There are a couple of new posts over at my Random Stuff they are
Thursday, 6 March 2025
Wednesday, 5 March 2025
U S Troops down under during WW11
This week we will look be looking when the USA invaded Australia
during WW11. Kinda…
In my area of Australia there was the Joint Overseas Operations
Training Services.
The Port Stephens area was the centre of much activity during 1943-44, 20,000 US servicemen and 2,000 Australian servicemen trained for beach landings.
A country club became headquarters for amphibious warfare
training area know as JOOTS (Joint Overseas Operations Training Services).
Port Stephens an area in the Hunter Region of New South Wales,
Australia, it is just north of Newcastle.
This came about due to Australia asking for help from the States
to dissuade the Japanese from trying to invade and it worked.
For America, Australia was a natural springboard for a major
counterattack against Japan and the Newcastle area saw plenty of evidence of
the American commitment.
HMAS Assault was a naval training centre established by General
Douglas MacArthur. The base was chosen because it was a safe haven from
Japanese submarines and was a small, isolated fishing village. The HMAS Assault
was used to train landing craft crews, beach parties, and signal teams.
Tomaree Head was a critical part of Australia's defence of the
east. It includes a curved concrete wall with a gun that protected
Newcastle and the Williamtown airbase.
You can take a guided tour of the historic gun emplacements at
Tomaree Head in Tomaree National Park.
In total nearly one million US troops passed through
Australia during World War II. The first US troops arrived in Brisbane in
December 1941.
By 1943, there were 250,000 Americans stationed in Melbourne,
Sydney and Brisbane.
The US Army used Australia as a base of operations to support US
forces in the Philippines.
Their main role in north Queensland was to provide services and supplies, and there was a large presence in Queensland mostly around Brisbane, Rockhampton, and Townsville.
The US Army also had a joint command with the British, Dutch,
and Australian forces in the Pacific.
They had a substantial impact on the local economy and
influenced fashion, consumerism, and domestic technology.
Of course, at times there were tensions with some Australians,
which sometimes erupted into fighting.
There was also a large social impact on Australia, including
many Australian women marrying US servicemen.
The US Army's presence in Australia was part of a larger US
deployment to combat zones overseas during World War II.
Tuesday, 4 March 2025
Sechuran Fox
This week we are looking at the Sechuran fox, also called the
Peruvian desert fox or the Sechuran zorro, is a small South American species of
canid closely related to other South American "false" foxes or zorro.
It gets its name for being found in the Sechura Desert in northwestern Peru.
It has sandy-coloured fur and distinctive facial markings,
this fox species is adapted to the harsh and arid conditions of its habitat,
where it plays a crucial role as a predator and scavenger.
The Sechuran fox is nocturnal
and spends the daylight hours in a den dug into the ground. It is generally
solitary, although occasionally seen travelling in pairs. Pups are born in
October and November, although little else is known of its reproductive
behavior.
When conditions allow, Sechuran foxes are omnivores, but can also survive on a completely herbivorous diet when necessary. They can eat seed pods and fruit of Cordia and mito plants. More commonly, however, they also eat insects, rodents, bird eggs, and carrion. It is thought that they can survive for long periods without drinking, receiving the water in their food.
Monday, 3 March 2025
Iraq
This week we have moved onto Iraq, officially known as the
Republic of Iraq, is a country in West Asia, bordered by Saudi Arabia to the
south, Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, the Persian Gulf and Kuwait to
the southeast, Jordan to the southwest, and Syria to the west.
The country is dominated by two famous rivers: the Tigris and
the Euphrates. They flow southeast from the highlands in the north across the
plains toward the Persian Gulf. The fertile region between these rivers has had
many names throughout history, including Al-Jazirah, or "the island,"
in Arabic and Mesopotamia in Greek.
Many parts of Iraq are harsh places to live. Rocky deserts cover
about 40 percent of the land. Another 30 percent is mountainous with bitterly
cold winters. Much of the south is marshy and damp. Most Iraqis live along the
fertile plains of the Tigris and Euphrates.
Baghdad is the capital and
largest city of Iraq, located along the Tigris in the central part of
the country. With a population exceeding 7 million, it ranks among the most
populous cities in the Middle East and Arab World and forms.
