Persian Culture

Join us at SOAS for a free discussion with author Mattin Biglari about his book *Nationalising Oil and Knowledge in Iran* (2025). ***Nationalising Oil and Knowledge in Iran: Labour, Decolonisation and Colonial Modernity, 1933–51* by Mattin Biglari** Iran’s nationalisation of oil in 1951 was a key catalyst for the rise of resource nationalism as an animating force of global decolonisation, expelling the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC, now known as BP) after nearly fifty years of domination in southwest Iran. *Nationalising Oil & Knowledge in Iran* turns attention to the origins of nationalisation in the everyday struggles between the oil company and subaltern actors in the city of Abadan, then home to the world’s largest oil refinery and deeply imbricated in networks of colonialism and racial capitalism. Engaging with energy history, postcolonial/subaltern studies, and science & technology studies, the book focuses on the politics of expertise: how nationalisation reproduced the epistemic coloniality of the oil company, which rested on local dispossession, social engineering, as well as racial and gendered segregation. It argues that nationalisation diverged from subaltern contestations of oil expertise in Abadan, which presented a more fundamental challenge to colonial modernity. Reservation details: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soas-book-discussion-with-mattin-biglari-on-nationalising-oil-in-iran-tickets-1980422394694?aff=ebdssbdestsearch](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soas-book-discussion-with-mattin-biglari-on-nationalising-oil-in-iran-tickets-1980422394694?aff=ebdssbdestsearch%0A%0A) After the two-hour discussion, we’ll hang around for a chit chat. Are you interested in reading world fiction and non-fiction in English, Spanish and French? Join my other groups: -www.meetup.com/gaia-books -www.meetup.com/gaia-libros -www.meetup.com/gaia-livres -French Art Group (send me a request) -Instagram: @persian_culture_ -Persian Culture Whatsapp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2)

***WARNING*** *If you are new to our Meet Up or haven't attended any class for months, please, BEFORE signing up to a conversation class, send an email in French to Christian at frenchlondonexperience at gmail dot com ; Anyone -* aforementioned - *signing up to a class before getting an agreement will be removed from the list. Thanks for your cooperation.* You want to improve your fluency, your pronunciation and your French skills? You want to get more vocabulary, knowledge and understanding of French, the French and France? You want to speak on various topics with the support of a French native tutor? Each week, we come up to a different theme. It pushes your conversation skills up. It helps you to speak about many topics and to interact in French in multiple contexts. Regular attendees learn a lot, make improvements and are able to have a chat about numerous topic! The bonus, you will be able to ask questions to an authentic French native! **THE CLASS:** This is a face-to-face conversation class lasting 60 minutes run by a French native & professional tutor (in London since 2016). This is a Conversation Class dedicated to French learners who struggle to have a spontaneous conversation. If you think your French is rusty, if you feel not really comfortable to interact among a group of other French speakers, this class is for you (if not sure, send a message in French to the organiser). The class goes on an adapted pace with a first part dedicated to a chit-chat and then we'll focus on a short text to learn about French culture and the language. We approach the theme, read a short text (you get a copy for the session), speak, learn vocabulary and things about French culture. The theme is always linked to French, the French and France. At the end, we wrap up and keep a few minutes for some miscellaneous questions. After the class, you will get an email with a list of vocabulary (some words / expressions seen along the class). This is a very small group class: maximum of 4 attendees and a minimum of 2. So you will speak directly to the tutor. During the class, the tutor helps you to structure and improve your phrasing, and to develop your understanding. **IMPORTANT** If you are new to our Meet Up, please send ASAP an email at frenchlondonexperience at gmail dot com to introduce yourself, to check your level, to confirm your space and to get the Bank details for payment. **PRICING:** You can pay each time or by block (then you save money) \- £15 per session \(to be paid when signing up by bank transfer \- Bank details on request\) \- £60 for 6 sessions \(to be used within 3 months \- to be paid in advance by bank transfer \- Bank details on request\) People who sign up without paying will be removed from the list. If, after your first attendance, you decide to subscribe to the offer of £60 for 6 classes, you add £45 and then you incorporate your first class in the subscription. The pricing is made to encourage you to attend more regularly as improvements will come with regularity. **TERMS & CONDITIONS** If you are to join, you are more than welcome to sign up. But, please, if you have an unforeseen hitch, up date your status as soon as possible. As spaces are limited, if you don't turn up or if you cancel at the last minute, a space is wasted. Thanks for helping. \- Fees are payable at the booking \- No refund \(exchange for cancellation more than 12 hours before the start of the event\) \- No refund\, no exchange for late cancellation \(less than 12 hours\) or non\-attendance \- People who don't turn may be banned\. If the session is fully booked, please put your name on the waiting list but ONLY if you are sure to be able to attend the session. As soon a space becomes available, even at the very last minute, you will be on the attendance list. Then you will be expected to attend the session and it will be due, even if you don't actually attend. Thanks for your cooperation and thanks for understanding. Follow French London Experience [http://www.facebook.com/frenchlondonexperience/](http://www.facebook.com/frenchlondonexperience/) [https://www.instagram.com/frenchlondonexperience/](https://www.instagram.com/frenchlondonexperience/) [https://twitter.com/FLE_Christian](https://twitter.com/FLE_Christian) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0ZB8-AhXTeqNF9MwEySmeg Website: [www.frenchlondonexperience.com](http://www.frenchlondonexperience.com/)

