National traditions of Iran. Habits, mentality and the way of living

Iran is not a country that is popular with tourists, so local people treat foreigners with curiosity. However, they are always cheerful and hospitable. For locals, tourists are an opportunity to learn more about the rest of the world and life in different countries. To help a foreigner in need – this is a duty of every Iranian, and all of them respect this tradition. Tourists can ask questions or help from virtually every Iranian person, and locals will do their best to help. Sometimes they can call numerous friends and relatives who can speak at least a couple of phrases in a foreign language in order to understand what a tourist says.

Taarof – this is the Iranian term for etiquette. In this country, everyone treats each other with friendliness. Local people try to be polite, and sometimes they can even be too polite. If someone needs help, the right direction, or advice, local people with gladly help, take guests to their destination, give advice – in short, they will do virtually anything asked and will not ask any reward for that. Iranians are always cheerful, they like shaking hands, hug other people, and clap others on the back as a way to express their gratitude. However, tourists need to remember that such behavior is possible only between people of the same gender.

The difference between genders is an important aspect that tourists in Iran must consider. It is reflected in many aspects of everyday life. Men and women, who are not relatives, are not allowed to touch each other even involuntarily. Boys and girls are educated separately. There are separate buses and subway cars for men and women. There are even entrances for men and women in mosques. Inside, there is a partition wall that separates parts of the mosque for different genders. These limitations are not so strict for married couples. A married man and woman can hold their hands when walking outside and can even hug each other. However, everything else is not allowed. A woman can go to a public place where there are many other men if she is together with her husband. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

There are strict rules regarding clothing in Iran, and these rules are particularly strict about female clothing, female tourists included.

Female body must be covered, as well as her head must be covered with a scarf. All women must cover their hair. If a woman appears in a public place with her head uncovered, she can be jailed. The chador is widespread in the region. Women can choose to wear it or not, but they can go to the mosque only in a chador. Mosques have a stock of chadors for rent if some women don’t have their own. Rules regarding men’s clothing are not so strict. The most important is not to wear shorts and tank tops. Men can leave their heads uncovered.

Tourists are allowed to visit mosques. There are no strict rules that prohibit foreigners from visiting local mosques, but everyone must respect local rules and traditions. It is necessary to take shoes off and leave them at the entrance. It is also allowed to put shoes in a bag and take them or leave them in a special closet. Men and women enter mosques using different entrances. Moreover, women must wear chador - it is possible to rent one nearby. If it is time for namaz (salah), tourists are better to visit the mosque a bit later. Finally, it is not recommended to speak loudly and take photographs inside mosques.

Drugs and alcoholic drinks are banned in Iraq. Tourists will not find alcoholic drinks sold legally anywhere in the country. Yes, many restaurants have beer present on the menu, and good restaurants even offer wine. However, it is too early to feel happy and hurry to order. All these drinks are alcohol-free. If living without alcohol is unacceptable, then the only way is to bring own alcohol from the home country. Foreigners are allowed doing this. As usual, never drink alcohol in public places because there is a risk of ending up in a police station. Any use or storage of drugs is eligible for the death penalty, and no one will take into consideration the nationality or citizenship of the abuser.

Dancing in public is prohibited, and this is the reason why there are no nightclubs in the country. Iranians dance and have fun at home during holidays and family celebrations. They literally have no opportunity to enjoy public celebrations with music, singing, and dancing. Typically, local people visit restaurants, cinemas, theaters to have fun. In recent years, outdoor recreation similar to picnicking has become popular with Iranian families. To enjoy food together, Iranians do not necessarily go to a park – a square or even a sidewalk are also good enough.