The Iraqi dinar is the currency of Iraq. The Iraqi dinar is
issued by the Central Bank of Iraq. On 7 February 2023, the exchange rate with
the US Dollar was US$1 = 1300 dinars.
The Iraqi flag has four horizontal stripes of red, white,
green, and black. The colours are inspired by a poem by Safi al-Din
al-Hilli. The flag also has an Arabic inscription that means "Allah
is the Greatest".
The current version of the Iraqi flag has been in use since
2008.
The flag was modified in 1991 by President Saddam Hussein.
In 2004, the Iraqi Governing Council proposed a new flag, but it
was almost universally rejected by Iraqis.
The colours of the Iraqi flag are inspired by a poem by Safi
al-Din al-Hilli.
The poem refers to red as willingness to shed blood, green for
Arab fields, black for battles, and white for purity of motives and deeds.
The three green stars on the flag represent a desire to unite with Egypt and Syria.
It is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the Middle
East. Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen, Assyrians, Mandaeans, and Armenians, among others,
speak their own languages and retain their cultural and religious identities.
Iraqis once had some of the best schools and colleges in the
Arab world. That changed after the Gulf War in 1991 and the United Nations
sanctions that followed. Today only about 40 percent of Iraqis can read or
write.
The country is a federal constitutional democracy. The Head of
State is the President. The Head of Government is the Prime Minister, who
appoints the Council of Ministers (Cabinet). The Council of Representatives
(CoR) is the unicameral legislature. The Iraqi people elect the 329 members of
the CoR through an open-list, proportional representation electoral process.
Nine seats are set aside for representation of Iraqi minorities. The
Constitution sets a quota of 25 per cent of CoR seats to be held by women.
Members serve four-year terms. The Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers do not
have to be elected members of the CoR but the CoR must approve their
nominations. Ministers must forgo their CoR seats to serve in Cabinet.
During late 2013 and 2014, the terrorist organisation Da'esh
seized territory in west and northwest Iraq, including the city of Mosul.
Da'esh systematically persecuted ethnic and religious minorities and committed
abuses against vulnerable groups including women and children. On 9 December
2017, then-Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the defeat of Da'esh in
Iraq.
Despite the territorial defeat of Da'esh in Iraq and Syria
(announced by the Syrian Democratic Forces in March 2019), Da’esh remains a
very real threat to the region. At the request of the Government of Iraq, the
Global Coalition to Defeat Da’esh continues to support the Iraqi Security
Forces to combat the threat posed by remnants of Da'esh.
Iraqi women today suffer from
insufficient educational opportunities and healthcare and limited access to the
labor market, as well as high levels of violence and inequality.
The status of women has been affected by wars, Islamic law
and the Constitution of Iraq as well as Cultural traditions. Abusive practices
such as honour killings and forced marriages still persist.
The security situation in Iraq is volatile and could deteriorate
with little warning. There's a risk of violence, armed conflict,
kidnapping and terrorist attacks.
Sunday, 2 March 2025
Week 9 of 2025
After a much better night, I am up washed and
dressed. Sue came over to see if she could help Tasha with her studies about
massage and she could help a bit but said she has a book at home that may help,
and she will look for it.
It is a hot day, but I haven’t turned the air con
on. It reached 31C but I didn’t turn the air con at all. However, I will have
the bedroom air con on when I go to bed.
I was in bed for an hour and was unable to settle
so I got up to use the powerfit and update this entry, then I will go back to
bed and try to settle.
Steps: 10,650
THEA’S BIRTHDAY SHE IS TWO TODAY
After I went back to bed it still took at least an
hour to settle and fall asleep.
When I woke up, I wasn’t feeling good I don’t know
if the reason is lack of sleep or lack of food, I didn’t eat much yesterday.
Sue and I went and had a massage, it felt good
I am extremely tired this afternoon.
Steps:5,577
I slept straight through the night, I woke up
feeling tired, I hope that passes soon.
It has been a coldish and wet day, I walked up to
get Sam in the rain this afternoon, I am glad I bought a rain poncho.
