So, Is Your “Life Persian?” MLiP.

It was a morning like any other. I sat at my desk, turned on my computer and not too long after everything had started running properly- I was checking out my Facebook newsfeed. I was overwhelmed, confused, perplexed and humored by all of the hilarious scenarios posted that ended with “MLiP”. After a little bit of investigation, it became clear to me…some brilliant Iranian out there had come up with a spin on some of there other sites out there and came up with MLiP, which appropriately stands for “My Life is Persian”.

MyLifeIsPersian.Net allows Iranians from around the globe to submit anecdotes that other Iranians can relate to or would find absolutely hillarious.

Some of my personal favorites are:

Today when ordering a soda, I asked for an eh-Sprite. I grew up in America. It was not a Persian restaurant. MLIP.

My own sister (in her late 20’s) was seeing a guy for 3 years before I even knew about him because my mom made her keep it a secret “Chon mardom harf dar meyaran!” MLIP.

Today, I was having an intense conversation with my teacher about the economy. I tried making a point and I subconsciously used the word “khob” in the beginning of my sentences, and “digeh” in between. MLIP.

My parents have all my friends phone numbers on their refrigerator… I’m 22. MLIP.

Today i came home from school and my mom said “clean your room” and I asked her “why are we having guests over?” and she said no, the cleaning lady is coming and you should make sure your room is clean before she comes. MLIP.

It only gets better from there. The best part? Submit your own and there’s a good chance they’ll post it. It’s awfully entertaining and addicting to read people someone’s anecdote & realize you’re not the only one who’s shared this experience before.

Check it out! www.MyLifeIsPersian.net & get prepared to LAUGH and reminisce of all the times your life was “too Persian”.

Comment here and share your favorite MLiP’s with us!

Unemployment Rates in Iran Increase By 16%

When you get lost in the commotion of the city, it is only the workers who can show you extreme pain and expose you to the unsavory smell of life. Believe me, this is true. Given the current Iranian economy, being a worker is very difficult. It permanently exposes you to the bitter taste of life.

Of course the road is open to everyone. Anyone who is unemployed can experience what it is like to be a worker for a while. In this city [Tehran -tr.] there are jobs that await the unemployed.

These are jobs that are not covered by labor laws, insurance and the minimum wage, i.e. issues which continue to be the subject of a battle between workers and employers. These are neither underground and illegal jobs offered unbeknownst to the government, nor part-time jobs for which wages and benefits do not fall under the government’s jurisdiction. These are jobs advertised daily in the job advertisement pages of Tehran’s morning newspapers. Job seekers search them in the hope of finding a job. Perhaps hundreds of managers and employed people glance at them without any interest.

Job seekers however, continue to dial eight-digit telephone numbers. Upon discovering that wages and benefits are not even at the minimum level, they hang up and test their fortune again by trying another job advertisement. If a long search for work, forces them to forego the minimum wage and health insurance requirements, they join all the other job seekers who have given up on the minimum wage. They obtain the employer’s address and fill out the job application without any hope.

All of this in order to work from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at a clothes packaging workshop in exchange for $180 to $200 per month, or in order to work at a similar workshop, where justice is slightly more observed as it concerns worker’ wages, and where they can work for ten hours a day and earn $220 per month, with the hope of getting health insurance after a year.

It is not only the packaging companies that reveal this lack of regard for the rights and benefits of workers. Sales clerks at clothing stores, cosmetic stores and medical equipment stores, and in general all sales clerks are not exceptions to the rule. The unemployed who do not have production skills and have good oral skills, are part of the above category.

An inexperienced sales clerk who works 12 hours a day, receives $120 to $140 per month. Experienced sales clerks receive $200 to $250 per month. If they are skilled and can demonstrate good sales in their monthly work record, they receive a commission as well. However, there is no health insurance.

The situation is much worse for the typists. The pay for each typed page is 12 cents. A hired typist sits and types at a computer monitor from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. At most, she or he makes $230 per month.