Дорогие друзья! Я приглашаю вас на встречу для практики русского языка как иностранного 🎉 📍 Где: Southbank Centre 🕖 Когда: каждый четверг в 19:00 💷 Стоимость участия: £5 В отличие от нашей традиционной встречи в пабе, это занятие будет более структурированным: • вы получите раздаточные материалы (handouts); • мы будем обсуждать интересные темы, делиться мнениями, дебатировать и играть — всё на русском! 🇷🇺 Эта встреча идеально подойдёт для тех, кто владеет русским языком на среднем уровне и выше, и хочет улучшить разговорные навыки в живом и увлекательном формате. Приходите — будет весело, полезно и по-русски! 😊

**This is a ticketed event for £10, purchases available at [eventbrite here](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/philosophies-of-east-west-first-evening-tickets-1982072570414?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1%2A1ynpvct%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_ga%2AOTQxMTAzNjU3LjE3Njk3ODM4NTk.%2A_ga_TQVES5V6SH%2AczE3Njk4NzEwNzckbzMkZzEkdDE3Njk4NzE5NTMkajQ5JGwwJGgw).** Philosophy means the love of wisdom, and being a philosopher essentially means having an active attitude and awareness towards life. We are all born philosophers, with a natural need to ask questions and with the intuition that there are answers to be found. Every civilisation has tried to pass on its wisdom, leaving us a vast heritage of useful knowledge and experiences to rediscover. Explore the timeless ideas that have inspired and guided humanity throughout history and their relevance and practical application for our lives. This first evening can be attended for £10 as a standalone introduction to **Philosophies of East & West** however if you are interested in learning more about the full 18-week course and applying, please visit [philosophiesofeastandwest.org](https://www.philosophiesofeastandwest.org/ "https://www.philosophiesofeastandwest.org/")

***WARNING*** *If you are new to our Meet Up or haven't attended any class for months, please, BEFORE signing up to a conversation class, send an email in French to Christian at frenchlondonexperience at gmail dot com ; Anyone -* aforementioned - *signing up to a class before getting an agreement will be removed from the list. Thanks for your cooperation.* You want to push up your fluency, your pronunciation and your French skills? You want to get more vocabulary, knowledge and understanding of French, the French and France? You want to speak on various topics with the support of a French native tutor? Each week, we come up to a different theme. It pushes your conversation skills up. It helps you to speak about many topics and to interact in French in multiple contexts. Regular attendees learn a lot, make improvements and are able to have a chat about numerous topic! The bonus, you will be able to ask questions to an authentic French native! This class is for French speakers with an Intermediate level. **THE CLASS:** This is a face-to-face conversation class lasting 90 minutes run by a French native & professional tutor (in London since 2016). The whole class happens in French and is dedicated to French speakers with an Intermediate level (if not sure, send a message to the organiser). The tutor helps you to structure and improve your phrasing, and to develop your understanding. During the class, first, we dedicate some time for a little introductory chat. Then, we approach the theme, read a text (you get a copy for the session), speak, learn vocabulary and things about French culture. The theme is always linked to French, the French and France. At the end, we wrap up and keep a few minutes for some miscellaneous questions. After the class, you will get an email with a list of vocabulary (some words / expressions seen along the class). **IMPORTANT** If you are new to our Meet Up, please send ASAP an email in French at frenchlondonexperience at gmail dot com to introduce yourself, to check your level, to confirm your space and to get the Bank details for payment. **PRICING:** You can pay each time or by block (then you save money) \- £15 per session \(to be paid when signing up by bank transfer \- Bank details on request\) \- £60 for 6 sessions \(to be used within 3 months \- to be paid in advance by bank transfer \- Bank details on request\) People who sign up without paying will be removed from the list. If, after your first attendance, you decide to subscribe to the offer of £60 for 6 classes, you add £45 and then you incorporate your first class in the subscription. The pricing is made to encourage you to attend more regularly as improvements will come with regularity. **TERMS & CONDITIONS** If you are to join, you are more than welcome to sign up. But, please, if you have an unforeseen hitch, up date your status as soon as possible. As spaces are limited, if you don't turn up or if you cancel at the last minute, a space is wasted. Thanks for helping. \- Fees are payable at the booking \- No refund \(exchange for cancellation more than 12 hours before the start of the event\) \- No refund\, no exchange for late cancellation \(less than 12 hours\) or non\-attendance \- People who don't turn may be banned\. If the session is fully booked, please put your name on the waiting list but ONLY if you are sure to be able to attend the session. As soon a space becomes available, even at the very last minute, you will be on the attendance list. Then you will be expected to attend the session and it will be due, even if you don't actually attend. Thanks for your cooperation and thanks for understanding. Follow French London Experience [http://www.facebook.com/frenchlondonexperience/](http://www.facebook.com/frenchlondonexperience/) [https://www.instagram.com/frenchlondonexperience/](https://www.instagram.com/frenchlondonexperience/) [https://twitter.com/FLE_Christian](https://twitter.com/FLE_Christian) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0ZB8-AhXTeqNF9MwEySmeg Website: [www.frenchlondonexperience.com](http://www.frenchlondonexperience.com/)

