In most European languages the words "Garden" and "Paradise" are both related to the term <paradiza>, which in old Persian means "an enclosure". In Iran the garden is the most evocative image of the supreme happiness that this world can offer; a pleasure to the senses and the soul.

The carpet is an essential facet of the art of the living and therefore of the basic culture of the Iranian people.

A rug, with its wealth of colour and symbolic designs, represents a kind of victory over the wilderness of the desert. The tree of life is the sign of eternity; and the pomegranate is the sign of abundance and the incarnation of happiness. There are also doves of peace, and parrots of love. A carpet so patiently woven is really an image of paradise.

The Iranian woman in history contributed to the delicate design, beauty and harmony of her family exactly in the same manner in which she created her artful Persian carpets. This way a woman prepared the way for the others' elevation to spiritual perfection.

Since literature and arts are the most beautiful vessels for conveying cultural messages, one of the characteristic of the Iranian woman, throughout the ages, has been artistry. The tribal dress of the rural Iranian woman, made by herself and looking like the most beautiful paintings, tells of her tribe's cultural, artistic and historical roots. The artistry of tribal women can be seen on their dresses, rugs, tents sugar cups, horse saddles, and other objects. Although the artistry of city dwelling women is less evident, you can hardly find and Iranian woman who is not adept at once form of art or another. ToDay, the Muslim Iranian woman is active in all artistic fields, such as poetry, storywriting, playwriting, cinematography, graphics, music, sculpture and other forms of artistic expression. You would rarely come across joint art exhibitions, where women are not participating alongside men.

"Seek knowledge from cradle to grave", said our prophet (P.B.U.H.) addressing all men and women; and the principle of equality of men and women, embodied in the national Constitution, provides the ground for educating women to the extent of their ability. Women's literacy rate, in the Islamic Republic of Iran is rising. Older women, living in urban an rural areas, who were denied education in their younger Days are enthusiastically enrolling in literacy classes.

The family, in the wide sense of the word, is a shelter for its own members, and Iranian women have successfully combined family obligations with career responsibilities and participating in the public life.

The Iranian women draw much of their strength from the laws of Islam. Islam promotes women's full participation in all aspects of national life. Women are encouraged to take up social and economic activities. Under Islamic principles, women have equal access to financial resources and ownership of land and property. Rights to independent income, and control over their family inheritance are indisputably guaranteed for Muslim women.

Islam granted women suffrage some 1400 years ago, when Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) established the first Islamic government in Medina. Though certain reactionary secular powers gradually restrained women's rights, Islamic ideology and principles remained as a source of inspiration for Muslims in general and Muslim women in particular, until the Day came to revive their religious and cultural heritage.

ANAHITA

2. In the pre-Zoroastrian Iran, Anahita was the goddess for water, rain, abundance, blessing, fertility, marriage, love, motherhood, birth and victory. This goddess was the manifestation of women's perfection. Ancient kings were crowned by their queens in Anahita's temple in order to gain her protection and support. Anahita's blessing would bring fertility and abundance to the country.

During recent years, Iranian women, including the handicapped, have taken part in many national and international contests, and proved their endurance and high potentials.