28. April 2025
When I first arrived in Iran, the expression that struck me most came at the checkout counter of a store: “Ghabeli nadare.” Literally, it means: “It’s not worth anything,” or more loosely, “No need to pay.” Imagine buying something, reaching for your wallet, and the cashier smiles and says, “No need to pay, just take it.”
18. April 2025
I take off my heavy motorcycle helmet and place it on my iron competitor—my husband’s bike. We’re somewhere on the outskirts of Tehran. Around us stretch yellow-burgundy hills and dry, parched earth. In the distance, young trees have just been planted, their delicate green a quiet contrast to the dust.
The motorcycle broke down right at the top of the hill. I step aside and wait calmly while my beloved husband tries to fix the problem, carefully inspecting the source of the breakdown.
15. April 2025
The grandfather's story began not far from the city of Tabriz, in Shabestar — at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, near the salty shores of Lake Urmia. It was there that Mir Ismail was born.
His childhood unfolded among orchards and mountain valleys. Youth thundered in soon after, and before long, the song of young manhood began to play.
01. April 2025
In Iran, it’s common to see a photo of the founder of a family business displayed on the wall of a restaurant or private shop. The older the business, the more prestigious it is considered. For the children or grandchildren, continuing the work of such a highly respected family breadwinner becomes a significant responsibility.
Typically, portraits of men proudly dominate such photographs. But once, in an old Tehran photo studio, a young girl was gazed at me from a black-and-white image.
KOLO · 30. April 2024
I was cooking on the kitchen and repeating for yourself that the main thing is to cook with love - then it turns out tastier and the process itself becomes enjoyable. But the protesting inner voice kept trying to convince of something else - you are stuck in everyday life and you are losing the most interesting moments of life! My thoughts were interrupted by a husband's phone call. His friends from Tehran decided to abandon life in the capital and moved to live on the island of Qeshm.
HURMA · 27. December 2023
Bakhtiari have roamed the lands of Persia for thousands of years and are an integral part of its history. They trace their lineage directly from Cyrus the Great. There is another version that they are descendants of the Iranian epic hero Fereydun.
multicultural · 17. March 2023
Isfahan from ancient time is a major center of traditional crafts in Persia. Isfahan's handicrafts include textiles, carpets, woodwork, metalwork, ceramics, painting, and various types of inlay work. The work is done in a variety of settings, including small industrial and bazaar workshops, the homes of artisans and women, and rural handicrafts.
02. June 2015
Потому, что я с севера, что ли, Что луна там огромней в сто раз, Как бы ни был красив Шираз, Он не лучше рязанских раздолий. Потому, что я с севера, что ли. «Шаганэ ты моя, Шаганэ…» Сергей Есенин