IRANIAN People
“In any competition for the title of the world’s friendliest people, Iranians would be definite finalists. Its the people that leave the most lasting impressions from any journey to Iran.”
— Lonely Planet
Champions of hospitality! Iranians -the custodians of one of the world’s most ancient civilisations- are a proud and diverse people, united by a rich culture, history, language and strong national identity. For those interested in the numbers: around 90% of Iran’s 90 million people are literate, roughly 78% live in urban areas, and close to 85% are online. Around 60% of the population is under the age of 35, smartphone use is widespread, and social media -particularly Instagram, used by around half the population (among the largest user bases globally, ranked around 7th) - is hugely popular across the country. Yet it is perhaps the innate warmth, fun-loving nature and hospitality of Iranians that leave the deepest impression on visitors to the country…
American travel Vlogger Peter Santenello offers a glimpse (part 1) into life and people in present day Iran. Source: Youtube, 2018
50 People 1 Question: Tehran, Iran. Directed, filmed and produced by Ali Molavi.
50 People, 1 Question is a powerful video series that captures the voices of ordinary people through a single, thought-provoking question. By asking the same question to individuals from different backgrounds, cultures and walks of life, the series reveals a rich tapestry of perspectives and highlighting our shared humanity. For the best experience, be sure to turn on subtitles.
50 People 1 Question: Tehran, Iran. Directed, filmed and produced by Ali Molavi. Be sure to turn on subtitles.
2016 Sky News report on life inside Iran. Source: Youtube, 2016
Asking Iranians how much money they make - 2024
American travel Vlogger Peter Santenello offers a glimpse (part 3) into life and people in present day Iran. Source: Youtube, 2018
A taxi ride through Tehran, Iran - turns rather musical. A video from the Red Line Team, an Iranian events company based in Tehran (check out their Instagram page). Source: Youtube, 2017
The majority are Persians (around 60–65%), alongside significant minorities including Azeris (15–20%), Kurds (7–10%), Lurs (5–7%), Arabs (2–3%), Baluchis (2–3%), and Turkmen (1–2%), as well as smaller communities such as Armenians, Assyrians and others. Despite this diversity, most groups share a common national identity, with Persian (Farsi) as the official language and a long, shared cultural history.
50 People 1 Question: Tehran, Iran. Directed, filmed and produced by Ali Molavi. Be sure to turn on subtitles.
2015 CBC report on young Iranians. Source: Youtube, 2015
A glimpse into the lives of a young couple in lockdown in Iran. Source: The Guardian/Youtube, 2020
Social experiment and film series 50 People 1 Question: Tehran, Iran. Directed, filmed and produced by Ali Molavi. Source: Youtube, 2017
American travel Vlogger Peter Santenello offers a glimpse (part 2) into life and people in present day Iran. Source: Youtube, 2018
American travel Vlogger Peter Santenello offers his views on the impact of US sanctions on the largely pro American people of Iran. Source: Youtube, 2018
Iranians in Tehran step up to CNN's Open Mic and tell Americans what they really feel about them. Source: Youtube, 2013
CNN speaks to Iranians and tourists in Tehran about media depictions of Iran (poor sound quality). Source: Youtube, 2016
2015 CBSN report on Iranian youth. Source: Youtube, 2015
American travel Vlogger Peter Santenello offers a message about and to the people of Iran. Source: Youtube, 2018
2008 Journeyman Pictures Report on some of the ways Iranian youth let off steam. Source: Youtube, 2016
Popular Iranian stand-up comedian Hasan Reyvandi performing in Tehran. Source: Youtube, 2019 (we need help adding subtitles to this video)
Iranian researcher Maryam Ghadiri presents a 2016 Tedx Talk (Tedx Talks) about the misconceptions surrounding Iran and Iranians. Source: Youtube, 2016
American travel Vlogger Drew Binsky shares his views on Iran’s ‘hospitable’ people. Source: Youtube, 2018
2018 Channel 4 report on the use of the social media app Instagram in Iran. Source: Youtube, 2018
VOA report: when Comedy Central’s The Daily Show visited Irran back in 2009. Source: Youtube, 2009
Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown follows host Anthony Bourdain, world-renowned chef, bestselling author and multiple-Emmy® winning television personality—as he travels across the globe to uncover little-known areas of the world and celebrate diverse cultures by exploring food and dining rituals.
Tehran, Iran. Photo by Omid Armin on Unsplash