Unskilled workers are also not immune from this lawlessness. During the last few and first few months of each years, determining the minimum wage for workers turns into a great battle between workers and employers. Various meetings are held at the Supreme Council for Labor in order to arrive at a single figure. Workers and employers each struggle to increase or decrease the wages on the basis of their interests. Unskilled workers do not benefit from this battle. They receive the $8 per day laborer’s wage. Taking into account the four monthly days off, their wages amount to $208 per month. A worker who pastes shoe parts 12 hours a day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. receives $10 per day.

The term employee, may imply more optimism about the wages. However, the wages are no better. Computer-savvy employees who work for 12 hours a day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at an internet café, receive $200 per month. An office employee who works eight hours a day, receives $200 per month and a 15% commission.

Although, job advertisements list the wage of a secretary as $300 per month and sometimes even $300 to $500 per month, secretaries often do not receive an adequate wage. They receive $200 per month for an eight or 9 hour working day. Wages are lower for part-time work or job types such as answering the phone or typing letters etc. . .

Nowadays the $200 monthly wage, and not the minimum wage, is considered the norm by employers. This is the approximate first figure that is offered to job seekers in morning job advertisements. This figure is about $70 less than the minimum wage which the Ministry of Labor has set as the monthly wage for a worker.

However, given the rise in marketing job during the past few years, the concept of a fixed salary has become meaningless. Most employers who hire job seekers for marketing purposes, speak in terms of commissions from the beginning. Even if the employers offer a fixed salary, most of them consider it a benefit paid alongside the commission.

This is not the end of the story as far as wages offered to the unemployed are concerned. Iran’s crowded capital is not the only place where wages and benefits for workers are ignored. The situation is even worse in other cities in our country. In those cities, wages amount to $150 to $200 per month. Most employers who do not want to offer legal wages or health insurance to their employees, pay a $150 fixed monthly wage and a commission on the side.

For a long time, the subject of the minimum wage for workers has been brought up twice a year. However, sub-minimum wages which violate the labor laws continue. Given the opposition to the enforcement of the minimum wage, this subject has been forgotten for the past month.

Nevertheless, in the underground economy of this city and other cities in this country. . . the large unemployed labor force has created the condition for employers to offer wages and benefits that openly rob the workers. In light of this worrisome unemployment, there are no inspections to enforce working hours, wages and insurance benefits. The unemployed are the victims. They work 12 hours a day, that is 4 hours above the legal working day, in order to receive wages below the minimum wage. . .

This was written by an Iranian inside Iran who has observed the situation in Iran first hand.

Help Provide Basic Necessities for Iranian Refugees Who Have Been Forced To Leave Iran Due To Persecution or Political Reasons.

touchIRAN and Iran Alive Ministries Have Partnered Together To Identify The Needs of Refugees Who Are Struggling To Survive and are in Desperate Need Of Basic Necessities.

Your Generous Donation Will Provide Food, Clothing, Shelter & Electricity To Iranians Who Are Struggling To Make Ends Meet.

CHRISTMAS in TEHRAN

While Christmas is freely celebrated all over the globe, Iran- with all of it’s restrictions on religious freedom- doesn’t look much different than many of the decorated streets in metropolitan cities in other countries, but there’s a little catch. Amongst Iran’s large population, there is a small percentage of Armenians and Assyrians who are free to celebrate their Orthodox and Christian faith. Although the number of Christian and Protestants has been growing in Iran, these converts are not able to celebrate Christmas freely in the Islamic Republic. These festive photos give us a glimpse into what Tehran looks like during the Christmas season. Read more about Christmas in Iran here and here!

Shahram and Hafez Nazeri Sing For Peace

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — It’s a seemingly simple approach to one of the modern world’s most complicated political problems: By marrying the dainty lutes of the East with thrumming violas of the West, composer Hafez Nazeri says he wants to create harmony between the U.S. and his native Iran.

