Iran - Land of the Rose and the Nightingale

The history of Persia is much too lengthy and complex to discuss in any detail here. A few important events, however, may give some historical perspective.

The great King Cyrus united the Medes and Persians and conquered Babylon in 538 B.C. He went on to conquer most of the known world. Cyrus decreed the establishment of a temple in Jerusalem and he also returned to the Jews the sacred vessels that King Nebukadnesar had stolen during his reign. On source states: "Cyrus generous and benevolent, a great captain and leader of men, respected the customs and religions of the conquered territories and he never sought to force into a single mold. Few Kings have left such a noble reputation. Cyrus's successor, Darius, established a new postal system, a monetary system and a law code that lasted for many centuries.

For decades the Persians under Darius, Xerxes and other leaders battled the armies of the Greeks. Alexander the Great of Greece was finally victorious in 333 B.C., Conquering Persia and surrounding areas, causing great destruction. Greek domination ended in 223 B.C. And during the next 800 years under self - rule, Persia flourished. Then in A.D 642 the Arabs conquered Persia, bringing with them Islam.

Today Iranians are not of the same branch of Islam as their Arab neighbors, nor are they historically part of the Arab people. The teachings of Mohammed greatly influenced Iran's history and thinking as well as art, philosophy, government and vocabulary. The Persian language language and culture remained distinctive and eventually a remarkable literary and artistic revival occurred.

The Persian cultural heritage is as rich as it is old. Iranian people of today are fortunate that they can still read and enjoy these works. Throughout the world, perhaps the most famous of Persian literature is the Rubaiyat of Omar Khyyam :

Yet Ah, that spring should vanish with the rose!
That Youth's sweet - scented manuscript should close!
The Nightingale that in the branches sang,
Ah whence, and wither flown again, who knows.

Iranian musicians based on scales that use intervals smaller or larger than whole steps or half steps. It may sound out of tune to Westerners, but Iranian music is beautiful and artistic. Try to imagine yourself surrounded by rich ornaments of gold and silver, finely crafted decorated, stemming from a heritage that dates back to antiquity. Visualize carpets so finely designed and woven, that each is a work of art. Such grandeur is merely a glimpse of Iranian art.

Many famous Mosques are scattered about Iran. A beautiful example is the gold - domed Mosque of Emam Reze.

We have glimpse the rich array of Persian culture. Another art known as miniature painting is done on ivory. Lively subjects such as hunting, heroic scenes from stories and history are depicted. This heritage of Iran offers great rewards to anyone who will explore them further.

Sources :RS courses of study, Wikipedia, The Bible in Ezra 6 and Daniel 5. Pixabay