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Among the Iranians: A Guide to Iran's Culture and Customs
"A sympathetic and evocative portrait of the Iranian people, their habits, customs and histories ... Essential reading." - Dr. Stephanie Cronin, Oriental Institute, University of Oxford
The eyes of the world are on Iran, from nuclear issues to women's rights to Iran's perspective on Palestine. Yet a strictly political view does not allow for an accurate or complete outlook on this important and facinating country. In Among the Iranians , Greek-born author Sofia A. Koutlaki shares the lessons she's learned firsthand as a foreigner living in Tehran.
Through memorable anecdotes and in-depth explanations of Iranian customers, Koutlaki presentd a side of Iran that foreigners rarely see. The author's insight challenges readers to dispel their previous notions and judgements to see Iran at its heart - warm, inviting and rich with tradition. Among the Iranians is also an indispensable practical guide, offering insight about Iranian dress, etiquette and even food.
The eyes of the world are on Iran, from nuclear issues to women's rights to Iran's perspective on Palestine. Yet a strictly political view does not allow for an accurate or complete outlook on this important and facinating country. In Among the Iranians , Greek-born author Sofia A. Koutlaki shares the lessons she's learned firsthand as a foreigner living in Tehran.
Through memorable anecdotes and in-depth explanations of Iranian customers, Koutlaki presentd a side of Iran that foreigners rarely see. The author's insight challenges readers to dispel their previous notions and judgements to see Iran at its heart - warm, inviting and rich with tradition. Among the Iranians is also an indispensable practical guide, offering insight about Iranian dress, etiquette and even food.
256 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2010
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61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 25, 2021
As an Iranian, I can say that the good thing about this book is that it covers many interesting and different topics about Iran and Iranians. However, considering the dynamic of Iran's society, some parts of the book does not reflect the status quo. For example, the value of Rial has significantly decreased since this book was published and the value of Rial mentioned in the book is not relevant any more. This issue is also the case when it comes to Iranian's ideas, values and beliefs. Another major issue with this book is that the family of the author's husband, which are the source of many references of the author about Iranians, seemed very religious to me, and I think this has biased the author's view of all Iranians.
September 4, 2020
In my opinion, this book is seriously outdated eventhough it was written last year. It is a good effort to show traditonal Iranian culture and gives very nice tips about rules of politeness and social relations, but the chapter dedicated to weddings is mostly utterly uselss, at least from my own experience. Also, it fails to address non-Persian and non-Muslim realities of the country: it has a couple of chapters dedicated to Persian, but non to explain a bit other languages and Iranian literature is reduced sadly to Persian-language literature); it deals extensively with Shia Islam, but doesn't include a bit longer explanation about any other Iranian religions. While I recommend it to learn more about the formalities of Iranian culture and because of its positive outlook to the culture, I think most of the contents are only useful if you are dealing with traditional families.
March 30, 2013
This was a great book to flip through. It covers Iran from a thorough, inter-cultural view point, with warmth and humor, and is very readable. The author does a brilliant job covering a bit of everything, The book has a journalistic flavor and I would have preferred that the author divulge more of herself, but she is careful to write to inform, not cast judgement. Still, more personal antidotes would have given more zest to the material. Iran is so large, i experienced some things a bit differently because regional differences create mindset and traditions that are distinctive, like Bavarian Germany to Hamburg, but what a lovely overview of the country as a whole. I have found no better to date. I wish I had discovered this book before my trip to Iran in April 2010.
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January 10, 2012This book can be more interesting for a socioanthropologist than for tourists or people who want to know more about Iran. As for tourists looking for roots f Iranians` behavior can be a bit boring. In addition, there are a number of statements which i personally disagree with. Anyway, I`m sure everyone - from the middle east specialist to a person who can`t tell the difference between Iran and Iraq - can find something new in this book.
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June 24, 2022From Follett:
From the cradle to the grave: Examines the social customs of Iran, covering clothing and dress, etiquette, food, and more. An indispensable and practical guide to the life and culture of Iran as it is lived by ordinary citizens: the food of love, dress and make-up, going places, education, health, Partners in joy and sorrow; the soul of the nation.
From the cradle to the grave: Examines the social customs of Iran, covering clothing and dress, etiquette, food, and more. An indispensable and practical guide to the life and culture of Iran as it is lived by ordinary citizens: the food of love, dress and make-up, going places, education, health, Partners in joy and sorrow; the soul of the nation.
February 2, 2024
An important book for any foreigner who wants to be familiar with Iran and it's culture.
