Local Customs & Etiquette in Eslāmshahr, Tehrān, Iran
1. Mosque Etiquette
Understand and respect local customs like dressing modestly when visiting mosques. Avoid entering during prayer times without permission.
- Modesty Requirements: Women must wear a hijab and loose-fitting clothing.
- Prayer Times Respect: Avoid entering prayer halls during prayer times unless you are praying.
- Shoes Removal: Remove shoes before entering mosques.
2. Greeting Etiquette
Use the traditional Iranian greeting 'Salaam' followed by a handshake for men and a nod or light hug for women. Avoid physical contact with the opposite sex in public.
- Gender-Specific Greetings: Greeting etiquette varies based on gender.
- Formality Level: Greeting style depends on the acquaintance level and age differences.
- Time of Day: Evening greetings may be slightly different, with 'Khoshhalamat' used instead of 'Salaam' after sunset.
3. Public Behavior
Avoid public displays of affection and maintain a polite and respectful demeanor in all situations. Gift-giving is customary but should be done with both hands.
- Public Affection: Romantic gestures are considered inappropriate in public.
- Gift-Giving Customs: Gifts should be given and received with both hands.
- Politeness Levels: Always maintain a polite and respectful demeanor in all situations.
4. Dining Etiquette
Eat with your right hand or use cutlery when available. Refuse food offered multiple times politely and avoid eating in public during Ramadan.
- Hand vs Cutlery Use: Food is eaten with your right hand or cutlery when available.
- Refusing Food: Politely refuse food offered multiple times.
- Ramadan Etiquette: Avoid eating in public during Ramadan unless you are fasting.
5. Hospitality and Guest Etiquette
Accept hospitality graciously and offer a small gift in return. Remove shoes upon entering homes. Be mindful of local customs and ask questions when unsure.
- Gift-Giving Reciprocity: A small gift is expected when receiving hospitality.
- Shoe Removal: Remove shoes upon entering homes.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Ask questions when unsure about local customs.
6. Shopping Etiquette
Bargain for prices in markets and shops, but respect the vendor's minimum price. Use polite gestures and maintain a friendly demeanor during negotiations.
- Price Bargaining: Prices can be bargained in markets and shops.
- Politeness Levels: Maintain a polite and friendly demeanor during negotiations.
- Vendor's Minimum Price: Respect the vendor's minimum price during bargaining.
7. Dress Code
Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees when visiting public places. Women should wear a hijab in all public settings.
- Modesty Requirements: Clothing should be modest and cover shoulders and knees.
- Women's Hijab: Women should wear a hijab in all public settings.
- Religious Sensitivity: Respect religious and cultural sensitivities when dressing.
8. Photography Etiquette
Ask for permission before taking photographs of people, especially women. Respect religious sites and avoid taking photos during prayer times.
- Permission Requests: Ask for permission before taking photographs of people.
- Religious Sensitivity: Respect religious sites and avoid taking photos during prayer times.
- Privacy Considerations: Respect people's privacy when taking photographs.
9. Business Etiquette
Dress conservatively for business meetings and use both hands when shaking hands. Maintain eye contact and be polite during negotiations.
- Conservative Dress Code: Dress conservatively for business meetings.
- Handshake Customs: Use both hands when shaking hands.
- Politeness and Respect: Maintain eye contact and be polite during negotiations.
10. Local Holidays and Festivals
Celebrate Nowruz (Persian New Year) with Iranians by attending cultural events, exchanging gifts, and enjoying traditional food.
- Cultural Events: Attend cultural events during Nowruz celebrations.
- Gift-Exchanging Customs: Exchange gifts during Nowruz with friends and family.
- Traditional Foods: Enjoy traditional Persian dishes during Nowruz celebrations.
11. Ramadan Etiquette
Respect Muslims by avoiding eating, drinking, and smoking in public during the daytime hours. Show empathy and understanding towards those fasting.
- Public Behavior Restriction: Avoid eating, drinking, and smoking in public during Ramadan.
- Empathy and Understanding: Show empathy and understanding towards those fasting.
- Respectful Interactions: Interact with Muslims respectfully during Ramadan.
12. Tea Culture
Enjoy traditional Persian tea (Chai) in teahouses and accept it as a gesture of hospitality. Tea is an essential part of Iranian social life.
- Hospitality Signifier: Tea is an important signifier of hospitality in Iran.
- Social Gathering Role: Tea plays a significant role in social gatherings in Iran.
- Variety of Teas: Explore various types of traditional Persian teas.
13. Persian Carpet Appreciation
Admire intricate Persian carpets, a symbol of Iranian craftsmanship and culture. Learn about their history, design, and meaning.
- Craftsmanship Appreciation: Appreciate the skill and artistry in Persian carpets.
- Historical Significance: Learn about the historical significance of Persian carpets.
- Design and Symbolism: Understand the symbolism and meaning behind various Persian carpet designs.
14. Persian Calligraphy Understanding
Gain an appreciation for Persian calligraphy by visiting museums and galleries. Learn about the art form's history and cultural significance.
- Art Form Appreciation: Appreciate the beauty and skill of Persian calligraphy.
- Historical Significance: Learn about the historical significance of Persian calligraphy.
- Cultural Symbolism: Understand the cultural and religious symbolism behind various calligraphy designs.
15. Persian Music and Dance Experience
Experience traditional Persian music and dance performances at cultural events or theaters. Immerse yourself in the rhythm, melodies, and stories of Iran.
- Rhythm and Melodies: Enjoy the unique rhythms and melodies of traditional Persian music.
- Storytelling Elements: Discover the stories and emotions conveyed through Persian dance movements.
- Cultural Connection: Connect with Iranian culture through traditional music and dance performances.