| | Persia's long history of conquering and being occupied reflects the cruciality of its geographical location. It has long served as a cross-roads between Asia and Europe. The "Silk Road" (which really isn't made of silk) runs right through the heart of Persia. Cyrus the Great's dynasty was run over by the Greeks around Bible times, but Arabs came to occupy the region in the seventh century, introducing Islam to a place that had until then primarily practiced Zoroastrianism. Turks invaded in the tenth century and Mongols repeatedly from the thirteenth to fifteenth centuries. Between that time and European colonialization in the nineteenth century, various Muslim sects vied for control. All in all, Iran seems to have trouble figuring out who belongs and who doesn't. The many influences, however, have led to an amazing blend of arts, religious traditions, and sciences. Iranian people can also be divided into ethnic groups, which might be helpful to know, since it is a rule that can be applied to humans most everywhere. Persians make up 51% of Iran's population. Azeri 24%. Gilaki and Mazandarani 8%. Kurds 7%. Baloch 2%. Turkmen 2%. and Other (whatever than means) 1%.
(to be continued...) |
| | Posted 5/23/2006 7:11 AM - 1 view - 2 comments
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