June 18, 2012
Picture
The title of the book caught me. I have dear friends from Iran. I just had to read this book. I’m very glad I did dive into Sofia Koutlaki’s Among the Iranians.
This book gives an overview of the culture of the Persians. Ms. Koutlaki explores everyday living within a Persian household as well as how they interact out on the street while shopping. From how to tip to how to act at a wedding, the author gives the Westerner so much more to go on than what is seen on television or read in the papers.
This is not a fiction book or an academic analysis of a country. This is much more. This is the observation of a Westerner being immersed into a new culture and sharing with the worlds her mistakes and successes.
Ms. Koutlaki balances a style of writing that is both intimate with the reader while being intimate with the culture and relating statistics and information with a slightly academic flair. It seems that the author is talking directly to the reader giving them advice and helping them through the strange and seemingly treacherous waters of a new culture. As the author has been in those very shoes, she shows an intense empathy to anyone who finds themselves stepping into a new world and attempting to learn the ins and the outs.
This is a book I took to heart as I have some dear from Iran. I learned so much from them. As I was reading Ms. Koutlaki’s book, I found many of the things I had experienced with my new sisters. I had to laugh at the section about the sugar cube because I messed that up in the first Persian household I visited. I gave them all a good laugh. To this day, tea is important to me as we spent meaning an evening over cup after cup of tea going over the English language and American customs. I learned so much over a cup of tea.
It is usually here that I write any warnings about books. All I can say at this point is that if you are looking for something entirely academic, you will not be satisfied. You will also find that some chapters might be interesting but not applicable to you and any interactions you have with Persians. This book is best used by someone visiting Iran, but can be extremely helpful if you meet and interact with Persians in another part of the world.
Ms. Koutlaki does an excellent job with communicating to those that have had little to no experience with Persians. It shows a world beyond the pictures and scenes on the television and in periodicals. An exotic and complicated culture is revealed giving the reader a sense of awe of respect for the history and closeness Persians possess. The author adds personal examples, recipes, and religious cheat sheets for those unfamiliar with the culture. The appendices are a valuable resource to anyone who finds themselves visiting Iran or having familiar dealings with Persians.
Think you know all you need to know about Persians from the news? Think again. You really know nothing at all. This is an excellent book to get a glimpse into a whole new world. It might seem like a lot upon reading, but it only scratches the surface of a society that can trace its history to some of the oldest civilizations the world has ever known.
Note: This book was provided by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review.
The title of the book caught me. I have dear friends from Iran. I just had to read this book. I’m very glad I did dive into Sofia Koutlaki’s Among the Iranians.
This book gives an overview of the culture of the Persians. Ms. Koutlaki explores everyday living within a Persian household as well as how they interact out on the street while shopping. From how to tip to how to act at a wedding, the author gives the Westerner so much more to go on than what is seen on television or read in the papers.
This is not a fiction book or an academic analysis of a country. This is much more. This is the observation of a Westerner being immersed into a new culture and sharing with the worlds her mistakes and successes.
Ms. Koutlaki balances a style of writing that is both intimate with the reader while being intimate with the culture and relating statistics and information with a slightly academic flair. It seems that the author is talking directly to the reader giving them advice and helping them through the strange and seemingly treacherous waters of a new culture. As the author has been in those very shoes, she shows an intense empathy to anyone who finds themselves stepping into a new world and attempting to learn the ins and the outs.
This is a book I took to heart as I have some dear from Iran. I learned so much from them. As I was reading Ms. Koutlaki’s book, I found many of the things I had experienced with my new sisters. I had to laugh at the section about the sugar cube because I messed that up in the first Persian household I visited. I gave them all a good laugh. To this day, tea is important to me as we spent meaning an evening over cup after cup of tea going over the English language and American customs. I learned so much over a cup of tea.
It is usually here that I write any warnings about books. All I can say at this point is that if you are looking for something entirely academic, you will not be satisfied. You will also find that some chapters might be interesting but not applicable to you and any interactions you have with Persians. This book is best used by someone visiting Iran, but can be extremely helpful if you meet and interact with Persians in another part of the world.
Ms. Koutlaki does an excellent job with communicating to those that have had little to no experience with Persians. It shows a world beyond the pictures and scenes on the television and in periodicals. An exotic and complicated culture is revealed giving the reader a sense of awe of respect for the history and closeness Persians possess. The author adds personal examples, recipes, and religious cheat sheets for those unfamiliar with the culture. The appendices are a valuable resource to anyone who finds themselves visiting Iran or having familiar dealings with Persians.
