Iran Rising now available on audio

Source: ANU. Cover for Iran Rising.

Iran Rising: The Survival and Future of the Islamic Republic, Princeton University Press (2019) paints a political picture of Iran on the 40th anniversary of the 1978–79 Iranian revolution.

At the time, Iranians overthrew their monarchy, rejecting a pro-Western shah in favour of an Islamic regime. Forty years later, Iran has emerged as a critical player in the Middle East and the wider world, as demonstrated in part by the 2015 international nuclear agreement.

In Iran Rising, Iran specialist Amin Saikal, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, Public Policy Fellow, and Director of the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies (the Middle East and Central Asia) at the Australian National University (ANU), describes how the country has managed to survive despite ongoing domestic struggles, Western sanctions, and other challenges.

Saikal explores Iran’s recent history, beginning with the revolution, which set in motion a number of developments, including war with Iraq, precarious relations with Arab neighbours, and hostilities with Israel and the US. He highlights the regime’s agility as it navigated a complex relationship with Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion, survived the Gulf wars, and handled the fallout from the Iraqi and Syrian crises.

Such success, Saikal says, comes from a distinctive political order, comprising both a supreme Islamic leader and an elected president and national assembly, which can fuse religious and nationalist assertiveness with pragmatic policy actions at home and abroad.

Saikal also wrote The Rise and Fall of the Shah (Princeton) and Modern Afghanistan (IB Tauris).

Explore:

Listen to an extract from the audio book

Telepizza is first international QSR brand to enter Iran

Source: Telepizza. Telepizza's first store in Iran.

Telepizza, the largest non-US-based pizza delivery company in the world by number of stores, has opened its first Iranian store in Marzdaran Boulevar, Tehran. Two more stores are set to open by the end of the month. 

The Tehran store marks a new phase in Spain-headquartered Telepizza's global expansion plans. It is the first international quick service restaurant (QSR) brand to enter the Iranian market. 

Telepizza signed a master franchise agreement with Momenin Investment Group (MIG) last year; MIG will be investing €100 million in the next 10 years. In conjunction with MIG, Telepizza plans to add seven more stores in Tehran by the end of 2017 and 200 across Iran in the next 10 years.

The significant opportunities presented by Iran's large, young, population - more than 80 million people of which 65% are below 36 years old - and highly fragmented competition have made the country an obvious choice for expansion, Telepizza said.

"It is a great responsibility to become the first QSR chain in the country," said Pablo Juantegui, Chairman and CEO of Telepizza Group. "At Telepizza, we are delighted to share with Iranian consumers the essence of our brand, bringing them the unique flavour of our pizzas, at any moment and place."

Telepizza International President, Giorgio Minardi, said: "Iran looks set to become a hugely important market for us, with significant room for growth. We know our innovative flavours and commitment to use only quality local Iranian ingredients, coupled with our outstanding customer service and great value will appeal to Iranian consumers.'

At launch, Telepizza brings its expertise and proven track record in marketing, delivery technology - including full service website and ordering app - franchising and supply chain management. Coupled with its franchisee operating strength and real estate and local management expertise, Telepizza expects to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the emerging Iranian market.

Alongside classic pizzas, the Telepizza menu also features chef's signature pizzas such as the nachos pizza, appealing to consumers' desire to try something different. The pizzalada marries a salad with a pizza base, while the wok pizza gives an Oriental touch to the menu.

Iranians prefer traditional sugar confections

The modern sugar confectionery market is immature in Iran. Traditional products were popular in 2016, consultancy Euromonitor said, with geo-specific confectionery in different cities that are often sold as souvenirs. Gaz (گز) from Isfahan, a type of nougat; sohan (سوهان) from Qom, a saffron-laced toffee; and baklava (باقلوا) from Yazd, a layered pastry with nuts soaked in sugar syrup, are all popular traditional sugar confectionery in Iran. 

Sugar is popularly consumed with tea as sugar 'cubes' which are cut into irregular shapes by hand. Sugar-free products are also increasingly popular among Iranian consumers, as they are increasingly concerned with their appearance and health.

The Iranian sugar confectionery market is dominated by Shiva Manufacturing Company, the key leading player in pastilles with a wide range of products in different shapes and flavours accounts for a 22% retail value share in 2016. Next in line is Dadash Baradar Company (Aidin) which accounts for 15% market share by retail value in 2016. It is known for boiled sweets, toffees and mints. Draje Food Industries is in third place, accounting for 8% of retail value sales of sugar confectionery, mainly in pastilles.