Nazeri’s troupe of musicians from East and West, The Rumi Symphony Project, premiered his new symphony in Los Angeles last month and will perform it Saturday at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

“We’re hearing all about nuclear weapons and all these crazy things,” said Nazeri. “Look at us, people who come together from different cultures, different musical backgrounds and we all create love together, for you, for the world.”

Nazeri’s father, Shahram Nazeri, a famed classical singer known as Iran’s Pavarotti, is scheduled to perform “Cycle One: Rites of Fall” alongside his son and classical musicians from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.

In the piece, violin strains are punctuated with the rumble of the daf, a hand drum ringed with metal pieces that tremble when it is struck. At times, the string instruments of East and West are plucked in sync in a style that could be considered controversial.

Cultural authorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran have worked to prevent foreign influence for decades, in backlash to the previous regime of the Shah, often criticized for being pro-Western.

Though easily purchased on the black market, Western-style pop music is banned under Islamic rule, frowned on by austere mullahs for its sensual female solo singers and frivolity.

But blending cultures in music is now natural to Hafez Nazeri, 30, who moved to the U.S. 10 years ago and where he’s studied Western music, collaborated with American artists and fallen in love with New York City.

Even the instrument Hafez Nazeri performs on is a traditional Persian instrument he’s improvised by adding two strings to increase the Persian setar’s range.

Hafez and his father are among the few artists allowed to travel freely and perform and record music inside Iran. His political views are strictly pragmatic and pacifistic — what concerns him isn’t so much who governs Iran, but that all Iranians can live safely in their country.

Shahram Nazeri’s music has escaped harsh censorship, in part because he sings the poetry of Iran’s great poets to traditional music. His album “Gol-e-Sad Barg” sold 40 million copies and even in the most far-flung villages of Iran, small children can sing his renditions of Rumi’s poetry.

At the premiere performance of the new fusion symphony in Los Angeles, the performance earned standing ovations from an audience of mostly Iranian expatriates.

One audience member, an elderly gentleman who stormed out during the third act, groused loudly during an intermission that the music “may be opera, or it may be disco, but it is not Iranian!”

But it brought others to tears. Thundering applause continued at the end of the performance until Shahram Nazeri came out to sing a few of his best-known tunes for encores.

The father briefly obliged those who repeatedly called out for him to sing “Iran-e-Kohan” or “Original Iran,” a song that regained popularity as a soundtrack for YouTube videos of violent street demonstrations following Iran’s June 12 elections.

The song first became popular during Iran’s eight year war with Iraq in the 1980s, with lyrics that sing “The world watches for the freedom of Iranians/Be aware, the original Iranians are in danger.”

The audience grew still after Shahram Nazeri sang the first few lines of the mournful song. Appearing to sense the darkening of the auditorium’s mood, he quickly broke from the tune, and finished on two upbeat favorites as the audience sang along and then roared with approval.

On the Net:

Hafez Nazeri’s MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/hafeznazeri

Carnegie Hall: http://www.carnegiehall.org

Article by: By SHAYA TAYEFE MOHAJER (AP)

Read original article here

tasteIRAN: discover the art of Iranian Cuisine!

Us Iranians take pride in a lot of different elements of Iranian culture— in a recent poll on touchIRAN, we asked you why you are proud to be Iranian…amongst all of the choices, Iranian Food was a popular choice. We can’t help but take pride in the art of Iranian Cuisine.  It’s no wonder you can walk into a crowded Iranian restaurant  during lunch these days and hardly recognize any Iranians there- people of all different cultures are taking interest in the mouthwatering dishes of Iran.

We’ve posted 3 parts of a thorough and interesting look into the art of Iranian Cuisine- from sampling dishes to a tour through an Iranian Bazaar, you’ll love watching this documentary and either be inspired to go home and cook or have an insatiable craving for Iranian food.

Watch and enjoy!

Iran in Photos: Land of Beauty

These photos were submitted and put into a collection to capture the beauty of Iran. Often, especially to those who have never been to Iran and only hear of it through the media, the beauty and splendor of Iran goes unappreciated.

