March/April 2023 Newsletter

BASKERVILLE INSTITUTE TRANSLATION

BELIEVERS: LOVE AND DEATH IN TEHRAN

March/April 2023 Newsletter

It is with great pleasure that we present to you the Persian translation of the novel Believers: Love and Death in Tehran, written by Marc Grossman and John Limbert. Interested readers can access and read his translation at no cost.

A work of fiction, the novel chronicles the journey of an American diplomat sent to Iran following the taking of American hostages. Nilufar’s story of arriving in Tehran in November 1979 as a junior American diplomat and her subsequent nine years as an undercover American spy deep in the Islamic Republic, are brought to life in this remarkable novel. This gripping fictional tale, written by two highly-accomplished American diplomats, brings a captivating perspective on the extremes of civil strife and war in the region.

The Baskerville Institute provides access to this work at no cost; users can easily download and enjoy it.

March/April 2023 Newsletter

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NEW PICTURE BOOK

BABA’S GIFT:

A PERSIAN FATHER’S LOVE OF FAMILY

March/April 2023 Newsletter

The Baskerville Institute is honored to share with everyone a new picture book titled Baba’s Gift: A Persian Father’s Love of Family by Ariana Shaheen Amini and Christina Maheen Amini and illustrated by Elaheh Taherian. This picture book is written by two daughters telling the story of their Baba. It weaves together the love of two countries with the love of family.

Baba enchants his six daughters with his stories, transporting them to his childhood in Iran as they play on the flowering vines of the Persian carpet in California. He tells the story of a determined young man who comes to the United States, the challenges of leaving his Persian family, and the unfolding of his new American life.

March/April 2023 Newsletter

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CHECK OUT OUR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHORS OF BABA’S GIFT: CHRISTINA AMINI AND ARIANA AMINI

 

Baba enchants his six daughters with his stories, transporting them to his childhood in Iran as they play on the flowering vines of the Persian carpet in California. He tells the story of a determined young man who comes to the United States, the challenges of leaving his Persian family, and the unfolding of his new American life.

March/April 2023 Newsletter
March/April 2023 Newsletter

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AN INTERNATIONAL BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THE IRANIAN DIASPORA

BY H.E. CHEHABI AND AMIR SAYADABDI

March/April 2023 Newsletter

The Islamic Revolution of 1979 disrupted life for millions of Iranians and lead tothe large numbers – from varied backgrounds — emigrating to dozens of foreign countries. This insightful bibliography provides a collection of vital information about the experiences of Iranian immigrants, the complexities of adjusting to new cultures and integrating into their adopted homelands. From exploring the unique aspects of the Iranians in Australia to studying Iranian Migrant Women’s Beauty Practices and Veiling in Belgium, this bibliography is an impressive source of valuable insights about the rich culture and influence of Iranians around the globe.

Knowing more about Iranian diaspora also helps us appreciate the countless contributions that Iranians have made throughout the world, from their shared cuisine to the fascinating literature and artwork produced by the community. Furthermore, by understanding the Iranian diaspora, we can acknowledge the contributions of these individuals and communities, and honor their journeys of resilience, adaptation, and hope. We are grateful to Professors Houchang Chehabi and Amir Sayadabadi for putting together their exhaustive and highly informative Iranian diaspora bibliography. Their hard work has provided us with a powerful tool for understanding the complexities of the Iranian diaspora, whose journey so often began in tragedy, and ended in astonishing achievements.

Ambassador John Limbert
Board of Advisers
The Baskerville Institute

March/April 2023 Newsletter

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ARTICLES PUBLISHED

March/April 2023 Newsletter

Opinion:
Poisoned schoolgirls, jailed journalists.
The fight against censorship in Iran continues

Author: Bahman Baktiari
Protests in Iran continue to gain traction while journalists and protesters put their own lives in danger.

March/April 2023 Newsletter

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AN AMERICAN MARYTR IN PERSIA

BOOK REVIEWS

Aslan has rediscovered the tale of one of the most fascinating and enigmatic figures of the early twentieth century.… [This story] is a poignant reminder of the extraordinary affinity that historically existed between the peoples of Iran and the United States and raises the hope that this closeness might someday be kindled anew.

— Scott Anderson, author of The Quiet Americans

Reza Aslan’s An American Martyr in Persia is a stirring reminder of the power of idealism, hope, and courage in the face of tyranny and injustice. The story of Howard Baskerville is as important today as it was in his lifetime, and Aslan’s lucid prose and compelling narrative introduces him to a new generation who will find inspiration in his deeds.

