Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the official language spoken by more than half of the Iranian population?
What is the official language spoken by more than half of the Iranian population?
Farsi
Identify two ethnic groups found in Iran's diverse population.
Identify two ethnic groups found in Iran's diverse population.
Persians and Kurds
What is Nowruz and how is it celebrated in Iran?
What is Nowruz and how is it celebrated in Iran?
Nowruz is the Persian New Year celebrated outdoors with family gatherings and traditions involving goldfish.
Describe the economic significance of oil to Iran.
Describe the economic significance of oil to Iran.
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What type of governance does Iran operate under?
What type of governance does Iran operate under?
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What impact did the Safavid Empire have on Iranian culture?
What impact did the Safavid Empire have on Iranian culture?
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What led to the Iranian Revolution of 1979?
What led to the Iranian Revolution of 1979?
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How did job opportunities change for young Iranians from 2016-2021?
How did job opportunities change for young Iranians from 2016-2021?
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Study Notes
Safavid Empire
- Founded in 1501 by Esma'il
- Conquered Persia
- Adopted Shiism as the official religion
- Ruled until the mid-1700s
- Blended Persian and Muslim traditions
- Capital was Esfahan
The Shah and Islamic Revolution
- 1921: Iranian military officer took power and encouraged change
- 1941: Shah's son took control, allied with US and Britain
- 1978: Revolution began
- 1979: Shah overthrown, Islamic republic established
- Strict Islamic law followed
- Relations with US deteriorated
- US embassy in Tehran seized, Americans held hostage
Iran Today
- 83 million people
- Young population – average age 29
- Diverse ethnic groups (Persian, Azeris, Lurs, Kurds, Arabs, Turks)
- Mostly Shia Muslim, minority Sunni, Christian, Jewish, and other religions
- Celebrate Nowruz (Persian New Year)
- Family gatherings centered on Persian food, rice, bread, vegetables, fruits, lamb, and tea
Iranian Culture
- Culture differs from other Southwest Asian cultures
- Persian language (Farsi) is spoken by over half
- Importance of family and elders
Economy and Government
- Oil reserves make Iran a wealthy country
- Carpet production contributes to economy
- Technology sector is growing, graduates with engineering and science degrees
- Government prioritizes technological development
- Theocracy-ruled by religious leaders (ayatollahs)
- Supreme leader has unlimited power
- Elected president and parliament co-exists with religious leaders in Iran
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Description
Test your knowledge on the Safavid Empire, the Shah's regime, and Iran's cultural landscape. This quiz covers significant events from the rise of the Safavid dynasty to the modern Islamic Republic, highlighting key traditions and demographics of Iran today.
