Mozaikou Íránu - S průvodkyní po fascinující zemi plné kontrastů – Hrabalová Lenka (2023)

A colorful travelogue by Iranianist and Arabist Lenka Hrabalová, who has over a decade of experience with this fascinating, mysterious country. Iran is a vast country full of contrasts. It attracts many travelers, yet it still struggles to shed its label as a dangerous place. Most of us don't know much about Iran, and our perceptions are often limited to themes of polygamy, alcohol, and Islamic law, even though the country actually offers a rich cultural mosaic. The author attempts to present the country as comprehensively as possible, responding to common questions from listeners who attend her travel lectures, and providing answers grounded in broader contexts. In the introductory section, At the Crossroads of History, she addresses interesting periods of Iranian history, such as the construction of the legendary Isfahan or the beginnings of American-Iranian hostility. In the chapter, The Thousand Faces of the Islamic Republic, she discusses society as a whole, including religious groups, ethnicities, as well as sexuality in Iran and Islamic laws. The third part – All Corners of the Country – introduces readers to various regions of Iran and their specifics, such as Roman monuments, alcohol smuggling in border areas, or the continuous struggle of the desert people for water.