Published on : Wednesday, March 26, 2014
The key is getting to know Iranians when traveling to the slamic Republic. Tourists can look forward to party until the morning hours and with plenty of alcohol, women and dancing. This is all possible in the country of strict rules against exactly that. Despite the ban on alcohol in Iran and frequent police raids, drinking in Iran is widespread, especially among the wealthy. Because the Shiite-dominated Muslim state has no discotheques or nightclubs, it all takes place at home, behind closed doors.
“Have a shot of tequila first, cheer up!” Shahriyar tells guests gathered at his luxury apartment in Tehran.His girlfriend, Shima, said they party every weekend.”Shahriyar has one rule: bring your booze! We drink until morning,” she told Reuters on a FaceTime call, as lights flashed to rap music in the background.
Some of the alcohol is smuggled in, but many resourceful Iranians make their own. “My friends and I routinely gather to stamp down on grapes in my bathtub,” said Hesam, a 28-year-old music teacher in Tehran, asking to be identified only by his first name. “It’s fun, a cleansing ritual almost.”Some take considerable pride in their results, to the delight of their acquaintances.
“I have a friend who makes wine for his own consumption but gives me around 30 bottles per year as well,” said 36-year-old Mousa, speaking from in the central city of Isfahan.
Only members of religious minorities – Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians – are allowed to brew, distill, ferment – and drink – discreetly in the privacy of their homes, and trade in liquor is forbidden. Catholic priests make their own wine for mass.
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