The workplace does generally have a somewhat regular routine though as most Iranians
generally begin work at the same time each morning, usually between 7:30 and 9:00
am. However, the seasons, heat, and day of the week can mean some people work until
about noon while others take a long lunch then work until 6:00 pm.
After work most Iranians go home for dinner with their family, but many of the farmers,
who make up about a quarter of the working population, tends to set their schedule
based on the sun, weather, and seasons.
Iran is a very well educated country, particularly in the larger cities, and there
is a thriving student life in many large cities. While there are restrictions on
drinking alcohol and dating (as well as touching anyone of the opposite sex), socialization
is common amongst friends and there is an active night scene filled with students
and young people talking over coffee, perhaps a glimpse of the future.
Identity
Identity in Iran is somewhat in flux at the moment and has
been over the past couple centuries. Throughout history Iran (and formerly Persia)
has been a very diverse country so there was a clear distinction between a national
identity and an ethnic one. This political identity included all people no matter
their ethnicity, language, or culture; however the new government is slowly changing
this definition as being a Muslim is now seemingly a necessity to being a citizen
of Iran and as a religious state, to be "Iranian" now means being both
a citizen of Iran as well as a Muslim.