Iran – The Protest
“Listen: this world is the lunatic’s sphere,
Don’t always agree it’s real,
Even with my feet upon it
And the postman knowing my door
My address is somewhere else.”– Hafez, The Gift (Persian Poet)
When I posted pictures of Iran in social media, sharing opinions about how amazing the Iranians truly are, and the inaccurate facts of countries like Iran that are portrayed in the medias, I received adverse responses. While some connections are neutral, a few started a debate and sent hyperlinks and news posted online of why I shouldn’t be kind towards Iranians.
During my visit, a state-organised rally took place to mark the anniversary of the November 4, 1979 incident at the former US Embassy in Tehran.
The movie “Argo” that was produced in 2012, starring Ben Affleck, was based on the true story of ‘Den of Espionage’.
On November 4, 1979, a group of Iranian university students supporting the Iranian Revolution leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, stormed and seized the US embassy, claiming the US was orchestrating a CIA plot to undermine the Revolution, especially with its continued support of and asylum granted to the then overthrown (Royal) Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
52 Americans were held hostage for 444 days and from that moment on, the American Embassy in Iran ceased to exist. The US broke off all diplomatic relations following the release of all hostages, but they have never been restored since.
On the surface, the marching of thousands of Iranians through the streets, yelling “Death to America” and “Death to Israel”, and burning of American and Israeli flags confirm the country’s anti-US sentiments that I often hear about in Western media. In reality, I soon find them conflicting with the aspirations and outlook of today’s open-minded generation. The crowd was peaceful and I was even stopped for an interview by a group of students asking my views on the US sanctions.
For Iranians, for decades, the US sanctions have jeopardised and hurt the core sectors of their economy. And despite being miserable and disgruntled, I only see smiling faces in Iran. When I returned my question to the young lady, she said, “I hope there is an end to isolation, and Iranians can feel as part of the world rather than enemy. I dream of world acceptance and world peace”.
Iranians are not superhuman. There is always a black sheep in every flock. However, I stand up for what I believe that Iran is one of the safest countries to travel, and Iranians are kind and gentle, even during the protests. Seeing is believing.
Nicky Urban provides fine art photography, fine art photographer, fine art prints, framed canvas print, framed wall pictures, freelance photographer, street photography, documentary photography, gift shop for wall art prints, home decor, and gift ideas, for your home and office.
NICKY URBAN
