Related Articles:

• Pari Syma Mayel-Afshar (Syma Sayyah): Why I am standing for election to Tehran City Council
• Biography of Pari Syma Mayel-Afshar, candidate for Tehran City Council

   
Complete list of articles by Pari Syma Mayel-Afshar published on payvand.com from 2002 to 2006:

Mahmoud Pakzad's "Old Tehran"
Imagine a Tehran with not so many people, a few cars, wide empty streets and open fields bordering the road from the city centre to Tajrish, such that you could easily see the mountains in three directions if you stood on the boot of a car. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/5/06

The Imam-Ali Alzheimer Charity Foundation
Many of you may not be aware that there is a modest foundation which cares for those who suffer from Alzheimers here in Tehran. I was told about the place by my good friend Zari who is involved with several helpful organizations. I went there one day late last month. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/1/06

A day in Darband
Autumn arrived abruptly in Tehran a few weeks ago. First we had a good deal of rain and thunderstorms, but mostly we get a wind, sometimes cold and rough but generally pleasant. The best thing about it either way is that the wind blows away the smog covering Tehran and we get a clear blue sky which means that we can clearly see the mountains surrounding this crazy and dear city of ours. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/27/06

Ane Mohammad Tatari - Turkoman Magic
This Turkoman painter who was born in Gonbad-Kavous, where people use a lot of red color because he said they mainly live on a plain, has a most intriguing and interesting way of blending modernity and tradition. He said that he is very dedicated to his tribe and country and his work is a representation of his affiliation and affection. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/24/06

A String Quartet In Tehran
So when I learnt that the Italian Embassy in Tehran, with the hard work of the cultural attaché Mrs. Ferraro, in cooperation with the Iranian Music Society had organized a concert by a String Quartet at one of the small salons at the Vahadat (Roudaki) Hall, I made sure that we made it to one of the two performances. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/16/06

Effat Roozbeh - Positively A Great Lady Who Paints
This lovely lady does yoga and enjoys the poetry of Hafez. When I asked her what is her favorite color she said "all colors, I love all colors". She told me that she considers herself very lucky and fortunate. Someone so positive and full of life and hope is a rare and valuable thing in Tehran. So, when I asked her to give our readers a message she said to me: "treasure your moments and live well because life is beautiful". -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/13/06

Tehran's Women Cultural Center Holds Ceremony in honor of Ms Shahla Lahiji
Last Monday evening, we were invited by Markazz Farhangi Zanan (Women Cultural Center - Zanestan ) to attend a ceremony in honor of Ms. Shahla Lahiji's recent achievement of winning the First IPA Publishers' Freedom Prize 2006. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/9/06

Ali Asghar Massoumi's Nostalgia Exhibition
Ali Asghar Massoumi's recent exhibition at the Day gallery was very well received even though no pictures had been sold up to the time we were there. This was probably due to the very high prices that the artist had insisted on. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/8/06

A day in a family garden
It is not very often that we have been able to head out of Tehran and breathe a little fresh air and enjoy the country. On one such rare occasion last weekend we were invited by our friends Jassem and Vida to their bagh (garden) near Mohammad-Shahr in the Karaj area, about 60 kilometers from Tehran. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/6/06

Demonstrations in front of British Embassy in Tehran: Mehdi Ghasemi, winner of Kaveh Golestan Photojournalism award
The winners of the Third Kaveh Golestan Photojournalism Award were announced on Friday October 27 in Tehran. This year, Mehdi Ghasemi won the award in the Best Picture Story category with his photos from demonstrations in front of the British Embassy in Tehran. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/1/06

The Best Years Of Our Lives: Photos by Kian Amani
Amani has captured young couples sitting intimately at a park in Tehran. A series of pictures show how a couple is approached and questioned by police and then taken away. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/30/06

Third Kaveh Golestan Photojournalism Awards
The results of the Third Kaveh Golestan Photojournalism Award have been announced. This year the awarding committee was unable to obtain permission from Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance to publish the photographs which had reached the final in a catalog, as in previous years. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/28/06

Sofreh Nazr - An Iranian Shia Tradition
Sofreh is a Persian word which technically means spread but when used in conversation it means a cloth, simple or grand, usually spread on the floor on top of the carpet, on which food is served, and nazr means a wish or a vow which one makes with God. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/27/06

Sa'di - A True Persian Heritage
When we got married last year, for my dowry I asked for five roses and a complete book of Sa'di. Since childhood, listening to radio on Friday nights to a program called Moshaere,[1] I became familiar with poetry, poems and poets. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/25/06

WHAT IS MISSING IN BAM: General impressions of a short trip to Bam
Last month I revisited Bam after almost two years. Lots had happened and yet there was so much that was still the same. As we drove through the streets of Bam and villages nearby, I was taken aback that despite the fact that so many people have put so much effort and so much money has been spent, there was not enough to show for it, and besides that it seemed to me that something was missing. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/24/06

A lovely Friday in Tajrish
Those who live in Tehran know well what and where Tajrish is. It used to be, and still is, a center to all destinations in the north of Tehran, places like Farmanieh, Azjodanieh, Darband, Niavaran, Chizdar and so on. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/20/06

Popli Khalatbari Charitable Foundation spreading kindness and hope in Iran
Last week I went to Bam to have a look at the Popli Khalatbari Charitable Foundation's (www.pkcf.com) ongoing project of building a Vocational School for 420 girls in Bam. There I met Mrs. Diana Khalatbari whose endless zest and hard work puts many to shame. This lady is the one of the most determined individuals I have ever met in my life -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/17/06

Second Bam report: Ongoing projects
During my recent lightning trip to Bam, I was able to check on the progress of several projects. I was on the planning committee of the Women's NGOs and CSOs Coordinating Committee for the Restoration of Bam which originally represented more than 44 NGOs and is building a Cultural Center for Women in Bam. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/13/06

Hossein Nilchian's Persepolis Images
Recently we went to the Silk Road Gallery which solely promotes and exhibits photographic works. Silk Road is one of the rare galleries in Tehran which has devoted itself to such ventures. The manager, Kiarash was as always very kind and welcoming. We went there to have a look at the works of Hossein Nilchian. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/9/06

The Right to Pass Nationality to the Children of Iranian Mothers
Recently, I accepted an invitation to be on a committee of volunteers and activists who want to try to change the particular law which specifies that Iranian nationality can only be passed to a child through his or her father. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/6/06

A visit to Bam: Reconstruction continues
I recently visited the world famous Ark-e Bam which was heavily hit by the earthquake on 26th December 2003, when centuries of glory were turned into rubble. Still this remains one of the most interesting sites in Iran. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/5/06

September Art in Tehran
The weather shows some sign of cooling down these days with a breeze here and there and for a week now we have not turned the coolers on. However the art scene these days is rather lukewarm. Many Tehran galleries are not open and some have decided to delay their opening until after the end of Ramadan (a holy month for praying and fasting), the last week in October. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/2/06

A Good Vegetarian Restaurant in Tehran
Many friends who visit Iran and are vegetarian have complained that they have a hard time finding good food that suits them. Many Iranian dishes are vegetarian but it is not usual to find them in restaurants. As the saying goes, the best Iranian traditional food is always served at home. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 9/25/06

A Night in Darakeh
Darakeh is a village on the slopes of the mountains to the north of Tehran and is one of the many spots that people can go for a soft or hard hike depending on how far they wish to walk. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 9/22/06

Tehran's ordinary flower shops
I want to share one of Tehran's simple pleasures. I love flowers and I try never to go anywhere empty handed and I think most Tehran flower shops do a great job of wrapping and decorating the flowers you choose. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 9/19/06

Tehran again
I have been back in Tehran for a few weeks, after a few months trying to live in Oxford. We came back for my mom's saal (the anniversary of her passing). The first two weeks went by so fast, as I was arranging the ceremony at our house that lots of family and friends attended. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 9/18/06

Mahe-Mehr Art Institute in Tehran
At a time when most people are hesitant to start a new business or expand an ongoing one, when business people in all fields complain of low sales and despondency, except maybe those involved in the food industry, I find it delightful that a few dedicated and courageous people have the daring to forgo the barriers of fear and the necessary financial risk that such endeavor entails. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 7/21/06

Mahallat's Famous Spring Garden - Sarcheshmeh
During our recent trip to Mahallat, we had a great time when our driver, who came from Isfahan and knew the area, took us to see and enjoy the (cold) spring garden (baghe cheshmeh or Sarcheshmeh), before we headed back home to Tehran. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 7/7/06

Park Mellat's New Face
I have never been a morning person so it was a surprise to me that recently, one early Friday morning I woke up and was fresh and full of energy. Since we live near Park Mellat in Tehran, we decided to go there and have a walk around. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/29/06

Mahallat's Hot Springs
One thing Mahallat is famous for is its hot springs, which with the presence of minerals makes it very good for your aches and pains. I read on the net that the springs there are compared with spas in the Netherlands. However, the standard of hygiene and even the quality of service, despite all the investment that was put there about 20 years ago, leaves a lot to be desired. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/28/06

A trip to Mahallat
Sometimes real life stories are stranger and even better than the stories one could make up. Here, I share with you the story of my trip to Mahallat which is famous for its hot springs and flowers. They hold a flower festival every year in September and November. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/21/06

Narcotics Anonymous in Iran
Some time ago I went to see an interesting gentleman in central Tehran. His name is Siamak; he is the coordinator and in charge of NA World Services Office in Tehran1. Yes, you may not know it but NA (Narcotics Anonymous) has a branch office in Iran, one of the only 4 official offices in the world -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/8/06

Good Time with Iranian Cinema
Last week, I watched three films in a row. The first was I'm Taraneh 15. It was so good. The film was work of Mr Rasoul Sader-Amlie and Taraneh Alidoust played her part most beautifully. It was engaging, interesting as it showed so many issues that prevails in our towns and in our lives here in Iran. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/1/06

Strange things in Tehran
Recently I had noticed some most strange grey metal fixtures being installed in the streets near our house. Two days ago I realized what they were to be used for. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/31/06

Tehran Art Scene: Karim Nasr at Artists' Forum
In April, I had a meeting at the Khaneh Honmandann (Tehran Artist Forum). I was there early so I took the opportunity to visit the Morteza Momayez Gallery on the ground floor. There I saw the works of Mr Karim Nasr -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/24/06

April Art in Tehran: Dr Mojgan Zare at Golestan
At the Golestan Gallery (42 Kamasaie St, Darrous, Tel. 22541589) I saw the works of a lady doctor, Dr Mojan Zare, who by training and profession is a radiologist and paints most profoundly. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/18/06

Tehran Art Scene: Homayoun Mosavie at Haft Samar
At Haft Samar gallery I usually find some artists, unknown to me, who have depth and are intense artists. This time I saw the print works of Homayoun Mosavie. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/12/06

Tehran Art Scene: Azadeh Razaghdoost at Golestan Gallery
The Tehran art scene is waking up and some galleries have opened once again after the long new year break. The first exhibition that I visited was the Golestan gallery, which was the first gallery in Tehran to open on Fridays so those who wished to see the show on opening night did not have to endure the awful Tehran terrific. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/10/06

A lady who never sat idle: Mokarrameh Ghanbari 1928-2005
Recently many of us have read that Meryl Streep is going to portray an Iranian lady painter, that most of us had not even heard of, in a forthcoming film. So who is this lady that Hollywood has found so interesting? Mokarrameh Ghanbari, who was born in 1928 in Mazadaran, a region in the north of Iran, reminds us more of our mothers or grandmothers than a painter. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/1/06

"Life should go on as long as there are poppies": Mohebie School for the Blind
Last Thursday I went to see Mr Lavasani at the Mohebie School for the Blind. It is a residential centre which was opened in 1963 and has several buildings some of which were added to the school later, built by donation. I went there, with an appointment, on behalf of Popli Foundation on a fact finding mission. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 4/24/06

Happy Norouz, there is always hope!
We are coming to the end of the Iranian year 1384, and at such times, one takes a look back and wonders what the year was like. For many if not most of us, it has been hard one, yet as life plays on there are always a few sparkles of good and positive events to help us carry on. This becomes more important as we get older and life becomes harder and more serious. -Syma Sayyah - 3/20/06

Good, Great and Fantastic Restaurants in Tehran: Bistango
Iranians, like many other nationalities, when they love and respect some people, go out of their way to make their loved ones happy and pleased. That's why we invited our next guests, a mixture of both family and friends, to what I consider the best restaurant in Tehran. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/15/06

Good, Great and Fantastic Restaurants in Tehran: Monsoon
The next place we went to is an older restaurant and since it opened several years ago it remains one of my favorite places in Tehran. I love its easygoing atmosphere and I like Asian food. I like the fact that these days one can try Sushi and Hosomaki and Futomaki rolls. It is the closest thing you can get the best Japanese food here in Tehran. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/13/06

Good, Great and Fantastic Restaurants in Tehran: Entrecote
The first place we were invited to was Entrecote, which I was told by the manager Mr. Salehzadeh is a branch of the famous Paris restaurant. This was the first time we had been there. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/27/06

Tehran's Winter Art Report: Two very interesting yet different artists
I discovered the works of Shahab Mousavizadeh who had an exhibition at Artists' Forum Morteza Momayez gallery a while ago. He is a well established artist both in Iran and in Germany where he has been living for many years. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/1/06

Tehran's Winter Art Report: Mohammad-Hossein Emad
Recently, we stopped by at the Morteza Momayez Gallery at the Artists' Forum House (Khaneh Honarmandan) and visited my friend Ms Azita Sharaf-Jahan the head of the gallery. We were very impressed with the wooden installations and sculptures of Mohammad-Hossein Emad. I found his work original and very moving. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/30/06

Kish Island Report - Part II
Kish Island is located in Persian Gulf and it has a 3000 years old history. Some of the trees there are reputed to be very old. The island became Iran's first free trade zone in 1982 but now it is more of a holiday resort. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/25/06

Kish Island Report – Part I
Recently, we set off on a trip to Kish Island which is in the Persian Gulf about an hour and half by plane from Tehran. It is a very enjoyable and relaxing place and we all had a great time, as we all needed a break away from it all. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/23/06

Tehran: Gallery Outing with Nassrin
The last couple of months have been rather busy ones for me. My good friend Nassrin was here on an unexpected trip and we were all happy to see her. We both like art and going to exhibitions and so on a couple of Fridays during her stay, we went to a few gallery openings. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/17/06

Iason Athanasiadis photos at Tehran's Artists Forum: Asia Minor Photographs
The Artists Forum first exhibition on the eve of the New Year (2006) was a photo exhibition of a multi-talented Greek-British whiz-kid, Iason Athanasiadis who speaks, reads and writes very good Persian as well as Arabic, which he studied at Oxford. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/10/06

Iranian women NGOs making a difference in Iran
Many people talk about things that cannot be done here in Iran; here and in the next few pieces I shall be telling you some short stories about work and projects that are happening or being done successfully, sometimes modestly and sometimes on a grand scale. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/30/05

End of the year thoughts
At this time of the year, many people take the time to reflect on the events that have taken place during the past twelve months. I too have been wondering about all the many ups and downs of life that I have been through. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/29/05

Delhi Darbar Indian Restaurant in Tehran
The first time I met Mr. Bahrami was nearly 25 years ago. Then I used to live in Iranshahr Avenue and often we used to walk to the Indian restaurant near the former US embassy. I had just returned from UK and we loved Indian food, and the food and especially their nann (bread) was great. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/28/05

Tehran Art Scene: Ali Akbar Sadeghi, A Great Artist with Intriguing Originality
Life, for me, is a serious process of learning and once one has left stages of acquiring material things and the domain of having, it is indeed a pleasure to find out and to discover something new, even if it is about someone or something that you knew before. Recently I had such a lovely encounter; it was a person's work that I discovered. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/28/05

Tehran Art Report: Watercolors by Farideh Mansouri
Farideh Mansouri is what I would call a delicate artist. Her work was to be seen at the Banafshe gallery. I was almost as impressed with the invitation card as much as with the works that we saw on display! -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/20/05

Mehr is an Iranian NGO that invests in women and helps to empower them
Mehr believes in promoting and improving women¡¯s lives by empowering those women who are family heads and the main breadwinners. Through this, they aim to reduce depravity, vice, decadence and rakishness and bring safety, stability self-confidence and a happy and healthy home. In this way they help open a horizon of hope and create sense of positivism for tomorrow, in an environment that hope is scarce and efforts are rewarded very little. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/20/05

5th Golshiri Literary Award Ceremoney
The 5th Golshiri1 Award-giving ceremony took place recently at Niavaran Cultural Center. Opening the ceremony, Mrs. Farzaneh Taheri-Golshiri, the president and founder of Houshang Golshiri Cultural Foundation2 gave a short report of the foundation 's activities during the year, after remembering the loss of some Iranian literary figures, Mr Karim Emami, Mr Manuchere Atashie, Mohammad Mokhtari and Mohammd Jafar Pooyandeh. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/16/05

Popli Khalatbari Charitable Foundation Vocational School
The Popli Khalatbari Charitable Foundation has done it again! This hard working NGO puts shame on the faces of those who say that one cannot work in Iran. They, and the work they do in Iran (among other places) prove that once there is a will there is a way. If you really mean it you can do it, and do it well, on time, without fuss and with highest standards. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/15/05

Tehran Art Report: Shahram Ebrahimi's Contemporary Primitive Cosmetic Jewelry
The other day, there we were, an English child psychologist, an Italian language professor and myself, a management consultant, chatting over afternoon tea about art here, child abuse cases, life experiences, world and home politics and the best recipe for this and that. I just felt that the place of my "Viking" friend was truly empty! -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/9/05

Dizzi: Good autentic Persian food and great ambiance
Dizzi is a very Iranian meal, made with lamb, many different beans potatoes, onions and tomatoes. The best ones are cooked in a special small pottery type jar cooked for very long hours in some kind of oven. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/5/05

Morteza Momayez, prominent Iranian artist was buried today: Yet Another Great Loss!
When I was riding in the one of the many buses which were provided to go to Kordan, a young lady journalist said to me: "It is a great pity that many young people learn about our great names, which are part of our modern heritage, only after they die and leave us". -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/30/05

Tehran Art Report: The interesting works of Alireza Mir-Asadola
I was delighted to walk down to the lower saloon to observe the works of Alireza Mir-Asadola. I found them quite interesting in a corny way, and I may even use the word delightful. I think it takes a lot of hard work to make something ugly look so nice and interesting. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/25/05

Koran Artistic Exhibition in Tehran
The Niavaran Creative Art Center, formerly known as the Cultural Center is always a delight to visit. It is located in the front of the Niavaran Palace, part of which in itself is beautifully designed and can be enjoyed easily. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/18/05

The Wonderful Tehran Friday Market
Tehran may be quiet on Fridays for many, but there is so much that people can enjoy and find interesting despite it all! One such feature is the Tehran Friday Market which is held on three floors of a multi-storey car park in center of Tehran, what was used to be called 'Charaheh Estamboul' as it is near the Turkish embassy, on the east side of Joumbouri Avenue. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/15/05

Photos: The Fabulous Shiraz
Recently with my friend we went for a short trip to fabulous Shiraz, the city of love and poetry. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/11/05

Report From The Second Annual Kaveh Golestan Photo Journalism Award
The Second Kaveh Golestan award ceremony took place last Saturday evening at Khaneh Honarmandan (Artist's Forum). The saloon was full and by 5:30 when the official ceremony started there were no seats left and many were standing all around, among them many renowned photojournalists, young photographers and many well known faces in the art and cultural arenas in Iran. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/8/05

The Second Annual Kaveh Golestan Photo Journalism Award
The Second Annual Kaveh Golestan Photo Journalism Award took place in the auditorium of the Artists Forum (Khaneh Honarmandan) in Tehran on Saturday 5th November 2005 (14th Abaan 1384). This award was initiated by his family and friends in memory of Kaveh Golestan, the internationally recognized and accomplished photojournalist, who was killed by a landmine in April 2003 while working with the BBC in northern Iraq. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/5/05

With Hafez in Shiraz
One of the most internationally well known Persian poets is Hafez. In many Iranian homes his books, at least when I was growing up, was next to the Koran; and many would have it at their wedding table or the New Year's Haft-Seen. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/31/05

A short visit to Persepolis, Shiraz
Recently with my friend we went for a short trip to fabulous Shiraz, the city of love and poetry. We had set out to see a few places in the short time that we had. Persepolis -Takhte-Jamshid was for sure one of the sites that we were desperate to see, -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/13/05

Iranian Poet Saadi Shirazi: Of one Essence is the human race
Saadi was born in Shiraz around 1200. He died in Shiraz around 1292. He lost his father in early childhood. With the help of his uncle, Saadi completed his early education in Shiraz. Later he was sent to study in Baghdad at the renowned Nezamiyeh College, where he acquired the traditional learning of Islam. -Syma Sayyah - 10/10/05

Photos: Bazar Vakil in Shiraz
Recently I went on a short trip to Shiraz, the city of love and poetry in Iran. I had been there on business several times before when I was a busy business executive; but then I never had the time to enjoy the interesting and beautiful sites there. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 9/27/05

The Irresistible Shirin Patisserie in Tehran
Shirin in Persian means sweet and the Shirin patisserie in the north part of Tehran - Freshteh Street, No. 56 Agha-Bozourgie Street- is without doubt my favorite patisserie in Tehran. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 9/14/05

Haleh Anvari's lovely house in Tehran
Fereshteh means angel in Persian. It is also the name of one of the most well-known areas in Elahieh in the northern part of Tehran. There used to be many large houses here with big gardens where the well off Tehrani used to live. These days many of the lovely houses have been knocked down and replaced by large, ugly, impersonal high-rise apartment blocks, crowding the lovely narrow alleys and side streets. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 8/18/05

Simin Behbahani: The lovely, the great, the fascinating Lioness Lady of Iranian Letters
Simin Behbahani is without doubt the most intriguing lady of letters in Iran. Not only she is talented, hard working and beautiful, but there are two characteristics that I admire most about her. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 8/10/05

Tehran Summer Art Report: Fatemeh Shahroudi
I went to see the paintings of Ms Fatemeh Shahroudi there recently, in a terrible heat wave that could easily induce you to stay home for three months! -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 8/1/05

Home Decorating Ideas from Tehran
Like so many others, I have now managed to recover from the utter surprise of the recent Iranian election results. Whatever the first round of the election might have been, the second round was as fair and square as you could get anywhere. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 7/19/05

Tehran's Election Time Art Report (II)
Another place I visited recently was Elahe Gallery here a new group called Halgheh meaning Ring or Circle was exhibiting their paintings. The group is made of four young lady artists: Sanaz Alavi, Azadeh Sherkat, Leila Sanaie-Pour and Elahm Bayati. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 7/13/05

Tehran's Election Time Art Report (I)
Mohamand Sharifi Tehrani is a young artist whom I first met at a party a few months ago where there were many works of Iranian modern artists on the walls. I was so pleasantly surprised that he knew the works and the painters so well. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 7/11/05

Tehran's Art Scene: Maryam Tabatabie, a very determined lady artist
Maryam Tabatabie is a young painter with a difference. Like many other young artists, she is working hard and has very great potential. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 7/7/05

Spanish Guitar in Tehran
The month of May was a good one for those of us who live in Tehran, despite the very changeable weather and temperature. Last week of May I and a few Friends went to a Spanish Guitar concert at Roudaki hall, Vahdatt. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 7/3/05

Payback Time
Many Payvand readers write to me for many diverse and different reasons. One of them was a youngish reader who asked me if I could help him find an NGO that he could work for during his forthcoming visit to Tehran. I introduced him to one such NGO which asked him to get in touch with them to arrange things. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/23/05

Photos: Isfahan's Historical Chehelsotoun Palace
During my recent trip to Isfahan, I took off from my group to explore the unseen areas of the Chehelsotoun wonder palace. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/21/05

Tehran's Andisheh Park: What is important to Iranian men and women
Last week a young friend of my brother's arranged that I go and talk to his mates at the park near my mum's house. Park Andisheh is located in the middle of Old Shemiran road (called Shariatie these days). -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/20/05

Massih Alinejad, a brave Iranian woman journalist
Recently we went to see a young journalist, Massih Alinejad, at her office at Hambastegi newspaper. We met a very sincere, dedicated and earnest young lady who strongly believes in law and order and process of democracy and rights of citizen as well as clarity and transparency. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/15/05

Iran's Next President And What Awaits Him
Suddenly in Iran there is election fever and posters are everywhere. After all the fuss, the Iranian presidential election will take place in a few days and one of the eight approved candidates will become Iran's next president. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/14/05

Iranian women hold protest gathering in Tehran
On Sunday June 12, a coalition of Iranian groups and individuals held a gathering in Tehran to protest the violation of women rights as guaranteed by the constitution. The gathering was held in the capital city in front of Tehran University. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/13/05

The Future: the Iranian Women
Women in Iran, like in the rest of the world, are making it really big. In the past couple of months I have attended a number of involved women groups, NGOs and Civil Society meetings. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/10/05

Haleh Anvari's photographs and video art: Chador (Veil) finds a different meaning
What was so eye catching was the fact that in the past few years when one hears the word chador one immediately thinks of something thick and black, which is not typical and is only worn by women of a more orthodox religious background. Here we realized that the chador, although it may cover women from head to toe, can be jolly bright and interesting. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/6/05

The colorful ladies of 7th Tir rehabilitation center in Tehran
Here are the latest pictures that I took at the 7th Tir Rehabilitation Center for Girls in North Tehran, when I went there last week. These girls who study at the Popli building at the center attend small classes and learn many new trades. This center allows these young girls (from 5-35) hope and a have a sense of comfort. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/3/05

Pottery at Isfahan's Chelsotoun
During a recent trip to Isfahan, we visited the famous Chelsotoun Palace garden. There I parted with the company as I had seen the palace a few times before. Instead I went exploring the garden. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/1/05

Master pieces of Persian painting at Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art
The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art (TMCA) once in a while does something truly great and very Persian. This time the new exhibition of masterpieces of Persian Paintings may be considered a great achievement. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/24/05

Riccardo Zipoli's Photos of Iran at Tehran's Silk Road Gallery
Last week at the invitation of the Italian Embassy Cultural Center and The Silk Road Gallery, I went to the opening of the exhibition of most interesting photographs by the well known and distinguished scholar Professor Riccardo Zipoli. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/18/05

Our pigeons and "a bird that wants to fly high" story
But I want to share with you another story, the story of a bright 17 year old girl, who comes from Kerman and who wants to work for NASA. Last month she won a silver medal in Switzerland at the 33rd International Invention Competition held in Geneva. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/16/05

Tehran Art Scene: Farshid Mesghali
Last Friday with a few friends we went to see the very interesting and bright colored works of Farshid Mesghali at Tehran's Golestan gallery. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/10/05

Exhibition: Riccardo Zipoli's Photographs at Silk Road Gallery in Tehran
The works of Italian photographer Riccardo Zipoli will be going on display at Tehran's Silk Road Gallery. The exhibition's opening night is on Tuesday May 10 from 4:00 to 8:30pm. -Syma Sayyah - 5/8/05

People in Tehran's Laleh Park
Last week, with a few minutes between appointments, I and a researcher went to Laleh Park, which is in the center of Tehran, to take a look around. There, in the middle of the very tall trees, one can find refuge and cool off a little from the afternoon heat. Many young people had the same idea and had found their way there too. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/6/05

Tehran Art Scene: Ali Nedaie
Ali Nedaie was the most interesting artist last week whose large works were on display at the Aria gallery. I found his works most striking. He has been a member of artistic Group 30+ since its formation five years ago. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/2/05

Tehran Art Scene: Vadjihe Fakour
Vadjihe Fakour's works are on display at Elahe gallery. She is another easy going lady! -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 4/29/05

Tehran Art Scene: Maryam Khatami
Last week in Tehran was steaming hot and the temperature got as high as thirty degrees. Despite the heat, I managed to go to several galleries, and overall I must admit I was not disappointed. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 4/27/05

Tehran Art scene: Parviz Kalantari
Last Friday I started my new season's work by going to the Golestan Gallery. A small yet diverse repertoire of the well known Iranian artist Mr. Parviz Kalantari was on display at the gallery. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 4/26/05

Positively cynical and not that serious either
Last month on an early part of the week, my friend, a European freelance reporter who speaks good Farsi, and I drove to Karaj which is on west side of and not far from Tehran. We were going there to interview these women fire fighters. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 4/18/05

Art in winter in Tehran
Elahe gallery is a very nice spacious gallery which can give artists a chance to stage many different art forms there. This was definitely true for Shahnaz Zehtab's recent show of her Installations and Paintings which made a very good use of this possibility. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/30/05

Works of Golnaz Ghadiri at Abtin gallery and Nina Rahshenas at Golestan gallery
A few weeks ago I was walking with a friend along north Valiassar Avenue. Before reaching Modaress-Chamran expressway, we dropped by at Abtin gallery which is located in a little alley. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/28/05

Third Sadegh Hedayat Short Story Award
On the anniversary of Sadegh Hedayat's birthday last month, the Hedayat office in Tehran, in collaboration with the Sokhan website and the Iran Artists' Forum (Khaneh Honnarmandan Iran), staged the Third Sadegh Hedayat Short Story Award. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/21/05

A couple of concerts in Tehran
It is cold and the pollution is terrible yet still there are some positive events that take place here in Tehran that make you get out of the house and challenge the horrendous evening or afternoon traffic in the hope of finding something to enlighten our lives. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/3/05

Reza Loghmeh: A good place in Tehran to grab a bite to eat
Last week I went to pick up my friend, whom I had not seen for a few weeks as we are both leading very busy lives. The weather was nice and the day was like an early promise of spring which is around the corner; that is why we had decided to venture out and go out to eat somewhere. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/28/05

They need a cup of hope and plenty of love: Association for Protection of Child Laborers
When my photographer friend asked me if I wanted to go with her to a special school for working children, little did I know that this will affect me so much. I can only hope that you are touched with this report of that school too. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/10/05

Photos: Snow in Tehran
Last week we had a couple of lovely warm days, which made me think the spring is just across the corner. But i was wrong, and we have been having snow on and off since end of last week! -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/8/05

The Smiling Ayatollah Kariminia
We got to Qom just before 10am, the time we had arranged for the interview. We called to say that we may be a little late as we did not know our way around Qom. After a while, we parked the car in front of a narrow alley and walked to the address where we met the kind Ayatollah, at the head of another alley, waiting to lead us to his home. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/7/05

Lunch at Gole Rezaieh restaurant in Tehran
Like all other metropolitan cities, Tehran has many hidden gems. I would like to introduce you to one such place. In the middle of the city center, in 30th Tirr Avenue (formerly known as Ghavam-O-Saltaneh), near the lovely Abgineh Museum, there is a lovely old restaurant called Gole Rezaieh. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/2/05

Photos: Afghan fishermen in Kelarr-Abbad, Caspian Sea
In my recent trip to the Caspian Sea shores, I visited Afghan fishermen in Kelarr-Abbad. These fishermen come over for short working spells, and their lives is gray, as was the sea that afternoon. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/31/05

PHOTOS: Iran's Caspian Region, Sehezar road
The next day we had the chance to go to Sehezar road which was down in Cassava's Khoram-Abbad, where near Ghaal-e-Gardann we saw a beautiful and panoramic view which despite the morning haze was breath-taking. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/28/05

A New Museum In Tehran: Home Of Modern Art
Tehran is full of activities, despite the terrible pollution and of course the dreadful, horrendous and never ceasing to amaze traffic. Yet, there are many good events happening in middle of all this mess. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/25/05

PHOTOS: Chalous, Iran's Caspian Region
Recently I took a few days off with a few friends and headed for Shomal, near the Caspian Sea. The predicted bad weather did not materialize and we had a nice and easy journey. During these few days we experienced such varieties of scenery, views, weather and people. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/21/05

Photos: Fish and Vegetable Market in Chalous, Iran
Last weekend with a few friends, we went to venture in the Caspian area again. I have several picture report for you and this is the first one from the Fish and Vegetable Market in Chalous. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/18/05

My visit to Brugge, Belgium
I was in Brugge because in the last week of November I was one of a number of women delegates who went to Brussels as part of a female initiative program which aims to build bridges of understanding, cooperation and friendship between our two nations (Iran and Belgium). -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/4/05

The Artists' Forum Garden in Tehran
Every time I go to Tehran Artists' Forum place I see that they are working on fixing the forum's garden. The other day I was early for a meeting so I took the time and walked through the garden. I liked it so much that later that afternoon I went back with my new digital camera and took a few pictures which I share with you. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/23/04

Iranian Women NGO's Empowerment Bazaar in Tehran
I would like to share with you the empowerment, not charity type of bazaar that we went to a short while back. This bazaar was mainly inspired by women groups involved in environment and women empowerment programs. These include Green Outlook Supporters, Women with Good Intention, Green Women Co-op. Gitta Mehr Group and 13th Abban Local Kitchen. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/23/04

Inspiring, Remarkable and Fantastic Events in Tehran
A few days ago I attended a very inspiring and interesting speech on "Reading & Translating Virginia Woolf" at the British Council in Tehran. What was so significant about the event was that the talk was given by an Italian Professor -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/22/04

Yesterday & Today at Tehran's Saless Gallery
Last month was rather a busy one for me and I was lucky enough to have the time and the chance to visit several galleries. I share one of my joys here with you! -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/16/04

Gardens of Iran: Ancient Wisdom, New Vision: A New Exhibition at TMCA
Regular readers of Payvand know that my little pieces are a very personal account of what I do, see, observe and experience mainly in Tehran where I live. In the recent weeks, so many people have asked me if I had seen the Persian Gardens exhibition at the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art that I felt it was indeed a real must, so I went to see this exhibition last week -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/1/04

Fakhradin Fakhraddini: The Iranian Karsh
Fakhradin Fakhraddini is a very well known Iranian Photographer and many, and without much exaggeration, have called him the Joseph Karsh of Iran. I had the honor to be invited to the opening of his latest photo exhibition at one of the most favorite galleries in Tehran, the Niavaran Cultural Center Exhibition House where many of his portraits of famous Iranians are on show -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/19/04

Tehran Art Expo 2004
Among the many events that have been happening in our Tehran, perhaps the most important and significant one this month is the first Tehran Art Expo (2004) which started two weeks ago in Roudaki Hall. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/15/04

I Am Back!
Many of you may have wondered what has happened to me. Although I had a few pieces published that I wrote before I left Tehran in July, to be quite honest I have not been able to write anything for nearly three months. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 9/29/04

A Lovely Day In Lavasan
Several weeks ago, we had an unusual board meeting for one of the NGOs (Non Governmental Organization) that I work for. At this NGO we believe that it is important to spend some quality relaxed time together once in a while in order to find happy and mutual experiences to enhance the sense of togetherness and to bond. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 8/27/04

My Favorite Diplomatic Couple In Tehran
I take this opportunity and nominate Mr. and Mrs. Toscano from Italy as my favorite Diplomatic Couple in Tehran. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 7/21/04

Iran: A visit to Firouzkouh Industrial Complex
Many people might know of or have heard abut the Ghazvin Industrial complex on the west side of Tehran between Karaj and Ghazvin. However, I doubt that many have heard of Firouzkouh Industrial Complex, which is on the east side of Tehran, as you turn off Damavand Road and drive towards Firouzkouh which takes you to Amoul. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 7/16/04

Iran: Women's Horse Racing Competition
My friend Jasem Ghazbanpour who is a well known photographer told me about a race which took place last month in East of Azerbaijan, in the valley of Ghreghiyeh near city of Kelidar, where you can find many historical sites, including Babak Khorramdin's Fort -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 7/12/04

Tehran's Left Handed Cook Café
I find the new cafés which are springing in many parts of Tehran quite interesting, mainly because they entice one to go out more often and meet friends somewhere which is pleasant and clean, and at the same time conveniently located -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 7/7/04

Susann Hashemiyan brings East and West together in her art to tell a new Story
What can I say? I found her work most provocative! I was impressed with this young lady, who has studied textile design and has been practicing drawing/painting for the past 12 years. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/28/04

Tehran's Art Scene: Afshan Ketabchi and Andy Warhol's "Everyone will be famous for 15 minutes"
Recently I had the opportunity to see the works of another provocative artist, again a lady, in Tehran's Golestan gallery. I was astounded when I walked into the gallery last week to see the works of Afshan Ketabchi whose motto for the show was a line from Andy Warhol everyone will be famous for 15 minutes. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/24/04

Little Parks in Tehran
These days my work takes me to the city center whether I go to work or walk or ride in special Tehran's taxis –called mostaghim (straight)- to get to meetings. This gives me a good chance to see and be ever so impressed with the state of Tehran's Little Parks which are scattered all around the city. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/20/04

There is so much music that takes place in Tehran!
My dose of musical pleasures has been quite high these last few weeks. First I had the pleasure to hear Mr. AmirYall Arjoumand in Bam when we met them after the ceremony where he, Ms. Assadi, Mr. Ghafarian and others had performed in Arke Bam, on the eve of Prophet Mohammad's birthday, in the presence of the mayor, Mr. Bagheri-Zadeh. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/17/04

Empowering The Youth: Works Of Science & Arts Foundation In Iran
Another SAF project that I had the pleasure of learning about first hand was a girls high school, Alzahra, which is an ordinary school, run by local educational authorities in the 17th municipality section of Tehran, yet it is most sought after by parents. I guess the fact that at least about 85% of all their final year students get to Iranian universities of their choice, and mainly in science courses, have something to do with this demand. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/4/04

Iran: A Little Heaven for Physically Handicapped Girls in Tehran
7th Tir, in my opinion, is the best example I have seen of Private (Popli Foundation and other donors) and Public (behzisti-welfare organization) positive and effective collaboration. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/1/04

My trip to Iran's quake stricken Bam in May
There was still a haze in the air everywhere we went, like a touch of dust, blocking the view. Generally speaking small scale works have been done or are under way, but nowhere big enough or fast enough. There were big queues in front of government offices during the working days. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/28/04

Iran: Women's NGOs & CSOs Coordinating Committee for Restoration of Bam
I went to Bam earlier this month as part of my responsibilities in Bam Zanan Group, a coalition of 44 Women NGOs that was formed immediately after the earthquake in Bam, last December. We went there to seek the help of city officials to grant us a piece of land so that we can take our project to the next phase. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/25/04

Photos: Workers Repairing Ark Citadel in Bam
The following photos show the workers repairing the surrounding areas of Ark's historical citadel in Bam. I took them during my recent visit to Bam. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/24/04

Sanitary Facilities in Iran's quake-stricken Bam
One of the biggest problems that people have in Bam, in the city and especially in the camps, is sanitation; clean public toilets, a place where people can have a good and real shower, and a place to wash their clothes. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/21/04

