & Celebrations​ Introduction Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is one of the oldest and most significant celebrations in Iran, marking the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature. While it is a national holiday, different Iranian ethnic groups—such as Kurds, Baluch, Azeris, Lurs, Arabs and Turkmens—each celebrate […]

KURD Iranian Kurds: The Proud People of the Zagros Mountains The Kurds are one of the biggest ethnic groups in the Middle East. They originate from Kurdistan, a mountainous region spanning southeastern Turkey, northwestern Iran, northern Iraq, and northern Syria. In Iran, they represent around 10% of the population and primarily reside in the western […]

ARAB An Overview of the Arab People in Iran Iranian Arabs primarily live in the southern and southwestern regions of Iran, with their communities speaking Khuzestani Arabic, a dialect of Mesopotamian Arabic. Most are settled, though some nomadic tribes, such as the Arab Khamseh, continue traditional pastoralism. In rural areas, farming is the primary livelihood, […]

AZERI Iranian Azeris: A Rich Cultural and Historical Legacy The Azeris, also known as Azerbaijani, are the second-largest ethnic group in Iran, comprising approximately 16-24% of the population, based on various estimates. Predominantly residing in the northwest regions, they have a deep-rooted history in the cultural and political landscape of Iran.Ethnologue estimates from 2016 indicate […]

LUR Introduction to the Lurs The Lurs, also known as Lors or Luris, are one of Iran’s most ancient and authentic ethnic groups, residing primarily in the western and southern regions of the country. They trace their lineage to the Aryans while also reflecting influences from pre-Aryan civilizations. Representing approximately 6% of Iran’s population, the […]

Iran’s Cultural Tapestry Exploring Iran’s Diverse Ethnic Groups and Cultural Legacy Iran, a country rich in history and geographic diversity, is home to a mosaic of ethnic groups that contribute to its cultural and social identity. From the northern mountains to the southern deserts, the land is a canvas for traditions, languages, and customs deeply […]

BALUCH Introduction to the Baluch People: Ethnicity and Culture The Baluch people, are one of Iran’s ancient ethnic groups, making up approximately 2% of the population, rooted in the southeastern landscapes of Iran, a rugged region of mountains and deserts.  Historically nomadic, the Baluch have preserved their unique identity and culture. Hospitality and Cultural Values […]

“The Turkmen are one of Iran’s captivating ethnic groups, renowned for their vibrant culture, over 8,000 years of civilization, and unique traditions. From the prized Turkmen horse to intricate carpets and soulful Dutar melodies, their heritage is deeply intertwined with art and storytelling. Explore the Turkmen Sahra, their enchanting homeland, and discover a lifestyle harmonized with nature, rich culinary traditions like Chekdirmeh, and iconic clothing reflecting their artistic legacy.”