Expo Iran 2008

GROUP TEXT ANALYSIS
Text: “Forty Fortunes”

Retold by Aaron Shepard in 1997, “Forty Fortunes” is an Iranian folktale that follows a young man in an ancient Persian society. When he poses as a Holy Diviner under the threatening suggestion of his wife, Ahmed is ordered to uncover the forty thieves of the royal treasure. Failing to accomplish such would result in harsh and brutal punishments from the King. Ultimately, Ahmed finds the bandits and is reward with riches, living “happily ever after”.

Iranian values, languages, food, clothing, geography, and political issues can be inferred in the narrative. As directly described by the author, the story is set in Isfahan. This is Iran’s old capital and we thus immediately know where the fable takes place. In the city, husbands are traditional breadwinners. Such concepts are conveyed through the character of Ahmed’s wife, Jamell, as she demands him to possess a well-paying job. Women in that era, unlike today, were clearly more respected since Jamell threatens Ahmed with her departure; the fact that she is allowed to leave him, is very important. Day to day social life for a typical Iranian would have consisted of trips to the market place–with the currency being coins of gold and silver–to socializing in either male or female public baths. Furthermore, the kingdom is ruled in a monarchy. When the wife of the King’s Royal Diviner takes the public bath all to herself, there is clear evidence that royalty holds authority and influence. Their power is likewise depicted when it comes to their large number of servants, forty treasure chests, and strict ruling—“If you succeed, I’ll make you rich. If you don’t, you’ll rot with the others in prison”.

Nonetheless, issues of opposing rebel groups are evident when the palace is robbed—“The royal treasury was robbed. Forty pairs of hands carried away forty chests of gold and jewels”. Ahmed’s dry date’s suggest that they were living in an arid climate, while his basic tools illustrate a backward civilization—“He knew no special craft or trade, but he had a shovel and a pick… ‘If you can dig a hole, you can always earn enough to stay alive’”. There is also mention of a house with stairs leading up to a flat roof with a terrace. During the 1500’s, the Middle Easterners normally slept on roofs to cool themselves, implying that that the climate was fairly hot. Similarly, the grave improperness of a small hole in the lady’s cloak conveys the conservative Islamic society that lives on today. The character’s dialogue—“By the grace of God” and “Oh great diviner”— showed that religion and unscientifically proven beliefs were major influences in society. Even though the people in the story are Islamic, they still put much of their faith into the art of sorcery. This is evident in the story through the way that people hold the diviners (fortune tellers) in such high regard, respecting them for their wisdom and seeking their advice. Clearly, they play a large and significant role in society because even the king has a diviner which he looks to for guidance! The narrative, however, also says that fortune telling is fake since all the diviners failed to uncover the thieves, with Ahmed only finding them through sheer luck and intelligence. Multiple Persian and Arabic names such as “Ahmed” and “Jamell” also establish a Middle Eastern setting and dialect. Evidently, the folktale conveyed many Iranian cultural aspects.

Individual Text Analysis
Text: “Forty Fortunes”

By: Laura Lehmann

“Forty Fortunes” is an ancient Iranian folktale retold in 1997 by Aaron Shepard. The story revolves around Ahmed, a young husband posing as a Holy Diviner. By the king’s order, he must uncover forty jewel thieves within forty days or suffer harsh consequences of lifetime imprisonment. Luckily but unintentionally, Jamell finds the bandits and is rewarded with riches, living with his wife as the story describes, ‘happily ever after’.

Throughout the narrative, evidence of Iranian values, languages, food, clothing, geography, and political issues can jointly be traced.

