Iran Solo

Mar 19

If Elizabeth Taylor can go to Iran, why can’t you?

Ok, so Liz Taylor’s trip to Persia was in 1976 with photographer — and cousin of then ambassador Ardeshir Zahedi— Firooz Zahedi, but many of the places she visited and was photographed in, are just as awesome and untouched as they were then. 

Just to clear things up, while the MEK claims that I’m an agent of the Iran’s ministry of intelligence, I think they’re confused; I’m actually just a strong advocate of people visiting Iran; celebrity or not. 

Feb 12

The most popular sites in Iran (according to the numbers)

I just did a search on Alexa.com to find what the most popular websites in Iran.

The 5th most visited site in Iran is peyvandha.ir, better known as the page that comes up when one attempts to visit a blocked site.

Wikipedia currently ranks 7th.

Now if I could just figure out how to get some ad space on peyvandha.ir…

Jan 25

Are Dildos Somehow Un-Islamic?

Apparently the jury is still out…

Check out my new piece from the Monocle for more on Iran’s ongoing debate over the sale of sex toys inside the Islamic Republic.

What do you think: Marital Relations Equipment or Perpetrators of Moral Corruption?

Jan 03

One of the greatest product packaging ‘jobs’ of all time. Thanks to New York Time’s ace correspondent, William Yong.

One of the greatest product packaging ‘jobs’ of all time. Thanks to New York Time’s ace correspondent, William Yong.

“It’s really funny, the official website of Iran’s Ministry of Education is filtered.” — Grad Student in Tehran

Jan 02

Iran Bans Valentine’s Day

Several international news outlets have picked up on the announcement that Iran has apparently banned Valentine’s Day traditions.

Here’s a perfect example of a law that can hardly be enforced and will undoubtedly go unobserved.

Like everywhere else that the holiday is observed, Valentine’s Day has become a cash cow for many businesses, especially here in Tehran.

This is probably the only day commemorating martyrdom that is actually good for sales of anything besides meat.

Dec 15

Just got a bowl of free soup in Tehran

Say what you will about Shi’a Muslims, but the free food they hand out during the mourning months as an offering is a nice perk of living in Iran.

Everything is much calmer than this time last year, when there were massive street fights between regime opponents and security forces.

This year the bad guy is the rest of the world, as the Wikileaks scandal and sanctions have Iranians feeling more isolated than ever.

“It’s us against the world,” say Shi’as, “just like it’s been since 680AD.”