Tale of Two Persian Grandfathers

Explore the fascinating lives of real individuals in Iran, delving beyond news sound bites and internet clips. Through the contrasting stories of two men who grew up in different regions under Reza Khan's leadership, a deeper understanding of Iran emerges. In 1958, my father departed rural Shiraz for higher education in the United States during Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's reign, never returning. Similarly, my father-in-law left Tehran amidst the Iran-Iraq War and the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran, making France his permanent home. These personal narratives offer a unique perspective on historical events and highlight how immigrants from the same country can lead vastly different lives.