In Isfahan, an ancient Iranian city, husbands are traditional breadwinners as Ahmed’s wife, Jamell, demands him of a job. Women, unlike today, were more respected since she threatens him with her optional leaving. The kingdom is ruled by a royal family, clearly authoritative when the wife of the King’s Royal Diviner takes the public bath all to herself. Their power is likewise depicted with their many servants, treasure chests, and strict ruling—“If you succeed, I’ll make you rich. If you don’t, you’ll rot with the others in prison”. Nonetheless, issues of opposing rebel groups are evident in the robbery of the palace—“The royal treasury was robbed. Forty pairs of hands carried away forty chests of gold and jewels”. Ahmed’s use of dry dates furthermore suggests an arid climate while his basic tools propose an undeveloped civilization—“He knew no special craft or trade, but he had a shovel and a pick… ‘If you can dig a hole, you can always earn enough to stay alive’”. Similarly, the serious improperness of a small hole in the lady’s cloak conveys a conservative Islamic society. With the character’s dialogue—“By the grace of God” and “Oh great diviner”—factors of religion and unreasoned beliefs proved major influences in society. Multiple Persian and Arabic names such as “Ahmed” and “Jamell” also established a Middle Eastern setting. Clearly, the folktale conveyed much of Iran’s cultural aspects.

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PART A:

Iran Death Rate (per 1000 population)

The information displayed on the graph is the annual amount of deaths per 1000 people of a population. This shows per 1000 people in Iran, around 5 or 6 people die each year. Judging from the graph, Iran’s death rate is significantly lower than that of the world average. From this you could infer that the environment, health care or living conditions must be reasonably good in Iran to allow people to sustain a longer life expectancy thus lowering the amount of deaths per year. Compared to the Philippines however, Iran’s death rate is marginally higher with the death rate of the Philippines not exceeding 5.0 over the 5-year span. Iran’s low death rate could be a result of the fact that genetically, Iranian have been able to live for a fairly long time, a result of the traditional rough nomadic life style which Iranians had to adapt to. Another fact about Iranian society is that elders are treated with a great amount of respect and care, so if an elder is sick or in need, the community is obliged to help giving the elder a vast deal of support. Aside from these facts, Iranian lifestyle is fairly healthy as well, food is well balanced, with carbohydrates; vegetables and lamb being the main dietary supplements, things like fast food are almost non-existent in Iran. Sport and arts takes priority over activities such as video games and TV. These facts are mainly due to the exclusion of western influences into the country.

Iran Birth Rate (per 1000 population)

This graph shows for the ratio of live births to each 1000 people of the population per year. It shows that for every 1000 people, around 18 babies are born each year. These numbers are a little lower than average when it comes to world birth rates, this does not support the fact of the rapidly growing population which leads to the conclusion that as seen in the year 1999, the birth rates in Iran for around a decade before 1999 must have been substantially higher than average. Then as the years become more recent, as seen in the graph, the birth rate drops considerably and then stays in a consistent range. Compared to the Philippines, the recent rates are fairly low, with the Philippines staying above 20.0 in the last decade, this explains the difference in population with the Philippines having around 20,000 more people then Iran. A possible explanation for the low birth rates in Iran is because of their religion, although Islam does not discourage having children, it does not promote it either, with the average amount of kids in Iran is two. Also recently, Iran has been experiencing a lack in resources such as water and over population in cities such as Tehran is on the rise, in an effort to conserve what resources are left, maybe couples are conserving the amount of kids they have.

Iran Population








This graph shows the estimated population of Iran over the course of a five-year period (1999-2003), estimations of the amount of people residing in the country for each year. From the graph you can determine roughly how many people live in Iran and how steadily the population increases over each year. This reflects the dramatic increase in Iran’s population, which, although not seen on the graph, has doubled since 1985. Compared to the Philippines, which has rates of 76 783, 76 348, 77 926, 79 504 and 81 081 (1999-2003), Iran population is growing at a faster pace, its population increasing by around 14 000 people in the five year time span compared to the Philippines increase of around 5 000 people. The large increase in Iran’s population could suggest an improvement in daily necessities and services such as health care or living conditions.

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PART B:

Philippines-Iran Comparison: Total Land Area

As you can see in the graph, Iran’s total landmass much surpasses that of the Philippines, almost being six times larger. Compared to the world average of 767,731, the total land area of Iran is more than double. The massive difference between the land area of the two countries is due to the fact that the Philippines consists of thousands of tiny islands separated by ocean while Iran is one large structure with almost no large bodies of water within it. Thus, Iran’s surface area is substantially higher, making it the 20th largest country in the world (by land area). However, the Philippines would be ranked smaller than most other countries aside from Iran and can be noted that the Philippines is smaller than half the world average.

