The idea that your every day Iranian is more than basically literate, if that, is...well, open to question.
That's what I'm saying, though: despite the illiteracy of many, there is a real love of poetry. The guy I talked about was just an old farmer...And that was out in the countryside, about an hour from Yazd.
I most definitely defer to you on this, tc, as you spent a lot longer in Iran than I did, but I don't think it's hogwash. I'm certainly not the only one who's noticed it; I would have brushed-off my poetry-quoting farmer as a one-off if it wasn't for the fact that this is something which many others have mentioned in books I've since read about Iran.
I don't know about the Qashqa'is & Bakhtiaris - I have zero experience of those guys, but the ethnic Persians seem to get a real kick out of their poetry. I think it is an Iranian trait. You wouldn't agree?
well, many Iranians say they recite poetry, but my Persian was never good enough to know how well, or even if, it was poetry my guests drunkenly quoted before passing out in the marigolds....
__________________
Majestically enthroned amid the vulgar herd....
Equally, I don't know enough Persian poetry to know how accurately the farmer was reciting it. But it'd be unheard of to have people of his background quoting poetry in, say, Thailand - or even UK or USA, wouldn't you say?
JERUSALEM–Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's office is distancing itself from a cabinet minister's suggestion that Israel will be forced to attack Iran.
Olmert spokesman Mark Regev is not explicitly rejecting the statement from Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz that Israel will have "no choice" but to attack Iran if it doesn't halt its nuclear program.
But speaking Sunday, Regev said Olmert stated Israel's policy clearly last week during a trip to Washington. At a briefing with reporters, Olmert called for tighter international sanctions while warning that a more "effective" solution led by the U.S. was drawing closer.
Mofaz's statement was published in a local paper Friday. The comments helped drive up oil prices worldwide and drew a chorus of domestic criticism charging him with speaking irresponsibly.
"Effective solution led by the U.S. drawing closer" - I don't like how that sounds.... are we gonna be watching "Shock and Awe Part II" on CNN?
Another manipulating Israeli attempting to wag the dog.
One day, our politicians will come to understand the inestimable harm AIPAC's fifth column has done to the US while cheerleading Israel's willingness to involve our troops in their fights.
__________________
Majestically enthroned amid the vulgar herd....
^Let's not go too far in our generalizations: there are a few thugs among the poets, and not a small number of shyster carpet sellers, ignorant religious "scholars", money launderers, bazaari mafia groups, and the usual complement of delinquents many nations try to hide behind a whitewashed fence. (...and if the President really wants to know where to find a homosexual in Iran, I can recommend several locations from the airport customs personnel to the muddy banks under the Si-o-Se pol bridge. It was difficult to get a moment's rest, at times)
Tis looking more and more like Pattaya all the time then.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boonmee
Equally, I don't know enough Persian poetry to know how accurately the farmer was reciting it. But it'd be unheard of to have people of his background quoting poetry in, say, Thailand - or even UK or USA, wouldn't you say?
Isn't music poetry? Ever hear of Country and Western? (Coal Miner's Daughter type stuff?)
__________________
One day I woke up and my rose coloured glasses were opaque.
Last edited by Killing Me Softly 101; 9th June 2008 at 10:31.
Reason: Automerged Doublepost
KMS101: the comparison you made is only possible without any knowledge of Persian poetry...In fact, possibly without knowledge of any "classical" poetry, Persian or otherwise.
Incidentally, here's an update on visas for Iran:
A British friend of mine, who was studying in Tehran with me, has been trying to get a tourist visa for about 2 months now. He had an Iranian friend sponsoring him. He just found out 2 days ago that he's been denied the visa
Doesn't bode well for any Americans thinking about going there, I'm afraid.
^You're comparing "All My Exes Live in Texas" to the poetry of Hafez and Ferdowsi? ...I thought you were giving up Sunday drinking....
Damn. That was some tequila.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boonmee
KMS101: the comparison you made is only possible without any knowledge of Persian poetry...In fact, possibly without knowledge of any "classical" poetry, Persian or otherwise.
That would be me. I did learn to recite Charge of the Light Brigade in Senior HS English.But not my favorite genre. I prefer non-fiction material generally.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boonmee
Doesn't bode well for any Americans thinking about going there, I'm afraid.
Would not go there at the moment anyway. Seems like Israel is working itself up into a tizzy. It won't have a good ending.
The locals might get madder en a couple of Sudanese Islamists at a Teddy Bear Party.
__________________
One day I woke up and my rose coloured glasses were opaque.
Last edited by Killing Me Softly 101; 12th June 2008 at 02:40.
OUR COMMENTSThis simple film aims to educate viewers as to the basic principles of Islam, thereby countering an often distorted image spread by western media. We have not posted this film because we want to influence any religious beliefs or even recommend people converting to Islam. Rather we have posted the film because in general there is a grave misconception about Islam's true beliefs. Though fanaticism exists and is one of several causes of terrorism; the religion of Islam, like Christianity and Judaism preaches peace. When studying Islam it is interesting to try to compare its basic principles and beliefs to those of Christianity and Islam. Many will find that the three major religions have more in common than they expect. Unfortunately humans have a tendency to view religions through the tinted eyes of their own ideologies. If you ask me, all three prophets would be ashamed by the actions of many of their devout followers today.
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Last edited by jimbo; 24th July 2008 at 11:22.
Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Very nicely put, tomcat!
I did learn to recite Charge of the Light Brigade in Senior HS English.
