Art of Persia

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Factual: History

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media: Arts

Broadcaster and journalist Samira Ahmed reveals the remarkable story of Iran.

Broadcaster and journalist Samira Ahmed goes on a remarkable journey to places rarely seen, as she travels through Iran, telling the story of a complex and fascinating people, culture and history.

Series 1

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Samira Ahmed

Fiona Crawford

Matthew Springford

Richard Downes

Art of Persia: Series 1: Episode 3

Episode 3

BBC Four - Art of Persia, Series 1, Episode 3

Samira Ahmed goes back to when Persia faced her gravest threat, Genghis Khan.

Samira Ahmed goes back to when Persia faced her gravest threat, Genghis Khan, and reveals how the Safavids, who succeeded the Mongols, give Iran a powerful new identity.

In the last episode, Samira Ahmed travels to the crumbling ruins of an ancient walled city and goes back to when Persia faced her gravest threat, Genghis Khan. But from the death and destruction there emerged a golden age of Persian poetry and art.

In the fabled city of Isfahan, Samira encounters the dynasty of shahs that succeeded the Mongols - the Safavids, who gave Iran a powerful new identity through Shia Islam and carved its message in stone, brick and tile. 

Finally, Samira travels to Persepolis to tell the story of Iran’s last shah and his ill-fated attempt to link his dynasty to Persia’s ancient kings, with momentous consequences for the world.

Art of Persia: Series 1

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