Expo Iran 2008

This page will post only the 1st component of Social Studies.
Other related components are viewable in the “Social Studies” Category.

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AMBASSADOR LETTER

May 7, 2008
To The Filipino People:

The Iranian Government is pleased with its role in the Philippine nation and aims to strengthen the ties amongst both peoples. With Iran’s mounting economy and the Philippines’ ever fine business trades, there is no doubt that benefit will root in Iranian-Filipino transactions. The Iranian people speak with keen voices and dream that such dealings shall rise in the near future.
Iran is officially recognized as the Islamic Republic of Iran. It rests in Southwest Asia, occupying 630, 577 square miles of land and 1,515 miles or coastline. Sandwiched between the Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf, Iran borders Iraq, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan with a terrain of great variety. Mountain ranges stretch across its southwest boundaries, earthquakes are common to its northern chapter, and a vest desert plateau is found at its center. Heat comes with summer as cold comes with winter, but weather is generally dry. Maple, Elm, Date Palm, Pistachio, Plum, Artemisia, and Oleander trees spread through the land as Hyenas, Wild Boars, Leopards, Asiatic Black Bears, Gazelles, Cheetahs, and Ibexes are signature wildlife.

In Iran, history is a major ingredient for the development of the future. The nation began as ‘Ancient Persia’ and was more commonly identified as the “Land of the Aryans”. In 1500s BC, Aryans from central Asia migrated into the country and established two kingdoms. In 550 BC, Cyrus the Great merged the two lands to form the Achaemenid Empire. As history evolved, the Iranian people were introduced to and soon developed unique language, writing, and art. Trade progressed, and by 1908, oil was uncovered in southwest Iran and has continued to lead the country into its success.

The Iranian population is an approximate 68, 278, 826 people. Various ethnicities inhabit the nation, but all groups are somewhat related and live jointly in peace. 51% of citizens are Persian, 24% are Azerbaijani, 8% are Gilaki and Mazandarani, 7% are Kurdish, 3% are Arab, 2% are Lur, and 5% practice other customs. With religion, 89% of Iranians are Shi’a Muslim, 10% are Sunni Muslim, and 1% hold other beliefs. Education is an important factor to any society, and Iran rightfully requires schooling for children ages 7 to 12. Moreover, Islamic laws have lead to low crime rate and a respect for all religions.

Incomparable to any other, the Iranian culture is lush, worthy, and valuable. Food is a cultural aspect of society. Dishes are intricate and unique, but ironically, common ingredients including meat-and-vegetable stew, rice, wheat bread, white cheese, yogurt, and fresh fruit are easy to find. Sport and music bring life to Iranian traditions. Soccer, wresting, martial arts, basketball, volleyball, and rock climbing are played in friendly competition. Notably, Iran seized 3 victories in the football Asian Cup and was also the first Middle Eastern nation to host the Asian Games. Similarly, music is widespread in homes as folk dance and classical violin animate the culture. Iranian fidelity is fervent and clear through several holidays, particularly during the nation’s National Day on February 11.

The current Iranian Government is respected by the people and was established in 1979. As a theocratic republic, the Chief of State is held by Ayatollah Ali Hoseini-Khamenei and the Head of Government is non-other than Mahmoud Ahmadimejad. The nation’s legislature embraces a 270-member Islamic Consultative Assembly and all political dealings are held in Tehran, Iran’s capital city. Justly, voting rights apply to all citizens age 15 and above as the national anthem, “Rose from the Horizon the Affectionate Sun of the East”, is sung with uplifting voices.

Over the past years, Iran has grown and continues to bask in the spotlight. Its economy mounts with well-deserved wealth as its citizens wake to a rising nation. The Iranian-Philippine bonds rightfully strengthen with pride. Future relations are wise, and the Iranian people value the Filipinos for their collaboration in the construction of two better nations.

Sincerely,

Laura Lehmann, Florence Johannot, Kuan-Ting Chen, Gabriel Ayala
Iranian Ambassadors to the Philippines

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ISSUES IN IRAN

Iran – Overpopulation

Today, Iran suffers from overpopulation. It is widely said that such a problem is rooted in 1979 during the Iranian Revolution. When the much-rivaled fundamentalist Mullahs took control of the nation, the Iranian people sought young revolutionaries to overpower the rule. They were thus encouraged to pro-create for the benefit of the time. Now, major consequences have struck them. “From 34 million in 1979 to 73 million today, over 60% are under 25.” Nonetheless, Iran rightfully faces the current dilemmas and has developed programs to control the population. Condoms are distributed at no cost, vasectomies are encouraged, and sex education classes are often required for newlyweds. Such efforts are proving positive as Iran’s population has decreased by 1.5%. With family planning and public education classes, the nation’s future stands tall and bright.