Philippines-Iran Comparison: Forested Area

The percentage of forestland in Iran is extremely low compared to the Philippines whose forested area is even below the world average of 26%. The main for this difference between the Philippines and Iran would be their natural geography. The Philippines was historically a lush series of tropical islands, with forests covering most of the land on each island. Iran was a series of barren deserts and arid mountain ranges with a minimal amount of the land being forest area, which explains most of the difference between the two countries and the world average (most countries had a good amount of forests, only a small amount had mostly desolate land). However, deforestation has been a major issue in Iran, this has led to desertification. As a result, there is less arable land to grow and replace the lost forests.

Philippines-Iran Comparison: Water Resources per Capita

Compared to the Philippines, Iran’s water resources are extremely low, the Philippines should be at a disadvantage since its population is higher and per capita means that the amount must be distributed equally to each individual, yet it has about 6 times the water resourced of Iran. Compared to the world average of around, Iran’s water resources are drastically low, according to the world bank, any country with a level below 2.0 is under “water stress” and is at a point where the levels are dangerous and could become a serious threat. The graph accurately portrays the serious water shortage Iran has been experiencing, with minimal rainfall and severe droughts causing water to be rationed throughout the country. This could be due to poor management of resources or perhaps environmental issues like the shift in weather patterns due to global warming.

Philippines-Iran Comparision: GDP








I don’t think my country Iran having any trends with Philippines because Iran’s major economic source is due to oil production and Philippines major economic source is due to agriculture or maids and servants sent to other countries that sends money back. Iran also have another impact due to US sanction, but it economic is still a lot higher the Philippines due to the rise of oil. Iran’s GDP compare to world averages it is high because consider there are also a lot of poor countries around the world. I think that Iran’s is able to achieve so much GDP is due to the oil production. Plus the oil price is rising, that may be another reason why Iran is rich.

Philippines-Iran Comparison: GDP per Capita








I don’t think Iran’s GDP per Capita have any trends with the Philippines because Iranian people have more job opportunities due to factories or oil transport while some Filipino that are poor can only beg for money. My country’s GDP per Capita is already very high. Compare to the Philippines Iran get 1606 dollars per person/ year while the Philippines get less than 1000 us dollars per person/year. Iran is very compare to other countries; it is able to achieve 1606 dollars per person/ year. I believe that some countries even get lower GDP per Capita than the Philippines. I think that Iran’s GDP per Capita is high because of the oil. The government each month paid them a bit of money due to oil.

Philippines-Iran Comparison: Total Fertility

I think Iran have trends with the Philippines because both countries are trying to lessen the amount of the total fertility rate. Before Iran have 7 children per woman but now it only has 2 children per woman. I think the Philippines is also trying to lessen the amount of the population so the GDP per Capita will stay and be high. My country’s total fertility rate compare to the world is low because due to Africa countries which have huge total fertility rate 2 children per women are low. The reason why Iran has low fertility rate because before in 1955 Iran’s total fertility rate is 7 children per women which is incredibly high. So the Iranian government established a program that helps to lessen the amount of children.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY:

http://www.photius.com/wfb1999/iran/iran_people.html

http://geography.about.com/od/lists/a/averagecountry.htm

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/xx.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_water_crisis

http://www.indexmundi.com/world/death_rate.html

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The Factoid

Investigation 1: Drought

Early in history, Iran was a lush and ancient Mesopotamian civilization. But as time progressed and nomads settled in the area, over-cultivated land led to desertification. Dry grounds, in turn, held little water to evaporate and ultimately produce rain. Nonetheless, global warming is the key factor to Iran’s droughts. Though it’s latitude of “35 degrees North, 42 minutes, 24 seconds” has an effect on its seasons, the globe’s thinning atmosphere welcomes more influential UV sun rays. Both the average rainfall and daily temperature have dropped to threatening rates.