Sue was telling me that she thinks Dave &
Leigh have helped Dawson get a car.
I have a headache and stinging eyes this arvo.
I am off to bed a bit early it is 7.30pm and I am
done for the day.
Steps: 10,087
I slept ok, not great it was after midnight before I settled
fully.
Sue rang and let me know her car is out of rego till next week
when she gets paid. She also noticed that she had a flat tyre, and she has a
$600 power bill so right now she feels like she is drowning in debt.
Sandy rang to tell me she is moving again, as she has been
offered a 4-bedroom place at Elermore Vale, a 10–15-minute drive from me, this
is wonderful news.
Later Sandy rang to ask if Tim could loan her $2,500 for a
removalist, DCJ just paid one to move her to Raymond Terrance and will not pay
for one to move her to Elermore Vale
Steps:11,560
I slept ok, not great it
was after midnight before I settled fully.
We are in for another hot day, this the last day of
summer and the last day of February. It is currently 19C at 6am, my BGL was
5.0.
I have already vacuumed and fold the clean clothes up.
Now to read some blogs and do my Friday post.
It got to 34C here I had the air con on from 10.30am.
Didn’t do much other then put the clean clothes away,
emptied the dishwasher, vacuumed a second time and I ironed a few things. I
also managed to write three letters to penpals.
Steps:5,521
Friday, 28 February 2025
Kuwait National Anthem
The national anthem of Kuwait was written by poet Ahmad Meshari
Al-Adwani with music composed by Ibrahim Al-Soula and arranged by Ahmad Ali. It
was first broadcast on 25 February 1978. Prior to 1978, the "Amiri
Salute" was used.
After the proclamation of Kuwait's independence, the Kuwait
national anthem was written by the poet Meshari Al-Adwani and was broadcast for
the first time on 25 February 1978. The music was composed by Ibrahim Al-Soula
and arranged by Ahmad Ali. The Amiri Salute was composed by Yusuf Adees in 1951
and was used until February 1978.The National Salute consists of the first six
bars of the National anthem.
The anthem is played every day at the beginning of the day in
most Kuwaiti schools and on TV and radio stations.
The words of Kuwait national anthem
are:
Kuwait, My Country, May you be safe and glorious!
May you always enjoy good Fortune!
You are the cradle of my Ancestors, who put down its memory,
With everlasting symmetry, showing all eternity,
Those Arabs were Heavenly, Kuwait, My Country,
May you be safe and glorious!
May you always enjoy good Fortune.
Blessed be My Country a homeland for harmony,
Warded by true sentry Giving their soils aptly,
Building high its history, Kuwait, My Country,
We're for you My Country,
Led by faith and loyalty,
With its Amir equally, Fencing us all fairly,
With warm love and verity, Kuwait, My Country,
May you be safe and glorious,
May you always enjoy good Fortune
Thursday, 27 February 2025
Looking for some hodgepodge
There is a new hodgepodge post over here: https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/02/its-hodgepodge-time.html
Wednesday, 26 February 2025
Women in uniform in WW11 Australia
Ok this we are going to look at the brave and strong women who decided to join
the military during the second world war.
Three of the organisations that put these women into uniforms were The
Land Army, The National Emergency Services (NES) and the Australian Women’s Army
(AWAS).
The Land Army was voluntary group where women worked on farms,
performing tasks like milking cows, harvesting crops, and tending livestock, to
maintain food production while men were fighting overseas.
The AWAS was an official military unit within the Australian
Army where women could enlist to serve in roles like driving, clerical work,
communications, and even some combat support positions.
The Australian Women's Army Service (AWAS) was formed in
August 1941 to release men from some military duties to serve with
fighting units. Women worked in traditional roles such as clerks, typists and
cooks.
The NES was a general term for civilian volunteer organizations
that provide support during emergencies like fire, flood, or medical crises,
not specifically related to wartime service
There was a network of searchlights
and listening posts that formed part of Newcastle’s defences were largely
operated by women. These women were carefully selected for good eyesight and
hearing as they would be on high alert lookout for the distant hum of aircraft
engines.
