Brian Griffith's Blog - Posts Tagged "persia"

Mother Persia engages the reader with a plethora of well researched subjects covering women from the pre-Islamic era to modern times. Fascinatingly written, the authors look at gender equality, sexuality, spirituality, politics and the roles Iranian women have played challenging and establishing their places in Persian civilization. Peppered with personal stories of women, using their poetry, literature and arts, the writers describe the intelligence, courage, and tenacity of these women. Mother Persia is an intriguing read that will be enjoyed by multiple audiences from book clubs to university classes.” – Bridget Blomfield, author of "The Language of Tears: My Journey into the World of Shi’i Muslim Women."

"The period of male monopoly on leading and defining Islam is ending."Mother Persia: Women in Iran's History

As she began teaching and attracting disciples, we hear of a group of religious men coming to challenge her. They accused her of presumption, explaining, “All the virtues have been scattered on the heads of men. The crown of prophethood has been placed on men’s heads. The belt of nobility has been fastened around men’s waists. No woman has ever been a prophet.” Rabi’a answered, “All of that is true, but egoism and self-worship and ‘I am your Lord’ have never sprung from a woman’s breast. ... All these things have been the specialty of men.”Mother Persia: Women in Iran's History

As she began teaching and attracting disciples, we hear of a group of religious men coming to challenge her. They accused her of presumption, explaining, “All the virtues have been scattered on the heads of men. The crown of prophethood has been placed on men’s heads. The belt of nobility has been fastened around men’s waists. No woman has ever been a prophet.” Rabi’a answered, “All of that is true, but egoism and self-worship and ‘I am your Lord’ have never sprung from a woman’s breast. ... All these things have been the specialty of men.” -- from "Mother Persia," by Zhinia Noorian and Brian Griffith

Zhinia Noorian and Brian Griffith’s "Mother Persia: Women in Iran’s History" is an eye-opening narrative of the courage and strength of the women of Iran. This commendable work takes us on a wondrous journey in time and place, starting from its ancient history, but with a special focus on contemporary Iran. With simple eloquence, and clear prose, the book captures the incredible resilience and determination of these women, by showing the reader the intricate presence and their triumph in the face of adversity. Griffith and Noorian offer a balanced, captivating, and empowering account of the women of Iran. Overall, "Mother Persia" is an inspiring read on the often-overlooked history of Iranian women and their remarkable achievements. It is a must read for anyone interested in the history of women’s empowerment. – Dr. Negar Davari Ardakani, Associate Professor of Linguistics, Shahid Beheshti University, Iran.

“Dramatic and fascinating. Written by a seamless collaboration, Mother Persia inspires as well as educates. It’s also a huge pleasure to read, making it a must for any reader’s library.” – Tod Davies, Editorial Director, Exterminating Angel Press, and author of The History of Arcadia visionary fiction series.

A vast study by Mohammad Akram Nadwi collected references to female scholars in medieval Islam. He reported, “I thought I’d find maybe twenty or thirty women.” He ended up finding close to 8,000.Mother Persia: Women in Iran's History

Our book "Mother Persia: Women in Iran's History" (by Zhinia Noorian and Brian Griffith), is now in libraries of 18 countries. Namely, Canada, USA, UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Botswana, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand.