Hey Azizam,
This week I tried to explain ghar kardan to my therapist. For the uninitiated: it is an action that includes getting offended, going silent, exacting revenge through strategic shame. Not a fight, but more like a lifestyle.
And yes, I'm in therapy. No, my parents don't know.
She was fascinated and started asking questions…too many questions. At some point I realized I was writing her a travel guide and nobody was fixing my brain. So I ghar kar'd my therapist. I won't be going back.
So anyway…If you're looking for someone who actually gets it, you found me.
I started Hey Azizam because I was lonely in a way that only other Iranians would understand. And I figured you might be too. Think of me as your unofficial, deeply unqualified, slightly snobby Persian friend who is figuring this out right alongside you.
Every issue we will highlight things from the Iranian diaspora, especially businesses, artists, creators, and resources worth bookmarking.
In all honesty, I am heartbroken at the state of the world right now. I think many of you are too, for many reasons. Coming together feels like the only thing that makes sense.
More tadig, less doomscrolling.
xoxo,
Dr. Mohandes
P.S. Nowruz is already here. If your haft-sin looked anything like mine, it was 10% of what your mom does. Still counts. We'll do better next year.
My toddler remembered jumping over a candle for Chaharshanbe Suri- unprompted and out of nowhere. I may not have felt like celebrating this year but I still wanted to keep the magic alive for her. So I made a guide on bringing Nowruz and Chaharshanbe Suri to young kids, at home or at school. Yes it is coming to you too late- I was tired. But your future self is welcome.
P.P.S. Something is coming in the next issue that I think you will want to see. If someone forwarded this to you, thank them and subscribe. Dr. Mohandes does not repeat herself.