The form of government of Iran is that of an Islamic Republic, endorsed by the people of Iran on the basis of their longstanding belief in the sovereignty of truth and Koranic justice, in the referendum of 29 and 30, March 1979, through the affirmative vote of a majority of 98.2% of eligible voters, held after the victorious Islamic Revolution led by Imam Khumayni.
Iran's population is 89% Shia Muslim, 9% Sunni Muslim, and 2% split among Judaism and Zoroastrian (the oldest monotheistic religion). As we learned in class, Iran is a theocratic regime that has democratic elements. (See BBC's "Iran, who holds the power?") This week's blog requires you to analyze some primary and secondary source documents on the experiences of religious minorities in Iran.
Directions:
1. Summarize two of the articles on the "Pilgrimage Through Iran" site (you'll have to click on two of the locations and view the articles/ videos or photo essays.)
The URL is: http://news21project.org/story/2007/07/26/interactive_map_pilgrimage_through_iran
What do they tell you about the experiences of religious minorities in Iran?
2. Consider the demographics of modern Iran. In a nation where over 90% of the population is Muslim can one argue that a constitution based on the Qu'ran IS democratic? Further, when a nation overwhelmingly favors one belief system, are democracy and theocracy one in the same? (In other words, does it make sense to have religious law when a vast majority of citizens share the same beliefs?) 
11 comments:
Teresa Konopka
Comparative Government
F Block
*I didn’t see the assignment on the F-Block blog, so I did my homework here. :)
Interviewing A Bahai in Exile by Deena Guzder is about men who can not be accepted to any Iranian colleges since they is not Islamic. Apparently, Muslims, Jews, Christians and Zoroastrians are recognized in the Iranian government, but the Bahai faith is considered heretical. The men’s religion is Persian Bahai and is thus disrespected by most Iranian Muslims. The article continues to discuss how Persians that practice Bahai are trusted by the Iranians and assimilate, yet they do no get the respect that Iranians give to those of the Islamic faith. Also, the Iranian government despises Bahai followers but does not physically harm them. Those whole follow Bahai seem to be anarchists in Iran since they are so different from Muslims in both their number of followers and in their beliefs.
An American Zoroastrian Lands in the Islamic Republic of Iran by Deena Guzder is about a woman who had to get a visa in order to be in America. She left Iran because it was not very religiously tolerant of other religions. Apparently, women in Iran have to wear headscarves. Liberals wear them loosely to have strands of hair fly out, while conservative Islamic Iranians wear their scarves tightly and layered. The woman’s religious minority constitutes less than one percent of the Iranian population.
What do they tell you about the experiences of religious minorities in Iran? Overall, the article conveys the point that minorities are not highly respected and that such behavior makes minorities want to leave Iran.
A constitution based on Islam is not democratic. While over 90 percent of the population is Muslim, not 100 percent is. That means a small but still tangible minority in underrepresented. Democracy is supposed to represent the people, not just most of the people. While 90 percent of the nation is Muslim, who is to say that some don’t truly believe? After all, in a nation where other religious denominations are frowned upon and disrespected, it is possible that some Iranians practice other faiths but cloak themselves in Islam.
Democracy and theocracy are not the same when a nation overwhelmingly favors one belief system. If the nation favored the religion, it would still be another form of government. For instance, America was founded based on Christian viewpoints, but it does today respect various other religions. While presidents elected tend to be Christian, the presidents do not always go to the Bible for decisions. Their religious views may impact the decisions they make, but they do not ignore the other denominations. While the president may use the Bible for his decisions, he does not make this law. Religious law is fine, but it is not a democracy when just a majority claims to favor one religion.
Theresa - E+ : Good thinking with going to this blog - informed, analytical and thoughtful work. You have progressed so much as a writer in the year or so that I've been working with you. Keep it up!
Theresa - E+ : Good thinking with going to this blog - informed, analytical and thoughtful work. You have progressed so much as a writer in the year or so that I've been working with you. Keep it up!
