Editing Iran (section)

== Culture ==
{{Main|Culture of Iran}}

=== Art ===
{{Main|Persian art{{!}}Iranian art|Arts of Iran|Iranian modern and contemporary art}}
[[File:Mirror Hall by Kamal-ol-molk.JPG|thumb|[[Kamal-ol-molk]]'s ''[[Mirror Hall]] of [[Golestan Palace]],'' often considered a starting point in [[Iranian modern and contemporary art|Iranian modern art]]<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Encyclopوdia Iranica |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/kamal-al-molk-mohammad-gaffari |title=Kamāl-al-Molk, Moḥammad Ḡaffāri |volume=XV |pages=417–433 |access-date=13 July 2017}}</ref>]]
Iran has one of the richest [[art]] heritages in history and been strong in many media including [[architecture]], [[painting]], [[literature]], [[music]], [[metalworking]], [[stonemasonry]], [[weaving]], [[calligraphy]] and [[sculpture]]. At different times, influences from neighbouring civilisations have been important, and latterly Persian art gave and received major influences as part of the wider styles of [[Islamic art]].

From the [[Achaemenid Empire]] (550–330 BC), the courts of successive dynasties led the style of Persian art, and court-sponsored art left many of the most impressive pieces that remain. The Islamic style of dense decoration, geometrically laid out, developed in Iran into an elegant and harmonious style, combining motifs derived from plants with Chinese motifs such as the cloud-band, and often animals represented at a smaller scale. During the [[Safavid dynasty|Safavid Empire]] in the 16th century, this style was used across a variety of media, and diffused from the court artists of the king, most being painters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Komaroff |first=Authors: Suzan Yalman, Linda |title=The Art of the Safavids before 1600 {{!}} Essay {{!}} The Metropolitan Museum of Art {{!}} Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History |url=https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/safa/hd_safa.htm |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=The Met’s Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History |date=October 2002 |language=en}}</ref>

By the time of the Sasanians, Iranian art had a renaissance.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Sasanian-dynasty |title=Sāsānian dynasty |encyclopedia=Encyclopوdia Britannica |date=18 July 2017 |quote=Under the Sāsānians Iranian art experienced a general renaissance. |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=21 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121184437/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Sasanian-dynasty |url-status=live}}</ref> During the Middle Ages, Sasanian art played a prominent role in the formation of European and Asian mediaeval art.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.parstimes.com/history/title.html |title=Iran – A country study |publisher=Parstimes.com |access-date=18 June 2011 |archive-date=28 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728142527/http://www.parstimes.com/history/title.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.levity.com/alchemy/islam16.html |title=History of Islamic Science 5 |publisher=Levity.com |access-date=18 June 2011 |archive-date=5 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605031853/http://www.levity.com/alchemy/islam16.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Iran in Britannica">{{cite encyclopedia |last=Afary |first=Janet |title=Iran |year=2006 |encyclopedia=Encyclopوdia Britannica |access-date=29 October 2007 |url=https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9106324/Iran |archive-date=2 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102225221/http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9106324/Iran |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Encyclopوdia Iranica |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/art-in-iran-xii-iranian-pre-islamic-elements-in-islamic-art |title=Art in Iran |trans-title=xii. Iranian Pre-Islamic Elements in Islamic Art |volume=II |pages=549–646 |access-date=15 July 2017 |archive-date=23 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723171932/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/art-in-iran-xii-iranian-pre-islamic-elements-in-islamic-art |url-status=live}}</ref> The Safavid era is known as the Golden Age of Iranian art.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q6i8NQAACAAJ |author=Canby, Sheila R. |publisher=British Museum Press |year=2002 |title=The Golden Age of Persian Art: 1501–1722 |isbn=978-0-7141-2404-9}}</ref> [[Safavid art]] exerted noticeable influences upon the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]], the [[Mughal Empire|Mughals]], and the [[Deccan sultanates|Deccans]], and was influential through its fashion and garden architecture on 11th–17th-century Europe.

Iran's [[Iranian modern and contemporary art|contemporary art]] traces its origins to [[Kamal-ol-molk]], a prominent [[realism (arts)|realist]] painter at the court of the [[Qajar dynasty|Qajar Empire]] who affected the norms of painting and adopted a naturalistic style that would compete with photographic works. A new Iranian school of fine art was established by him in 1928, and was followed by the so-called "coffeehouse" style of painting. Iran's [[avant-garde]] modernists emerged by the arrival of new western influences during World War II. The contemporary art scene originates in the late 1940s, and Tehran's first modern art gallery, Apadana, was opened in 1949 by Mahmud Javadipur, Hosein Kazemi, and Hushang Ajudani.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cSKMk4dmPVwC |title=Picturing Iran |trans-title=Art, Society and Revolution |first1=Lynn |last1=Gumpert |first2=Shiva |last2=Balaghi |page=48 |year=2002 |publisher=I.B. Tauris |isbn=978-1-86064-883-0}}</ref> The new movements received official encouragement by the 1950s,<ref name="IrMo">{{cite encyclopedia |title=Art in Iran |encyclopedia=Encyclopوdia Iranica |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/art-in-iran-xi-post-qajar- |access-date=15 July 2017 |volume=II |pages=640–646 |trans-title=xi. Post-Qajar (Painting) |archive-date=28 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728133830/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/art-in-iran-xi-post-qajar- |url-status=live}}</ref> which led to the emergence of artists such as [[Marcos Grigorian]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Art in America: Modernity and revolution: a recent show of Iranian art focused on the turbulent time from 1960 to 1980, juxtaposing formally inventive works of art with politically charged photographs and posters – Art & Politics – Between Word and Image: Modern Iranian Visual Culture |date=25 November 2004 |website=looksmart |url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1248/is_2_91/ai_97551434 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041125121857/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1248/is_2_91/ai_97551434 |archive-date=25 November 2004}}</ref>

=== Architecture ===
{{Main|Iranian architecture|Persian gardens}}
[[File:Chehel_Sotoon.jpg|thumb|[[Chehel Sotoun|Chehel Sotoun Palace]] in [[Isfahan]], built during the [[Safavid Iran|Safavid Empire]] with example of a [[talar]]'','' [[World Heritage Site]]|222x222px]]
The history of architecture in Iran dates back to at least 5,000 BC, with characteristic examples distributed over an area from what is now [[Turkey]] and [[Iraq]] to [[Uzbekistan]] and [[Tajikistan]], and from the [[Caucasus]] to [[Zanzibar]]. The Iranians made early use of [[mathematics]], [[geometry]] and [[astronomy]] in their architecture, yielding a tradition with structural and aesthetic variety.<ref>{{cite book |author=Pope, Arthur Upham |title=Persian Architecture |url=https://archive.org/details/persianarchitect0000unse |url-access=registration |publisher=[[George Braziller]] |location=New York |date=1965 |page=[https://archive.org/details/persianarchitect0000unse/page/266 266] |author-link=Arthur Upham Pope}}</ref> The guiding [[motif (visual arts)|motif]] is its cosmic symbolism.<ref>{{cite book |author1=Ardalan, Nader |author2=[[Laleh Bakhtiar|Bakhtiar, Laleh]]. |title=The Sense of Unity: The Sufi Tradition in Persian Architecture |date=2000 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=978-1-871031-78-2}}</ref>

Without sudden innovations, and despite the trauma of invasions and cultural shocks, it developed a recognizable style distinct from other regions of the Muslim world. Its virtues are "a marked feeling for form and scale; structural inventiveness, especially in [[Vault (architecture)|vault]] and [[Gonbad|dome]] construction; a genius for decoration with a freedom and success not rivalled in any other architecture".{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}} In addition to historic gates, palaces, and mosques, the rapid growth of cities such as Tehran has brought a wave of construction. Iran ranks 7th among [[UNESCO]]'s list of countries with the most archaeological ruins and attractions from antiquity.<ref>{{cite web |title=Virtual Conference |url=http://www1.american.edu/ted/iran-tour.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124090123/http://www1.american.edu/ted/iran-tour.htm |archive-date=24 November 2010 |access-date=18 June 2011 |publisher=American.edu}}</ref>

=== World Heritage Sites ===
{{Main|List of World Heritage Sites in Iran|Iran National Heritage List|}}
Iran's rich [[Culture of Iran|culture]] and history is reflected by its 27 [[World Heritage Site]]s, ranking 1st in the Middle East, and 10th in the world. These include [[Persepolis]], [[Naqsh-e Jahan Square|Naghsh-e Jahan Square]], [[Chogha Zanbil]], [[Pasargadae]], [[Golestan Palace]], [[Arg-e Bam]], [[Behistun Inscription]], [[Shahr-e Sukhteh]], [[Susa]], [[Takht-e Soleymān|Takht-e Soleyman]], [[Hyrcanian forests]], the city of [[Yazd]] and more. Iran has 24 [[Intangible cultural heritage|Intangible Cultural Heritage]], or Human treasures, which ranks 5th worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 December 2023 |title=Iran secures 5th place worldwide for UNESCO-listed intangible treasures |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/492297/Iran-secures-5th-place-worldwide-for-UNESCO-listed-intangible |access-date=12 January 2024 |website=Tehran Times |language=en |archive-date=14 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214020926/https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/492297/Iran-secures-5th-place-worldwide-for-UNESCO-listed-intangible |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=asadian |date=6 December 2023 |title=Iran Reached 5th in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list |url=https://en.shafaqna.com/340309/iran-reached-5th-rank-in-unesco-intangible-cultural-heritage-list/ |access-date=12 January 2024 |website=International Shia News Agency |language=en-US |archive-date=12 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112082739/https://en.shafaqna.com/340309/iran-reached-5th-rank-in-unesco-intangible-cultural-heritage-list/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Weaving ===
{{Main|Persian carpet|Tabriz rug|Ardabil Carpet}}
[[File:Pazyryk_carpet.jpg|thumb|The Pazyryk Carpet, 400 BC]]
Iran's carpet-weaving has its origins in the [[Bronze Age]] and is one of the most distinguished manifestations of Iranian art. Carpet weaving is an essential part of [[Persian culture]] and [[Iranian art]]. Persian rugs and carpets were woven in parallel by nomadic tribes in village and town workshops, and by [[royal court]] manufactories. As such, they represent simultaneous lines of tradition, and reflect the history of Iran, Persian culture, and its various peoples. Although the term "Persian carpet" most often refers to pile-woven textiles, flat-woven carpets and rugs like [[Kilim]], [[Soumak rug|Soumak]], and embroidered tissues like [[Suzani (textile)|Suzani]] are part of the manifold tradition of Persian carpet weaving.

