Local Customs & Etiquette in Kermānshāh, Iran
1. Tarash-e Soleyman Shrine Etiquette
Respect the sanctity of this UNESCO World Heritage site by dressing modestly and removing shoes before entering. Also, refrain from taking photos during prayer times.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and respecting the religious and cultural significance of the site.
- Respectful Behavior: Adhering to local customs and rules to maintain the peaceful atmosphere.
- Awareness of Prayer Times: Knowing and respecting the timings of Islamic prayers to avoid disturbance.
2. Kurdish Hospitality
Be prepared for warm welcomes and generous hospitality from locals in Kermanshah. Sharing meals and tea is a common custom among the Kurds.
- Warmth and Generosity: Reciprocating the kindness shown by locals with respect and gratitude.
- Patience: Allowing sufficient time for a leisurely meal or conversation with hosts.
- Adaptability: Adjusting to the more relaxed pace of Kurdish hospitality and being flexible in plans.
3. Bisotun Inscription Etiquette
Explore this ancient rock relief site with respect, maintain a distance from the carvings, and avoid touching them. Also, dress modestly.
- Historical Preservation: Protecting the artwork for future generations by not disturbing it.
- Respectful Distance: Maintaining a safe and considerate distance from the historical site.
- Modesty: Dressing appropriately to show respect for the cultural and religious significance of the site.
4. Anahita Temple Etiquette
Visit this Zoroastrian temple with reverence, remove shoes before entering, and avoid taking flash photography. Also, dress modestly.
- Religious Sensitivity: Understanding the historical and religious importance of the site and behaving accordingly.
- Respectful Behavior: Adhering to local customs and rules to maintain the peaceful atmosphere.
- Awareness of Photography Rules: Knowing and respecting the rules regarding photography in religious sites.
5. Local Market Etiquette
Bargain politely at local markets, be patient, and show interest in traditional goods. Avoid taking photos without permission.
- Bargaining Tactics: Understanding the art of polite bargaining in Iranian markets.
- Patience: Allowing sufficient time for negotiations and transactions.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Respecting local customs and traditions while shopping in markets.
6. Asara-ye-Tamashirgah Etiquette
Visit this historic caravanserai with respect, dress modestly, and avoid taking flash photography. Also, refrain from touching historical artifacts.
- Historical Preservation: Protecting the artwork for future generations by not disturbing it.
- Respectful Distance: Maintaining a safe and considerate distance from historical artifacts.
- Modesty: Dressing appropriately to show respect for the cultural and religious significance of the site.
7. Eid al-Fitr Celebrations
Join locals in celebrating Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan. Participate in communal prayers, food sharing, and visitation.
- Cultural Immersion: Participating in local customs and traditions during religious festivals.
- Respect for Local Beliefs: Understanding the significance of the holiday and acting with sensitivity towards the local community.
- Flexibility: Adjusting travel plans to accommodate the dates of Islamic holidays.
8. Nowruz Celebrations
Experience the Persian New Year, Nowruz, with locals. Participate in traditional activities such as Haft Sin preparations and Chahar Shanbe Suri bonfires.
- Cultural Immersion: Participating in local customs and traditions during cultural festivals.
- Respect for Local Beliefs: Understanding the significance of the festival and acting with sensitivity towards the local community.
- Flexibility: Adjusting travel plans to accommodate the dates of Nowruz.
9. Local Festivals and Celebrations
Attend local festivals and celebrations such as Jashn-e Shabe Yalda (Winter Solstice) and Chahar Shanbe Suri. Be open to experiencing new traditions.
- Cultural Immersion: Participating in local customs and traditions during various festivals.
- Respect for Local Beliefs: Understanding the significance of the festival and acting with sensitivity towards the local community.
- Flexibility: Adjusting travel plans to accommodate the dates of local festivals.
10. Café Culture and Etiquette
Relax in a traditional Iranian café. Expect slow service, but enjoy the social atmosphere and delicious refreshments. Avoid showing impatience or frustration.
- Patience: Allowing sufficient time for slow service in traditional cafes.
- Cultural Immersion: Experiencing the unique social atmosphere of Iranian cafés.
- Respectful Behavior: Adhering to local customs and showing respect for the café culture.
11. Dining Etiquette
Enjoy delicious Persian cuisine in Kermanshah restaurants. Expect slower pace and communal dining customs. Use the right hand for eating, and wait to be served before digging in.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and respecting local dining customs.
- Patience: Allowing sufficient time for slower service in Iranian restaurants.
- Respectful Behavior: Adhering to local customs and showing respect for the dining culture.
12. Public Greetings and Etiquette
Greet locals with a smile and 'Salam' (peace be upon you). Avoid extended physical contact. Be respectful when interacting with women, as they may not be accustomed to being touched.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Respecting local customs and traditions regarding greetings and interactions.
- Respectful Behavior: Adhering to local customs and showing respect for the local community.
- Awareness of Personal Space: Respecting personal space during interactions with locals.
13. Dress Code and Modesty
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or when in public. Cover shoulders and knees, and avoid revealing clothing. Bring a scarf for women to cover the head in mosques.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Respecting local customs and traditions regarding dress code.
- Modesty: Dressing appropriately to show respect for the religious and cultural significance of sites.
- Awareness of Local Customs: Understanding the expectations regarding dress code in different settings.
14. Gift Giving Etiquette
Bring small gifts for hosts such as sweets or a nice pen. Avoid alcohol and pork products. Give with both hands and accept gifts graciously.
- Hospitality: Reciprocating the kindness shown by locals with thoughtful gifts.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Respecting local customs and traditions regarding gift giving.
- Awareness of Local Tastes: Knowing what types of gifts are appreciated by the local community.
15. Photography Etiquette
Ask for permission before taking photos of people, and avoid photographing military or government installations. Respect the privacy of locals.
- Respect for Privacy: Avoiding intrusion into the personal lives of locals.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Respecting local customs and traditions regarding photography.
- Legal Considerations: Avoiding photographing sensitive areas or individuals without permission.