December 13, 2006

Professor Publishes Book About Iranian Culture

“Culture and Customs of Iran”, the new book coauthored by Professor Akbar Mahdi.

Professor Akbar Mahdi’s recently published book entitled “Culture and Customs of Iran” is a clear-cut example of how knowledge of people, cultures, traditions, family relationships, and viewpoints is a basic and necessary foundation for understanding.

In the book, which was published in mid-November by Greenwood Press, Mahdi and co-author Elton Daniel wanted to provide clear information about the culture and customs of Iran’s citizens.

“We have presented objective views of the culture, rather than interpretative explanations,” says Mahdi, emphasizing the timeliness of this book, given the political dimensions between the United States, Iran, and other countries.

“The book tries to explain Iranian traditions and customs in the way that Iranians do,” says Mahdi, explaining the intent to also reflect religious and cultural contradictions, and what he says is Iran’s “cultural war over its identity.”

Featuring chapters on literature, religions, drama and cinema, architecture, carpets, food, family, music, and holidays, the book will allow its readers, Mahdi believes, “a glimpse of Iranian minds and hearts.”

“Iranian subjectivity is bounded by architecture and music,” he says, pointing to the symmetry of Iranian architecture, conveying logic and orderliness of thought.

“Hopefully, the book offers a better perspective of Iranian culture, and ultimately, better understanding.”

— Pam Besel