Iran produces three-quarters of the world's handmade carpets, and has 30% of export markets.<ref name="Goswami2009">{{cite book |author=K K Goswami |title=Advances in Carpet Manufacture |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-cekAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA148 |year=2009 |publisher=Elsevier |isbn=978-1-84569-585-9 |page=148}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Khalaj |first=Mehrnosh |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/5a5c0444-1669-11df-bf44-00144feab49a.html?ftcamp=rss |title=Iran's oldest craft left behind |publisher=Financial Times |date=10 February 2010 |access-date=4 October 2013 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=26 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226073509/https://www.ft.com/content/5a5c0444-1669-11df-bf44-00144feab49a?ftcamp=rss%20 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2010, the "traditional skills of carpet weaving" in [[Fars province|Fars Province]] and [[Kashan]] were inscribed to the [[UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists|UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage]] List.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UNESCO – Traditional skills of carpet weaving in Fars |url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/traditional-skills-of-carpet-weaving-in-fars-00382 |access-date=1 January 2024 |website=ich.unesco.org |language=en |archive-date=8 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208020730/https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/traditional-skills-of-carpet-weaving-in-fars-00382 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=UNESCO – Traditional skills of carpet weaving in Kashan |url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/traditional-skills-of-carpet-weaving-in-kashan-00383 |access-date=1 January 2024 |website=ich.unesco.org |language=en |archive-date=8 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208020852/https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/traditional-skills-of-carpet-weaving-in-kashan-00383 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 December 2012 |title=Iran's carpet washing ritual registered on UNESCO representative list |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/53059/Iran-s-carpet-washing-ritual-registered-on-UNESCO-representative |access-date=1 January 2024 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en |archive-date=1 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101111553/https://en.mehrnews.com/news/53059/Iran-s-carpet-washing-ritual-registered-on-UNESCO-representative |url-status=live}}</ref> Within the [[Oriental rug]]s produced by the countries of the "rug belt", the Persian carpet stands out by the variety and elaborateness of its manifold designs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Team |first=SURFIRAN Editorial |date=2016-02-06 |title=Persian Carpets Return to the US Market |url=https://surfiran.com/mag/iranian-carpet/ |access-date=2024-07-06 |website=SURFIRAN Mag |language=en-US}}</ref>

Carpets woven in towns and regional centres like [[Tabriz rug|Tabriz]], [[Kerman carpet|Kerman]], [[Ravar]], [[Neyshabour]], [[Mashhad]], [[Kashan]], [[Isfahan rug|Isfahan]], [[Nain rug|Nain]] and [[Qom rug|Qom]] are characterized by their specific weaving techniques and use of high-quality materials, colours and patterns. Hand-woven Persian rugs and carpets have been regarded as objects of high artistic value and prestige, since they were mentioned by [[ancient Greek]] writers.

=== Literature ===
{{Main|Literature in Iran|Iranian literature|Persian literature}}
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| image1            = Hafez 880714 095.jpg
| width1            = 160
| alt1              = 
| caption1          = 
| image2            = Saadi Tomb.jpg
| width2            = 150
| alt2              = 
| caption2          = 
| width3            = 100
| alt3              = 
| footer            = Tombs of [[Hafez]] and [[Saadi Shirazi|Saadi]] in [[Shiraz]]
}}

Iran's oldest [[literature|literary]] tradition is that of [[Avestan]], the [[Iranian languages#Old Iranian|Old Iranian]] [[sacred language]] of the [[Avesta]], which consists of the legendary and religious texts of [[Zoroastrianism]] and the [[ancient Iranian religion]].<ref>{{cite journal |journal=Indo-Iranian Journal |title=A Glossary of Terms for Weapons and Armor in Old Iranian |first=W.W. |last=Malandra |volume=15 |issue=4 |pages=264–289 |year=1973 |location=Philadelphia |publisher=Brill |jstor=24651454 |doi=10.1163/000000073790079071 |s2cid=162194727}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author1=David Levinson |author2=Karen Christensen |title=Encyclopedia of Modern Asia: Iaido to Malay |url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopediamode02levi_463 |url-access=limited |year=2002 |publisher=Charles Scribner's Sons |isbn=978-0-684-80617-4 |page=[https://archive.org/details/encyclopediamode02levi_463/page/n97 48]}}</ref> The Persian language was used and developed through [[Persianate society|Persianate societies]] in [[Anatolia|Asia Minor]], [[Central Asia]], and [[South Asia]], leaving extensive influences on [[Ottoman poetry|Ottoman]] and [[Persian language in the Indian subcontinent|Mughal literatures]], among others. Iran has several famous medieval poets, notably [[Rumi]], [[Ferdowsi]], [[Hafez]], [[Saadi Shirazi]], [[Omar Khayyam]], and [[Nizami Ganjavi]].<ref>{{cite book |author=François de Blois |title=Persian Literature: A Bio-bibliographical Survey |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F-lH8aQ9-HsC&pg=363 |access-date=21 June 2013 |volume=5 |date=April 2004 |publisher=Routledge |quote=Nizami Ganja'i, whose personal name was Ilyas, is the most celebrated native poet of the Persians after Firdausi. |isbn=978-0-947593-47-6 |page=363}}</ref>

Described as one of the great literatures of humanity,<ref>Arthur John Arberry, ''The Legacy of Persia'', Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1953, {{ISBN|0-19-821905-9}}, p. 200.</ref> including [[Goethe]]'s assessment of it as one of the four main bodies of world literature,<ref>Von David Levinson; Karen Christensen, ''Encyclopedia of Modern Asia'', Charles Scribner's Sons. 2002, vol. 4, p. 480</ref> Persian literature has its roots in surviving works of [[Middle Persian]] and [[Old Persian]], the latter of which dates back as far as 522 BCE, the date of the earliest surviving [[Achaemenid]] inscription, the [[Behistun Inscription]]. The bulk of surviving Persian literature, however, comes from the times following the [[Muslim conquest of Persia|Muslim conquest]] in {{Circa}} 650 CE. After the [[Abbasid]]s came to power (750 CE), the Iranians became the scribes and bureaucrats of the [[Caliphate|Islamic Caliphate]] and, increasingly, also its writers and poets. The New Persian language literature arose and flourished in [[Greater Khorasan|Khorasan]] and [[Transoxiana]] because of political reasons, early Iranian dynasties of post-Islamic Iran such as the [[Tahirids]] and [[Samanids]] being based in [[Khorasan province|Khorasan]].<ref>Frye, R.N., "Darī", ''The Encyclopaedia of Islam'', Brill Publications, CD version.</ref>

=== Philosophy ===
{{Main|Ancient philosophy#Ancient Iranian philosophy|Iranian philosophy}}
[[File:Persian Scholar pavilion in Viena UN (Rhazes&Khayyam).jpg|thumb|[[Scholars Pavilion]] is a monument donated by Iran to the [[United Nations Office at Vienna|United Nations Office in Vienna]], with statues of Iranian mediaeval scholars.]]
Iranian philosophy can be traced back as far as [[Iranian languages|Old Iranian]] philosophical traditions and thoughts which originated in ancient [[Indo-Iranians|Indo-Iranian]] roots and were influenced by [[Zarathustra]]'s teachings. Throughout Iranian history and due to remarkable political and social changes such as [[Rashidun conquest of the Sassanian Empire|the Arab]] and [[Mongol invasion of Central Asia|Mongol invasions]], a wide spectrum of schools of thoughts showed a variety of views on philosophical questions, extending from Old Iranian and mainly [[Zoroastrianism]]-related traditions, to schools appearing in the late pre-Islamic era such as [[Manicheism]] and [[Mazdakism]] as well as post-Islamic schools.

