Mysterious culture influenced by the strong religion atmosphere, has been long haunting me to visit this country that hidden behind the black veil. Was once termed as axis of evil due to his unwillingness to cooperate with the US and Europe.

Her modern history was no short of turbulence. 1921 Reza Khan ended Qajar rule, later crowing himself as first Shah of the Pahlavi line. His support for Nazi Germany has caused him to go exile in 1941, his son Mohammad Reza was supported by the US and Britain succeeding the throne. Life was said the best during this period (as told by many Iranians I met), White Revolution was launched to improve the education and women’s rights and erode the power of cleric. However the devout Muslims wanted reforms rolled back, led by the exiled Ayatollah Khomeni, eventually Mohd Reza Shah left Iran in Jan-1979. The hardline forces set up clergy dominated Islamic Republic through brutal efficiency. In 1980 Saddam Hussein was hoping to take advantage of the unstable politic situation, and thus invaded the oil rich Iran and sparked off the straining 8 years Iran-Iraq war.

Thought of sexual relationship is strictly imposed as in Saudi Arabia, in fact the leniency was quite comfortable though body contact and public display affair were strictly forbidden. Most of the women were wearing black robes, and scarf is a must, but face was not covered. Youngsters were crying for more liberal, condemned the suppression under present regime. No disco, no pub, no bar, no KaraOK, no alcohol... these so-called unhealthy activities were banned. Freedom of western living styles is dreamed of.

During this visit, Iran was suffering serious currency depreciation (50%) since the past year. Currency exchange rate fluctuation was up to 10% within my 3 weeks stay. It caused lots of problems in the society, but it was cheaper to tourists.