IRAN

With Iran once more in the news, amid horrendous reports of multiple deaths and injuries, it’s worth reminding ourselves that behind these current events, the repression and the protests, there lies a fabulous country with an ancient and proud culture.

I count myself lucky to have visited Iran several times, (these are my photos) criss-crossing the country from Tehran to the islands of the Gulf, from the bazaars of Isfahan and Shiraz to the ski slopes of the Elburz Mountains. OK, so that does rather sound like I’m showing off, but my point is, this is an amazing country with wonderful people. One day, maybe not far off, it will once more be safe for Europeans and Americans to travel there without fear of being arrested on trumped up charges of espionage and imprisoned for years as a bargaining chip between the rulers and Western governments.

Iranians, especially younger people, have an extraordinary zest for life, music, culture and parties. Much of this goes on ‘underground’ ie. in secret, sometimes without the knowledge of the authorities, sometimes when the right people are paid off to look away. That’s just how it works.

Personally, I owe much to my 6th form teacher, John Osborne, who has a profound knowledge of and affection for the culture of Iran. He helped to inspire me to study Arabic and Islamic Studies - sadly Farsi was not an option at Exeter University in those days. It was many years before I got to make my first visit to Iran but it was well worth the wait.