Hi Folks,
Having just been reprimanded by the Turkish Authorities for taking a very (5km) distant photo of a mosque (personally I think it had more to do with the Iraqi minister visiting nearby) in Ankara, I am very curious to find out what the Iranian Governments official Policy is on Personal Tourist photos, as I am headed there in a week.
Yes I am aware of the government buildings, military, lone woman side of things. I am referring to the governments official policy on what can be photographed and what cannot be. I searched the official government site, but found nothing. And have sent them an email requesting the info. Just wondering if anyone had a link to this info?
I found in West Africa having a little print out of the Government Tourist Photo policy was great, it saved the annoyance of dubious policemen approaching and looking for money away. I quick show of the Governments official policy saved me a lot of time and trouble, and in actual fact the police said they did not know this and were very happy to have been told about it.
So if anyone has some genuine government info (links), could they pass it on?
Thanks
Dave
Even if there IS an official policy, you'll likely still be subject to the whims of whatever uniformed officer happens to be around when you snap your pictures, and I'm not sure having a government policy in hand will help.
I've had Iranian police stop me from taking pictures of a military statue in a square and of the old U.S. Embassy.
On the other hand, I recently took photos at the embassy, without anyone raising an eyebrow.
I found that with some exceptions mosques and religious shrines are not off limits, but ask someone to make sure. You seem to have a good sense of the most sensitive subjects (military installations, gov't buildings, Evin Prison). Definitely avoid those and ask about the others when in doubt.
Have fun, its an incredibly photogenic country.
I agree totally with #1.
It's often how you take it. For example: Okay to take picture of: "Street with Women"-- but not "Women in Street." Same picture, just your attitude and technique, while taking it. It does vary greatly depending on who and where. The only absolute I heard, was of military/police facilities, from a bus along the highway south of the major cities (one tour-bus was stopped, and film confiscated).
Hey dave,
Most (if not all) of the Millitary and goverment buildings have a "Dont Take Pictures" sign (I think they are in farsi) . and it's not just for scaring tourists. one of my friends was arrested for flashing a camera without negatives near a military building (well, just next ot the sign). He got out of the police station after two hours.
well this means photo in farsi : Ú˜Ó
and this means photography: Ú˜ÇÓی
just be aware if you see a sign with these words.
well, The farsi words got messy.
check this website : http://www.akkasee.com/about-en.php<BR>It's an iranian photography portal. akkasee literaly means photography
The farsi word of photography is in the title of this page.
I guess these people can help you to, just asked them in the mail.
Thanks for the ınfo guys. The Farsı Photo translate was great, and I am sure useful!
I also sent an emaıl to that sıte.
I know most of thıs ıs down to the day,tımıng,luck,and mood of anyone who sees you pullıng out a camera. I always just lıke to know the legal thıng just ın cast the you know what hıts the fan. It happened to me before and was taken ın my mılıtary folks but ı knew the law and had a prınt out and at the end of the day everyone was very happy!
Thanks Agaın
Dave
I personally had no problems taking pictures of the anti-US murals at the former US embassy, for example, but a fellow traveller told me how he got hauled inside and interrogated for 2 hours by the revolutionary guards!
It is a very interesting place to check out if you are in Tehran though.
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