Sugar confectionery is expected to grow steadily with a CAGR of 1% in constant 2016 terms from 2016 to 2021, and will be higher than that seen in the review period (2011 to 2016). Domestic suppliers will expand their activities while multinational brands are expected to enter the market. The consumption of new premium brands is expected to grow over the forecast period due to increased consumer curiosity and the willingness of the younger generation to spend more on these products. 

Interested?

Buy the Euromonitor Confectionery in Iran report (December 2016)

Gum to have checkered future in Iran

Gum in Iran is being held back by smuggled goods which compete with official brands in both quality and unit price, says Euromonitor. "It is very common to go to a typical hypermarket or supermarket in Tehran and see shelves full of smuggled products, sometimes even more than official imports," the research firm said in an executive summary of the Confectionery in Iran report. 

The weak Iranian economy also limits purchasing power, the company said. 

Pars Minoo Industrial Company is a key domestic supplier and one of the leading gum players in the Iranian gum market for 2016, with its sugarised Chic and sugar-free White products both being very popular. The Chic brand has almost 100% penetration in retail, making it the best-selling gum in Iran. Retailers also use Chic gum as small change when they have no coins, a practice that is common in many countries where the smallest denominations are hard to find but still required.

The sugar-free White brand for gum by Pars Minoo is very similar to Orbit in terms of quality and packaging and has convinced many fans of Orbit to switch their loyalty to White because it is more affordable.

According to Euromonitor, the gum market outlook is promising. The leading domestic players are expected to expand their activities every year, resulting in stronger consumer awareness of local gumm brands and boosting gum sales. Smaller gum suppliers will also continue to maintain their small share in a highly competitive environment. 

Interested?

Buy the Euromonitor Confectionery in Iran report (December 2016)

Euromonitor sees strong potential for chocolate in Iran

Growth in the chocolate industry in Iran is driven by demand from Iranian youth, but is hindered by a decline in purchasing power and a still-high rate of inflation in 2016, says Euromonitor in its Confectionery in Iran report. 

Euromonitor says the gradual loosening of sanctions in 2016 which will make dealing in Iran easier for key importers like Mars and Turkey's Yildiz Holding, which owns Godiva. Domestic manufacturers have also benefited from easier importation of raw materials and export of finished products. Due to these positive factors and strong potential, chocolate confectionery is expected to record retail value growth of 10% in 2016.

Parand Chocolate Company will maintain its lead in 2016, accounting for a 20% retail value share of chocolate confectionery. The company has a long history in the production and distribution of chocolate confectionery and offers a wide portfolio ranging from boxed assortments to tablets with different cocoa content. The company’s key brand, Farmand, enjoys a strong penetration level inside the retail environment, even in remote areas, the consultancy said.

Chocolate confectionery is expected to see better performance compared to the review period (2011 to 2016) as it starts off a low base and Iranian youth are ready to pay more for it. Key domestic manufacturers are expected to improve the quality and packaging of their products and transition consumers from traditional unpackaged products to modern packaged versions. Overall, chocolate confectionery is expected to record a CAGR of 7% at constant 2016 prices during the forecast period (2016 to 2021) which is much higher than the review period figure at 2%.

Interested?

Buy the Euromonitor Confectionery in Iran report (December 2016)

Cheese options grew for Iran in 2016

More sophisticated products were offered to Irani consumers in 2016, contributing significantly to growth in the cheese category, says Euromonitor in its Dairy in Iran report. One type of cheese had previously been available, a soft cheese called Iranian UF cheese; key manufacturers diversified and offered cream cheese, processed cheese and other options, which helped the whole category to grow at a healthy rate.

Pegah Dairy was the lead manufacturer in cheese in 2016 with a 29% share of retail value sales, Euromonitor said. The state-owned company has several factories across the country, including in Pegah Khorasan, Pegah Gilan and other areas, which supply their territories with fresh dairy products. Pegah Dairy maintains the popular Pegah Shabnam brand of cheese, a simple soft cheese packaged in saltwater. The company has a very strong distribution network which guarantees its presence even in remote areas and was able to strengthen its position in 2016 with strong marketing campaigns in 2015 and 2016.

According to Euromonitor, strong demand from Iranians for packaged cheese will likely continue to boost retail sales of cheese over the forecast period. As in the review period, sales are set to be driven by the fact that cheese is widely consumed in Iran and general demand for sophisticated processed cheese is still growing. Overall, sales are expected to record steady annual rises with CAGRs of 1% in retail volume and 2% in value terms at constant 2016 prices over the forecast period (2016 to 2021), both of which are improvements over the equivalent performances of the review period (2011 to 2016).

In contrast, drinking milk product players have been consolidating. Demand has continued to decline, especially in shelf-stable category, as many young shoppers consider this type of milk unhealthy option and believe that it contains preservatives.

