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Iran (Islamic Republic of Iran)
جمهوری اسلامی ایران
Jomhuri-ye Eslāmi-ye Irān
Iran is a beautiful country in the Middle East located by the coasts of Caspian Sea and Indian Ocean. Since it is one of the countries of my children’s heritage, I’d like to share with you a child-friendly introduction to Iran, with some of the interesting facts!
In the northwest winter are cold with snow and low temperatures. Summers are dry and hot.
In the south, winters are warm and summers are very hot.
This country has a long and mesmerizing history starting with Elamide Kingdom and unification during the rein of Iranian Meades with its dominant power in the region; which collapsed with the arrival of Alexander the Great and reemerged as Parthian Empire to be later conquered by Rashidun Muslims leading to the fame of Iran (Persia) as the place that produces many famous artists and poets.
Modern day Iran borders such countries as Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkmenistan, Turkey and Iraq.
Iran is a very multicultural and multilingual country, with Persian (Farsi) as the dominant and official language and a few minority languages (among which are the Armenian, Georgian and Azerbaijani languages).
Iran follows three different calendars:
– Persian (main calendar with its traditional holidays)
– Gregorian (following Christian holidays)
– Lunar (following Islamic holidays)
Naw Ruz (Nauruz , Nowruz, Nouruz) is the biggest and most important holiday in Iran and is celebrated for at least a week starting between the 20th and 22nd of March.
Here are some other facts about Iran:
Population – over 78 million
Capital – Teheran
Religion – Islam (dominant), birth place of the Bahá’í Faith
Size – 18th largest in the world, the size of the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Germany combined
Famous poets and philosophers – Omar Khayyam, Ferdowsi, Nizami, Rumi, Hafez, Sa’di
Famous inventions – Persian rug, Persian sature, Tables (board game), Windmill, Brick
Natural resources – Petroleum , natural gas, coal, chromium, copper, iron ore, lead, manganese, zinc, sulfur
Here’s a kid friendly craft of a magic carpet based on Persian rugs by Little Blue School:
And here’s an easy Persian Dessert recipe from my blog you can try at home:
When you think Iran, what comes to your mind?
This post is part of our new series Global Learning for Kids. Each month we will feature a country and host a link party to collect all the various posts people about teaching kids about that country–crafts, books, lessons, recipes, etc. It will create a one-stop place full of information about the country.
This month we are learning all about Iran, so link up below any old or new posts designed to teach kids on Iran–crafts, books, lessons, recipes, music, and more!
This post is part of the Middle Eastern and North African Heritage Blog Series and Giveaway. Please visit our landing page for the full schedule and to link up any of your posts on sharing Middle Eastern and North African heritage with kids. And don’t forget to enter our giveaway below!
Giveaway
Our giveaway runs through the month of August, so enter below for a chance to win! Some prizes have shipping restrictions. If the winner is outside of the shipping area of one of the prizes, that prize will then be included in the next prize package. (See our full giveaway rules).
Grand Prize
From Tuttle Publishing, The Complete Middle East Cookbook: Traditional recipes with clear instructions for the modern cook
From Medina Publishing, Discovering Islamic Art: A generously illustrated child’s guide to Islamic art, complete with activity sheets
From A Crafty Arab, Arabic Animal Alphabet Poster: Beautiful artwork with unique designs to teach Arabic letters
From Wisdom Tales Press, The Olive Tree (US shipping only): A beautiful tale of friendship set in Lebanon
1st Prize
From Tuttle Publishing, An Edible Mosaic: A cookbook of favorite Middle Eastern recipes
From Wisdom Tales Press, The Compassionate Warrior: Abd el-Kader of Algeria (US shipping only): Fascinating biography of Emir Abdel Kader, heroic 19th century leader and a pioneer in interfaith dialogue
From Wisdom Tales Press, The Green Musician (US shipping only): A magical story of patience and determination, adapted from the original Persian tale
From GeoToys, Geo Puzzle Africa and the Middle East (US contiguous states shipping only): Jumbo sized puzzle for ages 4 and up
2nd Prize
From Chicago Review Press, Kid’s Guide to Arab American History (US shipping only): Award-winning guide to the diversity of Arab American experience, with fun extension activities and biographies of famous Arab Americans
From Wisdom Tales Press, The Knight, the Princess & the Magic Rock (US shipping only): A retelling of a legendary Persian tale of heroism and love.
From Salaam Designs, 4 piece Holiday Cookie Cutter set (US shipping only): boxed set: Boxed set perfect for Ramadan and Eid includes Crescent, Star, Ramadan lantern (Fanoos), & Mosque.
by 
Varya
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