[FREE IRAN Project] In The Spirit Of Cyrus The Great

[AmirN]

http://www.iranian.ws/iran_news/publish/article_11078.shtml



What is it about Iran? What is at the core of that for which we all yearn? What makes Iran so special to us? How can one describe this?

Perhaps it is the land itself. The majesty of the Zagros mountains to the west. The enchantment of the Dasht-e-Kavir centrally and to the east. The memorable coast of the Persian Gulf to the south. The lush jungles, soft breeze of the Caspian, and picturesque Alborz mountains to the north. Where else is the climate so variable, from the sub tropical to the sub polar? Where else is the high snow capped peak of mount Damavand contrasted so abruptly against the vast desert?

Perhaps it is the gastronomic delights. The many stews which fit so perfectly over the rich Persian rice. The way that the offerings of the land have been harvested into such unique dishes. The Persian saffron, more precious in weight than gold, which is the secret aromatic ingredient to these heavenly foods. The Persian Caspian caviar, second to none. The rich sohan, gaz, and cotton candy of Qom, which put all other sweets to shame.

Perhaps it is the arts and crafts. The architecture of Isfahan and Shiraz, which inspire the mind. The painting style of the miniatures, which mesmerize the viewer. The original pottery and vessels, with their abundant beauty. The best carpets in the world, made in Tabriz, with details and shadings unmatched by any other.

Perhaps it is the love and poetry, which teach us to live life to its full potential. The works of Saadi and Omar Khayyam are unequalled after a millennium. Their portrayal of philosophy and life is one unique to the Persians’ outlook. Their words have found a special place in every Iranian’s heart. The Persian poetic verse, which developed in the Sassanid court, lives on within the current poems and music, which invigorate the soul.

Perhaps it is the rich traditions with which life is celebrated. The strong family bonds that the current Iranians have, based on attitudes, ethics, and practices which developed millennia ago. The close appreciation that ancient Persians developed for nature and their source of nurture. The importance that the changing seasons have on people’s lives were understood, and expressed in the form of seasonal celebrations. The Mehregan, which celebrates the coming of the Fall, and the importance of the harvest. The Yalda, which celebrates the Winter, a time to bundle up, stay inside, and share the togetherness of the family by overcoming the darkness and coldness. And of course, the Nowruz (literally meaning “the new day”), the most important of all events, which celebrates the Spring, the coming of warmth and light, and the renewal of life.

Perhaps it is the historical legacy. The ruins at Persepolis and Pasargad, which point to an unmistakably majestic past. The cylinder of Cyrus, which was the first example of a ruler’s compassion and respect to all. The might of an empire which was as powerful as it was tolerant and just. The pride all Iranians feel as the forerunners of civilization as well as liberty.

Perhaps it is the people themselves. The hospitality and generosity of which have become well known worldwide. A people who have been through so much in the course of history. A people who have learned so much from the events of the last 3000 years, and are still continuing to learn. A people with a mixture of a vast ethnic diversity, who have nevertheless learned to live together and united. United for a greater cause: their country. A people united, because they know they have more in common than the few things they hold different. It is those same people who define and appreciate all of the above mentioned points. Without those people, the land, the food, the arts, the poetry, the traditions, and the history would have no meaning.

Perhaps it is the old man with a mustache and an old cap, with wrinkled and rugged skin from the harsh sun and desert winds while tending to his sheep, who reminds me of my grandfather. Perhaps it is the old lady, wearing her colorful traditional tribal clothing while weaving a Persian rug, who reminds me of my grandmother. Perhaps it is the joyful and beautiful little girl playing in a yard, who reminds me of my daughter.

Perhaps all Iranians will identify with a few of these thoughts. Perhaps a few Iranians will identify with all of these thoughts.

Perhaps, this has been a rewarding yet futile attempt by this humble Iranian to describe that which is… indescribable.

Amir
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I am Dariush the Great King, King of Kings, King of countries containing all kinds of men, King in this great earth far and wide, son of Hystaspes, an Achaemenian, a Persian, son of a Persian, an Aryan, having Aryan lineage

Naqshe Rostam