The [[Cyrus Cylinder]] is seen as a reflection of the questions and thoughts expressed by [[Zoroaster]] and developed in Zoroastrian schools of the Achaemenid era.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |editor=Boyce, Mary |title=The Origins of Zoroastrian Philosophy" in "Persian Philosophy |encyclopedia=Companion Encyclopedia of Asian Philosophy |first1=Brian |last1=Carr |first2=Indira |last2=Mahalingam |publisher=Routledge |year=2009}}</ref> Post-Islam Iranian philosophy is characterised by different interactions with the [[Ancient philosophy#Ancient Iranian philosophy|Old Iranian philosophy]], the [[Greek philosophy]] and with the development of [[Islamic philosophy]]. The [[Illumination School]] and the [[Transcendent Philosophy]] are regarded as two of the main philosophical traditions of that era in Iran. Contemporary Iranian philosophy has been limited in its scope by intellectual repression.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Ayatollahy |first=Hamidreza |title=Philosophy in Contemporary Iran |journal=Revista Portuguesa de Filosofia |year=2006 |volume=62 |issue=2/4 |pages=811–816 |jstor=40419494}}</ref>

=== Mythology and folklore ===
{{Main|Persian mythology|Iranian folklore}}
[[File:Rostam and Sohrab Statue 01.jpg|thumb|Statue of [[Rostam]], with his son [[Sohrab]], in [[Mashhad]]]]
[[Persian mythology|Iranian mythology]] consists of ancient [[Iranian folklore]] and stories of extraordinary beings reflecting on [[good and evil]] ([[Ahura Mazda]] and [[Ahriman]]), actions of the gods, and the exploits of heroes and creatures. The tenth-century Persian poet, [[Ferdowsi]], is the author of the [[national epic]] known as the ''[[Shahnameh]]'' ("Book of Kings"), which is for the most part based on ''Xwadāynāmag'', a [[Middle Persian]] compilation of the history of Iranian kings and heroes,<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ferdowsi#ref69128 |title=Ferdowsī |author=Boyle, John Andrew |encyclopedia=Encyclopوdia Britannica |access-date=18 July 2017 |archive-date=10 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010062257/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ferdowsi#ref69128 |url-status=live}}</ref> as well as the stories and characters of the [[Zoroastrianism|Zoroastrian]] tradition, from the texts of the [[Avesta]], the [[Denkard]], the [[Vendidad]] and the [[Bundahishn]]. Modern scholars study the myths to shed light on the religious and political institutions of not only Iran but of the [[Greater Iran]], which includes regions of [[West Asia]], [[Central Asia]], [[South Asia]], and [[Transcaucasia]] where the [[culture of Iran]] has had significant influence.

[[Storytelling]] has a significant presence in Iranian folklore and culture.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UNESCO – Naqqāli, Iranian dramatic story-telling |url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/USL/naqqli-iranian-dramatic-story-telling-00535 |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=ich.unesco.org |language=en |archive-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222215849/https://ich.unesco.org/en/USL/naqqli-iranian-dramatic-story-telling-00535 |url-status=live}}</ref> In classical Iran, minstrels performed for their audiences at royal courts and in public theatres.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 January 2021 |title=Persian Poetry and Its Evolution in Pre-Islamic Royal Courts |url=https://old.saednews.com/en/post/persian-poetry-and-its-evolution-in-pre-islamic-royal-courts |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=old.saednews.com |language=fa |archive-date=31 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131115021/https://old.saednews.com/en/post/persian-poetry-and-its-evolution-in-pre-islamic-royal-courts |url-status=live}}</ref> A minstrel was referred to by the [[Parthian Empire|Parthians]] as [[Gusans|gōsān]], and by the [[Sasanian Empire|Sasanians]] as huniyāgar.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 February 2023 |title=MYTHOLOGIES OF PERSIA (IRAN) |url=https://indigenouspeoplenet.wordpress.com/2023/02/14/mythologies-of-persia-iran/ |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=Indigenous Peoples Literature |language=en |archive-date=31 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131115020/https://indigenouspeoplenet.wordpress.com/2023/02/14/mythologies-of-persia-iran/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Since the [[Safavid Iran|Safavid Empire]], storytellers and poetry readers appeared at coffeehouses.<ref name="auto6">{{Cite web |last=Foundation |first=Encyclopaedia Iranica |title=Welcome to Encyclopaedia Iranica |url=https://iranicaonline.org/ |access-date=14 January 2024 |website=iranicaonline.org |language=en-US |archive-date=10 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100410171658/https://iranicaonline.org/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Khandwala |first=Anoushka |date=30 March 2021 |title=From the Grounds Up: Coffeeshops and the History of Iranian Art |url=https://elephant.art/from-the-grounds-up-coffeeshops-and-the-history-of-iranian-art-30032021/ |access-date=31 January 2024 |website=ELEPHANT |language=en-US |archive-date=31 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131115021/https://elephant.art/from-the-grounds-up-coffeeshops-and-the-history-of-iranian-art-30032021/ |url-status=live}}</ref> After the [[Iranian Revolution]], it took until 1985 to found the [[Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts|MCHTH]] (Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Cultural Heritage, Handcraft and Tourism Organization |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0016051/ |access-date=14 January 2024 |website=Library of Congress |archive-date=14 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114100923/https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0016051/ |url-status=live}}</ref> a now heavily centralised organisation, supervising all kinds of cultural activities. It held the first scientific meeting on anthropology and folklore in 1990.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Cultural Heritage, Handcraft and Tourism Organization |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0016051/ |access-date=14 January 2024 |website=Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA}}</ref>

=== Museums ===
{{Main|List of museums in Iran}}
[[File:Národní muzeum Íránu.jpg|thumb|[[National Museum of Iran]], in Tehran]]

The [[National Museum of Iran]] in [[Tehran]] is the country's most important cultural institution. As the first and biggest museum in Iran, the institution includes the [[Museum of Ancient Iran]] and the [[Museum of the Islamic Era]]. The National Museum is the world's most important museum in terms of preservation, display and research of archaeological collections of Iran,<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Museum of Iran – Official Site For National Museum Of Iran |url=https://irannationalmuseum.ir/en/ |access-date=6 January 2024 |language=fa-IR |archive-date=2 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202002842/https://irannationalmuseum.ir/en/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and ranks as one of the few most prestigious museums globally in terms of volume, diversity and quality of its monuments.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 January 2024 |title=National Museum of Iran |url=https://en.unesco.org/silkroad/content/national-museum-iran |website=UNESCO |access-date=6 January 2024 |archive-date=6 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106224054/https://en.unesco.org/silkroad/content/national-museum-iran |url-status=live}}</ref>

There are many other popular museums across the country such as the [[Golestan Palace]] ([[World Heritage Site]]), [[Treasury of National Jewels|The Treasury of National Jewels]], [[Reza Abbasi Museum]], [[Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art]], [[Sa'dabad Complex]], [[Carpet Museum of Iran|The Carpet Museum]], [[Abgineh Museum of Tehran|Abgineh Museum]], [[Pars Museum]], [[Azerbaijan Museum]], Hegmataneh Museum, Susa Museum and more. Around 25 million people visited the museums in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 January 2024 |title=25 million people visited museums last year |url=https://en.irna.ir/news/83321603/25-million-people-visit-museums-last-year |website=IRNA |access-date=6 January 2024 |archive-date=6 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106225535/https://en.irna.ir/news/83321603/25-million-people-visit-museums-last-year |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 May 2019 |title=25 million visited Iran's heritage museums in calendar year |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436197/25-million-visited-Iran-s-heritage-museums-in-calendar-year |access-date=6 January 2024 |website=Tehran Times |language=en |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229012947/https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/436197/25-million-visited-Iran-s-heritage-museums-in-calendar-year |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Music and dance ===
{{Main|Music of Iran|Iranian dance|Classical Persian dance}}
{{multiple image|
| direction         = vertical
| width             = 210
| image1            = Museum of Persepolis Darafsh (16) (cropped).JPG
| caption1          = A [[Karnay]], an ancient Iranian musical instrument from 6th century BC, kept at the Persepolis Museum
| image2            = Dancers on a piece of ceramic from CheshmeAli, Iran, 5000 BC, Louvre.jpg
| caption2          = Dancers on a piece of ceramic from [[Cheshmeh-Ali (Shahr-e-Rey)|Cheshmeh-Ali]], 5000 BC
}}
Iran is the apparent birthplace of the earliest complex instruments, dating to the third millennium&nbsp;BC.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/music-history-i-pre-islamic-iran |title=Music History |trans-title=i. Third Millennium B.C.E. |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Iranica |last1=Foundation |first1=Encyclopaedia Iranica |access-date=27 August 2015 |archive-date=11 May 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200511141918/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/music-history-i-pre-islamic-iran |url-status=live}}</ref> The use of [[angular harp]]s have been documented at Madaktu and [[Kul-e Farah]], with the largest collection of [[Elam]]ite instruments documented at Kul-e Farah. [[Xenophon]]'s ''[[Cyropaedia]]'' mentions singing women at the court of the [[Achaemenid Empire]]. Under the [[Parthian Empire]], the ''[[Gusans|gōsān]]'' ([[Parthian language|Parthian]] for 'minstrel') had a prominent role.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Iranica |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/gosan |title=GŌSĀN |volume=Xi |pages=167–170 |access-date=15 July 2017 |archive-date=24 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924074942/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/gosan |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Farrokh |first=Kaveh |title=Parthian and Central Asian Martial Music |url=https://www.kavehfarrokh.com/ancient-prehistory-651-a-d/parthian/parthian-and-central-asian-martial-music/ |access-date=2024-05-26 |website=Kaveh Farrokh |archive-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526112928/https://www.kavehfarrokh.com/ancient-prehistory-651-a-d/parthian/parthian-and-central-asian-martial-music/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