Girls' School in Bam, Iran
Here are some pictures I took from a girls' school (Addab) during my recent trip to Iran's quake stricken city of Bam. There were some classes inside the trailers and some in the open space. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/19/04

I finally got to see the Iranian film Marmolak (The Lizard)!
My friend Rana called before lunch to see if I could go with her in the afternoon to see the film, as she knew I was busy for the evening. I guess by now you all know about the recent successful film Marmolak (the Lizard) which is being screened in the Iranian cinemas. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/19/04

The works of Maryam Kazerouni at Tehran's Golestan gallery
Once in a while when I go to see exhibitions at one of the many art galleries in Tehran, I find a new gem which makes all that driving and finding the time truly worthwhile. This was indeed the case when I recently visited Golestan gallery and saw the works of an artist, Maryam Kazerouni, whom I did not know previously. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/17/04

Bam, Iran: The Little Gardens of Sorrow
I felt almost an urge to go Bam's cemetery during my recent visit to this town which was devastated by a deadly quake in December 2003. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/17/04

Tehran's New Wonders: Café Ketab & Café 78
So much happens in Tehran these days that I think somehow people have got the point that things are the way they are, and so they try to make the best of a 'bad' situation. And now they are getting the knack of doing what should be done. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/7/04

Iran Facing A New Century Conference At Oxford, England
Tthere was a conference at Wadham College Oxford, organized by University of Oxford and The Oriental Institute, on IRAN FACING THE NEW CENTURY, which Dr. Katouzian and Dr. Sheikholeslami were joint conveners. It would be a three day conference and guest speakers were invited from US, France, Iran and UK. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/5/04

Iranian women hold gathering in Tehran to protest portrayal of women on national television
The Women Cultural Center (WCC) in Tehran along with several other women organizations and groups helped arrange a gathering for those who wished to express their disgust or dismay towards policies for the projection of women's role on Iran's National Television Programs. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 4/30/04

Iran: Women at work in Tehran
I was walking in the streets of Tehran yesterday when I saw these young university students doing some field work in the streets. I was so impressed that I could not resist taking some pictures from them. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 4/29/04

The Young Flemish Socialist, in Ghent, Belgium honor Shirin Ebadi
My phone rang on Wednesday before the Norouz and my friend Feri from Brussels asked me if I could send her my pictures that I had taken from Bam and which were published in Payvand, to be put on display at an event that was staged and organized by YFSG during which they were to honor Mrs. Ebadi and present her with a cash award for Bam. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 4/28/04

Haft Seen at British Museum in London
You must all wonder what had happened to me, since I have been pretty silent for the past few weeks, except for two short art pieces that were written before I left Iran for a few weeks to carry on my busy life in some corners of Europe as well as visiting my loved ones. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 4/26/04

Nahid Arian's Exhibition at Tehran's Golestan Gallery
I recently paid a visit to the Golestan gallery where the works of Nahid Arian were on display. Nahid is an Iranian artist living in Paris. This delightful lady has a wonderful way of presenting simple still life into something very grand and majestic. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 4/12/04

Kamran Behrouz: The Iranian Bosch?
When I saw the works of Kamran Behrouz, I immediately thought of a bright, cool Iranian, a descendent of Dali school. I was rather impressed with the works of this young artist that were on display for the first time at Elahe Gallery earlier this month. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 4/1/04

End of the Year Thoughts
We have had the first rains of the spring here in Tehran. I am sure many families woke up today to the terrible sound of thunder and witnessed the wonderful rain which followed, at nearly five in the morning. I felt the spring breeze through the half open window and almost tasted the lovely fresh air that welcomed itself into my room. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/24/04

A short trip to Isfahan
A couple of weeks ago I went to Isfahan with three colleagues to attend the burial of a very dear and long standing friend and business associate who passed away young after having a heart attack in his late forties. This time as we could not find plane tickets for four of us on short notice, we decided to go by car, which has it own good points, even though it may take longer to get there. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/18/04

Tehran's Last Monday Of The Year, A Snowy One!
On Monday morning when people woke up in Tehran, most of them were surprised to see snow outside! -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/16/04

Hamid Reza Jahani and his "Kalagh-ha"
Jahani's works were almost all about crows, what we call Kalagh in Persian. He seemed to me to be a normal jolly young man; he is in his early thirties and teaches art, like so many other artists like himself privately and at art colleges, to make ends meet while he pursues his passion for painting. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/15/04

A new booklet series on art published in Iran
A wonderful new collection of petite books on art has been out recently. It is a wonderful gift to those who care about modern art n schools of art, or for those who may wish to learn more on some of the subjects in this series. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/12/04

The Two Ladies
I went to see the works of two ladies at Haft-Samar galley couple of weeks ago. The style of the two artists, Fariba Shapourian and Afsaneh Nazeri, were quite different, and I wondered why they had put up a joint show together? Yet, I guess this in itself had a rather nice charm to it. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/12/04

A beautiful day at Laleh park in Tehran
I took these lovely photos from different people in Laleh park on March 8, with their permission, as they were enjoying the wonderful late afternoon sun in the park. It was such a wonderful thing to see these people from all different backgrounds doing different things in their own ways so calmly, peacefully and humanely. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/11/04

8th March Celebration Prevented In Tehran, Arrests Made
Today, 8th March was supposed to be a day of celebration for women by women in Tehran's Laleh park. We all thought it would be another peaceful day for solidarity among women, this time about violence against women. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/9/04

Bam's progress is slow
I went to Bam last week on a good deed mission. Believe it or not, I was there to attend a business meeting. The company I work for is trying to set up a cooperative in our field of activity among those who have survived the quake in order to help these proud people who have lost everything to help themselves and to get them back to work and back on their feet. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/8/04

Photos: North Tehranis celebrate Ashoora
Here are some pictures which I took from north Tehran streets on Ashoora. There were many queues in different parts of north Tehran where people were waiting for Ashoora's traditional lunch. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/7/04

Sadegh Hedayat's Annual Literary Award Ceremony
Sadegh Hedayat's birthday on 17th was celebrated by some of the big literary names in a small ceremony at khaneh honarmandan (the house of the artists) in downtown Tehran. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/26/04

A new wonderful book called Bam
A new book called Bam was published in Iran last week. The book is the work of Iran's very good and hard working photographer and photojournalist Mr. Jasem Ghasbanpour. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/25/04

My Beautiful Tehran
I almost felt obliged to share these pictures of the hills and mountains in the northwest of Tehran with you. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/24/04

Iran's Election Fiasco
I have stopped people in the streets at random, colleagues, family and taxi passengers and asked them if they will vote or not. Only one said may be; the rest said No, and only two hesitated before they gave me their no replies. I know my method was not scientific but overall it seems that after a long time, majority of Iranians, at least urban Iranians, are united in one thing which is boycotting the election. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/19/04

Iran's Revolution will finally bear fruit: The Nazi-Abbad Kids
The fact is that the democratic process is not ONLY for us educated, westernized Iranians. There are millions who for many different reasons have different time scales. We must use our patience so that the rest join us at the spring of freedom; the day will come but it is not here yet. I just hope we all have the courage to see what is good for the country as a whole, despite shortcomings for ourselves[1] personally. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/18/04

Report from Bam, Iran: Unkindness of God and lack of care and attention by his sons
From the "seven gardens of sky" road we arrived in Bam. This was two weeks ago, after nearly six weeks of that devastating quake that shocked this city and left but a huge chunks of rubble all around in every corner that one may turn. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/13/04

Things have changed in Iran
Last night we were in very heavy conversation regarding people's expectations and their right to such demands, the role of Mr. Khatami in history, requirements for a Civil Society and so on. My current local political affairs class was again very interesting and rewarding. It truly makes me think about why, what and how and even when at times. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/9/04

It isn't that bad with all this jazz: Cultural Events in Tehran (7 Days, 7 events)
You may find it hard to believe, but life in Tehran can be so busy, and not always very bad either. Too many events take place, many exhibitions here and there, concerts, a ceremony for this and for that; overall lots of good, interesting and at time enjoyable events happen in Tehran. Here are samples of a few things that I had the privilege to attend or go to in the past month or so. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/6/04

