Iranshahri Culture
Iranshahri culture is characterized by traits emerging from Iran’s ancient history and rich cultural heritage, including:
Rationalism: Rationality is one of the purest and most profound concepts in Iranian thought. Its root is found in the Avestan word “xratu,” meaning intrinsic brilliance and inherent light. Iranian wisdom is deeper than the intellect derived from the brain’s capacity; unlike individual reasoning, wisdom possesses a spirit.
Justice: The term “dād” (Justice) originally means law and order. In Iranshahri culture, it signifies placing everything and everyone in their rightful place, which is the essence of justice—ensuring that every right is fulfilled.
Prosperity: Building a flourishing world, although a result of ingrained wisdom and the flow of justice in human life, inherently holds a life-giving and world-adorning value that is rooted in Iranshahri culture. According to Iranshahri thought, when individuals and society are constrained by a lack of welfare and comfort, achieving spiritual perfection and purification is not possible.
Tolerance: Recognizing the theoretical and practical value of human beings, respecting life, and simultaneously acknowledging human responsibility are at the core of the Iranshahri worldview. Tolerance is encouraged in dealing with those who think differently, but not in compromising when fundamental values are trampled upon.
Joyful Living: A society without joy is unhealthy, and in such a society, one illness leads to the emergence and spread of other ailments. A sorrowful society not only loses its dynamism and creativity but also becomes less resistant to oppression and injustice. Since collective joy, as seen in celebrations like Nowruz, Chelle Night, and Chaharshanbe Suri, strengthens emotional bonds within the nation, preventing such joy deadens society and hinders the growth of emotional connections among the people.
Generosity: In Iranshahri culture, the value of kindness lies in the essence of goodness itself, not in the rewards promised for doing good deeds. Therefore, neither the promise of paradise nor the fear of hell motivates Iranshahri generosity. The punishment for wrongdoing is inherent in living a life of corruption and decay.
Freedom: Freedom involves not only standing firm against immoral values but also refusing to bow to the powers of tyranny and wealth. This is clearly seen in the confrontation between Rostam and Esfandiyār. When Esfandiyār is ordered by the king to take Rostam bound to the capital, Rostam responds:
“Command me whatever you wish, I will obey,
I find joy in your presence, my soul will be at peace.
Except for chains, for they are a disgrace,
It is shameful to be bound by them.
No one will see me alive in chains,
For my clear spirit insists on this alone.
Who told you to bind Rostam’s hands?!
The lofty heavens will never bind mine.”