Everyday Iran: What Hardliners In The US And Iran Don’t Want You To See

[dani67]

These young people were captured by Nooshafarin Movaffagh, who photographs for the website Humans of Tehran. Source: The Roosevelts © Nooshafarin Movaffagh

Every day, hardliners in Iran and the United States try to paint a picture of an Iran wholly opposed to Western modernity. But behind the political posturing are the actual people who live and work in Iran, and they don’t look as different as these leaders might like us to imagine. Just as there is no single understanding of what an American looks like, there is no essential Iranian, either. Like many countries, oppression and violence are a reality of everyday life, but overall Iran is a country striving to find a middle ground between staunch traditionalism and modern sensibilities, most notably in the area of Tehran, Iran’s cultural and industrial capital.

This photo gallery highlights the Iran most of us don’t normally get to see, and reminds us that an entire country should not be judged by its government, extremists or political landscape.

 

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Taking in the view from the balcony. At home, women do not have to cover their heads or dress as modestly as they are expected to in public. Source: Imgur © Hossein Fatemi

 

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Browsing for undergarments inside a shop. Source: IMGUR © Hossein Fatemi


Firefighters outside of their station. Source:The Roosevelts


Women play billiards in a recreation hall. Source: IMGUR © Hossein Fatemi

 

[dani67]

“When people find out that I’m from South Tehran, they immediately assume I’m a criminal or a thug. But I’m just an ordinary art student trying to make ends meet.” – Farzad seen near Emamzadeh-Hassan via Humans of Tehran. Source: Humans of Tehran © Omid Iranmehr



Though Islamic officials have set out to ban dogs as pets (saying that they are unclean and owning them is an imitation of Western practices) people will be people, and we tend to value the loyalty and friendship of canines. Here a woman bearing food donations for a non-government charity animal shelter plays with a homeless dog. Source: New York Daily News

 

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At the gym, where women and men work out separately. Source: Imgur © Hossein Fatemi



A beautiful shot of the mountainous Tehran skyline at dusk, a change from the desert scenes we are used to seeing. Source: The Roosevelts



Old men instinctively gather to park benches the world over. Source: The Roosevelts

 

[dani67]

Inside a hookah bar, where women are still usually expected to be accompanied by a man. Source: Imgur © Hossein Fatemi



Snow is not what we usually think of in Iran; here are some skiers ready for some slope action. Even though men and women have been made to ski separately in the past, now it often is a co-ed activity (though such behavior is not formally authorized). Source: NPRFatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images



Rock music is forbidden by the government, but resourceful and dedicated bands find ways to practice in secret. Source: Imgur © Hossein Fatemi



Sattar's business has fallen on some tough luck, like when a swindling business partner left him broke. But he had a friend to help him get through it. “There was a time I had completely lost faith in Tehran and its people," says the 61-year-old Azeri native. "But just when I thought I've had enough, along came a friend, who was -and still is- so amazing and so good, that I found myself falling in love with the city all over again.” Humans of Tehran

 

[dani67]

These young women only have smiles for the camera. Source: The Roosevelts




A beauty salon; at least one place where men are not allowed to enter. Source: Imgur © Hossein Fatemi



Eram Garden in Shiraz, also known as the botanical center of Shiraz University. Source: Iran Tour Online

 

[dani67]

Street musicians entertain while trying to make a living. Source: The Roosevelts




Even though dog ownership is extremely frowned upon, some people simply can’t resist their companionship. However, dog owners must keep their furry friends inside four walls to avoid their confiscation. Source: IMGUR © Hossein Fatemi




Eylya, an artist, relaxes inside his house. Source: Imgur © Hossein Fatemi





Music being played among a grove of trees. Source: Imgur © Hossein Fatemi

 

[Billy_Kinetta]

This photo gallery highlights the Iran most of us don’t normally get to see, and reminds us that an entire country should not be judged by its government, extremists or political landscape.

People pay for, and with, the government they permit. It's really that simple.

 

[TooTall]

These young people were captured by Nooshafarin Movaffagh, who photographs for the website Humans of Tehran. Source: The Roosevelts © Nooshafarin Movaffagh

Every day, hardliners in Iran and the United States try to paint a picture of an Iran wholly opposed to Western modernity. But behind the political posturing are the actual people who live and work in Iran, and they don’t look as different as these leaders might like us to imagine. Just as there is no single understanding of what an American looks like, there is no essential Iranian, either. Like many countries, oppression and violence are a reality of everyday life, but overall Iran is a country striving to find a middle ground between staunch traditionalism and modern sensibilities, most notably in the area of Tehran, Iran’s cultural and industrial capital.

This photo gallery highlights the Iran most of us don’t normally get to see, and reminds us that an entire country should not be judged by its government, extremists or political landscape.

I have traveled to 28 foreign countries but Iran was not one of them. I have several friends that did spend several years in Iran and they confirm what you say about normal Iranians. That was prior to the Shah being ousted and my friends leaving the country. They kept in contact with several of the Iranians they had befriended with until they were arrested and killed or imprisoned.
There have been several times that with a little US support for your kind of Iranian might have been able to overthrow the leadership, but it probably would have resulted in a blood bath and failed.

Not all American are hardliners, but the present leadership in Iran supports terrorism all over the mid-east and we have to take a stand against that.

 

[deltex1]

Too Tall has the point I think. U S "hardliners" are less interested in what reasonable, modern Iranians can get away with in their country...more interested in what the Ayatollah and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard can get away with.

Iran and state-sponsored terrorism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

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iran actor and actress

 

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iranian act...

 

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iranian act ...

 

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[deltex1]

You need to drop that Kerry photo...the rest are pleasing to the eye.