The Nowruz celebration at the White House was an initiative started by President Obama in 2014. Every year, the White House invites organizations and individuals who foster a better understanding between the United States and the Iranian and Central Asian Diasporas.
By AK Rahim
Greater Iran, or the Iranian cultural sphere, is a diverse region extending from the Mediterranean to the high Himalayas. Besides the Iranian peoples of the plateau, like the Persians, Pashto, Gilaki, etc., the cultural sphere also extends into the Turkic and Indic worlds. It encompasses many languages and religions, not to mention a slew of customs and traditions. However, one thing that unites this cultural region is the colorful celebration of Nowruz, meaning the “new day”, which welcomes the New Year as well as the growing days of spring.
Op-Ed by AK Rahim
My freshman year in college consisted of a delicate balance between takeout boxes and an ever-diminishing supply of mom’s frozen homemade dishes. Each frozen Tupperware contained more than just microwaveable feasts; she sealed in bits of culture and heavy doses of ancestral memories. Going to the nearest Middle Eastern or Asian eatery never compared, and sometimes exacerbated matters, as it often enhanced my longing for mom’s bold use of turmeric or the hint of rosewater she added to every dish, sweet or savory. Wallowing in self-pity, I wondered how hard could it be to cook these dishes in a restaurant!