Whether you grew up in Iran and haven’t been back in years, are Iranian and have never been or are interested in Iran and have always only seen a narrow view of the country- I hope these photos stir your heart and let you fall deeper in love with IRAN.

The Truth About Iranian Women

Every so often, I do a little bit of googling on one of my favorite topics- Iranian Women. Maybe I’m partial towards the subject because I, myself, am an Iranian woman.

Is that why I come back to this same search time and time again?

Well, I guess it kind of has something to do with that…it fascinates me that even though I share the same heritage and nationality with the women of Iran, we’re worlds apart– in fact, it’d be unfair to even say I understand what their lives are like.

I, along with many of my friends & countless of other Iranians who live outside of Iran [some haven't ever even set foot in Iran before], live freely and in democratic countries…free from dictatorship. Some of us can’t even begin to relate or imagine what it would be like to live under a dictator and strict regime that would prohibit us from something commonplace like wearing whatever we pleased on a sunny day or going to a pool party with our friends.

Sometimes, however, I understand things a little better when I see youth who have recently moved from Iran– those recently immigrated girls and guys push their freedom a little further than those of us who’ve grown up outside of Iran. Their desire to explore their new found freedom often leads them to making decisions they probably should have avoided, but like a kid who has been deprived of candy on Halloween year after year– the girl who’s been forced to wear a chador in 90 degree weather would rather choose to wear something a little less than modest to the park on a spring day during her first 13bedar in America, the “land of the free”.

All of this leads me to wonder what Iran is really like for women…outside of the public eye. Does the regime lead them to positive or negative behavior? Are they motivated to stand out by rebelling and, in turn, making poor decisions or do they push themselves towards success that lead to groundbreaking acheivements like Zahra Rahnavard?

I stumbled upon this video that was produced in 2007 and aired on NBC about Women in Iran. It made me proud to be an Iranian Women and again, sparked my interest in this google search again.

Are things any different now? How does all of this make you feel as an Iranian or as an Iranian woman?

…because nobody’s cooking is better than your mom’s cooking!

We’ve all experienced it. We go to a Persian Restaurant or to a Mehmooni (Farsi for ‘House Party or Gathering’), get really excited to partake in an amazing Persian meal & even though we’re incredibly stuffed and satisfied– nothing can compare to your mom, dad, aunt or grandma’s home-cooking!

The creative & talented Cyrus Dowlatshahi, of Fatty Productions, has shared his love for food and film-making and the delight that is Persian culture with the world wide web. Cyrus has created a series of short-films on how-to make delicious Persian recipes. He has also created a humorous and informative documentary called the Kabob Guy. Cyrus, we hope you make tons more of these videos!

Watch Cyrus’ videos and leave this post craving jujeh kabob, maast o khiar and your mama’s best recipes…

Jujeh Kabob from Cyrus Dowlatshahi on Vimeo.

Mast-o Khiar from Cyrus Dowlatshahi on Vimeo.

Kabob Guy from Cyrus Dowlatshahi on Vimeo.

touchIRAN wants you to share your favorite Persian recipes, restaurants in your city and spark a discussion about all things related to the delciousness that is Persian food! comment or submit your recipes and reviews to yourvoice@touchiran.com!

Persian Transliteration

Google has done it again & launched another great web invention. This time, Iranians can benefit from it!

Google Has Introduces a Handy Little Tool for Persian to English to Persian Translation!

Check out Google’s Persian Transliteration Tool & Start Typing Away— In Persian or English!

“Goodbye, Starbucks Name!”: Growing-Up Persian in America

If we met 13 years ago or if I was writing an article while in high school my name would be Jasmin. I mean which awkward dark haired teenager wouldn’t want to be compared to a sexy Disney princess? My Father didn’t understand or appreciate this. If someone called and asked for Jasmin they were quickly hung up on.

