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Top Posts & Pages

  • Learn Persian Online
    Learn Persian Online
  • 10 Instagram Accounts to Follow Before Travelling to Iran in 2020
    10 Instagram Accounts to Follow Before Travelling to Iran in 2020
  • About me
    About me
  • How I Learned Persian
    How I Learned Persian
  • Travel Guide to Qazvin: City of Ornaments
    Travel Guide to Qazvin: City of Ornaments
  • Niavaran Palace
    Explore Tehran

    Guide to Tehran Palaces: Niavaran Palace

    November 25, 2017 /

    You can`t imagine visiting Tehran without seeing one of Tehran palaces. Tehran has been the capital of Iran for around 200 years and has seen many shahs, each of whom wanted to build a palace more beautiful than previous shahs. Golestan, Sadabad and Niavaran palaces remain the most popular and significant tourist attractions in Tehran. Each of them can offer its visitors several palaces from different historical periods as well as a range of museums. So I`ve decided to write a complete guide for each palace complex to help you decide which palaces and museums to visit. In this article I`ll tell you about Niavaran palace and its museums. Sahebgheraniyeh…

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    Katya 0 Comments

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    Grand Bazaar_Featured

    Ultimate Guide To Tehran Grand Bazaar

    February 19, 2016
    It`s a pleasure to have a picnic by the river.

    One Day Trip From Tehran: Shahrestanak

    November 25, 2014
    Moghaddam Museum of Tehran

    Moghaddam Museum of Tehran: An Oasis of Peace in the Hustle of Tehran

    May 19, 2016
  • Ashura in Tehran
    About Iran,  Culture,  Like a Local

    Ashura in Iran: What to Do on Ashura in Tehran

    September 29, 2017 /

    Moharram is a month during which Iranians and other Shia Muslims commemorate the death of Imam Hossein. The mourning reaches its culmination at Ashura, the tenth day of Moharram. I have already written about Ashura in Iran and mourning ceremonies organized on this occasion here and here. During several years I`ve been living in Iran, I have attended quite a number of ceremonies in different parts of Tehran (there are still areas uncovered though). Some attract hundreds of people, while others are attended only by locals. However, many foreigners hesitate to go out on the day of Ashura which is the culmination of Moharram mourning ceremonies. Maybe, they are afraid of Iranians…

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    Katya 2 Comments

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    Redfis

    Nowruz: Persian New Year Traditions

    March 17, 2020
    Shab-e Yalda

    Yalda Night in Iran: 5-Step Guide to Celebrate the Longest Night of the Year

    December 19, 2016
    Tehran tourism fair

    Guide to Events in Tehran: The International Tourism Fair

    March 12, 2016
  • Tehran Event Guide - July
    Events in Tehran

    Tehran Event Guide: July at a Glance

    June 30, 2017 /

    Summer is on its peak, and the best way to spend these days is to seek shelter in galleries, cinemas, cafes or somewhere in the mountains to the north from Tehran. In this post I`ll provide recommendations for cultural events and galleries in July. One of the most curious events this month is certainly Tribute to Abbas Kiarostami Event organized by Iranian Artists Forum. It includes demonstration of the most famous Kiarostami`s films as well as scenes from his last film which was never finished, 24 Frames. The entrance is free, so don`t miss a chance to watch these films in the company of Kiarostami`s fans. Of course, if you understand at least…

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    Katya 0 Comments

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    Tehran Event Guide: March at a Glance

    March 3, 2017
    Event Guide - December -1

    Tehran Events Guide: December 8-14

    December 7, 2016
    Tehran Event Guide - November 2016

    Tehran Events Guide: November 24-30

    November 23, 2016
  • Tehran Event Guide-June
    Events in Tehran

    Tehran Event Guide: June at a Glance

    June 1, 2017 /

    Hey there! Happy Ramadan! Hope you are doing fine with not being able to eat out these days. However, staying in Iran during Ramadan is not as difficult as it may seem. If you don`t agree, take a look at one of my posts about Ramadan and find out How Not to Starve During Ramadan. As you might have noticed, this month`s highlight is Ramadan. This month is truly special for all Iranians – not matter how religious they are. It has its own traditions, and of course, yummy treats, which all Iranians enjoy. So, let`s take a closer look at what to do during Ramadan. Although Ramadan is the month of…

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    Katya 0 Comments

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    Tehran Event Guide - July

