Another favourite of mine is the 'big cheese', which some persist in thinking refers to a dairy product. 'Cheez' is Persian for 'thing', hence the 'big thing', someone of importance. (I should naturally stress that these entered English through India).
Ali Ansari
3,308 posts
Academic but not irrelevant
Joined November 2017
- Just when you think the Iranian regime can’t go lower, here we have the official government newspaper celebrating - yes celebrating - the murder of 1000 Israelis. What an embarrassment these people are to Persian culture and civilisation. An absolute disgrace.
- A thread on ‘fatwas’: A fatwa is a legal ruling delivered by a religious jurist, these days denoted by the rank of Ayatollah or higher. Fatwas are an integral aspect of Shia jurisprudence which operates on the basis of the continuous interpretation of scripture /1
- When the Persian ambassador arrived in Plymouth in 1809, he left an intriguing account of Royal Navy practices…@dcsandbrook @holland_tom #ebonywheelofheaven
- 'O man, I am Cyrus son of Cambyses, who founded the empire of Persia and ruled over Asia. Do not grudge me my monument.'
- 'The ancient Persians taught, beside the three things that Byron has immortalised, that the New Year begins not in the depth of winter when Nature herself is dead, but at the vernal equinox when she revives - and I think they were right.' #PersianNewYear Edward Eastwick 1864
- To paraphrase Voltaire..the ‘Islamic republic of Iran’ is neither Islamic, republican or representative, in any way, of the civilisation of Iran. Iran's leaders are fighting a losing battle spectator.co.uk/article/iran-s… via @spectator
- It would appear that the Islamic Republic of Iran has just voted for a UN resolution which supports a two state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict…
- Another depressing example of shortsightedness. Now, of all times, is not the time…
- In these troubled times it’s good to find occasional solace in the oasis of calm that is @TheRestHistory…and there is no better oasis for this old Persian than this insightful quartet on the golden age of Baghdad.On today’s pod, we look at how Baghdad's golden age changed the world, and the ever-lasting influence of THE ARABIAN NIGHTS. From Sinbad to Ali Baba or Aladdin, Baghdad spawned stories of mystery and wonder, in the city of Caliphs, Hadiths, thieves, and of course, pigeon racing!
- As a rule I would never judge a book by its cover…but I do like this cover..
- The Persians are coming! Thrilled to get my hands on a copy of @holland_tom forthcoming book on the Greek and Persian wars for the discerning younger reader - though having perused it, seems suitable for 'younger' readers of all ages...













