Today, Iranian culture is often masked by religious and foreign political tensions that effectively overshadow the splendors of a Persian culture that have supported one of the world's oldest civilizations. Despite its seemingly introverted nature, Iran represents the epicenter of a historic Persian empire that developed through centuries of trade with other ancient cultures. The Persians developed the world's first taxation system, were the first to domesticate the goat, grow peaches for exports, and were the first to play the sport of polo. Persian rugs and art are world renowned for their craft and originality and Persian culture is accurately reflected in Persian cinema which has yielded over 300 international awards. The countries of Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Krygyzstan, make up what is referred to as "greater Persia", as most of the people living in these modern states maintain a common Persian culture and heritage. The Persians are a very proud people with a deep sense of their rich history. There is no doubt that the despotic nature of their current government does not reflect the overall nature of the Persian people and their vibrant culture.
Bushehr is a historic Persian trading port and exists today as a major commercial trading and fishing port. Located on the Persian Gulf about 1,200 Km from Tehran.>
Modern Iranian History and U.S Foreign Policy
As it exists today, the Islamic Republic of Iran is a theocratic republic. While Islam is a major aspect of Persian/Iranian culture, it is important to recognize important democratic forces at work within Iran today. These forces began to appear in 1906 with the Constitutional Revolution. The revolution was a Persian reaction to almost a Century long period of British and Russian influence. While the movement was ultimately crushed, it was successful in limiting the rule of the absolutists (TIMELINE). By 1935, a small ruling elite class of Persians led by Reza Khan aligned with British and Russian foreign economic interests and consolidated political control in the form of a constitutional monarchy. This consolidation of power instilled Reza Khan as the Shah, and ensured further foreign presence in Iran. This alliance of interests in Iran created economic disparity, and catalyzed attempts by the Persian people to bring about democratic reform.
In 1951, Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadeq led a successful parliamentary vote to nationalise a British owned oil company operating in Iran. The Mossadeq brokered legislation signified a power struggle between the western backed Shah Pahlavi and the populist Iranian Mossadeq. In response to the legislation, the British navy enacted a blockade on Iranian commercial ports as a precursor to the CIA facilitated 1953 coup that effectively re-established western influence in Iran until the 1979 Islamic revolution. This coup also signified an increase in U.S presence in the psyche of Iranians. Their role in the 1953 coup created a perception that viewed the Shah as a puppet of the west.
Mossadeq on the cover of Time in 1951
1953 Iranian Coup and the C.I.A
The CIA's involvement in the 1953 coup, was based largely on cold war era hysteria and fears of Soviet influence. At the time, "Iranian experts" obtained their information from Shah backed sources. These sources did not detail the principles of the opposition movement, and thus only concerned the U.S experts with information relating to economic interests. Of particular importance, was the absence of proper evaluation concerning the role of Islam in creating solidarity amongst an opposition movement that sought honest democratic reform, and increased freedoms within the context of the Islamic faith.
President Eisenhower with the U.S backed Shah of Iran
The 1979 Islamic Revolution
The 1979 Iranian Islamic Revolution led by the religious leader Ayatollah Khomeini harnessed the legitimized perception of the Shah, and Islamic principles to mobilize one of the most successful revolutions in recorded history. This success was based largely on Khomeini's ability to create a solidarity across class lines. Following the revolution there were many who believed that action would bring about more democratic reforms with Islamic principles.
Khomeini on the cover of Time in 1979
Tehran in 1979
Iranian Media
Iranian media has been highly censored throughout the 20th Century, yet the proliferation of Persian culture and people around the world, and its peoples' rich history in the arts has ensured the survival of influential Persian artists and intellectuals.
President Ahmedinejad and Ayatollah Khameni operate under the direction of Khomeini's oppressive legacy.
Unfortunately over the past decade, Ayatollah Khameni and President Ahmedinejad have increased religious censorship, and gained from the culture of conflict in the Middle East in their struggle to maintain power. Newspapers exist under harsh scrutiny and although they may represent an opposing interest group, their content is strictly limited.
Yet despite this unfortunate development, the 2009 election disputes and ensuing opposition movement have capitalized on new, mass media to organize and communicate their position. While the ruling structure uses censorship and manipulation of print, radio, and television sources to advance a culture of fear and religious zeal, the opposition movement has taken a global form by utilizing blogs, social networking sites, and international film to fight for a more democratic and free Iran.
"Kayhan" is the Iranian newspaper of the religious authority
Throw "Iranian Blogs" into Google, and you can explore hundreds of blogs written by opposition supporters, documenting the challenges they face in mobilizing their movement
SOURCES:
Kincheloe, Joe L. "The Miseducation of the West: How Schools and the Media Distort Our Understanding of the Islamic World" Praeger. Westport CT.
“The Islamic Republic News Agency: its history and activities”. The Iran Chamber Society. April 2007. Found at http://www.iranchamber.com/media/articles/islamic_republic_news_agency.php
Kamalipour, Yahya R., and Mowlana, Hamid, eds. MassMedia in the Middle East. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1994. Found at http://www.answers.com/topic/newspapers-and-print-media-iran
“BBC Timeline: Iran”. The British Broadcasting Company. Updated: February 4, 2010. Found at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/806268.stm
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