    Tehran Event Guide: July at a Glance

    June 30, 2017

    Tehran Event Guide: March at a Glance

    March 3, 2017
    Tehran Event Guide - November 2016

    Tehran Events Guide: November 24-30

    November 23, 2016
  • Tehran Event Guide-May
    Events in Tehran

    Tehran Event Guide: May at a Glance

    May 1, 2017 /

    In May Tehran, and the whole Iran, is in blossom. And it`s the right time to take a walk in Tehran`s multiple parks and gardens (like Moghaddam House which is stunning in this season) or even head outside Tehran and visit some highland villages sunk in gardens like Vardij and Varish villages and Shahrestanak village, or set off on a longer trip to the Caspian Sea, Gilan or Golestan provinces popular for their extensive forests (exactly what I am planning to do next week!). Anyway, if you decide to stay in Tehran, there are still plenty of things to do in May. And in this Tehran Event Guide you will find out more about some…

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    Katya 2 Comments

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    Tehran Event Guide-February

    Tehran Event Guide: February at a Glance

    February 1, 2017
    Event Guide - December -1

    Tehran Events Guide: December 8-14

    December 7, 2016
    Tehran Event Guide-June

    Tehran Event Guide: June at a Glance

    June 1, 2017
  • Events in Tehran

    Tehran Event Guide: March at a Glance

    March 3, 2017 /

    In March it`s all about Nowruz, the start of a new year. Nowruz is the biggest and oldest holiday celebrated in Iran. It takes a month of preparations and two (!) weeks of celebration. So it might be a good idea to celebrate with Iranians. Although most Iranians spend these long holidays travelling, there are a lot of special Nowruz events held in every city, but I would recommend to stay in Tehran as other cities become overcrowded during the holidays. This month`s Tehran Event Guide will be dedicated to Nowruz holidays and how to take the most out of them.

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    Katya 0 Comments

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    Event Guide - December -1

    Tehran Events Guide: December 8-14

    December 7, 2016
    Event Guide - December

    Tehran Events Guide: December 1-7

    November 30, 2016
    Tehran Event Guide-June

    Tehran Event Guide: June at a Glance

    June 1, 2017
  • Tehran Event Guide-February
    Events in Tehran

    Tehran Event Guide: February at a Glance

    February 1, 2017 /

      Islamic Revolution Victory Day   When? February 10 Where? Azadi Square The major event of February in Iran is Islamic Revolution Victory Day. Each year thousands of people come to Azadi Square in Tehran to commemorate a day in 1979 when people came there to plead for the return to their own, Iranian, values which turned out to be a return to their Islamic background. Coming to Azadi Square in Tehran (or the main square in any other city) can be an interesting experience. You may even be asked by an old lady in a chador to marry her son who doesn`t even live in Iran! (that`s what happened to me…

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    Katya 0 Comments

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    Event Guide-December-2

    Tehran Events Guide: December 15-21

    December 15, 2016
    Event Guide - December

    Tehran Events Guide: December 1-7

    November 30, 2016
    Tehran Event Guide - November 2016

    Tehran Events Guide: November 24-30

    November 23, 2016
  • Christmas in Tehran
    About Iran

    Tehran Events Guide: Christmas Edition

    December 22, 2016 /

    In Tehran Events Guide I`m introducing exhibitions, movies (in English, of course), concerts, festivals and other happenings that might interest you so that you won`t have to check multiple websites to decide where to go at the weekend! Tehran doesn`t have night life, but it doesn`t mean there is nothing to do here! So get ready to go out this weekend! If you are staying in Tehran for Christmas holidays, don`t think that your holidays will be ruined. Although Iranians mostly don`t celebrate Christmas, there are still some places where you can catch Christmas spirit! Just take a look at some of my recommendations in my last year`s post. Moreover,…

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    Katya 0 Comments

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    Redfis

    Nowruz: Persian New Year Traditions

    March 17, 2020
    christmas mood

    Feel Christmas Spirit in Tehran!

    December 21, 2015
    Shab-e Yalda

    Yalda Night in Iran: 5-Step Guide to Celebrate the Longest Night of the Year

    December 19, 2016
  • Event Guide-December-2
    Events in Tehran

    Tehran Events Guide: December 15-21

    December 15, 2016 /

    In Tehran Events Guide I`m introducing exhibitions, movies (in English, of course), concerts, festivals and other happenings that might interest you so that you won`t have to check multiple websites to decide where to go at the weekend! Tehran doesn`t have night life, but it doesn`t mean there is nothing to do here! So get ready to go out this weekend!   Featured event On Tuesday, December 20, Iranians will spend a beautiful and pretty old tradition (oh yeah, 7000 years does sound old! ????) called Yalda Night which is closely connected to nature – it`s Winter solstice, or the longest night of the year in other words. Not being…

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    Katya 0 Comments

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    Tehran Event Guide-February

