Iran I send you a red Carnation

'The carnation, scientifically known as Dianthus caryophyllus, is a historically rich and meaningful flower choice. With its scientific name dianthus roughly translating to "flower of love" or "flower of the gods", depending on the source, this flower is one that has been revered for centuries. One of the world's oldest cultivated flowers'

If you give someone a red carnation it can also mean 'your heart aches for you'.

I have been surrounded with the Iranian culture since I played with Barbie.
For some reason I feel connected to this mystical and captivating culture.
Strangely, I feel much more comfortable being in a room surrounded by tons of Iranians than I do in a room full of Germans. (Yes, I am German!)

'Media Mafia' feeds the world with these headlines:

• Two Iranian teens, two reactions to their father's jailing Wed 31, 2010
• Obama demands deadline for Iran Wed Mar 31, 2010
• Iran building two more nuclear enrichment plants Mon 28, 2010
• Iran-New wave of blogger arrests Mon Mar 22, 2010
• Reformist newspapers banned in Iran Mon 1, 2010
• Iran says the world 'will regret' sanctions Tue 16, 2010
• Clinton warns Iran of becoming a military dictatorship Mon 15, 2010

I can honestly tell you the picture is far bigger and more complicated than you think.
Tehran was more liberal in the 70's than West Berlin.
Emancipated Iranian women walked around in short skirts, high heels, showing their beautiful thick dark hair.
The country had just as many 'Hippies' as any other liberal country did.
People were free!


In 1979 the 'Islamic Regime' kidnapped this freedom.
I do not want to get into the reasons why the revolution started. I don't know enough about this certain event but I can assure you that the Western World especially a certain country which likes to call itself 'World Leader' had it's involvement in this dramatic historical event.
It is not my intention to only blame the U.S for this happening. As I truly believe that the Islamic Regime wouldn't be in power without support from the Iranian population.*
Again, it's hard to judge from someone like me who lives outside Iran and by descent contains no Iranian blood.

My purpose is to bring this intriguing culture a little closer to you; to understand that these people are truly beautiful.

You can spot an Iranian woman with her immaculate threaded eyebrows. (I am so envious! I am blond, hence I do not have any eyebrows.)
Her eyes remind me of a Persian cat (Oldest breed in the world and bloody expensive.)
She will play a little bit too much with her make up and hair but I can forgive her, she can still pull it off! She doesn't eat much because as in any other culture she thinks that being a size zero is pretty. Personally, I couldn't be skinny in Iran. I would eat Polow, Khorest and Kebab every single day. I actually gained a lot of weight when I went five years ago. Everywhere you go an Iranian Mommy will hunt you down placing all different kinds of Persian food on your plate even though the plate is already covered with food. (Trust me you cannot escape!)
Let's get back to the Persian girl. She doesn't speak openly about her emotions. She is raised to think that a real lady keeps her problems to herself. (Hmm??!) She is all about grace.
If she is wealthy you will never see her ears and fingers au naturel. (Diamonds are a Persian's girls best friend)
She has the power to death stare you but (a tip for you) just give her a sincere, warm glimpse and her eyes will start to smile.
Iranian men are a different topic. Because of their supreme complexity they actually deserve a whole blog on their own. (Yep, I have dated a few!)
Shortly cut...! Do not ever touch the pride of an Iranian man you will loose him forever but most of the time he looses himself in that pride.

I remember as it was yesterday. Visiting many families in Tehran, Shomal and Isfahan. Their homes were all furnished with Persian carpets, glass tables and mirrors and they aired with the fragrant aroma of fruits and nuts fusing together, children running around grabbing everyone's attention, gossiping ladies sitting on the sofa and quiet husbands smoking a cigarette.

I have been warmly greeted by everyone. A lot of kisses and hugging! Saying 'goodbye' can actually consume a whole hour.
I felt accepted! I know that Iranian's can be very good actors because it's in their culture to be polite. Frankly, even if they acted I appreciated the effort, it felt like home to me.

When you come to Iran you will feel sorrow. You watch how people are trapped in their homes. You cannot simply hang around at Starbucks and go shopping at H&M. The Cafe's are uncomfortable and the religious police (Committee) can come any minute and ruin your fun. It is far more entertaining to meet at a friend's or relative's house, listen to Gogoosh or Iranian Rap, have a cup of black tea and page through the Book of Hafez. (Persian Poet/Philosopher 13??-1390)
Oh yes, Iranian's are thinkers. I like to compare them to the old Greeks.
Every Iranian I have met until now is a little bit of a Philosopher.

In conclusion I can tell you I have fallen in love with Iran. Persian culture is one of the oldest cultures in the world. Their poetry is magic, their songs are sung by the most beautiful language in the world, the streets are walked by 'thinkers', prayers lie in the air and sadness covers the scatter of the Islamic Revolution.
My Dear Iran I send you a red Carnation.

Insh'Allah


* In order for me to be politically correct I need to mention that some Iranians don't believe in Westernization and are content with the Islamic Regime. The Shah made his mistakes, too. But what is a life worth living without freedom!?!
Check this website out to learn more about the Persian culture http://www.iranchamber.com