They also had to maintain the
searchlights in a high state of readiness, constantly polishing the lights and
greasing their mechanisms. The searchlights batteries were connected by
telephone to headquarters and each battery had a command post with a plotting board
to track the positions and courses of aircraft.
Some of the hardships the women had
to deal with things like having to bunk down in unlined shed in the bush, they
were given hessians bags and a pile of straw to make their mattresses. They also
had to shower under a modified kerosene tin full of water. Just because they
were women didn’t mean they got an easy ride, they had route marches with full
packs and training with live ammunition on .303 rifles, bren and Thompson guns.
The Australian Women's Army Service
served in New Guinea during World War II, making it the only non-medical
women's service to serve overseas during the war.
The Land Army and the AWAS were
both disbanded shortly after the end of World War II, between 1945 and 1947.
Tuesday, 25 February 2025
Bat-Eared Fox
This week we are look at the bat-eared fox, another fox I hadn’t
heard of.
The bat-eared fox is a species of fox found on the African
savanna. It is the only extant species of the genus Otocyon and a basal species
of canid. Fossil records indicate this canid first appeared during the middle
Pleistocene.
As the name indicates, this fox has unusually enormous ears
in proportion to its head, like those of many bats. Their bodies are generally
yellow-brown with a pale throat and under parts. The outsides of the ears, the
racoon-like “face-mask,” lower legs, feet, and tail tip are all black.
They can be found living in
groups of mating pairs and their young. They are a very social species and
spend lots of time grooming each other, as well as playing and sleeping
together.
Their hearing is remarkable, but bat-eared foxes are also known
for their social nature. They often live in family groups of up to 15
animals. They do not mark or defend territories aggressively against other
packs.
They seldom drink water as they obtain most of the moisture they need from their food; 3. Unlike other canids, the male undertakes most parental care duties, while the female forages for food that maintains her milk production
Termites and dung beetles make up about 80 percent of their
diets. In addition to termites and dung beetles, they also eat other insects
and arthropods, small rodents, lizards, the eggs and chicks of other birds, and
plant matter. They obtain much of their water from the body fluid of the
insects they consume.
Predators include cheetahs, jackals, spotted hyenas, rock
pythons, African wild dogs, and leopards. Bat-eared foxes are named for
their large ears, which are also used for thermoregulation. To escape from
predators, bat-eared foxes rely on speed and their incredible dodging ability.
They typically live for 6 years in the wild but can be up to 13
years in captivity.
They reach sexual maturity at 8–9 months old, both male and
female. They usually leave their family groups at 5–6 months old.
They breed annually, producing litters of 3–6 pups, with a
gestation period of 60–75 days.
Monday, 24 February 2025
Kuwait
This week we are looking at Kuwait, a country I have heard of but know bugga all about.
Kuwait, officially the State of Kuwait, is a country in West
Asia and the geopolitical region known as the Middle East. It is situated in
the northern edge of the Arabian Peninsula at the head of the Persian Gulf,
bordering Iraq to the north and Saudi Arabia to the south.
The capital is Kuwait City it's located on the Persian
Gulf, and is the country's political, cultural, and economic centre. The city
has a modern skyline with skyscrapers, mosques, malls, and hotels
The city features a mix of Western-style architecture and
traditional Islamic architecture. It is home to Kuwait's Seif Palace.
The city's name comes from the Arabic word kūt, which means
"fort", it underwent a transformation after the discovery of oil in
the 1930s.
As of January 2024, Kuwait's population was 4.91 million
people. This includes 1.545 million Kuwaiti citizens and 3.36 million
expatriates.
The official language is Arabic.
The official currency is the Kuwaiti Dinar.
Their flag was adopted on 7 September 1961, and officially
hoisted 24 November 1961. Before 1961, the flag was red and white, like those
of other Arabian Gulf states at the time. Now the flag is a tricolour of
green, white, and red with a black trapezium on the hoist side. It is the
only flag in the world featuring an acute trapezium.
Kuwait is an emirate. The Emir
of Kuwait, a hereditary monarch from the Al Sabah ruling family appoints the
prime minister (who is always a royal) and other members of government, as well
as members of judicial, police and financial institutions.