Heather Vale
Block F
Bahá'í Faith, formed during the nineteenth-century in Persia, was founded by Bahá'u'lláh. Bahai emphasizes the spiritual unity of all humankind. Deena Guzder’s “Interviewing A Bahai in Exile” illustrates one of the many ways religious minorities are affected by Iran’s theocratic democracy. According to the article, one reason why the Bahais have been charged far worse than other religious minorities in Iran is because the faith was founded 150 years ago. Claiming there was another prophet after Mohammed, the Bahai faith seems profane to Islamic theology. Sadly, Bahais who openly declare their faith are denied university entrance in Iran. It is written that the Iranian government simply despises those who follow Bahai, thus the people of Iran love those who follow Bahai. In a comic sense, the people of Iran hate what the government loves and loves what the government hates. This goes to show how little of a democracy Iran truly depicts.
Deena Guzder’s “An American Zoroastrian Lands in the Islamic Republic of Iran” magnifies the large influence religion has on law and life. Zoroastrianism is the world's oldest monotheistic religion and originated in what is today called Iran. Deena, a follower of Zoroastrianism herself, takes a trip to Iran. I thought it was extremely interesting to highlight the following sentence from the article: “How women wear their hijab in Iran is a reflection of their political disposition: liberal women wear it loosely and allow wisps of hair to escape, whereas conservative women wear two or three layers that cover part of their forehead.” It is truly interesting to observe how women display their opinions and ideas through actions based on their religion. Nonetheless, people who followed Zoroastrianism had to leave their country, Persia, as many of them were persecuted. Evidently, those who follow Zoroastrianism have to be careful on what they say when around certain people. Under the Iranian government, Islamic law is greatly enforced. Thus minorities are not highly respected by the government, but are respected by the people.
Considering the demographics of modern Iran, a constitution based on the Qur’an cannot seem to hold democratic values. With the majority of Iran holding Muslim beliefs, one can argue that Islamic law is justified. However a democracy attempts to combine all opinions, ideas, beliefs, traditions and cultures to live freely under one government. Indeed the religious minorities make up a small percentage of the country, however if Iran claims to practice democracy they should not enforce laws to be based on the Qur’an. Ultimately, democracy and theocracy are not the same when the majority of Iran favors one belief system. Democracy entitles all opinions and beliefs to be respected, not just the majority or the minority, but the entire nation.
Ama Kwakye
F Block
October 19,2008
The article “An American Zoroastrian Lands in the Islamic Republic of Iran” by Deena Guzder’s talks about how religion can have an impact on the countries way of life.People who follow the Islamic Culture are higly respected by the government as Heath Said. Obviously if you folllow the rules of high authority then you will get worshipped with respect. But if you think about it isnt fair to have religion play a huge role in society because what if not eveyrone is Islamic and is Christian. The religion's are a bit similar but do have some opposing belives.
The Article An American Zoroastrian Lands in the Islamic Republic of Iran by Deena Guzder is about a lady who wanted to leave Iran because she didnt like the policies. So as always people coming to America most get a visa. America.She Felt certain groups recieved certain privledges and their standards for religion didbnt vary. Meaning that they werent as acceptiing of different religions as it is In America.
Regardless is over 90% of the population is Muslim, I feel that a constitution based on the Qu'ran isnt constitutional and shouldn't be looked at as a democracy. Its not democratic to have all the people following one religion even if the majority of the population is Muslim. Democracy is supposed to be less of a dictatorship. You are supposed have the right to do as you please and not alwas be tied down to rules. As Ms. Konapka and Ms. Vale has stated its unjust. You shouldnt base all polocies on one religion.:)
Justin Lefkowitz
Comp Gov Film
C Block
Part One: Arriving in London:
Interviewing A Bahai in Exile by Deena Guzder is an interesting story. First off, the interview that Deena Guzder had to conduct with the Bahai person had to take place in London because if the meeting was in Iran, the life of the person of Bahai faith would have been in grave danger. People of Bahai faith who live in Iran are consider the minorities. Iran is 89% Shia Muslim, 9% Sunni Muslim, and 2% split among Judaism and Zoroastrian. Zoroastrian is actually the oldest monotheistic religion in the world. According to this article, Bahai is a religion that is not recognized by the Iranian government. In fact, people of Bahai faith are denied university entrance in Iran.
This is outrageous. Certain groups of people, like the people of the Bahai faith, in Iran are unable to participate in some of life’s important activities. This is the problem with theocracy. Religion takes everything a bit too far. Iran, like several other nations in the Middle East, has a government that is based on religion. There is no such thing as a theocratic democracy. If a government is heavily based on religion, they cannot be a democracy. A government must allow the citizens to have freedom of religion, if a nation wants to become truly democratic. A democracy lets the people choose and a theocracy holds back the people from choosing. A theocratic government discriminates against people of religions that are different from the one that the theocratic government is based on.