    Tehran Event Guide: February at a Glance

    February 1, 2017
    Event Guide - December

    Tehran Events Guide: December 1-7

    November 30, 2016
    Tehran Event Guide - July

    Tehran Event Guide: July at a Glance

    June 30, 2017
  • Cinematheques in Tehran
    About Iran

    Tehran Events Guide: Cinematheques in Tehran

    December 12, 2016 /

    Maybe it will be big news for some of you, but in Iranian cinemas you can watch ONLY Iranian movies. A couple of years ago a recently built shopping center Kourosh with 14 (!) cinema halls started showing some new Hollywood movies every now and then, but, unfortunately, it didn`t last long. Now foreign movie screenings are limited to cinematheques which have, however, become quite popular in Tehran. Their number is growing and there are more and more opportunities to watch a brand-new Hollywood movie or a good old European film. While some cinematheques show the retrospective of one director (like Museum of Contemporary Art) or relate their screenings to…

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    Katya 0 Comments

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    Ashura in Tehran

    Ashura in Iran: What to Do on Ashura in Tehran

    September 29, 2017
    Alam

    Moharram. The Time for Mourning: The Day of Ashura

    November 8, 2014
    Tehran tourism fair

    Guide to Events in Tehran: The International Tourism Fair

    March 12, 2016
 Older Posts

About Me

I`m Katya, living in Tehran with my Iranian husband for almost 10 years. I am here to share my insights on life in Iran as well as tips and tricks for travelling Iran!

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I don't know about you, but I'm already making a l I don't know about you, but I'm already making a list of places (and cafes in the first place) I want to go when the 3rd wave is over. (Does anyone know how many of them we should expect?)

So I decided to continue sharing #myfavoriteplaces_tehran and support those cafes that are still there.

I discovered @clunagroup just a couple years ago but it instanly became my first choice for a quick and healthy snack.

Quick snacks on the go in Tehran include falafel at a not-so-tidy food stall, greasy samosas or pirashki, or sandwiches with layers of kalbas. So I think Tehran really needed a healthier option.

Cluna chain cafes offer a variety of sandwiches, salads, coffee and smoothies and even some desserts, everything freshly made, warmed-up upon request and nicely packed.

Abundance of vegetarian option is another reason to love it. You can find sandwiches or rolls with hummus, kuku-sabzi, omelette, dates etc.

But what I like the most is that it's located at key places along Valiast Street - just do a quick search on maps to find the closest one to you.

I'm really happy that Iranians are moving to healthier options, and hopefully there will be more places like this.

#noad
Have you ever wondered what Heaven looks like? Ira Have you ever wondered what Heaven looks like? Iranians have the answer! Surprisingly, no houris* involved. Swipe to see the first pictures from Heaven! 

The first one depicts Ghasem Soleimani in the embrace of Imam Hossein. There is Imam Khomeini on the right and a few shahids on the background.

The second one shows famous Iranian traditional singer Mohammad-Reza Shajarian who passed away recently with poets Ferdowsi and Akhavan-Sales who come from the same area.

*Houris - beautiful women who accompany faithful Muslims in Heaven.

#heaven #islam #uncoveriran #discoveriran #everydaytehran #parksoftehran #باغ_کتاب #دریاچه_هنر
I have a confession to make. I've been thinking a I have a confession to make.

I've been thinking about how I learned Persian a lot recently (you can read about it on my blog - tap the link in bio). And I remembered a funny thing. 

When my Persian reached a point when I could read novels in Persian, I started to read them while commuting to university (we, Russians, read a lot in the metro). But to be honest, I was always uncomfortable about taking out a Persian book out of my bag. Because as soon as I did, people would start staring at me. And believe me, you wouldn't like this kind of looks!

The thing is Russia has a long history of terrorist attacks commited by Muslims, and I remember, after one of those attacks, the hatred to Muslims became so wide-spread that some people would even attack Muslims in the metro!

So when I was reading a romantic novel in Persian, I felt that people around me were thinking I was reading a tutorial on how make a bomb or something.

Later I came up with a trick - I would read only magazines with lots of pictures. It's Persian, meow 😁

Have you ever been uncomfortable about telling people that you are learning Persian or reading something in Persian in a public place?

PS This story dates back to 10-15 years ago. I hope the situation isn't that bad right now. Although I don't pay attention anymore.

#learningpersian

#persianlanguage #persian #farsi #персидский #фарси #persianlearning #persian_language #персидскийязык #learninglanguages #autumnmood #autumncolors #autumnleaves #hikeinthemountains #hikemore #hikevibes #fallseason🍁 #neverstopexploring #welivetoexplore
#exploretehran #lifeiniran #lifeintehran #everydaytehran #everydayiran #iranogram #iranogramers #letsfeeliran #seeyouiniran #middleeast #tehrangram
#myths_about_iran Before moving to Iran, the more #myths_about_iran Before moving to Iran, the more Iranians I met, the more persuaded I became that Iranian women are educated, progressive and keep up with men. Because every Iranian I met would tell me that more than a half of students in Iranian universities are women.

