Iran Religion Facts From Ancient to Islam
Iran’s religiosity is its most striking cultural feature – it pervades all aspects of life. The essence of Islam is the belief that there is only one God, and that it is the people’s duty to believe in and serve Him in the manner that is laid out in the Quran.
Ancient religion in Persia was influenced by Semites people originated in Mesopotamia, Babylonians and Assyrians’ incantation sayings, magic and spells. Zarathustra rose against such superstitions and the beliefs of Iranian plateau local people like worshiping the Sun, the Moon and stars.
Ancient Iranians believed in dualism, life after death and rewards for human deeds. Aryans also believed in animism and fetishism. The influences of these beliefs are still observed in modern-day Iranians’ beliefs and superstitions.
Pre-Islam beliefs & religions in Iran
What we surely know about Elamites’ religion is the fact that they believed in a great god called Shushinak. Scythians were highly civilized and religious who believed in one heavenly power, but had various beliefs as well.
Aryans believed in a series of good beings that had presented the treasures of nature to human beings the most important of which were light and rain. They also believed in a series of bad beings struggling with good ones and trying to block humans from getting to prosperity.
In addition to Iran’s religion pre-islam, Aryans’ beliefs led them toward a better code of ethics compared to Babylonians and Assyrians. They relied more on a combination of human endeavor and action with honesty and righteousness. Aryans worshiped Mithra (the goddess of the Sun), Ashi (the goddess of fertility and marriage), Verethraghna (the god of attack and victory), Mazda (the great god of eastern and western settled, civilized Iranians), and several minor gods and goddesses.
Medes’ religion was very much identical with Hoorians’ and Assyrians’, especially according to the sphinxes discovered in their regions. Magi held religious ceremonies for Medes and later for Persians.
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Religions & Cultures in Pre-Islamic Iran
In Achaemenians’ era, under Persians, the nations were free to believe in any religions as there was not any religion officially recognized by kings.
The majority of Persians believed in 4 holy elements: light, water, earth and wind.
When Cyrus the great defeated Nebuchadnezzar, the captive Jews of Babylonia were freed by the Persian king and rendered helps to go back to Jerusalem to rebuild their temple.
Undoubtedly, Jews owed their survival to Iranians. According to Old Testament, a group of them migrated to Iran at about 8th century B.C. Xerxes’ minister, later, prosecuted them.
Parthians’ religion was a combination of the religions of pre-Achaemenian Aryans, Zarathustra and Greek-influenced Seleucids. Mithraism was more popular during this period of time as a Iran’s religion.
After Alexander invaded Persian and Seleucid dynasty till Parthians’ period, Buddhism found followers in Iran and stopped being practiced toward the end of Samanids.
Rise of Zoroastrianism in Iran
With Sassanid dynasty, kings recognized Zoroastrianism as the official religion in Iran. The holy book of Zoroastrians, Avesta, was destroyed by Arabs’ invasion, but later could have been partly recollected and rewritten.
It was written in Pahlavi (Middle-Persian language), later, it was interpreted in a book called Zand. Pazand was also written later to explain Zand in Dary Persian. All through the history, Zoroastrians have believed in three principles: Good Thought, Good Words and Good Deeds.
During the first half of the 3rd century A.D, an Iranian noble man “Mani”, started Manichaeism. He declared his mission and began from Persia and found some followers from Syria, Egypt, North Africa to some parts of Europe. In the 2nd half of the same century, he was killed in Sassanid prison. He wrote six books in east Aramaic and Pahlavi.
“Mazdak” started his religious, political movement around the end of 5th and the beginning of 6th centuries A.D. He was killed when he had been taking part in a royal discussion meeting. His death won plenty of respect for his religion as well as Zoroastrianism.
At the end of Sassanid era, some other Jews had joined the ones in Iran. Christians grew in number during Parthians and found many followers, especially in Armenia during Sassanians and Romanians.
“Zorvanism”, the belief in the god called Zorvan, is not that much different from Zoroastrianism. It was practiced simultaneously with Zoroastrianism during Sassanid period.
It was in Sassanid era that all religions such as Manichaeism, Mazdaism and Christianity, was banned and all them followers were prosecuted.
Post-Islam religions in Iran
After Arabs’ invasion, the Iranian followers of Zoroastrianism were divided into three groups →
- some converted to Islam
- Some ignored islam & later fled to India
- Some stayed in Persia and practiced their own religion
There were two large mighty powers in the world when Islam emerged: Romans and Iranians. Sassanids were defeated by Arabs bringing a new religion in Iran, Islam.
