The 5th Century B.C.E. historian Herodotus described that Persians have remarkably adapted to foreign cultures. Persian stories have engaged their readers with moral doctrines, values, and ethics. These stories describe how some of them adapt to the cataclysmic changes in their homeland and their lives as well as how they adopt new customs into the age-old Persian culture. This also comprises adjusting the moral ethics of the western culture.
The book Persian Wars, VOL. 1 HOME AND AWAY by Bahman Akhavan consists of four separate and unrelated stories that explain the lives of different Iranian individuals and families from different backgrounds and settings, struggling with their conflicts and challenges. All Persian families respect the principle of modesty in the Islamic religion. Women cover up their bodies to avoid unwanted public attention. After the Islamic Revolution of 1979, many Persian families have migrated to different states of the world to adapt and assimilate with modern religious and social trends. Most Persian families have traditionally become liberal. The moral code of dressing is changed. Worldly trends and innovative styles never left Iran. The local and traditional dressing styles are combined with worldly trends. For instance, men and women dress up in stylish and modern attires attend various occasions together. Persian families have allowed their children to acquire education together. Moreover, they work in offices, enjoy a night out with friends, visit people, or simply take a walk in a park. Ultimately, a woman’s independence and freedom to make choices for herself related to work, get an education, marry or get a divorce is increasing.
Freedom and liberalism have given rise to dating and marriage among young Persian individuals.
Virginity is still a major issue with many Iranian families where teenage and pre-marital sex is prohibited for most girls. In traditional Persian families, dating and having sex are considered taboos. Those found involved are subjected to torture and harsh treatment by the family. Similarly, drinking and smoking by young girls and boys are deliberated as immoral practices.
The impact of liberalism is depicted in the second story of the book. The story is deeply rooted in Persian literature, history, and tradition and explains how modern educated and ambitious Iranian women have got involved with prostitution and unethical behavior. Zahra, a young, charming girl belonging to a traditional Muslim family, developed sexual relations with a young, modern Iranian university student. She fell in love with Catalan Archaeologist named Xavier. The story describes Zahra emerging as a gorgeous girl, fully dressed in a long-sleeve floral shirt and a maroon knit long jacket over fashionably torn tight jeans and comfortable sandals and keeping a bright magenta scarf in her hands. With her backpack and black chador over her head, she would pretend to visit her university to attend late-night classes or laboratory. The purpose of her visit was to meet her lover with whom she had a sexual affair. Xavier, a handsome Catalan archaeologist, desperately loved Zahra and told her to marry in court.
Catalan Archaeologist told her he was on a mission to excavate one of the strange artefacts of pre-Elamite times. He planned that after completing her PhD, she can take a Spanish passport; they will get married and live in Germany. This was not an easy decision for Zehra. Belonging to a traditional Muslim family, she preferred compromising for her family. Though Persian families have transitioned well into the Western culture, yet they maintained their traditional values and morals.
As she said,
“Zahra remains quiet for a while, then, in a serious tone, “Look! We are together because we want to be. We are together against all odds. We are from different cultures, and our families have different expectations. We also have obligations to our family. At the end of next year, I will complete my Ph.D. and will go to America for post-doctorate studies. With that, I can get a job anywhere. Maybe even in Spain. But my parents, my family is here. They are getting old; my father is not well. I have to be with them.”
According to the writer, the Government of Iran does not approve of casual dating or pre-marital sex. Therefore, if Iranians go out with their girlfriend or boyfriend in public, they risk being berated, reported on, or even detained. The story demonstrated that the young girl, Zahra jeopardizes her life and safety due to prevailing morality enforcement elements in the religion. Islamic states forbid unmarried couples’ association as law-breaking and are subjected to imprisonment or torture.
The story of Zahra highlights the social and psychological transitions that Persians families experienced after the revolution. The rapid modernization and forced religious traditionalism have led to an increase in liberalism, giving rise to immoral conduct, unlawful and offensive acts. According to the writer, the positive aspect about Persian families is how advanced they have become; they maintain their legacy and do not let go of their cultural traditions. The stories show that Persian people have embraced different ideals, conducts, and behaviors from other cultures and have incorporated them into their own. But simultaneously maintained their traditional values and morals. The stories highlight that following moral ethics, values, and traditions have helped Persian families arrive at a better understanding of themselves, achieve their personal goals and objectives, fulfill family values and traditions, and positively influence personalities and relationships.
The book ends in a sentimental tone. The young man went to his homeland, and Zehra compromised to the religious, moral values her family taught her. She leans over, kisses her father on the forehead, stands up, and leaves the room.
The author writes,
“Suddenly, she feels the tremendous burden of her deception, her balancing romance with family, she lies to her parents about school and classes. Suddenly, it all is unbearable for her. She drops her head on the table and sobs hard. Tears cover her face. She is hysterical and uncontrollable, sobbing away.” Preserving our moral ethics and embracing moral teachings have enabled us to realize the best version of ourselves, make our lives meaningful and purposeful, and maintain quality relationships. Hence, the book aims to chronicle some of the challenges and experiences that Persians have faced in and out of Iran. These experiences are ultimately about the universal struggle to maintain traditional family values, realizing personal goals and ambitions. It is through understanding and acceptance, developing empathy, unbiased and open mind attitude, Persian families have learned to overcome the challenges, conflicts, and catastrophes, and prevailing prejudice in society. The writer believes that getting rid of biases and prejudices can change one’s fate; it comes from unexpected people and places and rising situatio