Bam, Iran: Children of a Lesser God
Everyone we saw, met or talked to in Bam had lost relatives and friends, neighbors and loved ones. I asked many people how they could manage to cope with all this? In reply they just turned and with sad eyes mostly said, "It was God's will" or something to that effect. It was unbelievable and amazing how many times we heard the same statements from everyone; old or young, man or woman, the reply was the same. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/4/04

Amin Nourani's portraits of Sadegh Hedayat
It was a privilege to observe Amin Nourani's portraits of Sadegh Hedayat at Elaheh Gallery. I was involved with several events last year for Sadegh Hedayat's centenary celebration, both in Iran and abroad. I wanted to go and see this exhibition very eagerly. I am pleased to say that my enthusiasm was well founded! -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/30/04

A Dream Weekend (a beautiful and true story)
Last weekend, in order to recuperate and retrieve some physical and emotional strength and energy, we set off to the Caspian area and drove through Chalous road and stayed for a couple of days outside our hectic and meaninglessly meaningful lives in Tehran. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/28/04

"Women and Culture" calendar published in Iran
A day-timer calendar (for Iranian year 1383) titled "Women and Culture" has been published in Iran. This calendar, which is dedicated to the Iranian women, includes 27 pictures of many well-known Iranian women. The pictures are taken by the talented Iranian photographer Maryam Zandi. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/26/04

My Artist of the Month
I was shocked with pleasure and admiration when I went to see the works by Ahmad Morshedloo at Arya gallery last week. The paintings were awesomely wonderful. Most modern, drastically real and yes, I can use the word fantastic. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/21/04

Winter Days in Tehran
There are days in Tehran, rare I must admit, that everything looks so fine that one simply forgets and forgives all its many shortcomings. Here i share with you such a beautiful day in tehran last week. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/19/04

Interesting events in Tehran: Gangs of New York
You would not believe this! A couple of nights ago we decided to go to cinema. The nearest theatre to us is Cinema Farhang; and they were showing Gangs of New York! I had my camera with me, so I took a couple of pictures that you can see here. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/16/04

Iran: Notes on Past and Present: Education and Religion
Many of those who are involved in education, trade, and in particular industry, agree that one of the worst things since the 1979 revolution in Iran is the fact that many of her educated elites, before and since, have left the country. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/14/04

My "Current Local Politics" Class
Iran's parliamentary election on 20 February has been the most talked about issue in the past few months. Tragically only the Bam earthquake overtook it. Now things are back to normal and everybody talks about it again; -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/13/04

Iran: Houshang Golshiri Annual Literary Award for 2003
Houshang Golshiri Annual Literary Award, which is given by Golshiri Foundation, took place on December 19, 2003 at the wonderful Niavaran Cultural Center. This prize, that have followed up since its launch about four years ago, is becoming the most distinguished in comparison to other such awards. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/6/04

December Art Scene in Tehran
Shohreh Mehran is one of my favorite Iranian artists ever. Her new show at Golestan gallery is something that I had been looking forward to for a long time. She is a kind of artist that I find has passion and dares to be out in the open, and yet be graceful; and at times even she plays a trick or two on the viewer to show how 'shaytoun' (naughty) she can be. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/1/04

Our hearts are aching for Bam's quake victims
Yesterday was a strange day all over Tehran as people kept coming and going in the streets trying to buy or find things to send to our countrymen whom the god had taken no mercy on. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/29/03

Male Artists in Tehran
It is true more women work as painters these days. It is also true that since women in this society face more challenges, their work becomes more interesting, as individuals and as a group, to observe and note the development of their work within newfound self-expressions. Nevertheless, no doubt, there are many talented men artists who are just as good and appealing to observe, at least as individuals, in the art scene here. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/18/03

Iran: The Significance of Shirin Ebadi's Nobel Peace Prize
I believe that Ms Ebadi would not have won the prize if she were not a woman or a Muslim. The fact that she is Iranian was not that significant, in hindsight. Once the heat of the moment passed, I had time to sit and think things over. The fact that she addresses herself as a Muslim so often is because she is. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/17/03

A note from Tehran: Thank you all!
Dear Readers, It is more than a year since I first started to write for Payvand. This was a real change for me as not long before that, I had never been even tempted to put anything down on paper like this. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/8/03

November Art Scene in Tehran
Female artists, specially the younger generation, are beginning to come out of their social and self-imposed shell of constrains. They dare to be and express themselves. They present the inner world of their lives for what it is. I have no doubt that this exhibition would not be allowed even a couple of years ago, or even today if it was to take place in a more well-known place. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/4/03

Tehran's Child beggars
We usually witness in Tehran's streets, at the traffic lights, a barrage of small children, teenagers, young and old men and even women dressed often in rags and tatty clothes, selling or rather forcing people to buy something from them; or even worse they just beg the people, with a very sad and pleading voice, to give them something for their dinner! -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/1/03

A Friend's Visit / Iran's Brain Drain Issue
He mentioned a joke that there is this planeload of Iranians and Koreans arriving in the west. When it lands, the Koreans each go to start some kind of business and are very successful; the Iranian do the very same thing yet with a time delay. Since they first go and obtain a degree, be it a bachelor, maters or even a PhD, and then go and do what the Korean did some years earlier. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/24/03

They do not have to hang you to kill you (Roshanak Daryoush passes away)
Noushi took the black ribbon off the bouquet of white flowers that I had brought. She said Roushanak is alive and lives in our hearts. She was talking about her daughter, Roushanak Daryoush, the well-known translator and member of Iran Pen who passed away last week in Munich, Germany. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/10/03

Music at Tehran's Golestan Palace
Last week we went to a concert in Golestan Palace right in the heart of the city centre. Golestan palace has been done up, destroyed and done up again many times in its history. It is known as the residence of many Ghajar kings, and its location is very interesting as it is almost next door to the main entrance of Tehran Grand Bazaar. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/6/03

We need to work together for our country Iran!
It may come as a shock to some of us that there are people who don't know who Shirin Ebadi is, and what Nobel Prize is, let alone what the Peace award is. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/31/03

A get-together in Tehran to honor Shirin Ebadi, Iran's Nobel Peace Prize winner
Markaz Farhangi Zanann (Women Cultural Centre) had organized an informal get-together and invited representatives from women groups, Iranian NGOs, those who are involved in child and women welfare, environmentalist, prominent figures in art and media as well as known and supportive individual women. My mum was my special guest that day, as the gathering was happening in our house. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/27/03

Tehran Art Scene
It is interesting that, whether we are talking about painting, graphic works or even sculpture, the male/female ratio is increasing higher for women artists. It is widely believed that since emotional oppression has been stronger on women, they need to find an outlet to express themselves. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/17/03

Shirin White Roses: Shirin Ebadi is with us and she is one of us!
The beautiful creamy moon light brightened this city of ours tonight. However, the light was coming from another direction, this one was brighter, stronger and had tremendous energy. The core of Iranians' much-extended middle class Tehranies were at the airport tonight. Students, teachers, doctors, nurses, writers, journalists, artists, engineers, taxi drivers, housewives, retired people, factory owners and workers, managers, handicapped in chairs and even a couple of babies in their prams were all there. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/15/03

It feels like spring here in Tehran
Tehran has been quietly buzzing since yesterday when the news arrived of Ms Ebadi?s Nobel Prize. There is not a woman I know who could not be happy about this event. -Syma Sayyah - 10/13/03

Life in Tehran
A few days ago, I was going down our Avenue, stuck in the traffic, and there was a beautifully decorated Bride's Car with fantastic flowers in white, pink and mauve. The car was black and these lovely flowers really showed themselves. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/9/03

Call a Spade a Spade: How to overcome mehriyeh dilemma
For the past few weeks, Tehran has experienced enormous number of weddings. How do I know this you may ask? Simply by the number of flower-decorated cars that roam the city streets and highways, in the afternoons or late evenings, to take the newly weds to and from one party or another. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 10/2/03

