Iranian towns watched over by the piercing gaze of Ayatollah Khomeini. There’s a general image of a strict Islamic country, but what’s the reality?
The Islamic Republic of Iran—hearing this country’s name, many people likely envision images of strict religious discipline and harsh laws. Indeed, since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has strongly projected its face as a religious state. However, actually setting foot there greatly overturns these impressions.
The reality of Iran is surprisingly “relaxed.” While there are differences by generation, region, and context, overall it’s not an exaggeration to say they have religious views as flexible as those comparable to Indonesia. This time, we’ll explore the reality of Iran that’s “different from imagination,” covering everything from religious customs to lifestyle.
Shia Uniqueness: Efficiency-Focused Prayer Methods
Essential to understanding Iran is the fact that this country is the headquarters of Shia Islam. Unlike Sunni Islam, which is mainstream in many Arab countries, Shia has its own interpretations and customs.
The prime example is the number of daily prayers. While Islam generally mandates five prayers per day, Iranian Shia often practically complete this with three prayers. This isn’t simply being lazy, but rather a rational interpretation of “combining two prayers into one.”
According to their explanation, they’re not connecting prayers but simply shortening the intervals between prayers, while essentially still performing all five. What a rational and efficient way of thinking! This attitude of “maintaining essence while interpreting practically” symbolizes Iran’s religious perspective.
Hijab Situation: Gap Between Rules and Reality
As touched upon in previous articles, regarding women’s hijab wearing, there’s also a large gap between law and reality. In urban areas like Tehran, women not wearing hijabs, wearing them very loosely, or even substituting with hats or knit caps are not uncommon.
While this is strictly speaking a legal violation, such “relaxedness” has become socially tolerated, especially among younger generations. Similar to Indonesia, the portion left to individual judgment is increasing. This change has become more pronounced particularly since the 2022 “Hijab Revolution.”
Surprising Food Culture: Public and Private Duality
Outwardly, Iranian dietary life also follows Islamic law. Pork is prohibited, and alcohol consumption in public places is strictly restricted. Drinking alcohol or bringing alcohol into Iran is severely punished, so it’s widely believed that drinking in Iran is impossible.
However, in reality, there’s also a hidden side. Particularly among young people, a culture of secretly enjoying alcohol remains deeply rooted. The author also had the experience of being invited by local youth while walking through the city to “drink together,” and being shown a flask (small portable liquor bottle) from inside their coat.
Surprisingly, not only alcohol but also mild drugs like marijuana are secretly widespread among young people. This represents not simply being “relaxed” but rather the emergence of “double standards” between official rules and real life. Such adventurous behavior by youth is also quiet rebellion against strict rules.
Incidentally, non-alcoholic “Iranian beer” comes in many varieties. Travelers should avoid getting carried away and stick to non-alcoholic options.
Please read about Iranian beer here
Gender Relations: Surprising Openness and Unique Balance
Regarding gender relations, Iran is surprisingly open compared to other Middle Eastern countries. While in places like Saudi Arabia, simply talking to unknown women could potentially cause problems, in Iran, conversations between unfamiliar men and women are completely normal scenes.
Even more surprisingly, premarital relationships are widely practiced. Scenes the author witnessed included local young people approaching Iranian women on the streets with sexually suggestive pickup lines. Romantic relationships between men and women exist as an open secret, widely accepted especially among younger generations.
Additionally, international tourists often attract locals’ interest, and it’s not uncommon for Iranian women to ask international male visitors to “take a photo together.” Such behavior is naturally accepted in the atmosphere.
However, certain taboos and considerations regarding gender relations still exist. For example, bringing pornography is strictly prohibited. Also, on public transportation, while people sit next to anyone regardless of gender when crowded, when seats become available, it’s common to quickly move away from the opposite sex to separate seats. Such religious morality is maintained.
Summary: Flexible Religious Views Create a Safe and Attractive Country
Iran’s “relaxedness” doesn’t come from simple rule laxity, but from a unique sense of balance born between strict laws and real life. The duality of maintaining flexibility in unseen areas while preserving certain order in public places can be said to characterize modern Iran.
Particularly noteworthy is how this “relaxedness” creates an attractive environment for travelers. The reputation that even solo female travelers can visit relatively safely, combined with Iran’s good security, stimulates curiosity about this country.
Contrary to conservative images, Iranian people have pro-international and open aspects, often showing curiosity and kindness toward foreigners. Of course, as travelers, it’s important to respect local customs and manners, but it’s a country you can enjoy much more freely and safely than expected—that’s modern Iran.
Iran has beautifully balanced religious strictness with practical flexibility while cultivating its unique culture. Why not see its unique charm with your own eyes?