The history of [[Sasanian music]] is better documented than earlier periods and is especially more evident in Avestan texts.<ref name=EI-mhphi>{{harv|Lawergren|2009}} iv. First millennium C.E. (1) Sasanian music, 224–651.</ref> By the time of [[Khosrow II]], the Sasanian royal court hosted prominent musicians, namely Azad, [[Bamshad]], [[Barbad]], [[Nagisa (harpist)|Nagisa]], Ramtin, and [[Sarkash]]. Iranian traditional musical instruments include string instruments such as [[chang (instrument)|chang]] ([[harp]]), [[qanun (instrument)|qanun]], [[santur]], [[rud]] ([[oud]], [[barbat (lute)|barbat]]), [[tar (string instrument)|tar]], [[dutar|dotar]], [[setar]], [[tanbur]], and [[kamancheh|kamanche]], wind instruments such as [[sorna]] ([[zurna]], [[karnay|karna]]) and [[ney]], and percussion instruments such as [[tonbak|tompak]], [[kus]], [[daf]] ([[dayereh|dayere]]), and [[naqareh|naqare]].

Iran's first symphony orchestra, the [[Tehran Symphony Orchestra]], was founded in 1933. By the late 1940s, [[Ruhollah Khaleqi]] founded the country's first national music society and established the School of National Music in 1949.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/arts/story/2006/11/061113_pm-mk-khaleghi.shtml |title=BBCPersian.com |work=BBC |access-date=26 October 2015}}</ref> [[Iranian pop music]] has its origins in the Qajar era.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iranchamber.com/music/articles/pop_music_iran.php |title=Iran Chamber Society: Music of Iran: Pop Music in Iran |work=iranchamber.com |access-date=26 October 2015 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924043026/http://www.iranchamber.com/music/articles/pop_music_iran.php |url-status=live}}</ref> It was significantly developed since the 1950s, using indigenous instruments and forms accompanied by [[electric guitar]] and other imported characteristics. [[Iranian rock]] emerged in the 1960s and [[Iranian hip hop|hip hop]] in the 2000s.<ref>{{cite web |script-title=fa:'اسکورپیو' در آپارات |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/arts/2013/02/130227_aprat_week_09.shtml |publisher=BBC Persian |access-date=27 August 2015 |archive-date=13 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313105726/http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/arts/2013/02/130227_aprat_week_09.shtml |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Rebels-of-rap-reign-in-Iran-3287827.php |title=Rebels of rap reign in Iran |work=SFGate |date=16 April 2008 |access-date=26 October 2015 |archive-date=22 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022193843/http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Rebels-of-rap-reign-in-Iran-3287827.php |url-status=live}}</ref>

Iran has known dance in the forms of music, play, drama or religious rituals since at least the 6th millennium BC. Artifacts with pictures of dancers were found in archaeological prehistoric sites.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foundation |first=Encyclopaedia Iranica |title=Welcome to Encyclopaedia Iranica |url=https://iranicaonline.org/ |access-date=12 January 2024 |website=iranicaonline.org |language=en-US |archive-date=10 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100410171658/https://iranicaonline.org/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Genres of dance vary depending on the area, culture, and language of the local people, and can range from sophisticated reconstructions of refined court dances to energetic [[folk dance]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 January 2024 |title=A Brief Introduction to Iranian Dance |url=http://www.laurelvictoriagray.com/persian-dance.html |website=Laurel Victoria Gray |access-date=12 January 2024 |archive-date=18 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118050436/http://www.laurelvictoriagray.com/persian-dance.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Each group, region, and historical epoch has specific dance styles associated with it. The earliest researched dance from historic Iran is a dance worshipping Mithra. Ancient Persian dance was significantly researched by Greek historian [[Herodotus]]. Iran was occupied by foreign powers, causing a slow disappearance of heritage dance traditions.

The Qajar period had an important influence on Persian dance. In this period, a style of dance began to be called "[[classical Persian dance]]". Dancers performed artistic dances in court for entertainment purposes such as coronations, marriage celebrations, and [[Nowruz|Norouz]] celebrations. In the 20th century, the music came to be orchestrated and dance movement and costuming gained a modernistic orientation to the West.

=== Fashion and clothing ===
{{Main|Fashion in Iran}}
The exact date of the emergence of [[weaving]] in Iran is not yet known, but it is likely to coincide with the emergence of [[civilization|civilisation]]. [[Ferdowsi]] and many historians have considered [[Keyumars]] to be first to use [[Animal skin|animals' skin]] and hair as clothing, while others propose [[Hushang]].<ref name=":02">{{Cite book |title=پوشاک در ایران باستان، فریدون پوربهمن/ت: هاجر ضیاء سیکارودی، امیرکبیر |year=2007 |pages=24, 25, 57}}</ref> Ferdowsi considers [[Tahmuras]] to be a kind of [[textile]] initiator in Iran. The clothing of ancient Iran took an advanced form, and the fabric and colour of clothing became very important. Depending on the social status, eminence, climate of the region and the season, [[Persian clothing]] during the Achaemenian period took various forms. This clothing, in addition to being functional, had an aesthetic role.<ref name=":02" />

=== Cinema, animation and theatre ===
<!--- Caution should be taken to ensure sections are not simply a list of names or mini biographies of individuals accomplishments.--->
{{Main|Cinema of Iran|Iranian animation|Persian theatre}}
[[File:Vase animation.svg|thumb|upright=1.3|Reproduction of a 3rd millennium BC goblet from [[Shahr-e Sukhteh]], possibly the world's oldest animation, at the [[National Museum of Iran]]<ref>{{cite web |date=19 March 2017 |title=کهن‌ترین انیمیشن جهان کجاست؟ |url=https://www.isna.ir/news/95122817773/کهن-ترین-انیمیشن-جهان-کجاست |access-date=2 June 2020 |website=ایسنا |language=fa}}</ref>]]

A third-millennium BC earthen goblet discovered at the [[Shahr-e Sukhteh|Burnt City]] in southeast Iran depicts what could be the world's oldest example of animation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/article/8045 |title=Oldest Animation Discovered in Iran |work=Animation Magazine |date=12 March 2008 |access-date=4 August 2014 |archive-date=20 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100620141518/http://animationmagazine.net/article/8045 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The earliest attested Iranian examples of visual representations, however, are traced back to the bas-reliefs of Persepolis, the ritual centre of the [[Achaemenid Empire]].<ref>Honour, Hugh and John Fleming, ''The Visual Arts: A History''. New Jersey, Prentice Hall Inc., 1992. Page: 96.</ref>

The first Iranian filmmaker was probably [[Mirza Ebrahim Khan Akkas Bashi|Mirza Ebrahim (Akkas Bashi)]], the court photographer of [[Mozaffar ad-Din Shah Qajar|Mozaffar-ed-Din]] of the [[Qajar dynasty|Qajar Empire]]. Mirza Ebrahim obtained a camera and filmed the Qajar ruler's visit to Europe. In 1904, [[Mirza Ebrahim Khan Sahhafbashi|Mirza Ebrahim (Sahhaf Bashi)]] opened the first public cinema in Tehran.<ref name="massoudmehrabi1">{{cite web |url=http://www.massoudmehrabi.com/articles.asp?id=1414606616 |title=Massoud Mehrabi – Articles |work=massoudmehrabi.com |access-date=26 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623113213/http://www.massoudmehrabi.com/articles.asp?id=1414606616 |archive-date=23 June 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The first Iranian feature film, ''[[Abi and Rabi]]'', was a silent comedy directed by [[Ovanes Ohanian]] in 1930. The first sound one, ''[[Lor Girl]]'', was produced by [[Ardeshir Irani]] and [[Abdolhossein Sepanta|Abd-ol-Hosein Sepanta]] in 1932. Iran's animation industry began by the 1950s and was followed by the establishment of the influential [[Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults]] in 1965.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tehran-animafest.ir/ |title=Tehran International Animation Festival (1st Festival 1999 ) |work=tehran-animafest.ir |access-date=17 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928232127/http://www.tehran-animafest.ir/ |archive-date=28 September 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animation-festivals.com/festivals/tehran-international-animation-festival-tiaf |title=Tehran International Animation Festival (TIAF) |work=animation-festivals.com |access-date=26 October 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015234937/https://www.animation-festivals.com/festivals/tehran-international-animation-festival-tiaf/ |archive-date=15 October 2015}}</ref>
With the screening of the films ''[[Qeysar (film)|Qeysar]]'' and ''[[The Cow (1969 film)|The Cow]]'', directed by [[Masoud Kimiai]] and [[Dariush Mehrjui]] respectively in 1969, alternative films set out to establish their status in the film industry and [[Bahram Beyzai]]'s ''[[Downpour (film)|Downpour]]'' and [[Nasser Taghvai]]'s ''Tranquility in the Presence of Others'' followed. Attempts to organise a film festival, which had begun in 1954 within the Golrizan Festival, resulted in the festival of Sepas in 1969. It also resulted in the formation of Tehran's World Film Festival in 1973.<ref name="Esfandiary2012">{{cite book |author=Shahab Esfandiary |title=Iranian Cinema and Globalization: National, Transnational, and Islamic Dimensions |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I2HpN2LohZwC&pg=PA69 |year=2012 |publisher=Intellect Books |isbn=978-1-84150-470-4 |page=69}}</ref>