On Edward Said Loss
I cry not only because he was a most wonderful person who believed in dialogue and true efforts in reaching lasting peace through understanding, besides his scholarly work, but also because he was a most gentle, kind man. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 9/30/03

Two young Iranian men going to high school soon
Parents everywhere are very much concerned about their children's education. I know two very young men who will be going to high school this academic year. They are both most adorable youngsters that one could possibly come to know. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 9/23/03

Tehran: Up the mountains in Darakeh
Last Wednesday was a happy public holiday and since it was near school opening, Mehr 1 ( September 23rd), most people had taken Thursday off and gone mainly to Shomal to the Caspian. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 9/17/03

Iran: Our time will come, but we must be patient
At a meeting this week, I heard that at the First National Youth Organizations Congress, which was attended by several important dignitaries including the president, the participants managed to get into fistfights and breaking of windows on the second day. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 9/12/03

Tehran's Music and Art Scene
In the midst of all that is and that is not "happening" here in the good old Tehran and under the rays of hot sun and within smog of all kinds of pollution, a lot of normal things are taking place. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 8/1/03

Donors' Relations with NGOS in IRAN: How to overcome some of our cultural and social handicaps
I want to confer with those inside and outside our country, about their attitude towards NGOs in Iran. Emphasizing strongly here that I am only referring to true NOGs, those which are and want to retain their independence from government, any government involvement completely, in order to do their chosen task, and perform as real NGOs should. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 7/28/03

Let's Remember Iran's Literary Treasures
Not many people know what Taher is or where it is and why it is so well known in a certain circle. Taher is an Emamzadeh with a small but very pleasant looking graveyard in North West of Tehran near Karaj. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 7/17/03

A Short Trip to Iran's Caspian Coast
The main problem with going to the Caspian is that you end up eating too much. I hardly ever have three meals a day. But there, especially with the help of Shahnaz khanoum, who with her husband Bahman Agha, takes care of this villa and cooks wonderfully delicious local dishes, we all lost control and forgot about dietary restrictions and devoured three great meals a day! -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 7/11/03

Iran: Tehran's "Weather" is getting hot
A kind reader reminded me that Iranians do not need to be preached from outside. I agree with him 100 percent and more. We don't need to be preached period. We have been preached too much and for too long. This time, the people, the future, the youth, hopefully have realized that it is up to them to make it happen. If they want change then they must do something about it, take responsibility and be prepared to pay the price. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/26/03

Tehran Art Scene
Recently many young artists have been doing installation work but the one that I went to recently was different in a sense that it was a Performance Art and installation work. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/23/03

Life in Tehran: Catch the Metro Please!
The one way ticket has a fixed price for all destinations and costs 65 Rials or about 8 Cents. The stations are still clean, although I cannot say the same for the stairs. But the best thing about it all was that it was so cool there! I would even be happy to pay and go down to the metro station just to skip the summer heat above, and come back up once I have cooled off! -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/18/03

European Cultural Centers in Tehran
There are many European cultural centers in Tehran belonging to different embassies many of them are involved in language teachings here. Among these one shines with destination in my book as they truly do a lot of hard work in promoting culture. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/16/03

Technology finds its way into Iran's Mosques!
Today I went to a "khatem" (a public memorial ceremony) which was held in a mosque in central Tehran. This is a popular mosque with middle class people of Tehran because it can accommodate large number of people at both its ladies & gentlemen sections. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 6/12/03

Tehran's Art Scene
Tehran art scene has been flourishing as ever, and this week I really did myself a favor going to many exhibitions and even two Iranians films and here is the account what I saw. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/22/03

Kaveh left us 40 days ago
Today is Kaveh's 40th day, as tradition has it some family and friends drove up to his final resting place in Afjeh, a village up the hill in Lavasanak, on east of Tehran. His last home is on some solitary grounds where the air is always clean and sun shines across lovely hills all around. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 5/13/03

Paris
The most distinguishing aspect of my grandmother's house was her huge Jasmine flower pots. In the evenings when we cleaned the yard and put carpet on the large bench there to sit and enjoy the evening air and have fresh fruit or tea, the smell of jasmine would take our breath away. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 4/23/03

We all lost a friend; his name is Kaveh Golestan
There is nothing one can say to ease the pain. They know we love them and our hearts are with them, and when I sent an e-mail stating this the reply I got from Kaveh's dear sister was this: do not stand at my grave and weep... -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 4/18/03

"The Wondrous World of Sadegh Hedayat" Iranian Writer, Critic, Intellectual
Who would have thought that a conference on Sadegh Hedayat could be enjoyable, interesting, informative and enlightening all at the same time. The finale of major world events for Hedayat's centenary took place in Oxford England last month. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 4/15/03

Norouz always makes me smile, ever since I was a child!
Norouz always makes me smile, ever since I was a child. In those days we would be taken shopping for new clothes and new shoes. We would be so excited for weeks or months before. At school, every day from the middle of Bahman (early February), we would write on the blackboard how many days were left to the New Year. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/18/03

International Women Day in Tehran
International women's day celebration in Tehran was a little different this year. This time it was a series of events, over a period of ten days, by different women groups. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/10/03

A beautiful day in Tehran, topped with Parviz Tanavoli's exhibition at Modern Art Museum (photos)
There are rare days that Tehran looks so lovely and beautiful that one can forgive all its shortcomings in one go. Last Thursday was on those days. The sky was truly blue and vividly bright all day. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 3/4/03

Foreign journalist miss the beat in Tehran!
Most foreign correspondences that come to Iran and stay awhile, have one thing in common. They end up living in the North East side of Tehran in Aaghdasih, Kameradienh, North Pasdaran, Niavaran and of course Farmanieh. These are generally known as Shemiran. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/27/03

Sadegh Hedayat Centenary Celebration in Tehran
I had to get myself to Tehran's House of Artists last Monday night, despite the fact that Tehran's normally bad traffic jam was even more terrible and moved even slower due to a sudden snow fall since earlier that morning. The ceremony was to start at 7:00 pm. it was to celebrate Sadegh Hedayat's Centenary in Tehran on his birthday. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 2/19/03

A short note on NGOs in Iran
Doing a good deed and helping your fellow-man, either individually or as group or community, has a long tradition in Iran. Recent times have seen the emergence of a more formal type of help in the shape of Non-Governmental Organizations or NGOs. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/22/03

Fridays Are Art Days in Tehran
These days many art galleries have their openings on Friday afternoons, and many art lovers and friends of artists go there with lovely flower baskets to say hello, wish them luck and/or buy some of the art works. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/9/03

Customer is First at Tehran International Airport!
At the airport I, and many others, were trying hard to hold back our tears, while at the same time hoping to see our loved ones soon again, here or there. In spite of our emotional state, waiting for my sister to check so we could have tea at the airport café, I could observe a few new things. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 1/3/03

Life in Tehran
Friday: It is getting really cold here, we had snow last Friday but Tehran traffic is as hot as ever. Life has been quite hectic for me these past few weeks. In the past three weeks or so, I have done the followings: ... -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/27/02

Visitors to Tehran
Being around at this time of the year, when many Iranians come back home for a reunion with their loved ones, is one of most wonderful things about living in Tehran. You get to see friends and relatives truly from across the globe. It is enchanting as well as being extremely enlightening. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 12/18/02

What is happening at the Modern Art Museum in Tehran
At long last I managed to find a find time to go and see the latest exhibition at the Tehran Museum of Modern Art. The exhibition, which started on 1st of October and will go on until 25th November, is called "NEW ART", or what one might call Installation Plus, with very large and interesting posters. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/13/02

Life is Normal here
But I want to tell you about something totally different. I am sure there are many people like me here in Tehran, or living abroad, who have no idea what the hell is happening in this capital city of ours. -Syma Sayyah, Tehran - 11/11/02