Part Six: Esfahan, Iran:
The City of Jews in a Muslim Nation by Deena Guzder helps to prove the point that a theocracy cannot also be a democracy. The Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians make up the minority religions of Iran. The Bahai are also a minority, but they are not even considered a religion because the Bahai believers preach beliefs that are contradictory to those of the Islamic faith. Esfahan is the main city of Iran in which the minority religions preach. In fact, Esfahan is the home to the largest Jewish community in Iran. The people of the Jewish faith believe that Esfahan is a perfect city for them.
The citizens of the town of Esfahan all love it there. It seems to be a small town where people with religious differences can get along with one another. Maybe if the rest of Iran was like this, then they might be able to survive as a theocracy, although it seems like Esfahan does not believe in theocracy. The people of Esfahan seem to have religious freedom, something that is almost impossible to have in a theocracy.
A constitution based on the Qur’an cannot physically be democratic. A democratic nation allows the people to choose what they want. The people run a democracy, not prayer books. The Qur’an does not allow the people to choose. The Qur’an is the book of laws and prayers that the people of Islamic faith must believe in. If the Qur’an is the backbone of a nation, then there will be laws that not everybody will follow. A theocracy cannot be a democratic nation. A democratic nation, as I said before, must allow the people to choose. This means that the people should determine their faith. The constitution should not determine this for people.
Loretta Au
October 19, 2008
Part six: Esfahan, Iran- The City of Jews in a Muslim Nation. Iran is filled with paintings of the founders of revolution and messages that praise beauty and power of Iran even though Tehran is one of the most polluted cities in world. Esfahan is known as Jew City because many Jews followed Cyrus to Esfahan after the Great freed Babylonia and the Jews. Jews do not have the same rights as Muslim but majority of them are business people and have beautiful shops. Zoroastrian American journalist Deena Guzder is drained by the long car ride from Persepolis to Esfahan. The journey without a single bathroom made the journey longer than actuality. They passed several checkpoints they were searched for drugs. In Tehran, the Jewish population decreased due to migration. After lying about her religion and purpose, Deena was allowed to observe Jewish prayers and synagogues in a Jewish community. When she reached Esfahan, she interviewed a Jewish woman regarding Muslims. "The people here are kind and respect our ancient religion, except the fanatics. We are treated well and I identify myself as Jewish with honor." However, many Jewish people have left Iran because of the lack of jobs opportunities. Although Deena wants to visit another synagogue she recalls someone she met told her that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs might think that she is a Zionist and return to America to spread false propaganda.
Part Seven: Leaving Iran- In Search of Common Ground. After Esfahan, Deena spends a day returning to Tehran. She was able to stay in a Zoroastrian community to observe their religion. Her time at Iran has gained her knowledge, and allowed her to break out of the impression of American notions like hijackings, terrorists, oppression, misogynists, extremists, veils, theocracy, ayatollahs, anti-Zionist and reactionaries. She learns the truth about Iran first handedly, and contradicts American media. She finds Iranians welcoming and friendly, unlike the misinterpreted impression Americans have.
A constitution based on the Qu’ran is not democratic because a democracy is run by the people and for the people. Democracy offers the freedom of religious practice and although 90% of Iran is Muslim, it contradicts democracy by enforcing the Qu’ran. There is still 10% of the population who do not follow Muslim religion, and they are denied the same rights. Therefore, democracy and theocracy is not one in the same even when the nation overwhelmingly favors one religion.
A theocracy cannot be democratic. A theocratic government can attempt to incorporate the ideology of a democracy into their government, but it would fail. A theocracy means that the religion rules the country and is the highest law in the land. But the people rule a democracy. For example, Iran is a democratic theocracy and its constitution is based on the Qu’ran. The constitution of Iran does not let women run for office and certain people run that do not support Islam. In our political system our Supreme courts check to see if laws are constitutional, or does not compromise democracy. Iran’s Supreme courts decide whether or not laws uphold Islamic values. Not everyone has a voice and can be represented in Iran’s legislature. Finally, Iran has a supreme leader that could over rule just about any bill passed by their legislature.
