IRANIAN ETIQUETTES

1. PRESENTATION ON IRANIAN CULTURE
&
ETIQUTTE

3. IRAN
• Name: The official name of the country is the Islamic Republic of Iran
(Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Iran) ,sometimes referred to as Persia.
• Official language: Farsi (also called Persian)
• Population: 78.8 million, according to a 2015 estimate
• Capital: Tehrãn
• Main Religion: Shia Islam
Iran is located in West Asia, between the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf,
and the Caspian Sea. It is bordered by Iraq, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia,
Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan. It has been the centre of many
different civilizations such as the Kassites, Mannaeans, Gutians and of
course the historical conquests of adjacent regions led by the Persians
have made Iran a multi-ethnic and multicultural country.

4. TA’AROF
• Iranians have a special social system known as ta’arof,
which literally means, “meeting together.” It’s a system of
politeness that’s expressed in both verbal and non-verbal
communications. Iranians tend to protest compliments and
belittle their own accomplishments in an attempt to appear
humble.
• In adherence to ta’arof, whenever you are ever offered
something, like a tea or sweet, always first decline it (even if
you want it) until the person who offered it insists.

6. GREETING ETIQUETTE

7. CONTD…..
• Men are addressed with ‘agha’ proceeded by the surname. So
ALI RAZA HAKIMI will be ‘AGHA-E-HAKIMI’.
• For women you should use ‘khanoom’. So FATIMA HAKIMI
will be ’KHANOOM-E-HAKIMI’.
• In formal situations, only shake hands with people of the
same gender, whereas informally iranians kiss three times on
each cheek. After shaking hands, put your right hand on your
chest to show respect.

8. CONTD…..
• Don’t extend a handshake to a female if you are a male or vice
versa. Any physical contact with the opposite gender is forbidden.
• Shaking hands with children is considered very respectable.
• In a formal scenario, address people by their title and their last
name.
• A downward gaze is seen as a sign of respect and not a sign of
lack of confidence or disinterest.
• Personal space in Iran is determined by the context, however a
good distance between people of the same gender is about one
meter, and a good distance between people of the opposite gender
should be at least 3 meters.

9. DRESS ETIQUETTE
• Iranian officials and business people ear clothing
comprising of trousers, shirts and jackets.
• Males are expected to dressed smart. Wearing tie is not
necessary.
• Women wear very conservative clothing that covers
arms, legs & hair.
• Do not take your suit jacket off without permission.

10. IRANIAN FORMAL WEAR

11. BUSINESS MEETING ETIQUETTE
• It is traditional to exchange gifts with your business associates.
• At the beginning of any meeting, engage in niceties I.E. Ask after
people’s health. Wait for them to initiate a change in conversation .
• Make appointments well in advance (3-4 weeks) and keep in mind the
important dates and holidays.
• In Iran, do not make appointments on friday as friday is a day of rest.
• Punctuality is considered very important, but be ready for some delays.
• Any physical contact with the opposite gender, including shaking hands,
should be avoided.
• Keeping a lowered gaze is a sign of respect.

12. CONTD……
• Pay attention and ask relevant questions to show your interest.
• Sit attentively and avoid watching the clock, as it shows a lack
of interest and boredom.
• Don’t be surprised if during meetings people walk in and out
of a room or phones calls are taken.
• All legal documents and visiting cards should have a Farsi
translation along with the English.
• It is best to arrange your own interpreter to accompany you.

14. BUSINESS RELATION CUSTOMS
• Iranian nationals prefer to build strong personal and close
business associations with capable local partners.
• A relationship can be established by first inviting your
colleague or business partner to a meal.
• Avoid anything too personal and stick to small talk such as
hometowns, work and family.
• In business, experience, education and leadership are the
most highly regarded qualities.

15. NEGOTIATION ETIQUETTE
• Iranians see negotiating as a necessary part of every deal they
make.
• The main negotiation tactic used by iranians is time.
• No matter how you deal, if you give them the best price or the
worst price, they will try to negotiate you down.
• You can come and give them a rock bottom price and they will
still ask for a discount.

17. SHOPPING
• When paying bills for your shopping, if the salesman
offers to gift you the purchased goods, do not take his
words at face value (tarof), instead, appreciate his
humbleness and offer a fair price.
• It is rare that you will find aggressive touts in Iran, but if
you are shopping in Isfahan you will come across some
persuasive sellers – just remember to haggle and stay
friendly.

18. DINING ETIQUETTE
Dining etiquette for the home. If you are invited to
an Iranian's house:
• Check to see if the host is wearing shoes. If not, remove yours at
the door.
• Dress conservatively.
• Arrive at the invited time.
• Show respect for the elders by greeting them first.
• Check to see if your spouse is included in the invitation.
• Expect to be shown into the guests' room. It is usually lavishly
furnished with European furniture.
• Shake everyone's hand individually.
• Accept any offer of food or drink. Remember to do 'taarof'.

20. TABLE MANNERS
• Wait to be told where to sit.
• Eat only with the right hand.
• Try a bit if everything that is served.
• Meals are generally served family-style.
• Most tables are set with a spoon and fork only.
• There is often more food than you can eat. Part of Iranian
hospitality is to shower guests with abundance.
• Expect to be offered second and even third helpings. Initial
refusals will be assumed to be polite gestures (taarof again!) and
are not taken seriously.

22. • Leave some food on your plate when you have finished
eating.
• Restaurants generally have two sections - "family" where
women and families dine and "men only". Tips of between 10
and 15% are appreciated in hotel restaurants.
• As a guest, you will be invited to start eating first. Toasts are
not part of dining protocol. Always comment on the food if at
someone's home - the term 'daste shoma dard nakone'[literally
'may your hand not hurt'] is used to thank someone for doing
something for you.

23. GIFT-GIVING ETIQUETTE
• Never give alcohol as a gift.
• If first time going to someone’s house for tea, bring small
gift.
• If invited to lunch or dinner, bring fruits or sweets or
pastries.
• Make sure the box is wrapped nicely.
• When bringing a be subtle in how it is given.
• Don’t open a gift immediately.

25. RELIGIOUS ETIQUETTE
• Women should wear a chador before entering a mosque.
• Do remove your shoes before entering prayer area of a
mosque.
• Do ask before entering a room at a holy-shrine if you are
a Non-Muslim.
• Don’t take photos of a mosque while people are praying.