An emirate is a political territory ruled by an emir, a title used by monarchs or high officeholders in the Muslim world. The term "emirate" is similar to "kingdom" or "principality".
The Cabinet of Kuwait is the chief executive body of the State of Kuwait. The 46th cabinet in the history of Kuwait was appointed on 12 May 2024. On 15 April 2024, Amir of Kuwait His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah assigned His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad as Prime Minister.
There has been some progress in women’s rights but there is
still discrimination in many aspects of life. They have access to
education, economic and political rights, and can serve in the military,
police, and as judges.
Kuwait's personal status laws discriminate against women in
matters of marriage, divorce, and child custody, including by requiring women
to have male guardian permission to marry and by stripping them of spousal
maintenance from their husband if they refuse to live with their husbands
“without justification.”
There's an increased risk of terrorism in Kuwait, including
threats against military bases. Maintain a high level of security awareness and
be aware of your surroundings.
It's illegal to buy, sell, import, carry and consume alcohol.
Penalties range from fines to imprisonment and deportation.
Sunday, 23 February 2025
Week 8 of 2025
What a night, I haven’t had a lot of sleep, but I
am still up and dressed and starting my day. It is a chilly 17C only supposed
to reach 21C, my BGL was 5.0
I sent Tim a short clip about Parkinson’s, and he
couldn’t be bothered to look at it. This annoyed me, I am trying to help him,
and others understand a bit about Parkinson’s.
I have been tired all day often dropping off for a
moment while watching TV.
Steps: 5,238
I had a good night, slept straight through till
the alarm went at 5am it is a coldish morning with the temp sitting at 15C only
supposed to reach 21C again today.
Sam is starting a Tafe course this morning, so no
school today, Tasha will drive her there, but she is going to catch a bus home,
I hope that works out well.
Sue took me shopping as I wanted some stuff from
Woolies and also needed stamps. While out we booked in to have a massage next
Monday.
Dawson come over for a visit he was here for a
couple of hours, it’s always nice to see him.
Sam arrived home while Dawson was here, she said
Tafe went well but it felt like a long morning. There was no problem catching
the bus home.
Steps:9,517
I had a good night, slept straight through till
the alarm went at 5am it is a coldish morning with the temp sitting at 15C we
are looking at a top temp of 26C today.
Sandy has got a rental place in Raymond
Terrance,32k’s from me or a 41-minute drive from me. It isn’t somewhere she
really wants to live but with only 3 weeks till she will be homeless she is
just happy to have a place.
Steps: 7,533
I had a good night, slept straight through till
the alarm went at 5am, after Tim left for work, I had a shower. It is currently
16C with a top temp of 26C.
Tasha was in a bit of a state as her ride to Tafe
cancelled at 11pm and Sue isn’t answering her phone. She did eventually answer,
and she drove Tasha to Tafe.
Sue took me to have my hearing checked and I got a
quote on the basic hearing aids, $2,098. I will check with Tim and order them.
I have another appointment on the 25 March.
We then went to the chemist to get scripts and
webster pack for Sam, I rang on Friday to arrange the webster pack, it wasn’t
done.
Steps: 9,760
I had another good night, slept straight through
till 4.20am when I had to pee, went straight back to sleep till the alarm went
at 5am.
It is currently 20C, we are looking at a top temp
of 24C, with showers during the day.
While sitting up the front waiting for Sam’s
transport we had so very light rain.
I have vacuumed twice, cleaned the bathroom, done
a load of washing and hung it up to dry, I have also done 20-minutes of
exercise, and I am exhausted.
It has been raining on and off all day and was
raining when I went up to meet Sam at 3pm.
On the 6 March Jessica will have no power for a
couple of hours while the neighbour’s meter is change.
Tim was an hour late getting home this afternoon
due to a traffic accident.
Steps:9,657
SUMMER’S BIRTHDAY SHE IS 12 TODAY
I slept well, woke once to pee but straight back to
sleep.
Had a nice talk with Sandy this morning.
This afternoon I walked up to meet Sam but while I was
waiting a white van pulled in and I just knew it would be a delivery for us, so
I came back, and it was, and it was heavy so I was glad I could get the
delivery man to carry inside for me. I then decided to take the scooter up as
my legs were shaking and I felt unsteady.