My real name was Hasti. A name no one could pronounce or understand. God forbid someone asked me where I was from.
But Jasmin had a whole other feeling. I could pretend to be royalty, a wealthy Middle Easterner who’s Uncle was a heir to oil money always sounded better that Iranian.

Iranian sounded so harsh and aggressive. Nothing sexy or inviting about “Iranian”. Terrorist. Bombs. Camels. Sand. Scarves.

Occasionally after telling someone my name they would say, “OH you’re Persian.” This always made me feel worthy. Worthy of what I am not sure. But it beat Iranian by a long shot. I always wanted to respond back with, “Yes and my Dad/Uncle/Grandfather (take your pick) knew the Shah.” I got through High School with this mentality. Occasionally I was Italian, or my ancestors came from Spain. The minute someone complimented my light complexion and eyes I beamed with pride. I lived as a blond for a few years in an effort to distance myself from being Iranian.

A few bleach bottles later I met my husband. A Persian.

He, like me, grew up here. We were both fluent in Farsi and knew the culture. But he was proud to be “Amir”.

You can’t really tell where he’s from because he looks nothing like your “typical” Iranian. But he never hid from it. If someone assumed he was Italian or American he kindly corrected them.

He told me stories of his grandmother sending him to school with “kaleh pacheh”. My initial reaction was to feel sorry for him, but he said he was proud. So proud that he even asked her to pack him some “torshi”.

After a bit of encouragement from my husband, I dyed my hair brown, and then black. And I fell in love with it. I felt like me. The way God created me to be.

My hair grew longer and longer since it wasn’t getting fried anymore. And it slightly resembled that of the Princess I always wanted to be.
But, a small part of me hid from my true identity. Occasionally “Hannah” would come out. Hasti was still too hard to explain at times.

Fast forward 4 years into our marriage and meet Kaumyar. My beautiful brown eyed son. I struggled with the choice to give him a Persian name, but Amir loved it and eventually so did I. When someone asked me where he was from I proudly said, “He’s Persian.” Persian. Not Iranian.

Three months ago my life changed again. God gave me Keyon. My beautiful green eyed son. He was born during the time of “The Election”. I call him my “Revolution Baby”.

For the first time in my life living abroad, I started to follow Iranian news. I read article after article, watched video after video. I got to know the reasons behind the protests. I wanted desperately to know the heart of the youth of Iran. I watched some of the videos with my son and I cried. He didn’t know why, but he assured me that “It’s ok Mommy”. I wanted him to never feel what I felt about being Iranian.

My heart had never beat like this for Iran. My Iran. My country. My people.

I started attending protests here in the US and I took my kids. I felt proud. I was IRANIAN. My children were born to IRANIAN parents and they had IRANIAN names.

I take the time now to teach my son about Iran. He even knows a couple of alternative names for the “Non-elected President” of Iran.

Now when I meet someone-I am Hasti. Hasti from Iran.

I take pride in my heritage and my culture and even more in my people. I am honored to be from the country of Sohrab and Neda. I don’t want to dishonor them by being anything else. I want my children to know that there is no shame in what they are fighting for.

I want to thank those in Iran who stand united, clothed in green, covered in red, shouting “Marg bar dictator” for giving me back my identity.

I speak to Farsi to my children in public without thinking twice. The thought of sounding like a middle eastern terrorist doesn’t cross my mind. I hope I sound like the voices standing for Iran. The voices that I have become so familiarized with thanks to the Internet.

I’m even thinking about ditching my “Starbucks name”.

I never want my sons to change the name their father and I chose for them with so much though and emotion.
I look forward to the day where my spell check doesn’t highlight their names.

I never thought my country would be know for anything good but now the world knows we are not terrorist, bombers, or jihadist.

We are proud, passionate, and ready to stand for a “Free Iran”.

Hasti resides in Northern California with her husband and two children. She is passionate about her family, politics, faith and human rights. This is her first blog as a contributing author to touchIRAN.

Interested in contributing to touchIRAN? E-mail yourvoice@touchiran.com for more information on how to join the movement & make your voice heard!

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