Oklahoma State University Iranian and Persian Gulf Studies

The IPGS program at OSU is proud of the many contributions to address global challenges made by OSU faculty and staff. Two of the IPGS professors, Dr. Ali Mirchi and Dr. Saleh Taghvaeian, focus on water issues that are relevant to Iran and other areas in the world. Thank you for your contributions!

OSU Iranian and Persian Gulf Studies Assistant Professor Dr. Ali Mirchi, from the Ferguson College of Agriculture, studies water insecurity in Iran. As part of the Voices virtual lecture series sponsored by the OSU Museum of Art, Dr. Mirchi will discuss Lake Urmia’s shrinkage in Iran as a prime example of socio-ecological issues related to unsustainable water management.

The holy month of Ramadan is not just a month of worship, but it is an important cultural observance for Muslims worldwide. Ramadan is the month of nearness to God, of cultivating the soul, revelation of the Qur'an, of mercy and the discarding of material things. In Iran, Ramadan is a spiritual and communal celebration for all Iranians. The goal of Ramadan is the cleaning of one's mind and body in addition to religious nuances, a period when cultural and class-divides disapp...ear, and an aura of love and spirituality takes over - even for a few days - away from the constant frictions pertaining to economy, politics, and now the coronavirus. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk yes, even water. When the sun sets, there is a meal called 'Iftar' where you break your fast, usually with your family or friends. But the month of Ramadan is about more than just fasting. Ramadan is a time to focus on cooperation, peace, assisting the poor, removing grudges, and avoiding arrogance. Ramadan is a holy month that holds a special place in not only the religious culture, but official culture of Iran.

The Iranian and Persian Gulf Studies program (IPGS) provides an opportunity to learn about this culturally rich area. We will share topics that will touch on art, literature, architecture, agriculture, and cuisine. Today's topic is the Persian carpet. The Persian carpet is one of the oldest handicrafts in the world. The oldest Persian carpet is located in Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia and is called Pazyryk. This carpet is about 2500 years old and is considered... the oldest known carpet in the world. A Persian carpet or Persian rug is a heavy textile, made for a wide variety of utilitarian and symbolic purposes, produced in Iran for home use, local sale, and export. Carpet weaving is an essential part of Persian culture and Iranian art. Iranians use materials for their carpets such as wool, cotton, and silk to make different kinds of carpets like Gabbeh, kilim, Jajim, Silk Verni.