It is 5.30pm and I am feeling like shit, I have a
headache.
I am having a restless night.
Since I am up, I checked my emails and had one from
Miller’s about a $5 sale so went into the site ordered 5 things, they had 2 of
the 5 but not surprised as they are closing down.
Steps:13,170
After a rough night I still got up at 5am, had a
shower and now I am ready to start my day. I have already vacuumed once, went
to unpack the dishwasher only to discover I forgot to put it on yesterday.
I put the dishwasher on after breakie, then when
it was finished, I unpacked it.
I am just not with it today, however, around 4pm, I
managed to write 2 letters.
Steps:9,029
Saturday, 22 February 2025
Friday, 21 February 2025
National Anthem of Iran
The National Anthem of the Islamic Republic of Iran was
adopted in 1990, replacing the previous anthem used during the rule of Ruhollah
Khomeini. It was composed by Hassan Riyahi, and the lyrics were written by
Sayed Bagheri. It is the fourth national anthem of Iranian overall.
Due to the death of Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini in
1989, Iran adopted its current anthem after a competition the following year.
At the time of its adoption, it was the second shortest anthem in
the world; the first being the Japanese national anthem "Kimigayo"
with seven lines.
The lyrics are in English
The sun of the east along the horizon
the believers of truth, glim of vision
Bahman, the zenith of our faith
Your message, O Imam, independence
and freedom on our souls engraved
O martyrs, your fervent cries
resound every generation
Enduring, lasting and eternal
The Islamic Republic of Iran
Thursday, 20 February 2025
Tuesday, 18 February 2025
Corsac Fox
This week we are looking at the corsac fox, also known simply as
a corsac, it is a medium-sized fox found in steppes, semi-deserts and deserts
in Central Asia, ranging into Mongolia and northern China.
It is slightly smaller than the red fox with larger legs and
ears. The coloration is predominantly grey or reddish grey on the upper
parts with silver undertones, while the under parts are white with yellow
undertones. Their body length is between 45-65cm and their tail is between
19-35cm long.
They like to eat rodents, such as partridges, snow buntings,
ducks, pheasants, and geese insects
and fruits, as well as large mammal remains.
When hunting thy like to leap into the air and drop down on prey,
they like stalking prey and making short-distance attacks.
They live up to 9yrs in the wild and up to 13yrs in captivate.
They are nocturnal animals and, unlike most fox species, Corsac
foxes are social animals that form smalls packs. They have excellent
hearing, vision and smelling senses which they use to hunt. They are nomadic
animals with no fixed territory and like to move from place to place.
They are observant and analytical, with a keen eye for detail. They notice subtle nuances and patterns that others might overlook, which helps them make well-informed decisions. Their versatility and multifaceted talents are also remarkable. They are monogamous and
form pair bonds, however, before that males will initially fight for access
to females. The breeding season starts in January and ends in March. The
female creates a birthing den, which is sometimes shared with other pregnant
females, but moves her young to new burrows several times after they are
born. Typically, 2-6 kits are
born after a gestation period of 52 to 60 days. However, the maximum recorded
litter consisted of 11 kits. Newborn kits weigh around 60 g (2.1 oz) and have
fluffy, light brown fur that turns yellowish as they age. They are born blind
and open their eyes at around 2 weeks of age. Both parents assist in the
raising of their young. Kits begin to eat meat at 4 weeks and emerge from the
den shortly after. Corsac foxes reach reproductive maturity within 9 to 10
months and reproduce in the second year of life. |
Monday, 17 February 2025
Iran
This week’s country is Iran, officially the Islamic Republic
of Iran it was once known as Persia, particularly in the Western
world; however, the official name of the country is now Iran and the
government requests that people use this term instead of Persia when referring
to it formally.
It was in 1935, that the Iranian government under Reza Shah
Pahlavi officially requested that the country be referred to as
"Iran" instead of "Persia".
The country has a population of 89 million with 15,800,000
living in the capital.
