critical project 3

Critical project 3


Hi everyone my name is Diana Ritchie I was born in Iran in late 1978, just before the Iranian Revolution. Before the revolution Iran was somewhat of a democracy. During the time of Reza Shah Pahlavi, the king of Iran at the time, Iran was an “indispensable ally to the west” (Iran Chamber Society, 2008). The shah also stood for many other things such as voting rights for women and the elimination of illiteracy in the country (Iran Chamber Society, 2008). Iran was a peaceful country that loved and respected its citizens.
In April 1979 the Ayatollah Khomeini came into power. The shah had been exiled and the country was in turmoil. Our peaceful country was no longer peaceful. My mum told me many stories of how the streets were in chaos. People were fighting everywhere. People were divided by those who followed the shah and those who were happy with the new Islamic republic. For us it was hard because we were not Muslim. As Jews we now stood out in this new republic.
I was born into a somewhat privileged family. My family was a large one as were most Persian families. My grandfather was one of thirteen children. My family followed Persian Jewish traditions. However, they always saw themselves first as Iranians than as Jews. Children would normally follow in the footsteps of their parents. Boys would run their fathers businesses once their fathers had grown old. Girls were brought up to know how to run the households and look after children. All children in my family were educated although they were never pushed toward being doctors or lawyers like most others; they knew that they had to run the family business. My family mostly dealt in Persian rugs and antiques this was considered a very traditional and prestigious job.
During 1979 most of my family members managed to flee Iran. We were all scattered between England, America and Israel. Most of my family members managed to bring a little something with themselves so they would be able to get started in their new countries. All of my family members went into the carpet or antique business as this is all that they knew. But it all paid off in the end.
Persian rugs are seen as a sign of wealth. Kings and noblemen looked at them as a sign of prestige and distinction (persianruggallery.com). Knowing Persian rugs is not an easy occupation however I have been lucky to be able to learn a few things about rugs. Persian rugs are extremely expensive item as are antiques. My family set up Persian their own rug stores as well as dealing with auctioneers such as Christies and Sotheby’s. They would also supply to big department stores such as Bloomingdales. This is how my family was able to make a new life for themselves in their new countries. They took family traditions and lifestyles and continued with it in the new land.
Now a day’s one can find Persian rugs anywhere, even Ikea. Although, good quality rugs are still hard to come by they can be found in specialty rugs stores such as those my family runs. They can also be found in place like Christies and Sotheby’s like mentioned before. So sometimes it pays to listen to what your parents may be teaching you as it could end up as your future job. I am very proud to be part of this tradition and be able to spot out good rugs or antiques when necessary.









References

Iran Chamber Society. Retrieved November 21st 2008.
http://www.iranchamber.com/history/mohammad_rezashah/mohammad_rezashah.php.

PersianRugsGallery.com. Retrieved November 21st 2008.
http://www.persianruggallery.com/History.htm