Drought has proven serious effects on the Iranian population as months of water scarcity have brought severe consequences. With the lack of water causing social, economic, and environmental issues, poverty rates rise at quick paces. Periods of drought have burdened not only humans, but the entire ecological life cycle.

Ecosystems:

Water scarcity brings infertile farmlands and thus, limited food sources. With no crops to cultivate, agricultural businesses involving trade and exportation often suffer harsh impacts. Animals are struck with similar misfortune as the limited water is prioritized for the people. Proving our ultimate food source, their increasing death rates have only burdened society.

Tourism:

Though tourism is not significant issue, its friendly aspects help improve Iran’s infamous reputation. Sadly, constant drought periods are sure to divert travelers! With a lack of water for the Iranian population, what more for tourists?!

Poverty / Health:

With no water come no crops, and with no crops come no farming oppurtunities. Unemployment, in turn, will drive Iran into increasing poverty.

As water is spared, it is raised to greater costs, denying many of stable water sources. Alternative outcomes may lead to the consumption of unpurified water, deadly drugs, and an increase in crime rates. Health issues including dehydration may ultimately lead to death!

Evidently, drought has brought unforeseen outcomes into Iran. It has affected not only the environment but aspects of economy, society, and daily life. With its constant reoccurrence and the limiting rainfall, the nation’s future is not bright. Environmental projects must instigate!

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Investigation 2: Wide Climate Range

Due to Iran’s close proximity to the Equator, and its unique topological and geographical features, the climate in Iran can be very diverse. With mountain ranges and deserts spread across the country and with Iran being a fairly large country, the weather patterns can shift depending on which area you are in. With the sun’s rays focused on Iran for 14 hours a day, Iran’s climate can be extremely hot and dry during the summer season (April to November) where the North Western hemisphere is directly exposed to the suns rays and Iran is at a low level of tilt so the suns rays are focused and at a high energy level, especially in the southern plateau of Iran which is the part of Iran nearest to the Equator. Iran being close to the Equator also causes the day to be longer since the sun is overhead longer. With mountain ranges spanning the borders of Iran, its large winds blow over much of Iran all year long. During summer, the “1200 day wind” passes over Iran. During winter, the northern section of Iran, which is far away from the equator, can experience temperatures as low as -37 degrees Celsius. This is also due to the fact that the northern section of Iran is at a higher elevation, causing the area to be exposed to thinner air and atmosphere, and thus causing it to be colder in that area. Winter is also the time where rainfall is normally at its highest when most of the precipitation is caught to the south of the country where the tallest mountain ranges trap the clouds in the area, leaving the middle plateau of Iran with little precipitation. Aside from the natural arid climate of Iran, global warming has had a drastic effect on the climate, with a noticeable drop in waterfall and an increase in the average temperature.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

“IRAN: 2008/09 Wheat Production Declines Due to Drought .” United States Development of Agriculture – Foreign Agricultural Service 09 May 2008 14 May 2008 .

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———————————————————————————

The Factoid

Investigation 1: Drought

Early in history, Iran was a lush and ancient Mesopotamian civilization. But as time progressed and nomads settled in the area, over-cultivated land led to desertification. Dry grounds, in turn, held little water to evaporate and ultimately produce rain. Nonetheless, global warming is the key factor to Iran’s droughts. Though it’s latitude of “35 degrees North, 42 minutes, 24 seconds” has an effect on its seasons, the globe’s thinning atmosphere welcomes more influential UV sun rays. Both the average rainfall and daily temperature have dropped to threatening rates.

Drought has proven serious effects on the Iranian population as months of water scarcity have brought severe consequences. With the lack of water causing social, economic, and environmental issues, poverty rates rise at quick paces. Periods of drought have burdened not only humans, but the entire ecological life cycle.

Ecosystems:

Water scarcity brings infertile farmlands and thus, limited food sources. With no crops to cultivate, agricultural businesses involving trade and exportation often suffer harsh impacts. Animals are struck with similar misfortune as the limited water is prioritized for the people. Proving our ultimate food source, their increasing death rates have only burdened society.

