Persian Daily Life
A brief look at Persian societies and governments over time.
Traditional Lifestyles of Iran and Persia
Until recent decades, the common people of Iran and Persia lived primarily as farmers. While neighboring ethnic groups led pastoral lives herding sheep and cattle, most Persians settled in sedentary communities. They relied heavily on canals as far back as the Achaemenid Empire, making Persia one of the major food production centers of the Middle East. Other occupations, particularly in urban centers, included merchants, craftsmen, soldiers, and scholars.
Persian Cuisine
Persian or Iranian cuisine has benefitted from its position at the center of ancient trade routes. It incorporates elements of Middle Eastern, Indian, Russian, Greek, and Turkish dishes alongside its own native customs. Historically, its staple grains were wheat and barley, though rice has grown very popular in later centuries. Native fruits and nuts like dates, pomegranates, citrus, grapes, figs, walnuts, almonds, and pistachios are common. Typical meats include chicken and lamb, with beef seen less often. Cheeses, yogurts, and breads are standard elements of many meals. In addition, Persian foods often feature heavy spices and herbs.
These ingredients may be cooked into stews, blended with rice, or skewered on kebabs. Among the nation’s most popular drinks are fruit juices, tea, and coffee. Sharbat, or sherbet, is a chilled fruit drink that may include flower petals and herbs.
Housing Styles
The traditional housing styles of Iran vary by time, region, and urban proximity. The most common building materials in historic use were clay, adobe, stucco plaster, and brick. Many of Iran’s oldest villages are built on mountain slopes. Homes there tend to be two stories tall. The lower stories are typically used for practical work, while the second story contains living quarters and guest areas. Homes in flatter areas for the most part congregated around irrigation centers. They might feature more open floor plans, including the use of courtyards.
Wealthier urban houses from the Safavid era, meanwhile, tended to be tall and oriented inwards. They lined narrow, shaded streets called koocheh. A central inner courtyard within each home contained a small pool or fountain adorned with gardens or potted plants. Bigger homes possessed their own courtyards, but smaller houses might share them as part of a larger complex. Living spaces radiated outward from this courtyard. Common decorations included low sofas and tables with ornamental screens or tiling. Cushions and carpets added to a room’s comfort.
Historic Clothing of Persia
Iran is home to many ethnic groups besides the Persians, and Persian history alone is full of diverse and changing fashions. Silk has long been a staple commodity of Persia, and its textile industry was once one of the largest in the world. Besides silk, people purchased or made cotton clothing. Common elements of traditional Persian fashion include the use of bright colors, sumptuous materials, multiple layers, and bead or pendant ornaments.
Safavid men of the upper classes wore turbans and voluminous outer robes over a long tunic or chemise and baggy pants. Women generally wore a large, wrapped cloak, or chador, to cover their figure while in public. In private, they were more free to explore their taste in fashion. Their customary outfits were similar to men’s, consisting of a long-sleeved jacket over a gown or chemise and trousers. A headscarf or square cloth hat and veil hid their hair to preserve modesty.
Over time, apparel in Persia began to draw increasingly from Western styles. This trend peaked during the reign of the Shah, who encouraged the adoption of Western customs. Many upper class women in the 1960s and ‘70s did not cover their heads and wore pants rather than gowns. This style fell out of favor rapidly with the Iranian Revolution.
Modern Lifestyles in Iran
Life in Iran is as complex and varied as that of any modern nation. Due to declining agricultural output, much of its population now lives in urban centers. Both men and women are expected to dress modestly. Long-sleeved shirts or jackets are mandatory for either gender. Women wear headscarves and long skirts or trousers. The chador is now mainly seen on older generations or religious sites. For the most part, the young people of Iran are fashion-conscious and wear Western apparel within these guidelines. While much of the populace now lives in modern-style apartment complexes, older architecture can still be seen in many areas. Education, family, faith, sports, and finding a good job are central priorities for many Iranians.
References
Amanat, Abbas. Iran: A Modern History. Yale University Press. 2017.
André-Salvini, Béatrice. Forgotten Empire: The World of Ancient Persia. University of California Press. 2005.
Axworthy, Michael. A History of Iran: Empire of the Mind. Basic Books. 2016.
Lemon, Jason. “Iran's President Faces Political Backlash as Protests Rock Major Cities.” Newsweek, Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2018, www.newsweek.com/iran-president-faces-political-backlash-protests-rock-major-cities-1053360.
Newman, Andrew. Safavid Iran: Rebirth of a Persian Empire. I.B. Tauris. 2012.
Sartipipour, Mohsen. “Rural Housing in Iran: Past, Present, and Future.” Scientific & Academic Publishing, Scientific & Academic Publishing, 2012, article.sapub.org/10.5923.j.arch.20120201.01.html.
Savory, Roger. Iran Under the Safavids. Cambridge University Press. 2007.
“The World Factbook: Iran.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 12 July 2018, www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ir.html.
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