#farsizaban

[ask-iran]

((Getting through my messages has been tough, but coming across these two in particular was worth it [apologies to both farsizaban and ajammc for the lateness]. 

Farsizaban is one of my favorite blogs run by a wonderful friend of mine, he is kind and funny and posts incredible photos of Iran. Take a look, I could spend all day scrolling through it. 

Ajam Media Collective earns my lifetime gratitude for being so receptive to Ask-Iran and for all of its members and editors’ amazing and intelligent articles about Iran, Central Asia and beyond. I have learned so, so much from them and they inspire me to keep learning. The whole team is awesome! Don’t just check out their tumblr tho! Check out their twitter and website!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!))

[aloofshahbanou]

Happy Nowrouz, shahbanou! You are a huge inspiration to me. Everything you say, every picture you post, resonates with me strongly. I hope you have a beautiful year.

I adore you and your blog! Sending you and yours love and happiness this New Year and always, my friend.

[aloofshahbanou]

First, big fan. Your posts are full of life as if you put part of your own soul in in them. I often think about what you say about LA, how it's strange and I think about a quote I read about the Iranians there and the reason many Iranian even before '79, decided to settle in LA. it was because it reminded them of Iran. why do you think Los Angeles reminds Iranians of Iran ?! it might be the mountains and the traffic but I think it's that strangeness you talk about. Iran is also a strange place.

you’re so lovely, thank you so much for always being so kind and saying such beautiful things. sigh.just like Reza Aslan said — I think Iranians love the heat, the car culture, the mountains, the access to so much culture, period, and having so many friendly neighbors from so many different corners of the world. but I do think we carry and have always known a great sadness. and in our sadness, we are passionate, strong, human. I think there’s something incredibly strange about living here, and I think Iranians feel something here and accept that strangeness because it’s what they know.

some Iranians may never get to go back home. 

I exist because of exile. 

Los Angeles is home. 

strange, sad, and absolutely beautiful. 

[aloofshahbanou]

Farah! I just wanted to say you are awesome and an inspiration to all of us! Keep doing what you doing.

LOL OMG :’D

kheili mamnoon