Anthony fontana
kimberly
c block represent
aloha,
Part A
Part One: Arriving in London
The author of the article, Deena Guzder, is an independent reporter, as well as a global traveler. Before traveling to the Islamic Republic, she realized that staying in an office all summer was more frightening then traveling to a misconstrued country. Thus, she began her summer by comparing and contrasting how Persian characters are shaped by America, since they're religiously opposite. Similar to Persia, Iran is also opposite to American values; however, their strong beliefs are less likely to be altered. Furthermore, Deena planned to observe what protected Islamic beliefs in reference to theocracy, a government where religion is power. She begins her travels in London, where a faith of Bahai is pursued by Erfan Sabeti, given she could jeopardize the safety of those in Iran. The Bahai faith was found over 150 years, and believe that a new prophet will come after Mohamed, which Islamic theology finds contrary to their belief. To a muslim religion this is equal to abounding religion, which seems pretty serious. The reason they stay in Iran is because its people dislike their government much more then their dislike for the Bahais. Thus, the theocratic government doesn't approve of Bahai, so the people highly approve. The hatred of the government causes much difficulties. People seem to be fans of anarchy, and Bahai is seen as anarchy. Bahai is seen as a fine religion due to its nonviolent friendship, and is considered an alternative to following the theocracy. In brief, the Bahai faith is welcoming to everyone. This tells me that the government is not a fan of the Bahais; however, due to the disapproval of authorities-people are highly acceptive to it. Furthermore, due to the friendliness, and nonviolent acts of this faith, people see no harm in it. On the contrary, the government sees it as a threat, due to its anarchic ways, which is why they disapprove of it. But the people enjoy some anarchy in their lives, so they embrace it.
Part Six: Esfahan, Iran
Journeying to Estahan, Iran, the city of Jews in a Muslim nation, the "minder" refers to a long, and dangerous road a a "gypsy killer passage". Buildings are marked up with revolutionary founders, and messages asked for Iran to change for the better. Tehran, Iran is on of the most polluted cities in the world, so much so that the dirty air can be seen on clothing. Furthermore on Deena's journey, she reaches check points where she is searched for drugs, since its becoming an abundant problem in Iran. Esfahan is known for two things, Jew and military. Iran is classified by some to be violent against Jews. However, that is not the case. In fact, the Jews are well off with busy and alluring shops. In addition, they're able to practice their own religion, get married, but don't have the same rights as the Muslims. To the Jews benefit, they're allowed to go to Turkey; meanwhile, Iranians can't go to Israel. Moreover, Jewish people are accepted by the community. They're respected; however, the community won't go out of their way to communicate with them. Furthermore, to see the Jewish community, Deena, due to her ethnic background, had to pretend to be Jewish, given that the community was suspicious of her intentions of visiting. When Deena tries to talk amongst the Jews, they seem reluctant. Esther, a Jewish woman Deena conversed with, said that what journalist publish may cause them trouble.They believer that Americans will spread negative propaganda about them. Esther adds that the Jews are respected and treated kindly, especially towards their ancient religion. On the contrary, there are some dogmatist people who think otherwise. She does believe that the authority should be doing more for the Jewish community, due to their situation of no job opportunities. In addition, the hotel that Deena stayed out gave out discounts to those who dress is traditional Islamic attire, I find this odd. As if its used to entice people to wear traditional cloths. Deena says she is a Zoroastrian, which is an ancient Islamic faith in Persia, and a man responds that he loves all religions since they each believe in the same God basically. Moreover, I think that Jews have their fair share of good and bad days. It seems that if they don't disturb anyone, then no one will disturb them. However, there is still people who are publicly prejudice against them. Business-wise, they are good people to the Iranians. If given the opportunity to be sociable, they are good people to the Iranians as well. If anything, I noticed that Americans are not widely accepted in Iran; however, that's not shocking since America does create false and negative images.
Part B
With the consideration of Iran's population, one could dispute that 90% of the nation is Muslim; thus, a constitution based on the Qu'ran, a Muslim belief book that contains prayers and laws, is plausible. However, I find this incomprehensible. 90% of Iran being Muslim doesn't indicate a democracy, rather it relates to a majority. What about the other ten cents that makes up the dollar. By definition, democracy is a government system by the whole population, not just 90%. Furthermore, this is in a way asking 10% of the nation to go against either the country or their own beliefs. With that said, it is baffling to think that a nation can be fairly sustained with theocratic and democratic actions, hence the two government systems are not the same. If that government be so, it's like G.W. Bush looking into the Bible for answers to solve the terrorism situation (not saying whether the answer is in there or not). Democracy is all for one, everyone accepts their own beliefs. A theocracy is one for all, like forcing one belief on all.
