In this episode of Iran Unveiled, we explore Iran's rich linguistic diversity and the many languages spoken across the country, including Persian (Farsi), Azerbaijani Turkish, Kurdish, Arabic, Balochi, Turkmen, Gilaki, Mazandarani and more.

We discuss the constitutional and legal framework surrounding mother tongue education in Iran, how language policies have developed over time, and the ongoing conversations about teaching and preserving minority languages. We also examine the cultural importance of language, its connection to identity, heritage and community, and how Iran's linguistic diversity reflects the country's long and complex history.

Whether you're interested in Iran, linguistics, education, or cultural diversity, this episode offers a deeper understanding of one of the country's most fascinating—and often overlooked—aspects.

Playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1XMRQR2H8HdgLMBzEGFAh8?si=c61987110b084546

Articles [these are only some of the hundred out there.]:

https://shorturl.at/Q37gq

https://shorturl.at/JZEOd

https://shorturl.at/CoeiL

https://shorturl.at/hfL0g

Connect With Us

We love hearing from our listeners! Reach out, share your thoughts, or ask questions here:

• Instagram: @IranUnveiledpod
• Email: contact@iumedia.co.uk
• Website: iumedia.co.uk

Important Disclaimer

Please Note: Iran Unveiled is an entirely independent, passion-driven project. We are not funded, backed, or supported by any government body, political entity, or external organization. The views and stories shared on this show are strictly based on our personal experiences and independent research.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Iran Unveiled, we explore the work of Marjane Satrapi and discuss how her graphic memoir Persepolis has shaped international perceptions of Iran. We examine the role of literature, film and visual art in representing Iranian identity, culture and history, and consider how creative voices can challenge stereotypes and offer a more personal understanding of the country.

We also highlight a selection of contemporary Iranian artists whose work reflects the diversity and richness of Iranian culture today.

Whether you're interested in Iranian culture, graphic novels, film, or contemporary art, this episode explores how storytelling can provide perspectives that often go beyond news headlines.

Featured

Marjane Satrapi:

https://www.instagram.com/marjanesatrapi/?hl=en

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/991197.The_Complete_Persepolis

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0808417/

Check out these Iranian artists and look for more in your area!

https://www.instagram.com/heja.ra/

https://www.instagram.com/shahrzadchang/

https://www.instagram.com/alii___zamanii/

https://www.instagram.com/shokoufehfallah/

https://www.instagram.com/dannyasadi/

https://www.instagram.com/shahrzadghaffariart/

https://www.instagram.com/hodaafshar/

https://www.instagram.com/hap_thebard/

https://www.instagram.com/newshatavakolian/

https://www.instagram.com/nasser.teymourpour/

Connect With Us

We love hearing from our listeners! Reach out, share your thoughts, or ask questions here:

• Instagram: @IranUnveiledpod
• Email: contact@iumedia.co.uk
• Website: iumedia.co.uk

Important Disclaimer

Please Note: Iran Unveiled is an entirely independent, passion-driven project. We are not funded, backed, or supported by any government body, political entity, or external organization. The views and stories shared on this show are strictly based on our personal experiences and independent research.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Iran Unveiled, we explore the controversy surrounding Iran's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the deep divisions it exposed among Iranians both inside and outside the country.

From debates surrounding Team Melli's role on the international stage to the legacy of anti-government protests and the symbolism of national flags, we examine how football became intertwined with questions of politics, identity, and representation.

We discuss the reactions of players, fans, activists, and the wider Iranian public, while exploring why the World Cup became a focal point for broader debates about Iran's future and its place in the world.

Whether you're interested in Iranian politics, international football, Team Melli, or the relationship between sport and society, this episode provides the context behind one of the most controversial World Cup stories of 2026.

Sources and further reading

BBC – Sahar Khodayari

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-49646879

BBC – Mehran Sammak

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-63805284

The National – Memory of Iranian footballers killed in anti-government protests casts shadow over World Cup

https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/06/21/memory-of-iranian-footballers-killed-in-anti-government-protests-casts-shadow-over-world-cup/

Politico – FIFA and the Lion & Sun flag controversy

https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2026/06/21/world-cup-2026/battle-iran-lion-sun-flag-fifa-ban-00969215

Video discussing FIFA's Lion & Sun flag ban

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZout-hNBhk/

Connect With Us

We love hearing from our listeners! Reach out, share your thoughts, or ask questions here:

• Instagram: @IranUnveiledpod
• Email: contact@iumedia.co.uk
• Website: iumedia.co.uk

Important Disclaimer

Please Note: Iran Unveiled is an entirely independent, passion-driven project. We are not funded, backed, or supported by any government body, political entity, or external organization. The views and stories shared on this show are strictly based on our personal experiences and independent research.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The book offers a powerful firsthand account of life in Iran during a time of conflict and uncertainty, capturing the experiences, emotions, and resilience of ordinary people living through extraordinary circumstances.

