Iran's extensive history is part of the national identity of the people, and pieces of cultural heritage preserved from as far back as 5,000 years are the focus of Peter Langer's next show, Impressions of Iran, in his ongoing photography series, The Ultimate Traveller.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran is extremely conscious of its heritage," says Langer, who most recently visited the ancient Persian country just before Christmas. "In spite of them having had the revolution close to 40 years ago, every government throughout Iran's history has been very conscious about preserving that history and their achievements."
The globetrotting photographer has been to Iran several times, including in 2002 when he was on his way to Baghdad, Iraq. Langer landed in Tehran and stayed a week before travelling on into the tense area where strained relations between the Middle East and United States continued to mount leading to the Iraq War in 2003.
The photographer found Iran, this time around, to have a brighter and more hospitable attitude.
"Yes, a lot of it has changed. It is far more optimistic, it's also far more welcoming of foreigners in a positive way," he says. "There is a spirit of optimism in Iran, which wasn't present a few years ago. The new government along with the lifting of the sanctions has brought a much happier atmosphere."
Langer was in Iran when Justin Trudeau was elected Prime Minister of Canada and recalls hearing the local English news station reporting, "Today in Canada, a radical extremist government was defeated... and the government of Iran welcomes the traditional friendship of Iran and Canada."
As the new Liberal prime minister pledged to improve communication and restore relations with the country, the change in attitude shifted noticeably in the people on the frontline welcoming foreigners.
"It was quite apparent in terms of the tour operators, the local hoteliers and so on, they're very much looking forward to welcoming Canadians again," Langer says. "I felt much more comfortable this time around. I'm not talking about creature comforts, I'm talking of feeling welcome, that people are friendly, that people are helpful."
Through his images, Langer hopes to portray that warm and open posture by informing attendees of the culture of this country rich with history. He focuses on documenting UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered throughout the diverse landscape, and historically significant locations such as the Persian gardens, the Gate of Nations at Persepolis and the architecture in the city of Isfahan. This is Langer's third time to Persepolis, and he knows his way around the towering statues, even the best time to catch the light to create photographic magic.
"By the time you get that wonderful sunset, evening light, everything looks resplendent and fantastic."
The audience Langer is hoping will attend his show are interested in an authentic cultural experience.
"I'm catering to people interested in heritage, in culture, in art history also in nature. The point is to give them an idea, almost as if they have been there."
Looking forward, Langer is playing with the idea of leading tour groups and escorting people through an explorative, cultural journey in real life, rather than through images alone.
Langer’s "The Impressions of Iran” lecture takes place at the Vancouver Public Library on 350 West Georgia St. on Tuesday, April 12 at 11 a.m. Upcoming shows in the series include The Caucasus: Armenia, Azerbaijan & Georgia (April 19), Travels on the Silk Road (April 26), Impressions of India (May 3) and Impressions of the Himalayas (May 10).
