Encounters with Iranian Culture

Abstract

This study systematically outlines a multifaceted approach to Persian culture using the anthropological acronym of KERP (kinship, economics, religion, and politics). Possible touch points between the tourist and both modern life in Iran and the historical world of Persian culture are identified. It is proposed that these touch points would be revealed through the knowledge emotions of surprise, confusion, and interest. The chapter examines the detailed accounts of experienced Iranian guides who reported on their tourists’ knowledge emotions about the visited culture. A comprehensive catalogue of the key incidents evoking these knowledge emotions is developed. The chapter further proposes a spectrum of cultural accessibility for Western tourists using this catalogue of emotional responses.

Citation

Zare, S. and Pearce, P.L. (2019), "Encounters with Iranian Culture", Experiencing Persian Heritage (Bridging Tourism Theory and Practice, Vol. 10), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 43-63. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2042-144320190000010004