[[File:Asghar Farhadi in 2018-2 (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=.7|[[Asghar Farhadi]], two-time [[Academy Awards|Academy Award]] winner and a prominent filmmaker in the 21st century<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Corliss |first=Richard |date=2012-04-18 |title=Asghar Farhadi - The World's 100 Most Influential People: 2012 - TIME |url=https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2111975_2111976_2112155,00.html |access-date=2024-05-24 |magazine=Time |language=en-US |issn=0040-781X}}</ref>]]

Following the [[Iranian Cultural Revolution|Cultural Revolution]], a new age emerged in Iranian cinema, starting with ''Long Live!'' by [[Khosrow Sinai]] and followed by other directors, such as [[Abbas Kiarostami]] and [[Jafar Panahi]]. Kiarostami, an acclaimed director, planted Iran firmly on the map of world cinema when he won the {{lang|fr|[[Palme d'Or]]|italic=no}} for ''[[Taste of Cherry]]'' in 1997.<ref name="Dabashi2007">{{cite book |author=Hamid Dabashi |title=Masters & Masterpieces of Iranian Cinema |year=2007 |publisher=Mage Publishers |isbn=978-0-934211-85-7 |page=intro}}</ref> The presence of Iranian films in prestigious international festivals, such as [[Cannes Film Festival|Cannes]], [[Venice Film Festival|Venice]] and [[Berlin International Film Festival|Berlin]], attracted attention to Iranian films.<ref name="DecherneyAtwood2014">{{cite book |author1=Peter Decherney |author2=Blake Atwood |title=Iranian Cinema in a Global Context: Policy, Politics, and Form |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=p0ODBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA193 |year=2014 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-317-67520-4 |page=193}}</ref> In 2006, 6 films represented Iranian cinema at Berlin; critics considered this a remarkable event in Iranian cinema.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/arts/story/2006/02/060209_pm-berlin-film-festival.shtml |title=Iran's strong presence in 2006 Berlin International Film Festival |work=BBC |access-date=1 November 2014 |archive-date=12 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412155027/http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian/arts/story/2006/02/060209_pm-berlin-film-festival.shtml |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4726682.stm |title=BBC NEWS – Entertainment – Iran films return to Berlin festival |work=BBC |access-date=26 October 2015 |archive-date=15 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015234934/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4726682.stm |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Asghar Farhadi]], an Iranian director, has received a [[Golden Globe Award]] and two [[Academy Award]]s, representing Iran for Best Foreign Language Film in 2012 and 2017, with ''[[A Separation]]'' and ''[[The Salesman (2016 film)|The Salesman]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coates |first=Tyler |date=11 December 2021 |title=Hollywood Flashback: Asghar Farhadi's 'A Separation' Won Iran's First Oscar in 2012 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/asghar-farhadi-a-separation-iran-first-oscar-1235059723/ |access-date=9 January 2024 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US |archive-date=9 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109181357/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/asghar-farhadi-a-separation-iran-first-oscar-1235059723/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shoard |first=Catherine |date=27 February 2017 |title=The Salesman wins best foreign language Oscar |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/feb/27/the-salesman-wins-best-foreign-language-oscar-asghar-farhadi |access-date=9 January 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=1 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301020902/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/feb/27/the-salesman-wins-best-foreign-language-oscar-asghar-farhadi |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Salesman |url=https://goldenglobes.com/film/the-salesman/ |access-date=9 January 2024 |website=Golden Globes |language=en-US |archive-date=9 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109181356/https://goldenglobes.com/film/the-salesman/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2020, [[Ashkan Rahgozar]]'s "[[The Last Fiction]]" became the first representative of Iranian animated cinema in the competition section, in [[Academy Award for Best Animated Feature|Best Animated Feature]] and [[Academy Award for Best Picture|Best Picture]] categories at the [[Academy Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web |title='The Last Fiction' qualified for Oscar |url=https://en.ifilmtv.ir/Iran/Content/24813/ |access-date=9 January 2024 |website=ifilm-آیفیلم |language=en |archive-date=9 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109174043/https://en.ifilmtv.ir/Iran/Content/24813/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 December 2019 |title=Iran to contend for 2020 Best Picture Oscar with 'The Last Fiction' |url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/153551/Iran-to-contend-for-2020-Best-Picture-Oscar-with-The-Last-Fiction |access-date=9 January 2024 |website=Mehr News Agency |language=en |archive-date=9 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109174042/https://en.mehrnews.com/news/153551/Iran-to-contend-for-2020-Best-Picture-Oscar-with-The-Last-Fiction |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 October 2019 |title=Oscars 2020: 'Last Fiction' First Iranian Film To Run For Best Animated Feature – Iran Front Page |url=https://ifpnews.com/oscars-2020-last-fiction-first-iranian-film-to-run-for-best-animated-feature/ |access-date=9 January 2024 |website=ifpnews.com |language=en-US |archive-date=9 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109174042/https://ifpnews.com/oscars-2020-last-fiction-first-iranian-film-to-run-for-best-animated-feature/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=mhfard |date=1 October 2019 |title='The Last Fiction' is First Iranian Animated Feature to Qualify for Oscars |url=https://hoorakhshstudios.com/the-last-fiction-is-first-iranian-animated-feature-to-qualify-for-oscars/ |access-date=9 January 2024 |website=Hoorakhsh Studios |language=en-US |archive-date=9 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109174048/https://hoorakhshstudios.com/the-last-fiction-is-first-iranian-animated-feature-to-qualify-for-oscars/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

The oldest Iranian initiation of theatre can be traced to ancient epic ceremonial theatres such as ''Sug-e Siāvuڑ'' ("mourning of [[Siyâvash|Siāvaڑ]]"), as well as dances and theatre narrations of Iranian mythological tales reported by [[Herodotus]] and [[Xenophon]]. Iran's traditional theatrical genres include Baqqāl-bāzi ("grocer play", a form of slapstick comedy), Ruhowzi (or ''Taxt-howzi'', comedy performed over a courtyard pool covered with boards), Siāh-bāzi (the central comedian appears in blackface), Sāye-bāzi ([[shadow play]]), Xeyme-ڑab-bāzi ([[marionette]]), and Arusak-bāzi ([[puppetry]]), and [[Ta'zieh|Ta'zie]] (religious tragedy plays).<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=DRAMA |encyclopedia=Encyclopوdia Iranica |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/drama |access-date=20 July 2017 |volume=VII |pages=529–535 |archive-date=17 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517035351/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/drama |url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Roudaki Hall]] is home to the [[Tehran Symphony Orchestra]], the Tehran Opera Orchestra, and the [[Iranian National Ballet Company]], and was officially renamed ''[[Vahdat Hall]]'' after the Revolution.

=== Media ===
{{Main|Media of Iran}}
[[File:IRIB Building.jpg|thumb|[[Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting|IRIB]], the Iranian [[State media|state-controlled]] media corporation]]

Iran's largest media corporation is the state-owned [[Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting|IRIB]]. The [[Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance]] is responsible for the [[cultural policy]], including activities regarding communications and information.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.unesco.org/new/en/tehran/about-this-office/single-view/news/irans_minister_of_culture_and_islamic_guidance_calls_for |title=Iran's Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance calls for expansion of ties with UNESCO |work=UNESCO |access-date=2 December 2018 |date=15 December 2014 |archive-date=8 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208183653/http://www.unesco.org/new/en/tehran/about-this-office/single-view/news/irans_minister_of_culture_and_islamic_guidance_calls_for |url-status=live}}</ref>
Most of the [[list of newspapers in Iran|newspapers published in Iran]] are in Persian, the country's official and national language. The country's most widely circulated periodicals are based in Tehran, among which are ''[[Etemad]]'', ''[[Ettela'at]]'', ''[[Kayhan]]'', ''[[Hamshahri]]'', ''[[Resalat (newspaper)|Resalat]]'', and ''[[Shargh]]''.<ref name=BYI /> ''[[Tehran Times]]'', ''[[Iran (newspaper)|Iran Daily]]'', and ''[[Financial Tribune]]'' are among the famous English-language newspapers based in Iran.

