10 Cultural Traditions Unique to us

Not Turning One’s Back to Others Another significant custom is that when people are at a gathering, in a taxi, or even on a bus sitting in the front seat, they apologize to those behind them, saying, “Bebakhshid, poshtam be shomast” (“Sorry, my back is to you”). In our culture, if you look at images of old houses or past gatherings in traditional paintings, people always sat in a circle, ensuring they did not turn their backs to one another. This ancient etiquette has persisted in the country, and with the advent of modern changes like taxis and cars in, the phrase “Sorry, my back is to you” is frequently heard. In response, the listener often says, “Gol posht o ro nadaareh” (“A flower has no back or front”). This longstanding custom is a cultural tradition that continues to be practiced by all Iranians.

Disclaimer: Our cultural tradition is very diverse due to the different ethnic groups living in our country, which is part of the unified cultural tradition. These traditions, which come from our culture of thousands of years ago, are still intact. It is true that under the influence of the global village, parts of global cultures have been formed, with media playing the most significant role. However, despite all these changes, traditions have not only been preserved in our country but also in other parts around the world.

April 19, 2025 | 5:59 am