-aloha.
xoxo
kg..
Saman Mahmood
C Block
10/21/08
1) Part Two: Tehran, Iran: An American Zoroastrian Lands in the Islamic Republic of Iran is about a girl an American born Persian who goes to Iran. Deena Guzder was one of the very few who was lucky enough to get a visa to Iran from the Pakistani embassy. Denna is a follow of Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest religions. Both of Denna’s parents are two of 120,000 followers of Zoroastrianism, which originates in Iran. In her religions there are not any rules about clothing, she still must wear a head scarf, and follow Islamic laws on clothing. So it shows that when you’re in Iran you might as well be Muslim since lslamic distractions are law. So then how do can a government. Part Five: Persepolis, Iran the Cradle of an Ancient Civilization, is when Deena goes to the town of Persepolis ("Persian City"). She went there to vist what was left of the palaces of the Achamenid kings. And it’s very breath taking when seeing the remainders of ancient civilizations. And some Zoroastrian have been named after these kings. After that she to went Naghsh-e-Rostam (Necropolis), to see the Fire temples of the Achamenid. Sheh also visited the four royal tombs and eights Sassanian rock- reliefs.
2) I don’t believe that’s a constitution based on the Quran is democratic, since it is written by the shah, and not written by the people. When a nation is overwhelmingly favors one belief system then a democracy and theocracy are not one of the same. Also I dont believe there is reason for religious law when 90% of the country id that religion. The small but ling 10% has the right to practice the religions of their choice and how they want to be seen in public. Iran can not be a democracy because the islamnic laws will make it s very hard for it to change to a democracy where its entire citizen has a say in the government.
peace.love& s@m@nZie
Farooq Hussain
C-Block
10/21/08
part2: Iran is considered a democratic country however it is arguable that the Iranian government only provides a charade of democracy. Iran is completely ruled by a radical Muslim leader, referred to as the supreme ruler. Many of the people have some to resent the inflexibility of this system yet they are not able to voice their opinions. This is visualized by the writer when she arrives at the airport and the stewardess announces to the passengers to refrain from taking pictures, observe the Islamic dress code, and dispose of alcoholic beverages. Zoroastrians, the oldest monotheistic religion make up the minimal part of the religious minorities. Yet they are well known and well respected. However they are not taken into consideration when a law is being passed or proposed. All citizens as well as visitors must obey the rules of radical Islam. They must cover their heads with scarves and refrain from wearing revealing clothing. The writer however manages to point out the subtle ways in which one can differ between the liberal and conservatives. The conservatives abide by the law strictly whereas the liberals merely obey it for the sake of their safety. When the writer arrives at ferdowsi hotel and meets priest firouzgary, there she learns of the hostile conditions the Iranian government has created for the people. Americans have been taken hostage before she learns, and they must abide by the Islamic law imposed by the government. There ferouzgary states what the writer is thinking, 'yes, yes, you can do everything' but they only want to give you an appearance of freedom.’
Part5: The writer arrives at Persepolis, where she visits the ancient Zoroastrian temples and ruins there she informs us of how there was once no religious conflict in the land, when people were allowed to practice any religion. Now she compares the past with today’s Iran, where religious ancient faith and liberalism collide, hindering its prosperity as nation. At the ruins she encounters people who act differently from the people in Tehran. Here they welcome her and are warm in their greetings as opposed to the hostility from the people of Tehran.
Q.2) Although the Iranian government claim to be democratic, the evidence in the article clearly reflects differently. the iranian government favor islam above all other religions, so far as to make all their laws according to the beliefs of that religion. the other religions in iran are not taken into consideration when laws are made. This is highly undemocratic, as it is not fair to people of different religions. the religious minorities of iran have to suffer the denial of their right to practice their religion. furthermore, even f a nation widely supports a certain line of belief, it does not take away from the fact that there is a noticeable number of people who disagree, and their opinions matter as well. therefore i believe the radical regime of iran has been acting extremely biased as fear from losing their culture and religion, as well as power.
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