Iran ranks 17th among [[List of countries by number of Internet users|countries by number of Internet users]]. [[Google Search]] is Iran's most widely used search engine and [[Instagram]] is the most popular online [[social networking service]].<ref name="Alexa Internet">{{cite web |work=Alexa Internet |url=http://www.alexa.com/topsites/countries/IR |title=Top Sites in Iran |access-date=2 December 2018 |archive-date=10 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101210145701/http://www.alexa.com/topsites/countries/ir |url-status=dead}}</ref> Direct access to many worldwide mainstream websites has been blocked in Iran, including [[Facebook]], which has been blocked since 2009. About 90% of Iran's [[e-commerce]] takes place on the Iranian online store [[Digikala]], which has around 750,000 visitors per day and is the most visited online store in the Middle East.<ref>{{cite news |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/may/31/amazon-iranian-style-digikala-other-startups-aparat-hamijoo-takhfifan |title=From Digikala to Hamijoo: the Iranian startup revolution, phase two |last=Kamali Dehghan |first=Saeed |date=13 May 2015 |access-date=14 December 2016 |archive-date=12 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412095014/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/may/31/amazon-iranian-style-digikala-other-startups-aparat-hamijoo-takhfifan |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Cuisine ===
{{Main|Iranian cuisine}}
[[File:Kebab Bakhtyari.jpg|thumb|[[Chelow kabab]] (rice and [[kebab]]), one of [[Iran's national dishes]]]]

Iranian main dishes include varieties of [[kebab]], [[pilaf]], [[stew]] ([[khoresh]]), [[soup]] and [[āsh]], and [[omelette]]. Lunch and dinner meals are commonly accompanied by side dishes such as plain [[yogurt]] or [[Tzatziki|mast-o-khiar]], [[Sabzi khordan|sabzi]], [[Shirazi salad|salad Shirazi]], and [[Tursu|torshi]], and might follow dishes such as [[borani]], [[Mirza Ghassemi|Mirza Qasemi]], or [[kashk e bademjan]]. In Iranian culture, tea is widely consumed.<ref>{{cite book |author=Williams, Stuart. |title=Iran – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture |date=October 2008 |publisher=Kuperard |isbn=978-1-85733-598-9 |chapter=DRINKING |quote=Iranians are obsessive tea drinkers |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YXYFAQAAQBAJ}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Maslin, Jamie. |url=https://archive.org/details/iranianrapperspe0000masl |title=Iranian Rappers and Persian Porn: A Hitchhiker's Adventures in the New Iran |publisher=Skyhorse Publishing Inc. |year=2009 |isbn=978-1-60239-791-0 |page=[https://archive.org/details/iranianrapperspe0000masl/page/58 58] |quote=Iran is a nation of obsessive tea drinkers |url-access=registration}}</ref> Iran is the world's seventh major tea producer.<ref name="FAOSTAT2">Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations—Production [http://faostat.fao.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?PageID=567&lang=en FAOSTAT] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111115042315/http://faostat.fao.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?PageID=567&lang=en |date=15 November 2011 }}. Retrieved 30 April 2010.</ref> One of Iran's most popular desserts is the [[Faloodeh|falude]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Foodspotting |title=The Foodspotting Field Guide |date=18 March 2014 |publisher=Chronicle Books |isbn=978-1-4521-3008-8 |chapter=24 / Dessert: Faloodeh |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PswWAgAAQBAJ}}</ref> There is also the popular saffron ice cream, known as ''[[Bastani Sonnati]]'' ("traditional ice cream"),<ref>{{cite web |author=Henninger, Danya |date=7 February 2017 |title=Franklin Fountain has an ImPeach sundae with 'nuts from the cabinet' |url=https://billypenn.com/2017/02/07/franklin-fountain-has-an-impeach-sundae-with-nuts-from-the-cabinet |website=BillyPenn.com |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=19 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819144151/https://billypenn.com/2017/02/07/franklin-fountain-has-an-impeach-sundae-with-nuts-from-the-cabinet/ |url-status=live}}</ref> which is sometimes accompanied with [[carrot juice]].<ref>{{Cite book |author=Duguid, Naomi |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=v-GACwAAQBAJ |title=Taste of Persia: A Cook's Travels Through Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and Kurdistan |date=6 September 2016 |publisher=Artisan |isbn=978-1-57965-727-7 |page=353 |quote=...{{nbsp}}havij bastani, a kind of ice cream float, made with Persian ice cream and carrot juice}}</ref> Iran is also famous for its [[caviar]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Sturgeon Stocks Slump |url=http://www.iran-daily.com/1383/2228/html/focus.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050716074736/http://www.iran-daily.com/1383/2228/html/focus.htm |archive-date=16 July 2005 |access-date=21 June 2013 |publisher=Iran-daily.com}}</ref>

Typical Iranian main dishes are combinations of [[rice]] with [[meat]], [[vegetable]]s and [[Nut (fruit)|nuts]]. [[List of culinary herbs and spices|Herbs]] are frequently used, along with fruits such as [[plum]]s, [[pomegranate]]s, [[quince]], [[prune]]s, [[apricot]]s and [[raisin]]s. Characteristic Iranian spices and flavourings such as [[saffron]], [[cardamom]], and [[dried lime]] and other sources of sour flavoring, [[cinnamon]], [[turmeric]] and [[parsley]] are mixed and used in various dishes.

=== Sports ===
{{Main|Sport in Iran}}
{{multiple image|
| align             = right
| direction         = vertical
| width             = 
| image1            = Dizin ski resort.jpg
| alt1              = 
| caption1          = [[Dizin]], biggest [[ski resort]] in the [[Middle East]]
| image2            = Azadi Stadium in the final week of the 39th League.jpg
| alt2              = 
| caption2          = [[Azadi Stadium]] in [[Tehran]], [[West Asia]]'s largest football stadium
}}

Iran is the most likely birthplace of [[polo]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.polomuseum.com/history_of_polo.htm |title=The History of Polo |publisher=Polomuseum.com |access-date=27 March 2015 |archive-date=17 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130717015002/http://www.polomuseum.com/history_of_polo.htm |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/The-Origins-of-Polo/ |title=The origins and history of Polo |publisher=Historic-uk.com |author=Ben Johnson |access-date=27 March 2015 |archive-date=28 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228012509/http://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/The-Origins-of-Polo/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iran Chamber Society: Sport in Iran: History of Chogân (Polo) |url=https://www.iranchamber.com/sport/chogan/chogan_history.php |access-date=2024-05-26 |website=www.iranchamber.com |archive-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526112927/https://www.iranchamber.com/sport/chogan/chogan_history.php |url-status=live}}</ref> locally known as Chogan, with its earliest records attributed to the ancient [[Medes]].<ref>{{Cite book |author=Singh, Jaisal |year=2007 |title=Polo in India |location=London |publisher=New Holland |page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=2ZF5EIfX9VwC&pg=PA10 10] |isbn=978-1-84537-913-1}}</ref> [[Freestyle wrestling]] is traditionally considered the [[national sport]], and [[Iran national freestyle wrestling athletes|Iran's wrestlers]] have been world champions many times. Iran's traditional wrestling, called ''[[Pahlevani and zoorkhaneh rituals|koڑti e pahlevāni]]'' ("heroic wrestling"), is registered on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zurkhaneh Traditional Sports |url=https://traditionalsportsgames.org/index.php/sport/35-traditional-sports-recognized/214-zurkhaneh |access-date=2 May 2024 |website=traditionalsportsgames.org |archive-date=2 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502163840/https://traditionalsportsgames.org/index.php/sport/35-traditional-sports-recognized/214-zurkhaneh |url-status=live}}</ref> Iran's [[National Olympic Committee of the Islamic Republic of Iran|National Olympic Committee]] was founded in 1947. Wrestlers and [[Olympic weightlifting|weightlifters]] have achieved the country's highest [[Iran at the Olympics|records at the Olympics]]. In 1974, Iran became the first country in West Asia to host the [[Asian Games]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Asian Games |url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1059784/history-of-asian-games |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=www.insidethegames.biz |archive-date=18 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118004949/https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1059784/history-of-asian-games |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Iranian Great Power Ambitions and China's Return to the Olympic Movement, 1973–74 {{!}} Wilson Center |url=https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/iranian-great-power-ambitions-and-chinas-return-to-the-olympic-movement-1973-74 |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=www.wilsoncenter.org |date=31 October 2016 |language=en |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128122610/https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/iranian-great-power-ambitions-and-chinas-return-to-the-olympic-movement-1973-74 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Teenagers won titles in the Tehran 1974 Asian Games where South Korea and Iran were the bests |url=http://www.asbcnews.org/teenagers-won-titles-in-the-tehran-1974-asian-games-where-south-korea-and-iran-were-the-bests/ |access-date=28 January 2024 |website=ASBCNEWS |language=en-US |archive-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128122610/http://www.asbcnews.org/teenagers-won-titles-in-the-tehran-1974-asian-games-where-south-korea-and-iran-were-the-bests/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

