Veryan tells of her travels in Iran

VISITING IRAN          

Given the turbulence in so many Middle-Eastern states, and concerns about personal security in the area, visiting Iran might seem a somewhat risky choice for  a holiday.  However, on Thursday, Veryan Farr gave a fascinating account to the Bridge of Allan and Dunblane Rotary Club about her recent visit there.  Her basic message was of a country with a rich social and architectural heritage stretching back hundreds of years BC.  Historically, Iran is one of the oldest world civilisations, sitting at the crossroads between the East and the West, and an important point on the Silk Road.  As a result, it was an important trading location bringing a fusion of cultural influences. But, a particularly lasting memory was of a population that was unfailingly friendly and welcoming.  No-one, she said, should be put off visiting Iran by concerns about personal security.

An aspect immediately striking about the country is its size and variety of landscape.  The country is about three times the size of France, with snow in the mountains, while a significant area is desert.  Between these contrasting parts there are areas of lush vegetation.

Starting her visit in the capital, Tehran, Veryan was immediately struck by the modern appearance that exists alongside its historical aspects.  Here, as elsewhere in Iran, there are amazing museums with special features of glass and ceramic work, including a speciality of the Middle East, wonderfully decorative mirrors.  In Tehran there was, too, the spectacular display of the jewels from the time of the Shahs.

Elsewhere in Iran, there were intriguing details, including wind towers used to funnel the wind down to ground level as a means of cooling water and the air.  Other fascinating details included doors with two differently shaped knockers, one to be used by men, the other by women, so that, from the sound of the knocker, women in the house would know not to open the door to a man. 

Among the many cities visited, a particular highlight was the visit to Persepolis, a World Heritage Site established by Darius the Great in the period around 550 BC. Here there were the remains of a fire started in the city by Alexander the Great and some extraordinary historical carvings.

Looking broadly at present-day Iran, Veryan was at pains to emphasise the friendliness of the welcome she experienced.  Testament to this, on a wider scale, Iran has accepted three million refugees from Afghanistan.  She also noted the lack of any disturbances, even at times of local celebration.  This she attributed, in part at least, to the absence of alcohol.  Veryan also disabused members of any mistaken stereotypes about Iran.  Sixty percent of those in higher education are women, and the literacy rate is 98 per cent, figures that are favourable when compared to many western nations.

She did report some unusual cultural aspects, including men having the opportunity of having up to four wives, and any number of “temporary wives”.  There were, too, some signs of an unyielding bureaucracy as when the bus was held up for two hours to remedy a minor failure in getting a pass stamped on the right page.  But, she insisted, her overwhelming memory of the trip was positive; members should add Iran to their list of possible destinations – they would not be disappointed.

The vote of thanks was given by Colin Smith who praised Veryan for the excellence of her presentation and for her illustrating slides.  He was joined by members in expressing their thanks.