Tourism:

Though tourism is not significant issue, its friendly aspects help improve Iran’s infamous reputation. Sadly, constant drought periods are sure to divert travelers! With a lack of water for the Iranian population, what more for tourists?!

Poverty / Health:

With no water come no crops, and with no crops come no farming oppurtunities. Unemployment, in turn, will drive Iran into increasing poverty.

As water is spared, it is raised to greater costs, denying many of stable water sources. Alternative outcomes may lead to the consumption of unpurified water, deadly drugs, and an increase in crime rates. Health issues including dehydration may ultimately lead to death!

Evidently, drought has brought unforeseen outcomes into Iran. It has affected not only the environment but aspects of economy, society, and daily life. With its constant reoccurrence and the limiting rainfall, the nation’s future is not bright. Environmental projects must instigate!

———————————————————————————–

Investigation 2: Wide Climate Range

Due to Iran’s close proximity to the Equator, and its unique topological and geographical features, the climate in Iran can be very diverse. With mountain ranges and deserts spread across the country and with Iran being a fairly large country, the weather patterns can shift depending on which area you are in. With the sun’s rays focused on Iran for 14 hours a day, Iran’s climate can be extremely hot and dry during the summer season (April to November) where the North Western hemisphere is directly exposed to the suns rays and Iran is at a low level of tilt so the suns rays are focused and at a high energy level, especially in the southern plateau of Iran which is the part of Iran nearest to the Equator. Iran being close to the Equator also causes the day to be longer since the sun is overhead longer. With mountain ranges spanning the borders of Iran, its large winds blow over much of Iran all year long. During summer, the “1200 day wind” passes over Iran. During winter, the northern section of Iran, which is far away from the equator, can experience temperatures as low as -37 degrees Celsius. This is also due to the fact that the northern section of Iran is at a higher elevation, causing the area to be exposed to thinner air and atmosphere, and thus causing it to be colder in that area. Winter is also the time where rainfall is normally at its highest when most of the precipitation is caught to the south of the country where the tallest mountain ranges trap the clouds in the area, leaving the middle plateau of Iran with little precipitation. Aside from the natural arid climate of Iran, global warming has had a drastic effect on the climate, with a noticeable drop in waterfall and an increase in the average temperature.

———————————————————————————–

BIBLIOGRAPHY

“IRAN: 2008/09 Wheat Production Declines Due to Drought .” United States Development of Agriculture – Foreign Agricultural Service 09 May 2008 14 May 2008 .

EXPO Drama
By: Gabby Ayala

Persian Carpets:

Of all the unique and extravagant arts and crafts of Iran, the delicate weaving of the Persian carpets is the most famous and world renowned. The handicraft dates back to the fifth century B.C. in ancient Persia, recorded by Chinese merchants who would purchase the carpets along the silk route. There are three main types of carpets, the Farsh or ‘Qālii’ which is a carpet 6×4 feet or larger, the Qālicheh which are rugs 6×4 feet or smaller, and nomadic carpets known as Kilim or Zilu, meaning rough carpet. Most carpets are hand woven and can take over a year to complete; the intricacy of the weaving along with the extravagant designs and various and perdurable colors are what make these carpets so sought after. Depending on what region the carpet is being made in, the designs and colors of the carpet will be different. Most carpets use either floral designs or geometric shapes for their distinct motif. Traditionally, carpets are considered the only “furniture” in an Iranian home because sleeping, sitting and praying are all preformed on the floor. The most precious carpets are normally hung on the walls. The carpets can indicate how wealthy a family is, or they can be sold in times of financial need. Some carpets can even be used as currency.

