MODERN IRAN-A STUDY IN CONTRASTS

PART II—TECHNOLOGY

What? In Backward Iran?  Iran is behind the times only if you read or listen to American and Israeli propaganda.  It is au courant if you visit the country and get a first-hand glimpse of reality.

Trade Fair.  During my recent visit to Tehran, I attended a fascinating trade fair and cultural exhibition.  Jampacked with visitors, you felt like part of a pinball game, bouncing off the throngs of people crowding the walkways between exhibits.  In fact, it was one of the few areas of my visit where it was next to impossible to take pictures, unless you wanted to show the huge crowds fascinated with the variety of items on exhibit. There was almost no place to park and the visitors were so many that shuttle carts transported guests to and from the exhibits hall.

Exhibit Hall Entrance/Exit On A Snowy Day

Photo: J. Michael Springmann

There were booths showing metallurgy and minerals exploration, medical tourism, designer clothing, handicrafts, and visitor farms. 

Surprisingly, I was overwhelmed by the designer clothing and visitor farms.  The woman with the clothing booth told me that she combined traditional Iranian women’s fashion patterns with foreign motifs, particularly from Latin America.  She was also a musician, wearing one of her creations. Fascinated with her story, I regretted not being able to spend more time chatting with her.  But then, she was there to sell her wares and be recognized for being a talented designer, not to satisfy my curiosity.