Sunday, March 1, 2026

Iran is often reduced to headlines about politics. But behind them stands one of the oldest continuous civilizations on Earth, where architecture, poetry, and faith shaped beauty for over 2,500 years

A map with the regional styles and signature patterns of traditional Persian carpets across Iran.

Muse

@xmuse_

& more cultural treasures

Culture Explorer

@CultureExploreX

Vank Cathedral, Isfahan (1606) Built by Armenian Christians under Safavid rule, this cathedral blends Persian ornament with Armenian sacred art, a reminder that Iran’s history is deeply multicultural.

Iran is often reduced to headlines about politics. But behind them stands one of the oldest continuous civilizations on Earth, where architecture, poetry, and faith shaped beauty for over 2,500 years. Here’s a journey through Iran’s architectural splendor.

Shah Cheragh Shrine, Shiraz (12th century) A sanctuary of mirrored mosaics where light fractures into thousands of reflections, turning architecture into an almost cosmic experience.

Sar Yazd Castle (3rd century AD) A fortified storage complex built to protect valuables and trade goods along ancient caravan routes.

https://x.com/CultureExploreX/status/2027715482816516531/photo/1

AS ALWAYS PLEASE GO TO THE LINK TO READ GOOD ARTICLES (or quotes) IN FULL: HELP SHAPE ALGORITHMS (and conversations) THAT EMPOWER DECENCY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE & PEACE... and hopefully Palestine, or at least fair and just laws and policies]

"Faced with the possibility of a tragedy of immense proportions, I make a heartfelt appeal to all the parties involved to assume the moral responsibility of halting the spiral of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable chasm. May diplomacy regain its proper role, and may the well-being of peoples, who yearn for peaceful existence founded on justice, be upheld." Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV

@Pontifex

I am following with deep concern what is happening in the Middle East and in Iran during this tumultuous time. Stability and peace are not achieved through mutual threats, nor through the use of weapons, which sow destruction, suffering, and death, but only through reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue.

Faced with the possibility of a tragedy of immense proportions, I make a heartfelt appeal to all the parties involved to assume the moral responsibility of halting the spiral of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable chasm. May diplomacy regain its proper role, and may the well-being of peoples, who yearn for peaceful existence founded on justice, be upheld. And let us continue to pray for peace.

https://x.com/Pontifex/status/2028086271021613489

On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV called on the nations involved in the intensifying Middle East conflict to acknowledge their moral duty to seek peace after reported airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran.

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-03/pope-leo-xiv-angelus-appeal-peace-middle-east-iran.html

Pope on Iran: Peace not built with mutual threats or death-dealing arms

Pope Leo XIV appeals for nations to recall their moral responsibility to seek peace, as violence escalates in the Middle East after the US and Israel carry out airstrikes on Iran.

By Devin Watkins

Speaking at the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV expressed “deep concern” over recent events in the Middle East and Iran.

“Stability and peace are not built with mutual threats, nor with weapons, which sow destruction, pain, and death, but only through a reasonable, authentic, and responsible dialogue,” he said.

The Pope warned of an immense tragedy if violence escalates out of control.

“Faced with the possibility of a tragedy of enormous proportions,” he said, “I address to the parties involved a heartfelt appeal to assume the moral responsibility to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss!”

Pope Leo prayed that nations may return to dialogue in order to seek peace.

“May diplomacy recover its role and may the good of peoples be promoted, peoples who long for peaceful coexistence founded on justice,” he said. “And let us continue to pray for peace.”

On Saturday, Israel and the United States began carrying out joint airstrikes on Tehran and several other Iranian cities.

Iran then responded with attacks on Israel and several Gulf countries which host American military bases.

Later, state-run news agencies announced the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ruled Iran for nearly 37 years.

Just a few hours ago, a series of attacks took place in Duma. Armed terrorists, fully backed by the state and the IDF, attacked Palestinians and activists, injuring some of them. Arrests? Yes, six people were detained: four Palestinians, including a child, and two activists.

Israeli live fire at Palestinian children who were picking akoub in Palestine.

Breaking the Silence

@BtSIsrael

Yesterday morning, we woke up to rocket alerts. Israel began bombing Iran. As often happens when the media attention shifts, Israel seized the moment to intensify its attacks against Palestinians. Here’s what happened while the world was looking the other way

In Gaza, even under the “ceasefire”, the IDF continues to carry out attacks in Gaza almost daily, including today in Jabalia and Beit Lahiya. And since yesterday, Israel stopped humanitarian aid from entering Gaza. The IDF added that “the existing stock is expected to suffice”.