As a mountainous country, Iran is a venue for [[skiing]], [[snowboarding]], [[hiking]], [[rock climbing]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockclimbing.com/ |title=Rock Climbing Routes, Gear, Photos, Videos & Articles |publisher=Rockclimbing.com |date=27 October 2009 |access-date=18 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615152628/http://www.rockclimbing.com/ |archive-date=15 June 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[mountaineering|mountain climbing]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mountainzone.ir/ |title=Iran Mountain Zone (IMZ) |publisher=Mountainzone.ir |date=11 June 1966 |access-date=18 June 2011 |archive-date=9 December 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021209175412/http://www.mountainzone.ir/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc-of-mountaineering.com/middle-east/iran/ |title=Mountaineering in Iran |publisher=Abc-of-mountaineering.com |access-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707072811/https://www.abc-of-mountaineering.com/middle-east/iran/ |archive-date=7 July 2011}}</ref> It is home to ski resorts, the most famous being [[Tochal Complex|Tochal]], [[Dizin]], and [[Shemshak (ski resort)|Shemshak]].<ref name="Snowseasoncentral.com_November_29_2015c">{{cite web |url=http://www.snowseasoncentral.com/work-a-winter-snow-season-iran |title=Iran – Guide to Skiing and Snowboarding |publisher=Snowseasoncentral.com |date=2015 |access-date=29 November 2015 |archive-date=8 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108113156/http://www.snowseasoncentral.com/work-a-winter-snow-season-iran |url-status=live}}</ref> Dizin is the largest, and authorised by [[International Ski and Snowboard Federation|FIS]] to administer international competitions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 December 2023 |title=Dizi (IRI) |url=https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/event-details.html?eventid=47908&sectorcode=AL&seasoncode=2021 |website=FIS |access-date=15 December 2023 |archive-date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215183320/https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/event-details.html?eventid=47908&sectorcode=AL&seasoncode=2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Football in Iran|Football]] is the most popular sport, with the [[Iran national football team|men's national team]] having won the [[AFC Asian Cup|Asian Cup]] three times. The men's team ranks 2nd in Asia and 20th in the [[FIFA World Rankings]] {{as of|April 2024|lc=y}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/associations/association/IRN/men/ |title=Iran: FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking |publisher=FIFA.com |access-date=4 May 2020 |archive-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414135244/https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/associations/association/IRN/men/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Azadi Stadium]] in Tehran is the largest association football stadium in West Asia and on a list of top-20 stadiums in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayward |first=Joshua |title=Ranking the Top 20 Stadiums in World Football |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1804430-ranking-the-top-20-stadiums-in-world-football |access-date=26 December 2023 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229064950/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1804430-ranking-the-top-20-stadiums-in-world-football |url-status=live}}</ref> Volleyball is the second most popular sport.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aipsmedia.com/index.php?page=news&cod=16859&tp=n |title=AIPS Web Site – USA Volleyball president tips Iran to qualify for Rio |date=2 December 2011 |work=aipsmedia.com |access-date=26 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015234936/http://www.aipsmedia.com/index.php?page=news&cod=16859&tp=n |archive-date=15 October 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldofvolley.com/News/Latest_news/170/volleyball-pioneer-ahmad-masajedi-says-irans-rise-to-the-top-wont-stop-.html |title=WorldofVolley :: Volleyball pioneer Ahmad Masajedi says Iran's rise to the top won't stop |work=worldofvolley.com |date=2 December 2011 |access-date=26 October 2015 |archive-date=15 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015234934/http://www.worldofvolley.com/News/Latest_news/170/volleyball-pioneer-ahmad-masajedi-says-irans-rise-to-the-top-wont-stop-.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Having won the 2011 and 2013 [[Asian Men's Volleyball Championship]]s, the [[Iran men's national volleyball team|men's national team]] is the 2nd strongest in Asia, and 15th in the [[FIVB World Rankings]] {{as of|2024|January|lc=y}}. [[Basketball]] is also popular, with the [[Iran national basketball team|men's national team]] having won three [[FIBA Asia Championship|Asian Championships]] since 2007.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/espnmag/story?id=3671265 |access-date=21 April 2012 |work=ESPN |first=Sam |last=Alipour |title=Mission Improbable |date=21 April 2012 |archive-date=24 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121124115828/http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3671265 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Observances ===
{{See also|List of festivals in Iran}}
[[File:7SEEN 89.jpg|thumb|upright=.9|[[Haft-Seen]], a custom of [[Nowruz]], the Iranian New Year<ref>{{Cite web |last1=parisa |last2=Bakhtiari |first2=Parisa |date=24 August 2019 |title=All About Haft-Sin: The 7 'S' of Iranian New Year |url=https://surfiran.com/mag/all-about-haft-sin-the-7-s-of-iranian-new-year/ |access-date=26 December 2023 |website=SURFIRAN Mag |language=en-US}}</ref>]]

Iran's official [[New Year]] begins with [[Nowruz]], an ancient Iranian tradition celebrated annually on the [[equinox|vernal equinox]] and described as the ''Persian New Year''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar/march_2010/norouz_persian_new_year.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306060954/https://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar/march_2010/norouz_persian_new_year.aspx |archive-date=6 March 2010 |title=Norouz Persian New Year |publisher=British Museum |date=25 March 2010 |access-date=6 April 2010}}</ref> It was registered on the UNESCO's list of [[Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity]] in 2009.<ref name="Unesco.org_November_29_2015c">{{cite web |url=http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/en/proclamation-of-masterpieces-00103 |title=Proclamation of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity (2001–2005) – intangible heritage – Culture Sector – UNESCO |newspaper=Unesco.org |date=2000 |access-date=29 November 2015 |archive-date=28 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128153729/http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/en/proclamation-of-masterpieces-00103 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.un.org/spanish/aboutun/organs/ga/55/verbatim/a55pv94e.pdf |title=General Assembly Fifty-fifth session 94th plenary meeting Friday, 9 March 2001, 10 a.m. New York |publisher=United Nations General Assembly |date=9 March 2001 |access-date=6 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060805065511/http://www.un.org/spanish/aboutun/organs/ga/55/verbatim/a55pv94e.pdf |archive-date=5 August 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20100317/wl_time/08599197278600 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100322222922/http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20100317/wl_time/08599197278600 |archive-date=22 March 2010 |title=Nowrooz, a Persian New Year Celebration, Erupts in Iran – Yahoo!News |publisher=News.yahoo.com |date=16 March 2010 |access-date=6 April 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://washingtontimes.com/news/2010/mar/19/us-mulls-persian-new-year-outreach-to-iran/ |title=US mulls Persian New Year outreach |work=Washington Times |date=19 March 2010 |access-date=6 April 2010 |archive-date=29 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429190624/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/mar/19/us-mulls-persian-new-year-outreach-to-iran/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On the eve of the last Wednesday of the preceding year, as a prelude to Nowruz, the ancient festival of [[Chaharshanbe Suri|بārڑanbe Suri]] celebrates [[Atar|Ātar]] ("fire") by performing rituals such as jumping over [[bonfire]]s and lighting [[fireworks]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://financialtribune.com/articles/people/61234/call-for-safe-yearend-celebration |title=Call for Safe Yearend Celebration |date=12 March 2017 |newspaper=Financial Tribune |quote=The ancient tradition has transformed over time from a simple bonfire to the use of firecrackers{{nbsp}}... |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=6 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806054618/https://financialtribune.com/articles/people/61234/call-for-safe-yearend-celebration |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/north-korea-fires-ballistic-missile-toward-east-sea-official-says-n779401 |title=Light It Up! Iranians Celebrate Festival of Fire |date=19 March 2014 |work=NBC News |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=4 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704014053/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/north-korea-fires-ballistic-missile-toward-east-sea-official-says-n779401 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Yaldā Night|Yaldā]], another ancient tradition,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://en.mehrnews.com/news/112907/Yalda-Iranian-celebration-of-winter-solstice |author=Rezaian, Lachin |publisher=[[Mehr News Agency]] |date=20 December 2015 |title=Yalda: Iranian celebration of winter solstice |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=23 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423204417/https://en.mehrnews.com/news/112907/Yalda-Iranian-celebration-of-winter-solstice |url-status=live}}</ref> commemorates the ancient goddess [[Mithra]] and marks the longest night of the year on the eve of the [[winter solstice]] (usually on 20 or 21 December),<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yonOicJi5BEC |title=No More "us" and "them": Classroom Lessons and Activities to Promote Peer Respect |author=Roessing, Lesley |date=2012 |page=89 |publisher=R&L Education |isbn=978-1-61048-812-9}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-adv-persian-winter-solstice-20131221-story.html |title=In ancient tradition, Iranians celebrate winter solstice |author=Hamedy, Saba |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=20 December 2013 |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=21 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221040108/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/dec/20/local/la-me-adv-persian-winter-solstice-20131221 |url-status=live}}</ref> during which families gather to recite poetry and eat fruits.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ti24AwAAQBAJ |title=Religions of Iran: From Prehistory to the Present |author=Foltz, Richard |publisher=Oneworld Publications |date=2013 |page=29 |isbn=978-1-78074-307-3 |author-link=Foltz, Richard}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OUtoJovyjMI |title=We Are Iran: The Persian Blogs |author=Alavi, Nasrin |date=8 November 2015 |publisher=Soft Skull Press |page=135}}{{dead link|date=January 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In some regions of [[Mazandaran Province|Mazanderan]] and [[Markazi Province|Markazi]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.irib.ir/radioculture/iran/history/item/149883-historical-ceremonies-of-iran |title=Historical ceremonies of Iran |publisher=[[IRIB World Service|IRIB English Radio]] |date=29 April 2013 |quote=...{{nbsp}}people in Mazandaran province celebrate Tirgan. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010055806/http://english.irib.ir/radioculture/iran/history/item/149883-historical-ceremonies-of-iran |archive-date=10 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://kutaksam.karabuk.edu.tr/index.php/ilk/article/viewFile/774/582 |journal=Journal of History Culture and Art Research |title=Examining the Social Function of Dramatic Rituals of Mazandaran with Emphasis on Three Rituals of tir mā sizeŝu, bisto ڑeڑe aydimā, and èake se mā |last1=Ahmadzadeh |first1=Fatemeh |last2=Mohandespour |first2=Farhad |date=February 2017 |page=839 |quote=...{{nbsp}}Tirgan called tir mā sizeŝu (thirteen night of Tir) is still held in Mazandaran. |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=30 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730111934/http://kutaksam.karabuk.edu.tr/index.php/ilk/article/viewFile/774/582 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.destinationiran.com/ceremonies-iran.htm |title=Ceremonies in Iran |date=22 March 2010 |author=Mehraby, Rahman |website=DestinationIran.com |quote=...{{nbsp}}people in Mazandaran province celebrate Tirgan. |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=30 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730193205/https://www.destinationiran.com/ceremonies-iran.htm |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://old.iran-daily.com/1390/4/1/MainPaper/3986/Page/6/MainPaper_3986_6.pdf |date=22 June 2011 |title=Tirgan Festival in Markazi Province |newspaper=[[Iran (newspaper)|Iran Daily]] |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=30 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730115718/http://old.iran-daily.com/1390/4/1/MainPaper/3986/Page/6/MainPaper_3986_6.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> there is a [[summer solstice|midsummer]] festival, [[Tirgan|Tirgān]],<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IhhOBAAAQBAJ |title=The Mertowney Mountain Interviews |publisher=[[iUniverse]] |author=Leviton, Richard |date=16 July 2014 |page=252 |quote=...{{nbsp}}the summer solstice festival, called ''Tiregan'',{{nbsp}}... |isbn=978-1-4917-4129-0}}</ref> which is observed on [[Tir (month)|Tir]] 13 (2 or 3{{nbsp}}July) as a celebration of water.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hPAnDwAAQBAJ |title=Revelation and the Environment, AD 95-1995 |author1=Hobson, Sarah |author2=Lubchenco, Jane |page=151 |date=5 August 1997 |publisher=[[World Scientific]] |quote=''Tirgan'', is a joyous celebration of water in the height of summer,{{nbsp}}... |isbn=978-981-4545-69-3}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ulb9CQAAQBAJ |title=Emotional Schema Therapy |author=Leahy, Robert L. |publisher=[[Guilford Press|Guilford Publications]] |date=2015 |page=212 |quote=...{{nbsp}}, Tirgan (thanksgiving for water),{{nbsp}}... |isbn=978-1-4625-2054-1}}</ref>