The capital of Iran is Tehran, in the north of the country. Its central Golestan Palace complex, with its ornate rooms and marble throne, was the seat of power of the Qajar dynasty. The National Jewellery Museum holds many of the Qajar monarchs’ jewels, while the National Museum of Iran has artifacts dating back to Paleolithic times. The Milad Tower offers panoramic views over the city.
The official currency is either the rial or the toman when I looked it up I got rial but then I discovered that due to the rial's low value, the Iranian parliament voted to gradually remonetize the nation's currency from the rial to the toman between 2020 and 2022, with an exchange rate of 1 toman = 10,000 rials.
Their flag is a horizontal tricolour of green, white, and red. The flag also has the national emblem in red and the word "Allahu Akbar" written in white. It was adopted in 1980 after the Iranian Revolution.
The colours and symbols have specific meanings:
- Green: Represents
Islam, growth, happiness, unity, nature, and Iranian languages
- White: Represents
freedom
- Red: Represents
martyrdom, bravery, fire, love, and warmth
- "Allahu
Akbar": An Islamic battle cry that means "God is
great"
- Kufic
script: The word "Allahu Akbar" is written in Kufic
script 11 times on each border of the flag, totalling 22 times
The colours green, white, and red have been used in early
versions of the Iranian flag. The flag was officially enshrined in the
Constitution of 1906.
The flag is also known as the Tricolour Flag of Iran, these
colours of the flag are symbolic and are also used in the flags of other Muslim
countries.
The official religion of Iran is Twelver Ja'afari Shia
Islam. The Iranian constitution defines the country as an Islamic
republic, and all laws must be based on Islamic criteria.
Other religious minorities in Iran face discrimination and persecution. The Iranian government has been criticized for its treatment of religious minorities, including Baha'is, Christians, Sunni Muslims, Zoroastrians, and Jews.
Iran is home to the second largest Jewish community in the
Muslim world and the Middle East. The Baháʼà Faith is the largest non-Muslim religious minority in Iran.
There are also limits regarding access to higher education
for most religious minorities.
The government screens applicants for public sector
employment for their knowledge of Islam.
The government criminalised proselytizing and insulting
"divine religions or Islamic schools of thought".
Under Iranian law, apostasy from Islam is punishable by
death. Non-religious Iranians are officially unrecognized by the
government, and one must declare oneself as a member of one of the four
recognized faiths in order to avail oneself of many of the rights of
citizenship.
Even most of the
time and occasions, all female citizens, including non-Muslims, are
required to wear Hijab as Iran is currently an Islamic republic.
Family in Iran is
considered holy and being a mother is very important. In Iran everyone has to
get married, and it is considered a sin if has a child out of wedlock.
Everything in Iran is based on family. All the family members live together
until they get married and are ready to begin their own lives.
According to Sharia, romantic relationships
between unmarried individuals are not permitted, and this extends to
restrictions on cohabitation.
Iranian women and girls now face prison terms of up to
15 years and possible death sentences for failing to wear a hijab, through
a new strict law on religious dress and behaviour.
The “Law on Protecting the Family through the Promotion of
the Culture of Chastity and Hijab” came into force on 13 December 2024,
according to Iran’s Speaker of Parliament. In a dangerous escalation, the law
permits the imposition of the death penalty for peaceful activism against
Iran’s discriminatory compulsory veiling laws.
The law, containing 74 articles, also imposes flogging,
exorbitant fines, harsh prison sentences, travel bans, and restrictions on
education and employment for women and girls who defy compulsory veiling laws.
It also penalizes private entities that fail to enforce compulsory veiling,
while providing impunity to officials and vigilantes who violently attack women
and girls for defying it.
The Government of
the Islamic Republic of Iran known simply as Nezam is the ruling
state and current political system in Iran, in power since the Iranian revolution.
Iran is a unitary
Islamic republic with one legislative house. The country's 1979 constitution
put into place a mixed system of government, in which the executive,
parliament, and judiciary are overseen by several bodies dominated by the
clergy.
Like many
countries it is not a safe place to visit.
New Posts
There are a couple of new posts over at my Random Stuff they are https://jamfn.blogspot.com/2025/03/home-sweet-home.html https://jamfn.blog...