Think you know all you need to know about Persians from the news? Think again. You really know nothing at all. This is an excellent book to get a glimpse into a whole new world. It might seem like a lot upon reading, but it only scratches the surface of a society that can trace its history to some of the oldest civilizations the world has ever known.
Note: This book was provided by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review.
November 1, 2016
The author presents a detailed and positive picture of Iranian culture, customs, and religious practices. The work is especially strong on family life, which is central to the national identity, though as Ms. Koutlaki points out, current trends (as of the 2010 publication) suggest that some of these ties are loosening. The distrust of the West by many Iranians isn't dwelt upon but is alluded to in a factual and fair manner, with reference to the betrayals and manipulation visited upon the country.
The book is not strong on dealing with those cultural and political issues that many find troubling. For example, the situation of women in Iran is presented as unfailingly positive. In talking of her first visit to Iran in 1989, the author, who is married to an Iranian, says, startlingly, "I found the idea of wearing a chador exciting, just like a child dressing up." Quite a naive and uncritical view.
Also disconcerting is her stating that "Western media often refer to the Islamic Republic as a 'theocracy,' but this designation is both inaccurate and misleading, as it does not acknowledge the 'Republic' part of the term." This statement is simply untenable. Iran's Supreme Leader is a cleric and the President and the entire executive branch are constitutionally subordinate to the Supreme Leader. The Supreme Leader appoints six of the 12 members of the Council of Guardians and the head of the judiciary (who is appointed by the Supreme Leader) appoints the other six. The Council of Guardians reviews and approves or rejects all candidates for president and parliament. The Council vetoes any legislation passed by the Parliament that it feels is not compatible with Sharia law. The Council also has control over who can run for the Assembly of Experts (all clerics), which elects the Supreme Leader from among its members. How is calling this form of government a theocracy "inaccurate and misleading"?
The book is not strong on dealing with those cultural and political issues that many find troubling. For example, the situation of women in Iran is presented as unfailingly positive. In talking of her first visit to Iran in 1989, the author, who is married to an Iranian, says, startlingly, "I found the idea of wearing a chador exciting, just like a child dressing up." Quite a naive and uncritical view.
Also disconcerting is her stating that "Western media often refer to the Islamic Republic as a 'theocracy,' but this designation is both inaccurate and misleading, as it does not acknowledge the 'Republic' part of the term." This statement is simply untenable. Iran's Supreme Leader is a cleric and the President and the entire executive branch are constitutionally subordinate to the Supreme Leader. The Supreme Leader appoints six of the 12 members of the Council of Guardians and the head of the judiciary (who is appointed by the Supreme Leader) appoints the other six. The Council of Guardians reviews and approves or rejects all candidates for president and parliament. The Council vetoes any legislation passed by the Parliament that it feels is not compatible with Sharia law. The Council also has control over who can run for the Assembly of Experts (all clerics), which elects the Supreme Leader from among its members. How is calling this form of government a theocracy "inaccurate and misleading"?
February 23, 2015
We could learn a few things from the Iranians. As a culture they have a strong sense of civic and family duty, mutual reciprocity, and active cultivation of one's moral character (not to be confused with simple adherence to religion). Their wealthy tithe a percentage to support the needy, their universities are a public good, and as a people seem to practice a degree of openness and self-sacrifice unfamiliar to western individualists. As I put the book down, I found myself wondering what place young upstarts like ourselves had telling this most ancient country how to handle its affairs...
May 22, 2011
An expansive user’s guide to living in Iran, this book was chock full of surprisingly intimate insights on Iran and Iranians. Respectfully covering how Iranians live, work, socialize, love, pray and eat, the author (Sofia Koutlaki, a Greek married to an Iranian) relays in a easy and conversational tone just how different (and proud) Iranians are of their culture and heritage. As one who has hoped for some time to have the opportunity to tour Iran, this is essential advance reading.
July 16, 2022
Koutlaki gives an amiable tour of Persian life and ways. It's conversational and informal, offering personal experiences and observations such as “Iranians find a … connection in the love between a man and woman, viewing this as a pale foreshadowing of the love between humans and God and a fleeting foretaste of paradise.” I enjoyed it.
June 26, 2010
It was a good book to learn more about Iran and Iranian customes. It definitely broke a few stereotypes for me and I got excited to learn about the Persian ways...speaking Farsi, food, family, religion, etc. It was a fascinating read.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews