In recent years, Iran has seen a growing wave of protests as its citizens have taken to the streets to demand change. One of the most significant of these protests has been the Woman Life Freedom Revolution, which began in 2022 and is still ongoing. This movement is centered around Iranian women's demands for equal rights and freedom from gender-based oppression.
The spark that ignited the Woman Life Freedom Revolution was the death of Mahsa Amini, a 26-year-old woman who was arrested for not wearing a headscarf in public. While in custody, she was beaten to death by Iranian authorities, leading to widespread outrage and protests. Many Iranians were already fed up with the government's repressive policies and saw Mahsa's death as the final straw.
The Woman Life Freedom Revolution is a unique protest movement because it is led primarily by women. Iranian women have long been subject to discriminatory laws and cultural practices, and the movement seeks to empower them and challenge these injustices. Women from all walks of life, including students, professionals, and mothers, have taken to the streets to demand change.
The protesters have a list of demands, including an end to mandatory hijab laws, equal rights under the law, and an end to gender-based violence. They have also called for the release of political prisoners, including many women who were arrested during the protests. The Iranian government has responded with force, arresting and detaining many protesters, but the movement continues to grow.
The Woman Life Freedom Revolution has gained international attention, with people around the world showing their support for the protesters. Social media has played a critical role in spreading the message of the movement, with Iranians using hashtags like #MyCameraIsMyWeapon and #WomenOfIran to share their stories and demand change.
In conclusion, the Woman Life Freedom Revolution in Iran is a significant movement that is fighting for the rights of women and challenging the repressive policies of the Iranian government. While the movement still faces many challenges, it has already made significant progress in raising awareness of gender-based oppression in Iran and empowering women to demand change. It is crucial that the international community continues to support the protesters and put pressure on the Iranian government to address their demands.
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The term "Yalda" originated from the Syriac language means "birth". It is a celebration with ancient ties that memorializes the triumph of Mithra, the Sun God, over darkness. Mithra is an ancient Indo-Iranian mythology whose cult spread from India in the east to the far west. The Persian derivative Mithra, who was a "benevolent god" and the bestower of health, wealth and food. People initially began celebrating by building fires during sundown of the last day in fall and kept them burning until the first day of winter ( Maah e Dey). Interestingly, Shabe Yalda is observed in other countries like Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Armenia, Kurdistan, Tajikistan, and Turkey, as well.
Today, during Shabe Yalda we gather with family and friends.
A table is decorated in vibrant colors of red, orange, and maroon to represent dawn. Items such as pomegranates, watermelons, grapes, oranges, mixed nuts called “Ajil” and baked goods are placed thoughtfully on the table.
We eat delicious food, drink, and read poetry by the great poet Hafiz. Most importantly, we dance and sing the night away with our favorite Persian melodies we all love. Shabe Yalda is a night full of pure joy and laughter among loved ones. Shabe Yalda mobarak!
Author: Neda Mousavi
]]>Making a perfectly crispy Tahdig is a skill worth perfecting, and there are several levels you need to master to be considered a pro in making Tahdig. The easiest kind is to simply add extra cooking fat to the bottom of the pot when cooking steamed Persian rice. The bottom layer of the rice turns to a beautiful golden-brown color, crispy and delicious. For the next level, you could put a layer of Lavash bread (any other flatbread would work as well.) or spread a mixture of rice, saffron, and yogurt in the pot and then top it with rice. Finally, the best kind but the most complicated type to make is to put thin slices of potato. You could give it more color and taste by adding a pinch of ground saffron or turmeric.
Tahdig is the greasiest part of the pot and yet the most delicious part. In fact, the greasier, the more delicious (and of course less healthy! But who cares? It’s Tahdig we’re talking about!). At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter which level you are, just choose the method you’re most comfortable with, add the rice and wait for the magic to finally happen!
Now you know why we have design dedicated to Tahdig, and that design says "Tahdig > You"
Author: Morvarid Bajgiran
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Persian rugs are amongst the most valued of possessions, found in palaces, famous buildings, mansions, and museums around the world. One of the main reasons that make Persian rugs so unique is the vast diversity between each design. There is no set color or pattern; in fact, we have over 20 different cities that each use various and intricate designs and colors and are well-known for their style. That’s ultimately what makes Persian rugs so unique, and each one has its own story.
Since Geev stands for Persian wearable art, we aspired to bring the beauty of Persian rugs to our designs, and introduce a new way to represent the fascinating Persian culture to our audience.
]]>Norouz is a time to celebrate renewal and rebirth in springtime. The tradition can be traced back 3000 years ago at the height of Zoroastrianism in ancient Iran where there would be a celebration of life after the “Farvardgan” festival, which was a time they honored the spirits of those in their life who had passed. Kings would invite those from near and far to commemorate the new year. Norouz is an important tradition within Iranian culture that has been carried on through many generations and is celebrated by all Iranians.
There are many festivities and customs that are symbolic to the celebration of Norouz. A key tradition of Norouz is a decorated table called the “Haft-sin,” – “haft” meaning the number seven and “sin” representing the letter “S” in the Persian alphabet. The table is decorated with seven symbolic items, each starting with the letter “S.” The seven items include:
Other items are placed on the haft-sin that also hold significant meaning. “Sombol,” a hyacinth flower, is a very popular decoration, as the beauty and fragrance of the flower exemplify the coming of spring. “Sekeh,” or coins, are also placed as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Many people also decorate eggs and place them on the table as a symbol of fertility. A mirror is also a common decoration, signifying reflection and introspection upon starting the new year.
Another tradition of Norouz is the process of “khuneh tekooni,” or spring cleaning. Families are busy tidying their homes and getting rid of or donating the things they no longer need or use. It symbolizes preparing a fresh and clean spirit for the new year.
Norouz is an exciting time of the year for Iranians all around the world as they prepare to celebrate a holiday that has been a part of their culture and history for so long. To those celebrating this year, ‘Norouzetun Pirooz, Har Roozetun Norooz” (Happy New Year)! May this year bring happiness, health, and prosperity.
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Being an LGBTQ Iranian means we often go through the shock of realizing the love we have received is conditional. Our family will only care for us if we marry someone of the sex they want, identify with the gender they chose, and use the name they gave us. In many countries, being gay or transgender is a death sentence.
I don’t blame parents and loved ones for their initial aversion to a child being LGBTQ. They worry, based on what they were taught, that the child will suffer for the rest of their life. However, the world has changed rapidly, and LGBTQ people can live healthy productive lives in many countries. But there are still difficulties, especially for my transgender siblings.
If you love someone, love them unconditionally. Be there for them, and it is ok to seek help when figuring out how to best support. With your unconditional love, there is no limit to what that child can accomplish.
We live in a society where women have fought with blood, sweat, and tears to be on the same playing field as men. Women fought in 1920 to finally have a voice in society. It's 2018, but why does it still feel like the battle of the sexes?
Did you know an equally qualified man and woman performing the same job don't earn the same equal pay? A woman earns 97.8 cents for every dollar earned by the man. As our infamous president would tweet... "SAD!"
After years of ignorance, we now live in a society where education for men and women is equal. Women are not qualified as second class citizens. From successful entrepreneurs to lead aerospace engineers, women can do it all. Women can build the same success as men while having the ability to bare children in 9 months and don't get me started on mother nature showing up once a month. So with all that being said why is there still discrimination in the workforce? Why are women still sexually objectified? Why can't men support women without feeling judged? On a global standpoint, there are endless unanswered questions. But what can you do?
What YOU can do as an individual is take a stance and end sexism.
Support
Respect and
Don't underestimate the true power of women.
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