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Every morning, in houses all over Iran, a gas burner flickers to life under a kettle that will continue to boil all day. It boils through morning prayers, lunches of rice and kebabs, afternoon conversation and late into the evening meal, sustaining talk of politics, gossip and news well into the night.
The kettle contains tea, one of the most important cornerstones of Iranian culture, and the tea house is its centuries-old keeper.
Tea houses, or chaikhanehs, have been in existence since the Persian empire. They gained prominence after the 15th century, when coffee was abandoned in favour of tea leaves that were easier to come by through China’s silk road.
Though once the purview of men, chaikhanehs have increasingly become frequented by all members of society, and especially by Iran’s large youth population. In a country that officially prohibits clubs or bars, the chaikhaneh is one of the closest public things to a “chill out” venue teenagers can retreat to.
Even in socially conservative cities such as Yazd, a centuries-old cultural stronghold in the middle of the country, mixed groups of teenagers will stop for a tea and a meal at the local tea house.
Iranian tea comes in a variety of subtle flavours, but its defining characteristic is its deep reddish-brown colour, which tea-drinkers can choose to dilute with water depending on their preference. Despite its cultivation in the country’s northern provinces, other te... >>>
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The most famous American chaikhaneh
by AbuChris on Mon Jul 02, 2012 09:14 AM PDT
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Thank you for the excellent posting, especially your fine
description of the inside of an Iranian
tea house.
I am an American, but, with my wife, lived in Iran for
five years from 1969-1974, first in the Peace Corps. Our only child was
born in Tehran in 1971. Needless to say, we feel a strong connection to Iran,
Iranian culture, and the Iranian people. We still speak Farsi to each other
as a "secret language" and eat Iranian food.
My reason for writing to you is tell you my book
<The Meaning of the Boulder-Dushanbe Teahouse> that tells the story of
the award-winning Boulder Tea House (now a fabulous restaurant), a spectacular
gift from Boulder’s “Sister City” Dushanbe, Tajikistan, and Boulder’s #1
tourist attraction. As you know, Iran and Tajikistan share strong cultural and
historical roots. Although I haven't been back to Iran for many years, I did
have the opportunity to visit Tajikistan in 2001 as a director of the Boulder
(Colorado)-Dushanbe Sister Cities. Also, my book has several photos of and
references to Iran.
The Meaning of the Boulder-Dushanbe
Teahouse, a 154-page, full-color book describes
the significance of Boulder's Teahouse. describes and interprets the art,
architecture, and gardens of the tea
house, the cultural context of the Teahouse, including chapters about Central
Asian teahouses, Tajikistan and Tajik tea culture; the history of the Teahouse;
and resources for the study of Central Asian and Islamic art and architecture.
The book has more than 100 color photographs, including 20 outstanding
close-ups of the Teahouse art.
To
listen to an NPR interview with the author about the book click here.
To read a review of the book, click here.
The book retails at $18.95 and normally wholesales at
$13.50. Until August 31, I will offer you. if you are Iranian or Tajik, these
prices and FREE SHIPPING:
Quantity
Your Cost Per Book
1 - 5
$12
6 - 20
$10
More than 20
$8
To
order books or to make contact, email me at peknik@gmail.com;
I accept payment
by PayPal or check.
Kind regards,
Salaam, Shalom, Paz, Solh, Sulh, Peace!
George Peknik
I love your article sooooo much!!!!!
by yolanda on Sun Sep 06, 2009 07:29 PM PDTI love the fact that the article talks Persian culture & history. My favorite segment from the article is :
The industry is so competitive that celebrity endorsements – such as the footballer Ali Karimi who plays for Bayern Munich – adorn billboards advertising the tea-making devices.
Ali Karimi is my hero! Thank you for recommending this beautiful piece!!!
yolanda