Islamic annual events such as [[Ramadan|Ramezān]], [[Eid al-Fitr|Eid e Fetr]], and [[Ashura|Ruz e Āڑurā]] are marked by the country's population, Christian traditions such as [[Christmas|Noel]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://observers.france24.com/en/20131223-iran-muslim-youth-christmas-christians |title=In Iran, Muslim youth are 'even more excited about Christmas than Christians' |publisher=[[France 24]] |date=23 December 2013 |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=19 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619132125/http://observers.france24.com/en/20131223-iran-muslim-youth-christmas-christians |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Lent|elle ye Ruze]], and [[Easter|Eid e Pāk]] are observed by the Christian communities, Jewish traditions such as [[Hanukkah|Hanukā]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/galleries/iran-photo-of-the-day.html?displayTab=iranian-jews-observe-hanukkah |title=Iranian Jews observe Hanukkah |date=28 November 2013 |publisher=[[Al-Monitor]] |access-date=6 July 2017 |archive-date=10 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010062829/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/galleries/iran-photo-of-the-day.html?displayTab=iranian-jews-observe-hanukkah |url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Passover|Eid e Fatir]] (Pesah)<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/jewish/iran-jews-celebrate-passover-persian-style-1.358018 |title=Iran Jews Celebrate Passover, Persian-style |newspaper=[[Haaretz]] |date=25 April 2011 |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=29 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170529234901/http://www.haaretz.com/jewish/iran-jews-celebrate-passover-persian-style-1.358018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://washingtonjewishweek.com/1107/persian-passover/special-focuses/holiday-calendar |author=Holzel, David |title=Persian Passover |date=24 May 2013 |publisher=[[Washington Jewish Week]] |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=31 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731023719/http://washingtonjewishweek.com/1107/persian-passover/special-focuses/holiday-calendar/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> are observed by the Jewish communities, and Zoroastrian traditions such as [[Sadeh|Sade]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna35170156 |title=Iranians celebrate ancient Persian fire fest |date=31 January 2010 |author=Dareini, Ali Akbar |work=NBC News |access-date=20 July 2017 |archive-date=10 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010070334/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/35170156/ns/technology_and_science-science/t/iranians-celebrate-ancient-persian-fire-fest |url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Mehregan|Mehrgān]] are observed by the Zoroastrians.

==== Public holidays ====
{{Main|Public holidays in Iran}}

With 26, Iran has one of the world's highest number of public holidays.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ranking of the countries with the most public holidays |url=https://www.hrdive.com/press-release/20190625-ranking-of-the-countries-with-the-most-public-holidays-1/ |access-date=3 May 2024 |website=HR Dive |language=en-US |archive-date=3 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503134859/https://www.hrdive.com/press-release/20190625-ranking-of-the-countries-with-the-most-public-holidays-1/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=soheil |date=9 February 2022 |title=The Total Count of Public Holidays in Iran |url=https://iranamaze.com/public-holidays-iran/ |access-date=3 May 2024 |website=Iran Tours IranAmaze |language=en-US |archive-date=3 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503134859/https://iranamaze.com/public-holidays-iran/ |url-status=live}}</ref> It ranks 1st in the world with the most paid leave days: 52.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Which countries have the most vacation days? |url=https://www.hcamag.com/us/news/general/which-countries-have-the-most-vacation-days/480443 |access-date=3 May 2024 |website=www.hcamag.com |language=en |archive-date=3 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503134859/https://www.hcamag.com/us/news/general/which-countries-have-the-most-vacation-days/480443 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Soltani |first=Zahra |date=23 March 2023 |title=Iran Holiday: National & Public Holidays in Iran (Persian Holidays) |url=https://iranontour.com/festivals/iran-holiday-national-public-holidays-in-iran/ |access-date=3 May 2024 |website=IranOnTour |language=en-US |archive-date=3 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503134859/https://iranontour.com/festivals/iran-holiday-national-public-holidays-in-iran/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Iran's [[civil calendar|official calendar]] is the [[Solar Hijri calendar|Solar Hejri calendar]], beginning at the [[March equinox|vernal equinox]] in the [[Northern Hemisphere]].<ref name="Calenica">{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/calendars |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Iranica |title=Calendars |trans-title=The solar Hejrī (ٹ. = ٹamsī) and ٹāhanڑāhī calendars |access-date=4 July 2017 |archive-date=17 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517021434/http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/calendars |url-status=live}}</ref> Each of the 12 months of the Solar Hejri calendar correspond with a [[astrological sign|zodiac sign]], and the length of each year is solar.<ref name="Calenica" /> Alternatively, the [[Islamic calendar|Lunar Hejri calendar]] is used to indicate Islamic events, and the [[Gregorian calendar]] marks international events.

Legal public holidays based on the Iranian solar calendar include the cultural celebrations of Nowruz ([[Farvardin]] 1–4; 21–24 March) and Sizdebedar ([[Farvardin]] 13; 2{{nbsp}}April), and the political events of [[Iranian Islamic Republic Day|Islamic Republic Day]] ([[Farvardin]] 12; 1{{nbsp}}April), the death of [[Ruhollah Khomeini]] ([[Khordad]] 14; 4{{nbsp}}June), the [[5 June 1963, demonstrations in Iran|Khordad 15 event]] ([[Khordad]] 15; 5{{nbsp}}June), the anniversary of the [[Iranian Revolution]] ([[Bahman]] 22; 10 February), and [[Nationalization of the Iranian oil industry|Oil Nationalisation Day]] ([[Esfand]] 29; 19 March).<ref name="irmys">{{cite web |url=https://www.mysteryofiran.com/holidays-in-iran |title=Iran Public Holidays 2017 |publisher=Mystery of Iran |access-date=6 July 2017 |archive-date=10 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010060510/https://www.mysteryofiran.com/holidays-in-iran |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Lunar Islamic public holidays include Tasua ([[Islamic calendar|Muharram]] 9), Ashura ([[Islamic calendar|Muharram]] 10), Arba'een ([[Islamic calendar|Safar]] 20), Muhammad's death ([[Islamic calendar|Safar]] 28), the death of Ali al-Ridha ([[Islamic calendar|Safar]] 29 or 30), the birthday of Muhammad ([[Islamic calendar|Rabi-al-Awwal]] 17), the death of Fatimah ([[Islamic calendar|Jumada-al-Thani]] 3), the birthday of Ali ([[Islamic calendar|Rajab]] 13), Muhammad's first revelation ([[Islamic calendar|Rajab]] 27), the birthday of Muhammad al-Mahdi ([[Islamic calendar|Sha'ban]] 15), the death of Ali ([[Islamic calendar|Ramadan]] 21), Eid al-Fitr ([[Islamic calendar|Shawwal]] 1–2), the death of Ja'far al-Sadiq ([[Islamic calendar|Shawwal]] 25), Eid al-Qurban ([[Islamic calendar|Zulhijja]] 10), and Eid al-Qadir ([[Islamic calendar|Zulhijja]] 18).<ref name="irmys" />