The Israeli government and the media present the attacks on Iran, among other things, as a moral mission to help Iranians resist a repressive and violent regime. Don’t tell them that Israel itself sustains a violent and repressive regime that isn’t thousands of kilometres away.

When the protests in Iran were at their peak, there was probably no country that watched them more closely than Israel. Our press covered them extensively, many Israelis expressed sympathy for the brave Iranian people, and politicians voiced their support for the protesters.

Israelis, to the best of their knowledge, live in a democracy where everyone has the right to protest without being shot or arrested. However, it is a daily reality for millions of Palestinians in the West Bank, where freedom is denied under military law.

Everyone deserves freedom and safety. It is a moral imperative we uphold here, between the river and the sea, and it is just as relevant in Iran. No one deserves to live under a dictatorship, or under bombs, or under terror. Don’t look away, that’s exactly what they want.

https://x.com/BtSIsrael/status/2028131266801938891

Voice of Rabbis "The recent military operations conducted by the State of Israel are strictly political and governmental maneuvers. They do not represent the Jewish people, nor are they sanctioned by the Holy Torah. Authentic Judaism is a covenant of Divine service and the sanctity of human life; the Torah does not authorize the waging of war under the banner of the Jewish name. The true protection of the Jewish nation rests solely upon Divine Providence, not upon the fleeting strength of human weaponry or secular military power. We categorically reject the claim of those who call themselves the “Jewish State” to act on behalf of world Jewry. For two millennia, the Jewish people have lived in exile by Divine decree, guided by a tradition of patience and peaceful conduct among the nations. .."

Voice of Rabbis

@voiceofrabbis

PUBLIC STATEMENT Regarding Israeli Military Action Against Iran

The Voice of Rabbis issues the following declaration:

The recent military operations conducted by the State of Israel are strictly political and governmental maneuvers. They do not represent the Jewish people, nor are they sanctioned by the Holy Torah. Authentic Judaism is a covenant of Divine service and the sanctity of human life; the Torah does not authorize the waging of war under the banner of the Jewish name.

The true protection of the Jewish nation rests solely upon Divine Providence, not upon the fleeting strength of human weaponry or secular military power. We categorically reject the claim of those who call themselves the “Jewish State” to act on behalf of world Jewry. For two millennia, the Jewish people have lived in exile by Divine decree, guided by a tradition of patience and peaceful conduct among the nations.

We pray for de-escalation, for the protection of all innocent lives, and for the day when true peace will prevail throughout the world, as the Prophet declares:

“I will banish bow and sword and war from the land, and I will let them lie down in safety.” (Hosea 2:20)

Rabbi Abraham Silberstein, Senior Rabbi, Voice of Rabbis

https://x.com/voiceofrabbis/status/2027947952057057291

Jewish Voice for Peace

@jvplive

Jewish Voice for Peace denounces the immoral and illegal war on Iran launched by the United States and Israel last night.

These attacks expand the endless wars that could destroy the lives of tens of millions of people. We stand in solidarity with the people of Iran and against the U.S. and Israeli government’s imperial warmongering.

"Everything must be done to prevent a further escalation in the Middle East. I call on all sides to strictly uphold their obligations under international law, including the United Nations Charter, protect civilians & ensure nuclear safety. Let’s act responsibly & together to pull the region & our world back from the brink." António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations

António Guterres

@antonioguterres

I condemn the military escalation in the Middle East today.

The strikes by the US & Israel against Iran & the subsequent attacks by Iran undermine international security.

These actions carry the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control in the most volatile region of the world.

Lasting peace can only be achieved through peaceful means, including genuine dialogue and negotiations.

The United Nations Charter provides the foundation for the maintenance of international peace & security.

António Guterres

@antonioguterres

Everything must be done to prevent a further escalation in the Middle East.

I call on all sides to strictly uphold their obligations under international law, including the @United Nations Charter, protect civilians & ensure nuclear safety.

Let’s act responsibly & together to pull the region & our world back from the brink.

https://x.com/antonioguterres/status/2027879948778938479

Annie's New Letters (& notes)

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Sunday, March 1, 2026

Iran is often reduced to headlines about politics. But behind them stands one of the oldest continuous civilizations on Earth, where architecture, poetry, and faith shaped beauty for over 2,500 years

Muse

Pope on Iran: Peace not built with mutual threats or death-dealing arms

Just a few hours ago, a series of attacks took place in Duma. Armed terrorists, fully backed by the state and the IDF, attacked Palestinians and activists, injuring some of them. Arrests? Yes, six people were detained: four Palestinians, including a child, and two activists.