Monthly Archives: September 2010

By Abbas Djavadi — “Do you have the original edition of this book?” It’s a question many Iranian booksellers are confronted with as customers seek out some prominent Persian classics. From the 14th-century satirical poet Obeyd Zakani to Forugh Farrokhzad, … Continue reading →

By Abbas Djavadi — People around the world have been making comparisons between the situations in their countries and those in the Arab lands in revolt. Will Saudi Arabia follow the path of Egypt? Is Azerbaijan like Tunisia? Such comparisons … Continue reading →

By Abbas Djavadi — “It’s so pleasant here in Turkey,” says Kaveh, a 40-year-old Iranian from Tehran who’s visiting Istanbul, just as he has many times over the last 20 years. “You feel free leaving Iran for a week or … Continue reading →

By Abbas Djavadi, Bruce Pannier Across much of the non-Arab Muslim world, people are celebrating Norouz, the festival that marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of the new year. The pre-Islamic holiday with roots in the Zoroastrian religion … Continue reading →