مهمان، حبیب خداست

Cultural Background

Hospitality is the 'national sport' of Iran. Refusing to host or being a 'cold' host is a major social failure. The phrase has roots in the idea that God provides the 'Rozi' (sustenance) for the guest, so the host doesn't lose anything by sharing. In Bakhtiari or Qashqai tribes, a guest is under the protection of the whole tribe. To harm a guest is to harm the tribe's honor. Even in busy cities like Tehran, the phrase is used to maintain a sense of traditional warmth amidst modern stress.