When I think of Tehran, I think of traffic; insanely chaotic overflowing the roadways traffic where designated lanes are just a suggestion. When I think of Tehran I think of a hugely populous city where stepping off of the sidewalk to cross the street can be likened to a game of Atari Frogger.

When I Think of Tehran

When I think of Tehran I think of the new year holiday – Norooz – when pretty much everyone in Tehran is outside celebrating, not just for 1 night, but for 2 full weeks.  And I think of a city where people take the art of picnicking to a whole new level and old men sit in parks shooting the breeze.

Tehran is an enigma, a sensory overload of old and new twisted together in a constant dance.  In a country with over 79 million people, an estimated 60% of Iranians are under the age of 30.  And while the post revolution regime is trying hard to hold on to the past, the 30-something generation is aching for change. It’s a generation that is well-educated and ready to embrace the world.  Change comes slowly though, and for many it’s a frustrating waiting game.

The Most Massive City

We’ve visited many a big city in our travels, but with a bulging population of 14 million I’m pretty sure Tehran takes the prize for the most massive city experience to date.  Although even with it’s enormity it is still pretty much just like any other city. I think it’s hard for outsiders to see beyond the mass media’s negative  stereotyping.  A stereotype built upon the premise of every country needs a good enemy. Having a common enemy helps unite the population.  Fear breeds fear – and ignorance.

“Misunderstanding arising from ignorance breeds fear, and fear remains the greatest enemy of peace.” – Lester B. Pearson

Just Like You & Me

The people of Tehran are normal everyday people. Just like you and me. They work, they ride the subway, they travel, they shop in ultra modern shopping malls and fabulous historical bazaars. They study, they watch soap operas, they embrace family and the extent of hospitality is beyond anything you’ve experienced.  The food is amazing and oh boy, do they savor the delight of pastry goodness!

There are some societal rules you won’t necessarily find elsewhere, such as on the subway.  There is a women only car where men cannot ride, but women can ride in all cars if they choose to.  I did.  I rode with the men.  And yes, they stared; not creepy stared, just curious.

Personal Comfort Zone

While out and about in Tehran I was not always completely comfortable because at times I was way too far out of my personal comfort zone. Riding in a car, in Tehran, was slightly terrifying for me – much to the amusement of our nephews – and because there were a lot of people everywhere we went, it could be overwhelming.  When the population is bursting at the seams, it can take a toll on the infrastructure of the city making it less than appealing.  But this doesn’t only apply to Tehran, I experienced similar feelings while in Marseille, France, albeit Marseille is a much smaller city.

The Shah’s Palace

The Shah’s Sa’dabad Palace was among the sites we visited while in Tehran.  It’s not as elaborate as you might think because much of the furnishings and art were … shall we say, displaced, during the revolution.  What I took away from our visit to the palace was that had the Shah relinquished absolute power over his country, i.e. formed a democratic government while continuing to reign as monarch, his family would most likely still rule today.  It’s a similar tale of Marie Antoinette and hubby Louis.  Greed.  It will get you every time.

This is the 2nd post in our Putting a Face on Iran series.