If you've enjoyed our discussions on life in Iran and the recent Iran–Israel conflict, this reading provides additional insight and context through the words of someone who experienced these events firsthand.

Learn more

Publisher: Profile Books

https://profilebooks.com/work/tehran-diaries/

Amazon UK

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1806491583

Connect With Us

We love hearing from our listeners! Reach out, share your thoughts, or ask questions here:

• Instagram: @IranUnveiledpod
• Email: contact@iumedia.co.uk
• Website: iumedia.co.uk

Important Disclaimer

Please Note: Iran Unveiled is an entirely independent, passion-driven project. We are not funded, backed, or supported by any government body, political entity, or external organization. The views and stories shared on this show are strictly based on our personal experiences and independent research.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Iran Unveiled, we discuss the recent Iran–Israel conflict and explore how it has affected ordinary people living in Iran. Rather than focusing solely on military developments, we examine the human impact, public sentiment, media coverage, and the wider political context surrounding the conflict.

We also discuss how international reporting can shape perceptions of Iran, why context matters when following events in the region, and what it feels like to watch these events unfold through the eyes of people with firsthand experience of the country.

Whether you're trying to better understand the Iran–Israel conflict, interested in Middle Eastern politics, or looking for perspectives that go beyond breaking news, this episode offers thoughtful discussion and personal insight.

Resources mentioned

Tehran Diaries: Dispatches from Iran Under Siege

https://profilebooks.com/work/tehran-diaries/

ABC News – Iran escalates crackdown on dissent

https://abcnews.com/International/iran-escalates-crackdown-dissent-arrests-executions-threats-surge/story?id=132195741

Connect With Us

We love hearing from our listeners! Reach out, share your thoughts, or ask questions here:

• Instagram: @IranUnveiledpod
• Email: contact@iumedia.co.uk
• Website: iumedia.co.uk

Important Disclaimer

Please Note: Iran Unveiled is an entirely independent, passion-driven project. We are not funded, backed, or supported by any government body, political entity, or external organization. The views and stories shared on this show are strictly based on our personal experiences and independent research.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For many people, Iran is a country they know only through headlines. But behind the news is a nation with thousands of years of history, a rich culture, and millions of ordinary people living everyday lives.

In this first episode of Iran Unveiled, we introduce Iran by exploring its geography, history, people, culture, and why the country's image in international media is often incomplete. We also discuss why we started this podcast and what listeners can expect from future episodes.

Whether you're completely new to learning about Iran or looking for a broader perspective beyond politics, this episode provides the context needed for the conversations that follow.

Mentioned in this episode

My Stolen Planet (2024), directed by Farahnaz Sharifi

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30953779/

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TNVmAcAKEM

Connect With Us

We love hearing from our listeners! Reach out, share your thoughts, or ask questions here:

• Instagram: @IranUnveiledpod
• Email: contact@iumedia.co.uk
• Website: iumedia.co.uk

Important Disclaimer

Please Note: Iran Unveiled is an entirely independent, passion-driven project. We are not funded, backed, or supported by any government body, political entity, or external organization. The views and stories shared on this show are strictly based on our personal experiences and independent research.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've ever wondered what life in Iran is really like, or felt that the news only tells part of the story, you're in the right place.

Hosted by people who have lived in Iran, this podcast shares personal experiences, conversations, history, culture, and context to help you better understand one of the world's most misunderstood countries. Rather than focusing solely on politics, we explore the people, traditions, daily life, and stories that rarely make international headlines.

Whether you're interested in Iran, Middle Eastern history, current affairs, travel, culture, or simply want a more balanced perspective, Iran Unveiled offers thoughtful conversations grounded in firsthand experience.

Subscribe now and join us as we uncover the stories behind the headlines.

Connect With Us

Instagram: @IranUnveiledpod

Email: contact@iumedia.co.uk

Disclaimer

Iran Unveiled is an independent, passion-driven podcast. We are not funded, affiliated with, or supported by any government, political organisation, or external institution. The views expressed are based on our personal experiences, independent research, and those of our guests.

Connect With Us

We love hearing from our listeners! Reach out, share your thoughts, or ask questions here:

• Instagram: @IranUnveiledpod
• Email: contact@iumedia.co.uk
• Website: iumedia.co.uk

Important Disclaimer

Please Note: Iran Unveiled is an entirely independent, passion-driven project. We are not funded, backed, or supported by any government body, political entity, or external organization. The views and stories shared on this show are strictly based on our personal experiences and independent research.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.