Pegah Dairy is also the leader in drinking milk products, with a retail value share of 21% in 2016, slightly lower than in 2015. Pegah Dairy has the most productive production line amongst manufacturers in the popular fresh milk category. Its distribution network has also helped its lead position. It also has one of the most visible advertising campaigns in stores.

PROSPECTS

Sales of drinking milk products as a whole are expected to grow due to increased awareness and improvements in the Iranian economy. Overall, drinking milk products is expected to register a value CAGR of 9% at constant 2016 prices over the forecast period (2016 to 2021), some five percentage points higher than the equivalent figure from the review period (2011 to 2016).

Interested?

Buy the Euromonitor Dairy in Iran report

NFC adds Muscat-Chabahar route

Source: NFC. NFC launches trips from Muscat, Oman to Chabahar, Iran.

The National Ferries Company (NFC)  of Oman has launched trips to Chabahar in Iran. Chabahar is the third Iranian destination for NFC, after Qeshm and Bandar Abbas.


The ferry trips, coordinated with Al Zomorod Tourism, offer competitive rates compared with air transport and take under 3.5 hours.

Khamis Al Harrasi, Communications Manager, NFC, said the company focuses on partnerships with travel and tourism companies. NFC will provide logistic support to travel and tourism agents to create added value for the tourism sector in Oman. It will also provide the private sector with the opportunity to benefit from the services and facilities provided by government companies.

Journeys between Muscat and Chabahar will be operated upon demand from travel and tourism agents in Oman.

Oxford Business Group announces The Report: Iran 2017

Source: OBG.

The Report: Iran 2017 by the Oxford Business Group (OBG) is on its way.

According to the consultancy, the lifting of economic sanctions is likely to provide a near-term boost to the Islamic republic’s economy, particularly its banking system which should see a significant drop in international transaction costs. At the same time, while strong capital inflows, including foreign direct investment and the repatriation of previously frozen assets will also help drive growth.

Iran is home to the second-largest natural gas reserves worldwide and the fourth-largest reserves of crude oil. As such, growth moving forward will be dominated by hydrocarbons exports, with oil production witnessing a significant uptick following the lifting of economic sanctions, OBG says. However, despite oil prices having rallied in recent months, concerns over volatility remain, largely fuelled by global economic uncertainty and the impact of the Chinese slowdown on neighbouring Asian markets.

KSA Ministry of Haj and Umra says Iranian Hajj organisation refused to consider its workarounds

The Ministry of Haj and Umra, KSA, formerly named the Ministry of Haj, has detailed the steps taken to help Iranian pilgrims perform the Hajj this year, despite a lack of diplomatic relations between KSA and Iran. The ministry has also stressed that KSA rejects the politicisation of Hajj rituals.

The KSA government has left the door open to negotiations from Iran to date. It details that the Iranian Organization for Haj and Visits had refused to sign minutes to conclude arrangements of Iranian pilgrims for 2016 on May 12, 2016. The Ministry of Haj and Umra, in compliance with the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al- Saud and his government, subsequently responded to the desire of the Chairman of Iranian Organization of Haj and Visits and his accompanying delegation to sign the minutes in KSA to conclude Hajj arrangements for Iranian pilgrims in 2016.

"The ministry formally received the delegation and provided them with all facilities, including enabling them to perform umrah. After that, continuous meetings were held on 25 to 26 May 2016. The two sides dealt with all topics that have been discussed in previous meetings," noted the KSA ministry in a statement dated 27 May.

The Ministry of Haj and Umra's suggestions included:

-Issuing visas electronically from inside Iran in accordance with the mechanism agreed with the Saudi Foreign Ministry
-Transporting pilgrims on an equal basis between the Saudi national carrier and the Iranian national carrier.
-Approving the Iranian request by letting it to be diplomatically represented through the Swiss embassy in order to take care of Iranian pilgrims' interests. It was immediately coordinated with the competent authorities for implementation.

"However, at dawn on Friday May 27, 2016, the Iranian mission expressed its desire to head home without signing the minutes of arrangements of the Iranian pilgrims' affairs. Accordingly, the Ministry of Haj and Umra underscores that the mission of the Iranian Haj and Visits Organization which refused to sign the minutes of arrangements for Iranian pilgrims for the year 2016, will be held accountable before Allah Almighty and its people for the Iranian citizens' failure to perform Hajj this year," the statement adds.

Interested?

Read the Suroor Asia blog post about the Ministry of Haj's overview of Hajj 2016
Read the blog post about Haj and Umrah magazine, and on the meeting between the Ministry of Haj, KSA and the Indonesian delegation

Ibn al-Haytham’s Light Film Contest deadlines extended

Source: Mustafa Prize.

