Among the Iranians ─ A Guide to Iran's Culture and Customs

"An excellent, useful introduction to Iranian culture and customs for people who have never been to Iran." Michael Axworthy, author of A History of Iran: Empire of the Mind

"Sofia Koutlaki has opened a window onto ordinary Iranians and their everyday life. She takes us inside the home, but also out into public spaces, and shows us, with love, an Iran rarely seen by outsiders." Ziba Mir-Hosseini, author of Islam and Gender: The Religious Debate in Contemporary Iran, and co-director of the award-winning film Divorce Iranian Style

The Eyes of the World Are on Iran, from nuclear issues to women's rights to Iran's perspective on Palestine. Yet a strictly political view does not allow for an accurate or complete outlook on this important and fascinating country. In Among the Iranians, Greek-born author Sofia A. Koutlaki shares the lessons she's learned firsthand as a foreigner living in Tehran. Through memorable anecdotes and in-depth explanations of Iranian customs, Koutlaki presents a side of Iran that foreigners rarely see. The author's insight challenges readers to dispel their previous notions and judgments to see Iran at its heart---warm, inviting and rich with tradition. Among the Iranians is also an indispensable practical guide, offering insight about Iranian dress, etiquette and even food.

Sofia A. Koutlaki, PhD was born in Athens in 1964 and has called Greece, Britain and Iran home. She is an independent researcher and writer whose work often explores cultures and how they function. She also works as a freelance translator and English teacher, is currently at work on a novel set in Greece and maintains a blog at www.amongtheiranians.blogspot.com.