Sure, swaths of Iran are golden desert — but its natural beauty also includes lush, leafy valleys, rugged gray mountains, and windswept shorelines of green, blue, white, and pink. The food and art and street fashion are equally as varied and colorful.
Although Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are all blocked in Iran, Instagram is accessible and thriving. According to the Los Angeles Times, approximately 63 million Iranians own an Instagram account; that’s 75-percent of the population.
It’s a creative outlet where influencers — artists, photographers, makers, and, significantly, women — can express themselves and generate revenue.
We’ve collected 11 accounts that show the aspects of Iranian culture we don’t see very often in the media: regular people, everyday activities, enchanting architecture, and Iran’s magical landscapes.
For pictures of daily life in Iran that defy stereotypes…
For editorial-style photos with emotional impact… (You might also want to visit the portfolio on his website.)
For vibrant, colorful images of Iran…
For shots of everyday life from an Iranian-American blogger in Tehran…
For beautifully styled photos of Persian food…
For crave-worthy Persian food from a cookbook author…
For lifestyle and food photos from a food & travel photographer…
For Iranian street style and glamour…
For shots of Iranian graffiti and street art…
For fairy-tale images of ancient architecture…
For beautiful photos of contemporary architecture…
And we are on Instagram at @strongsenseof, sharing travel photos, mini book reviews, and other things that delight us every day. Follow us there!
Top image courtesy of Fateme Azimi/Unsplash.
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