The organisers of the Ibn al-Haytham’s Light Film Contest in Iran have extended the deadline for registration in the face of overwhelming participation. More than 10 thousand students in groups of two or three have registered in this contest to date.

According to the Public Relations Department of the Mustafa Prize, the original deadline for registration was December 31, 2015 while the deadline for film submission was February 11, 2016. Students can now register themselves and submit their films with the subject of light and its applications at the same time at http://noor.mustafaprize.org. The extension of the registration of the contest to February 11, 2016, has pushed back other dates. The winners and selected films will be announced April 22, 2016 instead.

The prizes for the contest have also changed, from 100 Bahar Azadi gold coins to 200, and another 100 winners added for a total of 200. Top 10 schools and research centers, based on arbitration will receive 100 million rial grants to equip their laboratories.

The Ibn al-Haytham’s Light Film Contest aims to familiarise the students with optic sciences, light and its applications. Under the rules, each team of two or three must make a one-minute film on a relevant topic. More than 300 films are available at http://noor.mustafaprize.org as samples.

The Tehran and Fars provinces have the most registered students so far and the Razi research centre in Shiraz tops the list of registrars with more than 350 groups registered for this competition. Afarinesh research centre from Tehran district 4 and Avicenna research centre from Tehran district 15 are next with more than 200 groups registered. 

Qajar women explored at Museum of Islamic Art

Source: MIA website.

Qajar Women: Images of Women in 19th-Century Iran is a temporary exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) that showcases a wide variety of artworks from the Qajar period, all of which feature Persian women as the theme. 

Under the patronage of Qatar Museums Chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, this exhibition demonstrates the importance of women in the art of 19th-century Iran and shows how the topic continues to inspire contemporary artists. 

According to the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), the most popular representations of the Qajar era (1779 to 1925) have been of male sovereigns whose life-size portraits exaggerate masculinity to depict power. Yet this era is also characterised by artistic modernisation in Iran. This is particularly true of paintings and photography, in which women became essential characters in the events and scenes portrayed. 

The exhibition includes artworks that reflect various interpretations of female musicians, aristocratic women, women at the court and in private quarters, all exploring the rarely-told narratives of the Qajar artistic tradition. A wide variety of objects, including lacquers, water colours, manuscripts, jewellery, ceramics, and metalwork, are displayed in the Temporary Exhibition Galleries on the 4th floor of the MIA. Works by contemporary artists inspired by Qajar iconography are also on display.

Commenting on the launch, Aisha Al Khater, Director of the Museum of Islamic Art, said: ‘This innovative exhibition is designed to completely change the perception of Qajar art as a male-dominated medium. The wide variety of objects and artworks on display illustrate the ways in which images of women can be used to understand the history of their daily lives, their roles in aristocratic pursuits, how notions of feminine beauty change over time and how women were used as symbols in Qajar art. We at MIA hope these stories will capture the imagination of visitors from a wide range of communities and across cultures, just as they continue to inspire and educate artists today.’

Interested?

Qajar Women‬: Images of Women in 19th century Iran runs till 11 June 2016
at the MIA. The exhibition is divided into four themes: Notions of Beauty: Images of Women in Qajar Art; Daily Life; Women, Power, and Refinement; and Women as Symbols in Art. 

Hashtag: #‎QajarWomen

Country Holidays introduces 2015 tour to Iran

Source: Country Holidays.

Bespoke travel agent Country Holidays has introduced a new Signature Departures itinerary for Iran. Launched in 2011 to bring an entirely new perspective to group travel, Signature Departures avoids crowded bus tours, impersonal hotel chains, mass canteen meals and tourist traps. 

Theng Hwee Chang, Managing Director of Country Holidays says: "We launched Signature Departures four years ago to meet the growing demand for enriching group travel experiences outside of the mainstream. By limiting the number of travellers to 16, we are able to source the smaller hotels in smaller towns and hence create a more authentic, off-the-beaten-track experience for the group."

Iran is the heart of the Persian civilisation, and has been under Islamic influence for nearly 1,500 years. There are now 20 UNESCO sites in Iran, seven of which feature on this trip.

The journey starts in the city of Shiraz and the ruins at nearby Persepolis and ends at the architecturally stunning city of Esfahan, translated in Persian to mean “half the world”. The trip finishes in the capital Tehran, where travellers will recall the country’s history through the National Museum of Archaeology; discover carpet weaving and see the world’s biggest pink diamond.

Iran – The Heart Of Persia departs Singapore on 24 September. The trip ends on 3 October 2015.