Iranian Customs

Iran is a country in which tradition and custom prevails. The Iranian people are an ancient and proud civilization and many of the traditions and customs of the past centuries are still evident in their daily lives today.

Public behavior in Iran is strictly governed by the local laws and the economy bears the belief that relationships are the foundation of business dealings.

The Iranian people are a polite and formal breed. Their near perfect manners have gained them popularity during many business meetings. When offered a drink, they consider it polite to drink it, or at least sip at it. When offered tea, they also assume it an insult if you request another drink instead.

They are raised from childhood to believe that people should be polite and friendly.
It is highly customary to see Iranian men dressed in the local garb.

Shorts are never worn in public and short sleeved shirts are only acceptable in the summer months, and this depends on whether the Ramadan or the mourning month of Moharram falls during summer. If these honored events fall during the summer months, long sleeves are customary.

Men do not wear neckties. Imam Khomeini declared them to be symbols of Western Imperialism, and they have not been worn by Iranians since that time. When sitting cross-legged, as many do in Iran during mealtime, it is customary to not show the sole of one’s shoes.

Women in public must be dressed very modestly. Although women now take on the same tasks and responsibilities as men, such as working outside the home and driving or going out alone, they are not to dress as the men do. Women and men are not permitted to shake hands in public or to have any physical contact whatsoever.

Women are expected to be modestly dressed. This is a law as well as a custom. Women’s hair and necks are expected to be covered with a scarf and their coat should fit loosely and extend to below the knee. Their shoes must be closed and their legs should never be bare.

Pants or stockings must be worn in public at all times.

Although Westerners may feel that many of these customs are out-dated, living daily with these customs is an Iranian way of life. Being raised from childhood to respect those around them and to be always polite and full of manners is a custom that the Iranian people have kept for centuries.