AN ANCIENT CULTURE Sarah AlinejadIntercultural CommunicationsMarch 2, 2014INTRODUCTIONI always get perplexed looks when I tell another person that I'm Persian. Now, considering my blonde hair and green eyes, I can understand that. I get even more confused looks when I tell them that both of my traits are primarily on my father's side, which is 100% Persian. In order to truly understand why, you'll have to go back and explore the history of Persia and the Aryan race in depth, and you still may not get all the answers. Although I'm not always considered Persian, it's certainly something I'm proud of, which is why I wanted to explore the culture a little deeper. By exploring the different factors of Persian culture, such as its history, values ​​and beliefs, as well as common misconceptions, it will help us recognize, appreciate and understand how these people come together as one culture. As early as 550 BC, Persia was once its own empire with its own religion, government, and culture. In 663, due to political and economic advantages, Khalid ibn al-Walid, an Arab general, led an invasion of Persia and the decline of the original Persian culture and religion began. Efforts to combat the Arab invaders failed, as by 651 many of the largest and most influential cities were dominated by the Arab race, religion, and culture. Now the Persians had to choose whether they would conform to Arab culture and the Islamic religion, or whether they would rebel and fight to retain their inherited traditions and beliefs. Even after the initial invasion, the Persians would still revolt and try to reconquer their country amidst papers and this is simply for ill-considered reasons, for example because their appearances are similar and because Persia (today l Iran) is also part of the Middle East. CONCLUSION Persian writer Shahrokh Meskoob once said: “Identity is a reactive matter and attention to oneself becomes more meaningful in relation to others. This quote illustrates how a person's identity is greatly affected by the society around them and how they communicate and connect with each other. While this can draw on aspects of one's life, it can be particularly applicable to different cultures, and in this case, Persian culture. Considering its origin, it is an ancient culture and it has been kept alive for so long by people who have the desire to do so and pass on their Persian origin, as my father did for me and as I did. will do the trick for my kids.