— Viet Thanh Nguyen, author of The Sympathizer

March/April 2023 Newsletter
March/April 2023 Newsletter

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JANUARY 2023 WEBINAR

March/April 2023 Newsletter

Lady of the Land of Horses:

The Story of Louise Firouz, the American who Discovered the Caspian Horse in Iran

Ateshé Larsson-Firouz

January 27th, 2023

5 PM (EST)

March/April 2023 Newsletter

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BASKERVILLE INSTITUTE

DIGITAL FRIENDSHIP

IS NOW LIVE!

March/April 2023 Newsletter

BIDF IS NOW LIVE!

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE TODAY:

More information about BIDF is available on page 11 of this newsletter.

March/April 2023 Newsletter

IRANIAN ATHLETES FOR FREEDOM (IAF)

March/April 2023 Newsletter

The Baskerville Institute is proud to support Iranian athletes with its initiative Athletes for Freedom. It takes courage to fight for your right to be free. Iranian Athletes for Freedom is an initiative that supports Iranian athletes fight against dictatorship, violence, discrimination, and the suppression of free speech. Learn more about Baskerville Institute’s initiative Athletes for Freedom (IAF).

March/April 2023 Newsletter

This initiative is managed by our Assistant Project Manager, Emma Francis.

March/April 2023 Newsletter

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NOW LAUNCHED!

NEW PROJECT 2023

March/April 2023 Newsletter

BIDF is a project of the Baskerville Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, nongovernmental organization devoted to supporting and strengthening the bonds of friendships between Iranians and Americans. The BIDF carries out this mission by providing a digital portal for Iranian students inside Iran to connect to hundreds of online courses offered by American universities. BDIF’s primary mission is to make it possible for qualified Iranian students in Iran to go through one website for their research on online courses offered by American universities.

This unique initiative will make it possible for Iranian students to learn more about democratic governance, market economies, and free societies.

In addition, they would be able to establish networks among themselves as well as build relationships with US educational institutions. Arguably, these students comprise the most important segment of Iranian society because it is they who will forge Iran’s future. This is an educational program in the interests of the United States, as.

well as – educationally speaking – a benefit for the Iranian students. The true significance of this project is that it will help compensate for the dearth of positive programs the US currently manages for influencing the most important people in Iran, its youth.

Forty-plus years of political disputes have severely limited cultural interaction between the two countries and has restricted young Iranians’ access to the academic and social values of American education. This project will provide young Iranians something that has been available to very few: an exposure to the United States untainted by the extreme, toxic rhetoric of their government.

These young people will shape their country’s future, and this program will allow them to do so without the intellectual separation that the Islamic Republic has attempted to impose. This is a very worthwhile program for both Americans and Iranians. Among these Iranian students there is a great hunger to know the realities of the outside world. They should not be kept in isolation.

Visit our new website!

www.digitaliran.org

March/April 2023 Newsletter
March/April 2023 Newsletter

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INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

 In Collaboration with
The Hinckley Institute of Politics &
The University of Utah

MEET OUR FALL 2022 / SPRING 2023 INTERNS:

March/April 2023 Newsletter

EMMA FRANCIS

We are delighted to have Emma as our Fall 2022/Spring 2023 intern. Emma is majoring in International Studies with a minor in Middle East Studies at the University of Utah. She is learning Persian and wants to pursue a career in the US government.

March/April 2023 Newsletter

MAHA SAIDAHMED

Maha Saidahmed is currently a senior at Emory & Henry College, double majoring in Political Science and Civic Innovation with a minor in History. In her free time she loves spending time with her family, friends and traveling to new cities and countries. As a Sudanese-American, she also enjoys strengthening her Arabic. Maha joined the Baskerville Institute in January 2023. Maha is our Spring intern working with Professor Matt Shannon on his Community School project.

WELCOMING OUR

SUMMER 2023 INTERNS

 In Collaboration with
Brigham Young University

March/April 2023 Newsletter

LINDSAY HAFEN

Lindsay is in her senior year studying Middle East Studies and Arabic at Brigham Young University. She enjoys rock climbing, baking, reading, and spending time with family in her free time.

March/April 2023 Newsletter

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DONATE

Your tax-deductible contribution to the Baskerville Institute can make a huge difference to our mission of informing the public about the deep bond between Americans and Iranians and the essential role it plays in the future of their relationship.

Your generosity enables us to continue our programs, internships, and publications and every contribution, no matter its size, is valued and plays an important role in amplifying and strengthening our efforts.

March/April 2023 Newsletter
March/April 2023 Newsletter