Experience the Trendy Neighborhood of Shahraki: Heart of Tehran - Essay Sample

Introduction

Shahraki is a trendy neighborhood in the heart of Tehran in Iran. The place is outstanding since it is different from its surrounding due to its modern buildings, whose design are shaped by the American culture. It is the most moving part of Tehran, according to Dr. Amiri, director of the local association. Shahraki is also home to prominent historians and musicians who lived there before and after its transformation. Before the revolution, this part of Tehran was thought to belong to the privileged, but afterward, this changed. In the 1970s, Tehran was transformed due to its oil dollars and flow of trade commodities into the city. The neighborhood plan was of an American- based style which represented the class of the wealthy. Initially, the idea was to seclude Shahraki by building its schools, hospitals, malls, cinemas and swimming pools (Khosravi, 11). The level of education in Shahraki compared to other areas in Tehran is higher. It is home to many young intellectuals. Tehran likewise has its non-governmental local association and newsletter, which is attributed to its urban culture. Despite its development, Shahraki is still facing a challenge of seclusion from the strict Islamic adherents who claim that it had adopted the western culture. The Islamic followers are rigid on education, especially education for women, neighborhood, leisure, and dressing. Nonetheless, Shahraki does not hold these beliefs any longer; hence, they have broken strict Islamic laws which are solidly backed by the most Islamic communities.

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According to Khosravi, (20), the Islamic religion is the dominant religion in Iran, which dictates that women cover themselves up entirely with veils. Religion expects women to stay indoors and obey their husbands without question. The beauty of Muslim women is preserved for their husbands. Nonetheless, Shakraki has broken these rules since its women are educated and civilized; hence, it does not follow all these beliefs. These civilized and educated women believe that education empowers women to compete fairly with men. Education and civilization teachings does not drain away Shahraki residents' morals. Women who have received formal education have come out to work and support their husbands to raise better families. Although the code of dressing for these women is a bit different since they wear trousers and cover themselves with long overcoats, the decency of Muslim dressing is still respected in Shakraki. The fact that men are supposed to be the heads of the family, always these learned women obey that while they are in their married houses.

Muslims also firmly believe that public acts of affection such as holding hands, hugging and kissing are inappropriate in public, even for married couples. Couples are even not allowed to kiss on their wedding day (Khosravi, 24). Still, this is not the case in Shakraki neighborhood due to westernization; teenagers can even hold parties here. In some parties that are being held at Shahraki, a lot of indecent dancing happens, since there is no one to insist on discipline. Even the social police have also given up on checking into these parties.

Shahraki is different from its neighboring residences due to its highly modernized lifestyle, influenced by western culture. Although some residents are still faithful Muslims, a significant number has been swayed by westernization and dropped some of their traditions. Despite Iran being a Muslim dominated country, westernization has still found its way into the country and shaped lifestyles. Therefore, Shahraki is not a place of immoral wealthy people; but it houses strict Muslim faithful.

Work Cited

Khosravi, Shahram. Young and Defiant in Tehran. University of Pennsylvania Press, 2008.