flag worship
The first thing that catches your eye in Tehran is a large number of national flags. They are displayed everywhere, decorating poles, bridges, buildings where hotels, banks and even small shops are located. They can also be seen on residential buildings, and sometimes the flags are so large that they span several floors. Even the backlight is often made in national colors. They say that on holidays there are several times more flags, and there are a lot of them in the country. The authorities ensure that the signs are kept clean, change if necessary. It can be said that a veritable cult of the flag is flourishing in Iran.Sometimes the national colors – green, white and red – are replaced by black. This is what happens during times of mourning.
Chaos on the roads
Traffic in Tehran is chaotic and it is immediately difficult to know if there are any rules. The fact is that only four signs are used in the city: “stop”, “no entry” (brick), “one-way traffic” and “dead end”. Other drivers are guided by traffic lights. It works in an unusual way for us. In addition to the standard signals, there are several others. For example, flashing red is equivalent to a “give way” sign, while flashing yellow indicates a main road.Since gasoline is extremely cheap in the country (a liter of the most expensive costs 3.5 thousand rials, or 6 rubles), almost all citizens have cars. Because in Tehran there are always traffic jams. The traffic is so dense that the speed of the automobile flow does not exceed 40 km/h. However, it also has a positive side: if anything, pilots have time to slow down. As a result, there are almost no accidents.At the same time, motorcyclists rush onto the roads. They can easily pass on a red or oncoming lane, veer between cars, change lanes at once in multiple lanes. At the same time, up to four people can move on a motorcycle or moped. I remember how a motorcyclist managed to read a book fixed near the window while driving.It is not customary to let pedestrians cross in Tehran, so they cross the road anywhere. And even if they walk along a pedestrian crossing on a greenway, it does not guarantee them an advantage. Only a few dozen people who simultaneously cross to the other side can feel safe on the road.
Western quality standards
Iran has taken over the quality standards of Western products (a special body checks their conformity). The meat is only sold fresh. Even in nature, as connoisseurs assure you, you will not find bad barbecue. The only difference is that the poorer buy chicken or beef for themselves, while the better off buy a rack of lamb. The quality of dairy products is also at the top, in Europe it can be lower. Vegetables and fruits are abundant, harvested two or three times a year. Store shelves are full, and prices are low thanks to state support from manufacturers. The only thing missing is grain, there are no suitable conditions in the country, so wheat is bought abroad, mainly in Russia.
Own manufacture
Since the imposition of the sanctions, Iran has established its own production of almost everything – from clothes to cars. For 40 years, the country has been able to adapt to life in difficult conditions. Digital technologies are also developed there. Thus, local television has been using its own software for 15 years. And recently, an exhibition was held in Tehran, where local companies presented their own programs, simulators and even virtual reality glasses. It would seem that nothing special, but it must be taken into account that the Iranians do not have access to Western technology, and all this was created by themselves.
No nightlife
Iran is a Muslim country and alcohol is prohibited there. Therefore, there are no bars, clubs, discos in the country. Life in Tehran comes to a halt after dark. After seven or eight in the evening, when most shops are closed, there is hardly anyone on the street. Moreover, there are few streetlights in the city, they only illuminate the central streets, and even then only the roadway.This photo went around the world. In Iran, women are banned from attending football matches. Therefore, to get to their team’s match, five Persepolis football club fans put on men’s clothes, wigs and beards and glued artificial eyebrows. Photo: Social networks
Billionaires without money
Western sanctions have led to the depreciation of Iran’s national currency. Now for one dollar they give 42-45 thousand Iranian rials (the exchange rate is constantly changing). Accordingly, in order for a company to pay for a dinner in a restaurant, one must have several million rials in one’s pocket, and this is quite a thick wad of cash. In this regard, Iran has started the process of moving away from cash. They may not even be at the exchange office. The money is immediately transferred to the card. By the way, in the country they only use their own cards and payment systems, no one else works here.
Real estate prices are rising
The north of Tehran is considered the most prestigious district, the most elite housing is built there. Real estate prices in Tehran are constantly rising and those who have the opportunity try to invest there so that their money is not eaten away by inflation.By the way, there are quite a few buildings under construction in the city, where almost no work is being done, as well as abandoned buildings. Buying such a property is an excellent investment. The cost per square meter is increasing every year and taxes on these buildings are not paid in Iran.Besides
How Tide washing powder was advertised in the USSR and what does Iran have to do with it
In the movie “Hello and Goodbye”, released in 1972, at the 64th minute, a packet of Tide washing powder shimmers in the frame. And that’s right – in Russian. For what?The powder came into the movie without any commercials, at that time it was regular laundry detergent. Photo: Social networksThis brand first appeared in 1946 in the United States. Procter & Gamble developed a new formula for a high foaming cleanser and brought it to market. This invention quickly spread not only in the United States, but all over the world. Over time, “Tide” appeared in Muslim countries. Iran had a trade agreement with the USSR, so “Tide” quickly penetrated ours. Moreover, for the Union, the Iranians made it in a special package – with a name in Russian. So the powder got into the movie, without any commercials, at that time it was regular laundry detergent.And at the end of the 1970s, relations between the USSR and Iran deteriorated and cooperation was interrupted. And the second appearance of “Tide” in our market happened already in the 90s.