BUT! Don't expect to see many women at work. Because according to the statistics, only 15% of Iranian women work. Is it their own choice or is it the consequence of a patriarchal society. Let look into it together.

You might think that the reason is obvious - discrimination against women. And you are probably right. At some positions men are definitely more welcome than women, and some men prefer their wives stay at home. But that's a bit more complicated.

What I have figured out about working as a woman is that the society on the whole is overprotective towards women. They are supposed to be taken care of everywhere. Some parents don't let their grown-up unmarried daughters come home late, some need to approve of the place their daughter is going to work at. For married women, it's husband who has to protect his wife, and the easiest way to do that is to make her stay home.

At workplace, the employer is supposed to take care of female employees - they can't stay late at work, can't participate in any physical work (if it's not initially required by the job), of course under these circumstances employers prefer to hire men. 

On the other hand, many girls, following the long-established tradition, simply prefer to dedicate their life to family rather than a career which is completely understandable.

I have to admit though that while in Iran you will see not only young women who don't work but also many young man which to me is more important and alarming. But that's another story.

What do you think with all this situation? Why do you think there are so few working women?
A couple of years ago around this time we set off A couple of years ago around this time we set off on the most spontaneous trip ever! We went to the bus terminal in Tehran and bought tickets for the first bus available.

Luckily for us, it was Isfahan. We had travelled to Isfahan before but I always wanted to go back there again.

We ate a lot of food (the best part of any trip if you ask me!), walked a lot around the bazaar area and the Armenian quartier and watched the everyday life of Isfahan.

It was a totally new experience to go somewhere for the weekend without any planning at all, without booking a hotel or doing research about places to visit. 

Fortunately, you, my dear followers, shared a lot of recommendations which made this trip one of the most memorable trips we ever had!

What was your most spontaneous trip?

>>> Swipe left for the highlights of our trip to Isfahan.

#spontaneoustrips
Having reached 13,000 daily Covid-19 cases, Iran i Having reached 13,000 daily Covid-19 cases, Iran is finally applying more restrictions this Saturday (it will cover only cities with high Covid-19 rates though).

In Tehran, shops (except supermarkets), shopping malls, restaurants, all cultural & entertainment businesses and religious sites are going to be closed for 2 weeks; companies and offices can operate only with 1/3 of employees.

Using the car from 9 pm to 4 am is prohibited (unless it's a taxi). Driving between cities is also restricted (although you can hop on the bus or train).

The universities and schools have been working online for a while already. So no new restrictions here.

However, no restrictions can make people more responsible. Just a few days ago, I saw a family saying goodbye to their guests in front of their house in the street. They would take their masks off, kiss each other goodbye and put the mask back on.

Are there any restrictions in your country? Are people readily following them?

#stayhomestaysafe
#myths_about_iran You might have heard on the news #myths_about_iran You might have heard on the news about girls of 9 being married to grown-up men in Iran. And no wonder - only shocking news like that make the headlines. But is it a tendency in Iran or rather an exception?

That's true that in Iran marriage age is quite low compared to other countries - for girls it's only 13 while for boys it's 15.

However, you shouldn't think that young people get married as soon as they reach that age. The latest statistics (first 3 months of the current year) show that the average marriage age throughout the country is 22.8 for women and 27.4 for men.

What's more, the situation is the same even in more traditional provinces. For example, in South Khorasan and in Sistan & Baluchestan the average is 20.5.

What age do you consider the most appropriate? Some of you chose 21 on the quiz in Stories, and I'd love to hear out your opinion!

#marriage #marriageisforever
I decided to embrace autumn, so we went for a hike I decided to embrace autumn, so we went for a hike to the mountains in search for the #autumnvibes🍁 And here is what we found✨
Silence is what distinguishes a public holiday fro Silence is what distinguishes a public holiday from any other day in Iran. You wake up in the morning and you don't hear any cars, construction or 'kharidaram' van roaming the streets.

Normally, people wake up later and don't go out until afternoon. However, in the evening streets become busier, people heading out for dinner, a walk in a park or visiting family.

Today was a public holiday in Iran, this time a real holiday (not a death anniversary which are probably even more than half of all public holidays) - the birthday of Prophet Mohammad.

Location: Tehran Book Garden, Honar Lake. More photos & videos ---> Stories.

#iranianscelebrate
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