Unveiling Persia - Paperback

by Khashayar Bahar (Author)

"Unveiling Persia" is an easy-reading, concise book that's an alternative narrative and a reflective history of Persia, as told from a Zoroastrian perspective, with a personal voice, quite relevant to the current political climate regarding "Islam" and "Muslims". Through the pages, Bahar ventures to unravel the psychological repercussions and inferences brought about by the Islamic Conquest of Persia on to the different tribes of Persians, in general and as minorities, their treatment, along with the socio-political progression of "Islamic Iran" up to now. The "Feminine Principle" sheds light on how Iranian women are generally seen, treated and governed by Islamic Sharia (the Islamic Code), and currently by the Islamic Republic of Iran, (i.e. Hadith, Koranic and historical references); particularly the treatment of women by the Iranian prison system. "Evin Prison" studies the dark history of the notorious Iranian prison, as well as listing names of current inmates, some of whom are foreign nationals. The "Ferdowsi" chapter elaborates on the author of the "Shah-Nameh", in contrast to other legitimate historians, and seeks to demonstrate how Iranians view their own history. The "Omar Khayyam" chapter elucidates on the genius poet, mathematician, astronomer's influence in defining contemporary Persian culture and agnosticism. The "Story of Opium" and how it ties in with the Iranian psyche and society, points to latent issues that have never been brought up before. The "Sufism" chapter delves into the roots of Persian gnosticism and its relation to pre-Islamic Persia, entailing a brief history, explanation, comparison and contrast of numerous Sufi masters and orders. "Persian Exodus" explains the essential key players in the socio-artistic evolution of 20th century Iranian culture. "Junkyard" explores the history of western exploitation and influence on the industrial, domestic and foreign policies of the region, as well as the underlying forces that have shaped Iran's industrial revolution and environmental disasters. "Unveiling Persia" is accurate, well-sourced and imperative to better understanding Islam and Iranians; particularly now that "Islam" and "Muslims" comprise the daily news headlines, shrouding the Iranian story in clouds of ambiguity and misunderstanding. "Unveiling Persia" reminds everyone that Persia (Iran) is home to countless tribes of people, ethnicities and view-points; and that Iranians need to be heard. Table of Contents: Introduction; Chapter I: The Death of Persia; Chapter II: Birth of the Anti-Art; Chapter III: The Lamb Totem; Chapter IV: Junk yard; Chapter V: Ferdowsi; Chapter VI Omar Khayyam; Chapter VII: Reza Khan; Chapter VIII: Mullahcracy; Chapter IX: The Sufis; Chapter X: The Feminine Principle; Chapter XI: Speaking of Opium "Taryak"; Chapter XII: Zendan Evin (Evin Prison); Chapter XIII: Persian Exodus; Chapter XIV: Persian Fire; Chapter XV: The Philosophy of Misunderstanding.