Description

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"A sympathetic and evocative portrait of the Iranian people, their habits, customs and histories ... Essential reading." - Dr. Stephanie Cronin, Oriental Institute, University of Oxford

The eyes of the world are on Iran, from nuclear issues to women's rights to Iran's perspective on Palestine. Yet a strictly political view does not allow for an accurate or complete outlook on this important and facinating country. In Among the Iranians, Greek-born author Sofia A. Koutlaki shares the lessons she's learned firsthand as a foreigner living in Tehran.

Through memorable anecdotes and in-depth explanations of Iranian customers, Koutlaki presentd a side of Iran that foreigners rarely see. The author's insight challenges readers to dispel their previous notions and judgements to see Iran at its heart - warm, inviting and rich with tradition. Among the Iranians is also an indispensable practical guide, offering insight about Iranian dress, etiquette and even food.

About the Author

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Sofia A. Koutlaki was born in Athens in 1964 and has called Greece, Britain and Iran home. She is an independent researcher and writer whose work often explores cultures and how they function. She also works as a freelance translator and English teacher, is currently at work on a novel set in Greece and maintains a blog at www.amongtheiranians.blogspot.com

Praise For…

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Sofia Koutlaki has opened a window onto ordinary Iranians and their everyday lives. She takes us inside the home, but also out into public spaces, and shows us, with love, an Iran rarely seen by outsiders.—Ziba Mir-Hosseini, author of Islam and Gender: The Religious Debate in Contemporary Iran, and co-director of the award-winning film Divorce Iranian Style

An excellent, useful introduction to Iranian culture and customes for people who have never been to Iran.—Michael Axworthy, author of A History of Iran: Empire of the Mind

Packed with fascinating insights into an ancient and widely misunderstood culture, is it part-travel guide, part-sociological analysis, part-autobiography - and a must-read for anyone who wants to know the real story about life in Iran.—Sarah Arnott, correspondent, The Independent

This book provides a fascinating insight into the realities of daily life in Iran. Looking beyond the grim news headlines, the author paints a sympathetic and evocative portrait of the Iranian people, their habits, customs, and histories. It will become essential reading for anyone planning a trip to Iran, or who simply wishes to get to know the Iranian people better.—Dr. Stephanie Cronin, Oriental Institute, University of Oxford