The people of Iran are warm, friendly, hospitable and very formal. When interacting with people in Iran it is a good idea to have some understanding of gestures, expressions and socially acceptable behavior. Here are some tips on social etiquette in Iran.
The Golden Rule of socially acceptable behavior in Iran is to support your words with appropriate gestures and behavior. For instance it is a good practice to offer a portion of what one is about to eat to anyone nearby, even if they show no interest.
If one were to carefully observe the behavior of people in Iran such behavior clearly stands out even among very small children. Needless to say it is polite to refuse such an offer, but the one making the offer will be sensitive should the other person display even the slightest hint of interest and will continue to extend the offer if it is indicated.
Persians are very hospitable people and accord love, respect and warmth to every guest visiting their household. You may be overwhelmed with the warmth, affection and the amount of food and drink that you will be showered with when invited to a Persian home.
Decorum demands that guests bring along at least a small gift for the host. Fresh flowers, sweets, savories and pastries are commonly carried as gifts on a visit to a Persian home. Even if the hosts display some embarrassment on receiving your present you can be rest assured that the gift is appreciated. In case you are visiting family after a trip then remember that it is always expected that someone returning from a trip will bring along presents for friends and family.
The honor and respect extended to a guest is reflected in seating arrangements and service of food and drink. An important guest is always seated at the head of a room or a table and is the first to be served with food and drink. Social etiquette deems refusal of these honors, and pressing them on to another person.
If you visit a Persian home or interact with someone and like any of their possessions be very careful about praising any possession. Should you praise it; the owner will most likely offer it to you as a present almost at once.
Persian children are charming and well behaved however praising a child is largely regarded as a sign of envy, casting an "evil eye." Should you praise a child be sure to use the term Masha' Allah , literally, "What God wills."
Physical contact in greeting people is commonly observed and Iranians can be quite physically intimate with same-sex friends, even in public. Do not be alarmed as such contact does not have any erotic undertone. A hug and three kisses are a standard greeting for family members and even the slightest physical contact with non-family members of the opposite sex, unless they are very young children, is forbidden.
Should you encounter a downward gaze on meeting someone in Iran do not be offended as it is a sign of respect not a sign of disinterest. A man staring at a woman is usually taken as a sign of interest, and can cause difficulties; however making eye contact with a friend is a sign of affection and intimacy.
If you are wondering about how you should greet people then younger people should greet older people and those of lower status must greet others above them first. The universal Islamic salaam or the extended salaam aleikum "Peace be Upon You"and the universal phrase for leave-taking is khoda hafez - "May God protect you" should be used by you.
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