The Lion and Sun flag (پرچم شیر و خورشید) is one of the most enduring and recognizable symbols in Iranian history. For centuries, it represented Iran’s sovereignty, cultural identity, and continuity—long before modern political ideologies emerged. Today, the flag remains a powerful historical and cultural emblem, often discussed in debates about Iranian identity, heritage, and national symbols. Origins of the Lion and Sun Symbol The Lion and Sun motif did not...

As the northern hemisphere tilts furthest away from the sun, plunging into the longest and darkest night of the year, millions of people around the world gather not to mourn the darkness, but to celebrate the imminent return of the light. This is Shab-e Yalda (Yalda Night), an ancient Persian festival that marks the winter solstice. Celebrated on the eve of the first day of winter—usually December 20th or 21st—Yalda...

If you travel through the heart of Fars province in southern Iran, not far from the city of Shiraz, you’ll find yourself standing before the weathered ruins of Persepolis—or as Iranians call it, Takht-e Jamshid. At first glance, it looks like a silent stone plateau rising out of the desert. But as you walk closer, past its towering columns and intricate carvings, it feels less like a ruin and...