After Mohammad the prophet was inspired by Allah to invite people to worship one true God, he obeyed God’s order and followed it for three years behind scenes.
Later he invited people in the public. After successive years of hard life and prosecutions, he decided to move from Mecca to Medina in present day Suadi Arabia. Eight years later, he moved back to Mecca leading a large army of Muslims.
Mohammad united Arabs in the Arabia peninsula and founded a religious government that later extended its borders toward east, west and north.
Furthermore, Islam has turned to be one of the most popular religions all over the world. The majority of the worlds’ Muslims are Sunni Muslims while Shiites are the minority. The followers of the latter branch form the majority of Muslims in Iran at present.
Christianity in Iran
By arrival of Mongols in Iran, Christianity was welcomed by Ilkhanid kings, but latter kings prosecuted them. Nestorianism started in Ephesus, grew at the border area between Roman and Iranian Empires, found many followers in Iran and put a strong impact on the Christians of next centuries in Iran.
Safavid conversion of Iran religion to Shia Islam
Mongols’ invasion to Iran ended with freedom of religion. As a result, Abbasid caliphate collapsed in Iran and Shia branch started to grow.
During Safavids, Zoroastrians were forced to pay special taxes, because they had not converted to Islam. In addition, some taxes placed on their business activities were a lot more than those placed on Muslims.
Can I wear a colorful dress in Iran?
YES YOU CAN. As far as color is concerned in dress code in Iran, there is no restriction on it, you can wear pretty much any color you like and the fact is that when you are in Iran you may find yourself through the variety of designs and colours of headscarfs available everywhere from the markets to bazaars and the shops in the streets.
The headscarf is also a form of fashion item amongst women in Iran – square, rectangular, big, small, silk, cotton and whatever you name it.
Fortunately, as a female tourist, you will not be judged when it comes to hijab dress code in Iran, and few Iranians will bat an eyelid if you have your fringe or a bit of neck or hair out of your headscarf.
Iran Dress Code – Preparing for the trip
The dress code of Iran is something that most tourists, including men, want to research before visiting. Here, I share ideas for what to wear in Iran as well as rules regarding clothing codes for both females and males.
Wearing headscarf in Iran
The biggest challenge that you’ll encounter is keeping your scarf on. Silk scarves aren’t much use, as they tend to slip off; the only way to make them work is to tie them under the chin babushka-style.
Wool headscarfs work better, but not if it’s too fine and slippery. Your best bet is textured cotton, which tends to adhere to hair more effectively and slips less.
Make sure if your scarf is wide enough to openly (NO NEED TO TIGHTEN IT LIKE A BURQA ABAYA) cover enough of your hair. Practice before you leave home or just look at the photos we uploaded on how to wear a headscarf in Iran.
Some travellers wear a thick elasticised headband and fasten their scarves to it with safety or bobby pins, ensuring that their scarf doesn’t slip – this can work well with silk and fine cotton, so is worth considering if you are travelling here over summer and want to wear something light.
Furthermore, local girls, wearing their scarves as high and as far back on their heads as possible. This is relatively easy to do if you have long hair (the scarf is draped over a high ponytail or bun, which anchors it), but it’s impossible for those with shorter hairstyles.
Manteaus (Long dress to cover the lower waist, up to knees)
Wearing manteau in Iran has a fashionable ring to it, and most of the local styles are now quite modern, tight and shorter, and in a good design.
The majority are made from polyester or cotton. The trench-coat style is more attractive (and is the most popular version for fashion-conscious Iranian women), but it can be hot and uncomfortable – remember that your manteau will need to stay on in restaurants, cinemas, shops and other interior public spaces.
As you see through the photos i’ve uploaded – To find out most comfy style of what to wear in Iran, the tight-comfy-fitting manteaus going down to the mid-thigh are the most comfortable form of outerwear.
These can be worn over T-shirts or jumpers (sweaters) and a jean or legging.
Bring them from home – or get one, once you land in Iran. In summer, you’ll need to wear something light – long peasant blouses and tunics made with natural fabrics work well, as do shalwar kameez, a long shirt or tunic worn over baggy pants.
If you’re coming overland from India or Pakistan you’ll have plenty of opportunities to purchase these along your journey and you’re good to wear them in Iran.
In addition, it is completely Okay to wear manteaus over a jean of any color. Or, wear long skirts to cover up to your ankles, with long sleeve blouse and a head scarf.
Chadors (head-to-toe long black veil)
I heard from my father that Chador is originally from Iraq – this is a long front-open often black garment to cover all your body. The only times when foreign women should wear a chador is when visiting religious shrines. In these instances, the chadors can almost always be borrowed onsite.
