Hussein Shobokshi

Iran or Persia as it is known to history buffs, was and still is a great civilization.  A great civilization that produced some of history’s most important figures in arts, politics, religion, poetry and many other fields.  It is very sad indeed that the position which Iran holds today in the world and particularly in the Arab world is indeed a very negative one.

 

To most Arabs, Iran was magic.  They would be mesmerized by the songs of the great Diva Googoosh, they would very much enjoy listening to the Persian musical instrument the santoor, or reading the wonderful works of the mystical masters Rumi, Attar, Soharwardi and others.

 

The Arabs indulged for ages in the great wonderful delights of the Persian cuisine such as Chelo Kabab, Boghli Polo and many other wonders.  Persian Cavier Pistachio, Saffron and rice have always been standard items for Arabs in their homes.



Their homes have always had a place for tile works from Isfahan, wonderful silver works from Tehran and great carpets and Kilim works from Qum, Tabriz, Kashan, Isfahan and other areas. Wood works, porcelain, paintings and stone carvings have also been extremely popular over the years in many Arab homes.



The Arabs have enjoyed wonderful historical trading relations as well as social relations with Iran and Iranians.  Great business families have started their fortunes through trade with Iran.  This has led to a big cross migration ending up to many great families from Iran settling in Arab lands; inter marrying and becoming members of their new societies.  They brilliantly excelled in their new societies, achieving great success in arts, poetry, business, medicine, law, sports among many other areas of life.  This and more is the great and important legacy that makes up the wonderful history of the relationships between the Arabs and Iran.



Unfortunately, not much is left.  Since the revolution in Iran, matters have taken a very ugly turn.  Iran’s meddling into the affairs of many Arab states was always a cause of great concern.  It is now the greatest cause of the deterioration of the relations. 



Will it ever return to the point it was?  I am not sure of the answer.  There is so much to lose.  I hope it’s not too late for that. There was once a beautiful story between the two; too bad it does not have a happy ending.