Iran – Water Scarcity

Iran is among the most populated country in the Middle East and was thus among the first countries with ‘water refugees’. More people leads to more needs, and because of water depletion, Iranians are often forced to leave their homes. With dry climate, little rain, and the ever growing Global Warming issue, agricultural aspects are naturally affected. Such scarcity has also proved to trigger conflict and disturb the peace within the nation. Still, the Iranian government has long dealt with the problem and continues to find more solutions. Large reservoir dams and other mechanisms of irrigation are now widely used throughout the country.

“Iran: Population Control – The Kindest Cut.” ABC Australia 14 Apr 2008 .

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TIMELINE

1.) 559 BCE: Establishment of the Achaemenian Empire

During the 1500s, Aryans from central Asia migrated into Iran and established two kingdoms. In 559 BCE, Cyrus the Great merged the two lands to form the Achaemenid Empire. Iranians established a stable civilization and developed unique language, writing, traditions, and art.

2.) 642: Fall of the Persian Empire

Arabian armies and other travels reached Persia and introduced the Islamic faith and other Arabic customs.

3.) 1923: Reza Khan is crowned Shah

Reza Khan, a military officer, leads a coup and proclaims himself Shah.

4.) 1935: Country Renamed

The Shah changes the nation’s name from Persia to Iran.

5.) 1951-1953: Power Struggle

During the early 1950’s, struggles for power rattle the nation. In a coup lead by both American and British intelligence services, the Shah overthrows Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadeq.

5.) 1962-1963: White Revolution

The Shah aimed to modernize Iranian society and bring Western influence to the nation. His reforms involved social and economic acts involving worker’s rights and women’s suffrage. Nonetheless, such plans failed to execute as planned.

6.) 1978: Islamic Revolution

Anger stirs among the people and the Iranian government is widely criticized. After revolts, rallies, and mass demonstrations, the Shah is overthrown.

7.) 1979: Islamic Republic

Revolutionary Khomeini returns from exile after attacking the regime. On April 1, 1979, after 2,500 long years, the Iranian government is changed from a monarchy to a theocratic republic.

8.) 1980: Death of the Shah, Iran-Iraq War

With forcible removable from Iranian soil, the Shah is exiled on January 16, 1979. No less than 9 months later, he died of cancer in Egypt.

On September of 1980, Iran and Iraq engage in war. Their conflict involved territorial boundaries.

10.) 1988: Cease-fire in Iran-Iraq War

After 8 years of war, Iran and Iraq reached mutual agreement in August of 1988 with help from the United Nations.

11.) 1990: Massive Earthquake

Iran is hit by a massive earthquake that kills over 40,000 people.

12.) 1995: US Imposes Economic Sanctions

The US stops oil and trade dealings with Iran after first suspicions of sponsoring terrorism and other nuclear arms.

13.) 1999-2000: Pro-Democracy

In July 1999, university students react to the closure of ‘Salam’, a liberal reformist newspaper. Riots prolonged for 6 days and more that 1,000 students were arrested.

14.) 1997-2001: Presidential Elections

Mohammad Khatami wins the Presidential Elections by seizing 70% of the nation’s vote, a rate that outnumbered the “conservative elite”. In 2001, he was re-elected with almost 77% of votes.

15.) 2000-2006: Western Foes

“In 2002, US President George Bush describes Iraq, Iran and North Korea as an axis of evil; in his first State of the Union address.” Iran is also accused of hiding nuclear arms.

“Timeline: Iran.” BBC News 04 Apr 2008 14 Apr 2008 .

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Section 1 – A:

Toucan Valley Publications, Inc, “IRAN.”Countries of the World Fact Cards. 2004 Edition. 2004.“Iran.” Wikipedia. 2008. Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. 14 Apr 2008 .

“Foreign Embassies in the Philippines. Where Are They?.” Philippines Travel Guide (2004) 14 Apr 2008 .

“Map of Iran.” Iranian Pedia (2008) 14 Apr 2008 .

Section 1 – B:

“Iran: Population Control – The Kindest Cut.” ABC Australia 14 Apr 2008 .“Iran’s Population Growth Rate Falls to 1.5 Percent: UNFP.” Payvand’s Iran News 08 Apr 2004 14 Apr 2008 .

“The People.” Iran Fact Sheet (1996) 14 Apr 2008 .

“Water.” Iran (1987) 14 Apr 2008 .

Section 1 – C:

“Timeline: Iran.” BBC News 04 Apr 2008 14 Apr 2008 .“A Chronology of Key Events in Iran’s History.” Arc of Crisis: From Kabul to Jerusalem 14 Apr 2008 .

“Independence Day of Iran.” 123 Independence Day 14 Apr 2008 .

“From Ancient Persia to Contemporary Iran.” Mage Publishers 14 Apr 2008 .

“Timeline of Persian / Iranian History.” On The Matrix (2007) .

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