Respect local culture (Etiquette & culture behavior)
It is important to be aware and respect the local customs and culture, specially regarding dress code and behavior. Women are expected to dress modestly in Iran, covering their hair and avoiding tight or revealing clothing.
Half-truths and stereotypes about women exist on both sides of the cultural divide: some Westerners assume that all Iranian women are black-cloaked, repressed victims, while some Iranians, influenced by foreign movies and media, see Western women as ‘easy’ and immoral.
In restaurants and teahouses, head to the separate areas set aside for women and families where these exist. On city buses, use the women’s entrance in the middle of the bus and sit at the back with the other women.
On intercity buses you can sit in any part of the bus, but you should always try to sit next to a woman (it’s OK to sit next to a Western male you are travelling with).
Shaking hands with Iranian men are not a big deal, however, wait, till they initiate this.
Will I be Safe traveling as a solo female in Iran?
Violence against foreign women and tourists is almost unheard of in Iran. We rarely hear about instances of misusing and an assault against female tourists in Iran.
What Should I Bring?
If you use tampons, take enough to last your whole trip. They’re expensive and very hard to find. Sanitary pads are widely available at any phramacirs. It’s also handy to take some plastic bags for carrying out your toilet paper, tampons and pads from toilets that don’t have rubbish bins.
Loose clothing is your friend
Given the high temperatures in summer, then wearing loose fitting light colored clothing in Iran is a must. Just like long flowing skirts, loose shirts or loose cotton pants to allow the air to move and feel more breathable.
I saw female tourists on long maxi dresses & loose trousers with a vest top and a loose shirt over the top.
Generally, the best is to not to show any skin at all, except ankles/feet, and i don’t think anyone would have asked me to cover up, but actually given the strength of the sun I didn’t want to be too exposed anyway.
Don’t be afraid of colours
Although you might still see, specially in smaller town, some local in Iran wearing somehow black clothes, this doesn’t mean you have to be following them and wear the same.
Formal Dress Code in Iran
In Iran, a suit is generally the standard clothing for men at business and formal events; however, businesswomen typically wear a “Manteau” and a scarf. In contrast, a notable distinction in men’s business style is the absence of a tie, particularly in government sectors and affiliated corporations.
Nevertheless, this doesn’t prevent foreign travelers from wearing a tie. In fact, Iranians appreciate the diversity in dress codes and often expect foreigners to follow their own styles. For instance, foreign dignitaries and diplomats commonly wear ties, and similarly, you’ll notice that Iranian businessmen in the private sector might also choose to wear one.
Comfortable Footwear
Many foreign tourists in Iran suggest sandals or flip-flops so you can take them off easily with shrines, mosque and even if you’re visiting a local home. That is okay, if you love sandals and flip-flops and don’t mind if you may get dusty while walking around. In addition, pick any shoes up that is comfortable and good for walking.
It’s best to avoid high heels or shoes that might restrict movement or cause discomfort. You can however take a high-heel if you’re planning to meet people for party or wedding.
What to wear if visiting mosque and shrines?
In Iran, when visiting religious sites including mosques, remember to respect the local culture and dress modest following to wear loose-fitting clothes that cover the entire body such as chador (all mosques and shrines have them available to borrow for a visiting time). Cover your arms and legs.
Men should refrain from wearing shorts, wear a long jean and or a comfy long baggy pant (just like any other tourist).
In general, modest clothing is advised for What to wear in Iran at shrines and religion sites. Not only is it appreciated as a sign of respect, but many shrines and mosque won’t allow you to visit unless you dress modestly. Opt for outfits that cover shoulders, cleavage, and knees.
Makeup in Iran
Again, I have seen pretty much any lady in Iran with at least a bit of make up, this means, make up is quite acceptable. However, heavy foundation and tons of makeup doesn’t work too well here if you aren’t used to the sun and dry climate.
Sunscreen is a most and if you wear too much make up, half of it will melt off by the afternoon, so I wouldn’t waste time worrying about makeup, when you can spend more time exploring this incredible sites and attractions!
Traveling to ancient Persia? Check what is The best time to visit Iran →
How To: Iran Dress Code for Male Tourists
Generally it’s a little more straightforward and easy for the dress code in Iran for men. You’ll be fine to wear skinny jeans and a t shirt in most places, but wearing sleeveless isn’t appreciated – Typically, male tourists in Iran will probably be more comfortable in lightweight trousers than thick denim.