Tehran - the boring and the mundane in photos

Mightier Than has two galleries of everyday photos from Tehran. They include the boring and the mundane, the usual and the occasional - sights from around a city of more than 7 million people.

Iran was already a misunderstood place before this election captured the world’s attention, and as much as the world has now learned about Iran from witnessing these past few weeks, the experience might still lead to an even greater misunderstanding unless we take the time to look deeper. Lost behind the chants of inspiring crowds, the images of bloodied faces, or the grainy chaotic videos, is an Iran much of the world has likely never made the effort to notice.

Highlights include:

• a night-time view of Melli tower
• an aerial view of housing
• fast food restaurants
• a bowling alley
• an ATM
• snow on a car
• people on the Metro

A great selection of photos that show there is more to Iran than conflict, demonstrations and protests.

Tehran bazaar, what's changed?

This photo from LIFE magazine's Flickr archive shows that in the last fifty years, something have changed very little. Stepping into the Bazaar-e Bozorg/Grand Bazaar in Tehran today would be like stepping into this photograph. Some of the vendors would have changed and the products, but the hustle and bustle and influence of the bazaaris on Iranian life would still be the same.

Tehran 2008

Tehran 2008 photos by Kamshots on Flickr.

Tehran 2006

Tehran 2006 photos by Kamshots on Flickr.

Breathtaking photos from Iran

Lucie Debelkova has a short, stunning selection of photos from Iran. Mainly landscapes, mosques and lighting they capture the beauty of the country.

A bloodless coup?

It is annoying that the BBC feels the need to include even the most reactionary nonsense in it's user-contributed content. Here was have a comment from an article on the Iranian Revolution:

We only wanted the right to live in an Islamic society, where we could practice moderate Islam freely. After voting for democracy in 1953, the Shah continued to run the country in the interests of a minority. The revolution was bloodless and a revolution of the people.

Syed Shah, Tehran ,Iran

A comment as ridiculous as it is untrue. The aftermath of the revolution saw many associated with the Shah rounded up and murdered, collaborators tortured and executed, rebels executed and thousands of political prisoners executed through the next decade.