Farsi Calligraphy:

Farsi calligraphy is a form of the Arabic alphabet; however Farsi adds an extra 4 characters (že, gāf, če and pe). Arabic is known across the globe, being recognized as on of the great ancient forms of literature and writing, alongside the text of the olden Chinese civilizations. The Arabic alphabet is derived from the Persian script which is used throughout the Middle East, Old Persian was first created around 552 B.C., it then evolved into Middle Persian then New Persian. The style of Persian writing used today is called Contemporary Persian whose technical vocabulary has been mixed with other Latin derived languages (eg English and French). Each character of the 32 letter alphabet has 4 different forms, the initial form, final form, medial form and isolated form. Each character is pronounced according to a symbol above it. For example, a character can be pronounced normally as “bo”, but if the “bo” has a “יִ” over it the “o” would be held out longer. Arabic is also read from right to left, opposite direction of English. The thing that separates Arabic calligraphy from other forms of writing is its fluent strokes and artistic graceful form. Even for a native speaker, it would take many months before they would be able to write the strokes perfectly. In ancient Persia, scribes would practice their writing for hours. The writing itself is atheistically beautiful, with the traditional black ink accenting the powerful yet delicate strokes. Aside from its distinct form, Arabic calligraphy is also known world wide in the shape of calligrams. These are artworks made up of various Arabic characters which when put together form a picture. The art of Arabic calligraphic writing is a highly revered skill in Islamic culture because traditionally it means the preservation of the Qur’an which is restored by constantly re-writing it over the years.

• “Arabic Alphabet.” Wikipedia. May 15, 2008. Wikipedia. 16 May 2008 .
• “Persian Alphabet.” Wikipedia. May 3, 2008. Wikipedia. 16 May 2008 .
• “Farsi Calligraphy.” Tripod.. Tripod. 16 May 2008

• Taus-Bolstad, Stacy. Iran in Pictures. 1. USA: Lerner Publishing Group, 2004.
• “Persian carpet.” Wikipedia. Apr. 15, 2008. Wikipedia. 6 May 2008 .
• O’Shea, Maria. Iran. 1. USA: Gareth Stevens Publishing, 2000.
• Greenblatt, Miriam. Iran. 1. USA: Childrens Press, 2003.

Folktale Analysis
“Forty Fortunes”

By: Gabby Ayala

This folktale from Iran is about a poor man named Ahmed who, from the persuasion of his wife, pretends to be a fortuneteller. The only problem is, he has no idea how to be a fortune teller and when the kings 40 chests of gold are stolen, is asked to retrieve them in 40 days or else he will be thrown in jail. And as “fortune” would have it, he finds the 40 thieves and makes them return the treasure two the king. The king then bestows on him two chests of gold and Ahmed and his wife live happily ever after.

From the story, you can infer various things about the culture and society at the time. At the beginning of the story it says it was set in Isfahan, this was the old capital of Iran so immediately we know where the fable takes place. Along with this information, the names (Achmed, Jamell) also come from Middle Eastern roots, leading us to believe that the characters would have spoken some for of Arabic dialect. There is also mention of a house with stairs leading up to a flat roof with a terrace, since we know that during around the 1500’s middle eastern people normally slept on our roof, we can guess that the climate fairly hot, so to cool themselves down they slept on their roofs at night. Another thing that tells us what time period it is in is the mention of the various technologies such as the pick, shovel, bolt doors and public baths, all of which were used and invented around 600 years ago. From the story, we can tell that in daily life, sleeping on the rooftops and socializing in public baths was routine. The story also tells us that when Achmed is paid, the normal currency was silver and gold coins. Then when Achmed becomes a fortuneteller, it is clear that many people believe in the witchcraft (since even the king has a personal “diviner”, showing that religion and sorcery still held higher importance then that of science and reason. Achmed also thanks a God repeatable through the story for his good fortune, again influences how important religion was in society. We learn which form religion it is when it is immediately notices that a woman has a piece of skin showing. Thus, Iran was probably already under Islamic rule since the religion requires women to cover themselves completely. When the king is robbed, we learn another two things, that Iran is still ruled using a monarchy and that the government is under a small attack by groups of thieves and rebels. The story however also says fortune telling is fake, with all the fortune tellers failing to find the thieves and treasure and Achmed only finding them because of sheer luck and intelligence.