Looking Back at 2018: Top Posts and Highlights

Since we’re nearing the end of the year, I thought I’d take a look back and share some of the posts that were the most popular with readers as well as some of my favorites that I especially enjoyed writing. So let’s wrap up 2018!

A look back at 2018

This was the year that My Persian Corner got a makeover. Many of you had been with me since 2013 when I started (merci!), but I have to admit I knew absolutely nothing about blogging back then. Quite frankly, I didn’t even care. I just wanted to share a side of Iran that I felt most people didn’t know about. Anything I learned about the technical side of blogging I owe to my time spent freelancing for Culture Trip. Huge learning experience for me! And eventually, I decided to give my blog a more professional look.

I always tell people that writing my blog is the one thing I can do for hours and not get tired of. It’s helped keep me busy and given me some focus during some really low and tough periods. It’s even been cathartic while I try sorting through mixed emotions, cultural frustration, and understanding my environment in Iran. 

But before I digress too much, here are a few of my highlights from 2018:

Travels: This year, I made it to Ardabil, Kermanshah (to be posted soon), and Kish Island.

Bucket list: I crossed a couple of things off my Tehran Bucket List: walking Valiasr Street from beginning to end and finally getting around to visit Qasr Prison Museum.

New friends: I met some of you lovely readers (including the wonderful Aurore– you remember her, right?) right here in Tehran! This is always fun!

Books: I published 2 books – Forgotten Doors and Faces of Iran- of some of my favorite photos I’ve take in Iran. I’ll hopefully find a way to make those more widely available soon!

Media: I had 2 of my blog posts chosen among the top 5 of the month by Lonely Planet. Always validating since I’m a small blog. You can check them out here and here.

Podcast interview: I spoke to La Bougeotte Podcast about my Iranian-American identity and living in Tehran. Even more exciting was my voice dubbed in French!

New work: I started translating short stories and poems from Persian-English. I’m hoping this will make contemporary Persian literature more accessible to others who may not speak the language yet. 

New beginnings: I was dreading it, but I finally moved to a new apartment. So far, so good.

Top posts of 2018

So here they are- the top 10 posts that had the most views from you guys:

• 18 Poetic Persian Phrases You’ll Wish English Had – This one was a lot of fun to write and is still my top ranked nearly every day.
• 8 Uses of the Persian Word Joon – I love when I see the search terms “what joon means in Farsi” or “Persian word joon”. Well, now you know.
• 11 Ways to Say Thank You in Persian – It’s always good to be polite.
• 13 Creative Ways to Say Goodbye in Persian – There are so many!
• My 11 Favorite Persian Idioms and Expressions – These still crack me up.
• A Guide to Superstitions in Iran – Of course I burned espand in my new place. Does that make me superstitious?
• 11 Simple Persian Words That Will Make You Sound More Fluent – These are the little things that will impress Iranians big time.
• Jigar: The Ultimate Persian Term of Endearment – I’m guessing some people are a little freaked out when an Iranian calls them “golden liver.”
• 12 Yummy Fruits You Must Try in Iran – The fruit in Iran will make your taste buds come alive! These are some unique ones.
• Lyrics and Translation of Mah o Mahi by Hojat Ashrafzadeh – This song still brings tears to my eyes.

My favorite posts of 2018

In addition to the posts that seemed to be the most popular with you guys, these are the posts that I enjoyed writing most and that were the most meaningful to me. Some of them were a bit more personal, perhaps didn’t do quite as well on social media, and are definitely NOT what people are searching for when it comes to Iran. As one person recently told me, “Your blog is so amazing! But I think maybe not everyone reads all of the posts because they might not get them.” I knew exactly what he meant and couldn’t agree more. They are the posts that might not resonate unless you’ve spent some time in Iran or been exposed to Iranian culture. Either way, these are my favorites:

The beauty of Tehran is in the details, and I still try to find things I love about this city every day.

Every day occurrences when life is absolutely perfect for the briefest of moments. This is the first part of a series of stories I’ve been collecting.

The things that make me scratch my head sometimes and laugh.

Things that may surprise you, but after 4.5 years, they’re becoming all too normal for me.

One of the posts that served as a means of catharsis for me and seemed to resonate with you, too! I have a few more of these planned for next year.

I’m gonna go ahead and pat myself on the back for this one. Every time I cross the street, I’m more pleased with how true these guidelines are! 

There you have it! A huge DAMET GARM to all of you for reading. SEPÂS for your support! For those of you who subscribe to my email list, LOTF DÂRID! Wishing you Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! Your comments, shares, and emails mean so much to me! Can’t wait to see what 2019 brings.

Booses and baghals,

Pontia