 rostam
a window to Iran and to the world
A R C H I V E Archive
A cosmopolitan Iranian looks at current events in Iran and beyond:
Located half-way between West and East, and influenced by its ancient Persian heritage as well as the dominant religion in the country, for decades Iran has been struggling with its schizophrenic identity. Tradition or Modernity? Is there a third way out?
Which direction are we moving to? Today, a new generation of young Iranians is shaping the future of the country. Many observers believe that Iranian youth and women are forces of change in the country--changes that will have implications beyond Iran, throughout the region or perhaps around the globe. In addition to these recurrent themes, you will read about my own trivial pursuits and interests, music, culture, movies, and etc. After all, life goes on, whether you live in East or West! See the world through the eyes of a young Iranian!
Yesterday This Day's Madness did prepare To-morrow's Silence, Triumph, or Despair: Drink! for you not know whence you came, nor why; Drink! for you know not why you go, no where. -From Rubaiyat by Omar-Khayyam (c. 1110 A.D.) *Title painting: "La joie de vivre" by Pablo Picasso  Tuesday, April 22, 2003
Earth from Above
"Earth from Above" Is the name of a fascinating collection of photographs by the French Photographer, Yann Arthus Bertrand. I was lucky enough to see this collection several times in open air exhibitions in Paris (2000) and Montreal (2002). In Montreal the exhibition continued over a long period of time right in front of McGill University gates (begining inside the University), and I had the chance to stroll through the photos every now and then and enjoy these amazing pictures which were reproduced on huge panels. If you haven't seen the book or the exhibition the website offeres a glimpse into Bertrand's artistry. Signs we leave (or don't leave) behind There was no sign that a copse of trees had ever been planted here, or a fence painted; no sign of anything personal--a single fond memory--to distinguish the lives of those forced to grow up old, and die in such miserable barracks. [Robert Kaplan, about the scenary in the road from Samarkand to Bukhara in Uzbekistan, in his travelogue,The Ends of the Earth: A Journey to the Frontiers of Anacrcy, p.275.]
Posted at 10:36 AM
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