I think Iran, perhaps like every other nations with antiquity, suffers from some sort of cultural contradictions. Some examples:
After the 1979 revolution, the first things to be changed were the indications of anything pertaining to ex-regime, and also all things considered to be not Islamic. Among them was a little street's name Meikadeh in Keshavarz Boulevard, meaning "place serving wine". What was really in the minds of revolutionaries of earlier days? We are not sure. But; when Imam Khomeini died ten years later, it was then we found out that in the poems which he himself had composed words like Meikadeh "place serving wine" are used. What does it mean?
Again, sample in relation with the of Founder of Islamic revolution. One of his very close relatives, Dr. Borujerdi, was quoted saying in Iranian TV that, he was barred entering a ministry for wearing a short sleeve t-shirt, which he used to wear while visiting Imam Khomeini!
Another, but even more interesting is, if you have you ever asked a waiter for a bottle of Abjo (beer) in Iran's restaurants? The reaction may vary but almost all are in an astonishing atmosphere. How about if the same drink is asked with its Arabic name: Ma'oshaeer. Surprisingly, nothing noticeable happens. Why?
The same question can be raised when a publisher requests printing permit for the very famous and widely read classical books Masnavi and Golestan in several thousands of copies, in despite of their many inappropriate words and contexts for Iran's society today. The Ministry of culture and Islamic guidance will generously grant the permit. In contrary, one can not even imagine to be allowed to put the same words in a one thousand copies contemporary work.
Should we look into these and more cases like these with eyes a little wider?
After the 1979 revolution, the first things to be changed were the indications of anything pertaining to ex-regime, and also all things considered to be not Islamic. Among them was a little street's name Meikadeh in Keshavarz Boulevard, meaning "place serving wine". What was really in the minds of revolutionaries of earlier days? We are not sure. But; when Imam Khomeini died ten years later, it was then we found out that in the poems which he himself had composed words like Meikadeh "place serving wine" are used. What does it mean?
Again, sample in relation with the of Founder of Islamic revolution. One of his very close relatives, Dr. Borujerdi, was quoted saying in Iranian TV that, he was barred entering a ministry for wearing a short sleeve t-shirt, which he used to wear while visiting Imam Khomeini!
Another, but even more interesting is, if you have you ever asked a waiter for a bottle of Abjo (beer) in Iran's restaurants? The reaction may vary but almost all are in an astonishing atmosphere. How about if the same drink is asked with its Arabic name: Ma'oshaeer. Surprisingly, nothing noticeable happens. Why?
The same question can be raised when a publisher requests printing permit for the very famous and widely read classical books Masnavi and Golestan in several thousands of copies, in despite of their many inappropriate words and contexts for Iran's society today. The Ministry of culture and Islamic guidance will generously grant the permit. In contrary, one can not even imagine to be allowed to put the same words in a one thousand copies contemporary work.
Should we look into these and more cases like these with eyes a little wider?
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