Samba de Bamba is a Brazilian samba group that meets once a month to celebrate samba, Brazilian culture, and heritage. We believe that joy is also a political act of resistance, healing, solidarity, subversion, and well-being. Therefore, on International Women's Day, we prepared a space for everyone to celebrate and remember that our struggle is also carried out with joy. For more information about tickets and prices: instagram Samba de Bamba UK or tickets on enjoytix.co.uk or at the local of the event Cash (bar) Cash and card (entrance and food)

🌙 Another opportunity to walk to Regent's Park Mosque and participate in their free Iftar, pray Maghrib and then walk to the Ramadan Lights which is in it's 5th year in London 🏮 **Important:** We need to arrive 30-40 minutes before Maghrib prayer to collect our iftar parcels, after breaking fast, we pray Maghrib, then exactly 25 minutes after Maghrib Fard prayer ends, we meet outside for the walk to the Ramadan lights. Alternatively you can stay at the mosque for Tarweeh. *There is also a restaurant in the basement where you can purchase additional food.* 🟢 **WALK:** 📏9km (5.6 miles): 🕌 ➕ 📏 3.5km (2 miles): 🏮 💓 Av.Pace 5km/h ✊ *Note: Active Muslims is equally about focusing on the actual activity, in this case, it is a paced walk (and not a stroll), therefore it is advised to approach and attend these events with that mindset, intention and [purpose](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBhPWpdIMKq/?igsh=MWVjdnZrdGZwd3dmYw%3D%3D).* ⏳ Meet from **2:50pm** 📍 Outside **Angel Station** (Northern Line) ⌚ Walk starts **3:11pm** **sharp insh'Allah** *(Magrib: 5:56pm)* ↪️ Start: **Angel Station** 🕌 Iftar: **Regents Park Mosuqe** ↩️ Ends: **Leicester Square / Piccadilly Circus** ➡️ Covers: Regent's Canal > Camden > Primrose Hill > Regent' Park, Regent's Park Mosque / > Ramadan Lights 🎒 What to bring: appropriate clothing/shoes. At least some food to open fast (in case food parcels are short/we are late) 🚻 Regent's Park Mosque ⛑️ You are responsible for your own safety and your own belonging at all times. 🗂️ "No shows" for previous events may be moved to the waitlist to prioritise reliable attendees / new joiners - ***when there is a waiting list, priority is given by attendance records / new joiners.*** 📊 [[why it matters](https://tinyurl.com/28sh83cn)] 🌐 [@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims/) *(Follow for latest events updates)* ``` 🚦 Walk/Hike Levels: 🟢 Easy 🟡 Average 🟠 Moderate 🔴 Challenging ⚫ Very Challenging ```

Gentle people, It is my pleasure to invite you to Part III of Italian artists at the V&A, and a luscious afternoon of socialisation at the Grand Cafe at the V&A which is absolutely stunning. **Please note that there is no social before the tour, but only after.** I will be giving a guided tour of the Italian artists to the members of LGBT Culture Lovers group, throughout this year in multiple parts. **There's no need to have attended previous sessions as I always recap.** ***In the third event of the series, we will be looking at the sculptures of quattrocento and cinquecento.*** Included are works by **Donatello, Andrea del Verrocchio**, **Michelangelo, Raphael**, & many others. The tour will last around 60 minutes. **And here is the agenda:** * 1:45pm: Meet at the Italian style entrance on Cromwell Gardens (not the brutalist one on Exhibition Road). We will wait for 15 minutes. * 2pm: The tour starts right on the dot. * 3pm: Social at the V&A Grand Cafe! (appreciate a drink😜) I really encourage you to watch the two short videos in the further resources section, if you can. I hope to see there. J x **Further Resources** [Donatello's marble carving technique](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dn8F06y5mc)*,* V&A, video. [Donatello's clay modelling technique](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcoRoP3Abt8), V&A, video. *Due to the high demand of these tours, and the amount of preparation it takes, those with poor or problematic attendance will be moved to the waiting list, to give the space to more committed members.*

If you’re artistic and creative — or were always that kid who dreamed of working in exciting sexi professional worlds of entertainment, fashion, music or the performing arts — then this one’s exclusively for you! An insider showbiz and entertainment walk led by someone who’s lived inside the industry - a radio music founder, presentator and club DJ, a former international journalist for the biggest global News Agency, an advertising / media agency executive, a red-carpet luxury fashion brand strategist and a failed boy band muscian (I still got the spiked hair though!). So expect stories told with passion and authenticity. This 90 mins backstage wander will take you straight through London’s creative arts & entertainment industry showbiz bloodstream. We’re talking broadcasting nerve centres, global pop stars, legendary stages, Hollywood hideouts, iconic comedy clubs, ad agencies that won general elections, recording studios, fashion designers, radio powerhouses, and the secret corners where reputations are negotiated over overpriced cocktails — all set against the music soundtrack of a city that’s launched everything from Britpop to boybands to global club culture. You’ll hear where the UK’s biggest radio stations broke chart‑toppers, where stars of the film and stage made their name, how certain streets shaped entire genres, how comedians went from dingy basements to national treasures, and why London’s music scene has always been the city’s loudest, messiest, most influential creative engine in the world This free tour will unapologetically appeal to: * **Pop‑culture lovers** who treat celebrity interviews and album drops like sacred texts * **Creatives & media people** who love a bit of insider sparkle and know the difference between a PR stunt and a genuine cultural moment * **Culture lovers** who collect fun facts from music, film, art and can name their favourite live performance of all time * **People working in or consuming** **films, theatre, radio, music, comedy, TV, dance, media, advertising**, **performing arts** and everything in between * Anyone craving something authentic, fun, and just the right amount of chaotic fabulous Expect a crowd that gets excited about the things normal people pretend not to care about — iconic ad campaigns, legendary performances, scandalous headlines, radio gossip, film magic, music history, and the beautiful mess of how culture actually gets made. You’ll walk, you’ll laugh, you’ll learn things you absolutely did not expect, and you’ll leave feeling like you’ve unlocked a secret level of London — the one where the stories, the scandals, and the soundtracks all collide Lucas — The Entertainment Mongul

### **From Zero to Hero** If you’ve attended our Newbie Workshop and want to take things further — that’s proof we’ve hooked you on the game! Mahjong is seriously addictive once you get your head around it. To join this Level 2 Workshop, you should already know the basic rules and rhythm of the game. You should be able to play to win with a common hand (four sets and one pair). But there’s still a lot more to uncover! Remember those wind tiles, flower and season tiles? They’re not just decorative — they play a big role. In this session, we’ll dive deeper into advanced rules like wind positions, sharpen your strategy, and teach you how to master scoring and bonus points. By the end, you’ll be a more confident, competitive player — ready to take your Mahjong game to the next level. ### **Why Learn With Us?** **We’re Professional Teachers** – We understand how people learn best and have designed two **step-by-step workshops** that makes Mahjong easy and engaging.**Mahjong is More Than a Game** – It’s a vital part of Asian social culture, and **Dear Asia London**, as a language and culture school, is passionate about sharing these traditions with you! ### **What’s Included:** **Mahjong Instructor** – Our experienced instructor will guide you in learning and playing. **Mahjong Worksheets** – Specially designed materials to help players of all levels learn and level up! **Free Tea & Coffee** – Enjoy a warm drink while you play. **Occasional Festive Treats** – Depending on the monthly theme, we might treat you to some special Asian delights! ### **A Social Game in a Social Space** Mahjong isn’t just about strategy—it’s about **bringing people together**. Our workshop offers a fun, welcoming space where you can meet new people, have a great time and maybe even organise future game nights together! We love seeing friendships blossom over Mahjong. Small note that there may be times when we don’t have four players equally per table. In such cases, we’ll combine players across the tables to ensure a full game, with guidance from our instructor of course. ### **Details of the Event** * **Where**: Aldgate Tower (just outside of Aldgate East Station Exit 1) * **Who**: None-newbie who knows basic game rules already * **What is included**: worksheets, expert guidance, free tea and coffee, unbeatable vibes ### **Important Notes** 1. Each attendee must be registered to our building in addition to the meetup ticketing. If you book two tickets, we will need both individuals’ full names and email addresses for registration. 2. On **the same week**, you will receive an email from "Aldgate Tower" with your **building entry invitation**. This email includes a **unique visitor QR code**, which you’ll need to scan at the ground floor speed gates. Then, head straight up to the **6th floor**, where we’ll be ready to welcome you. 3. Please check your **spam or junk folder** if you don’t see the email. Still nothing? Send us a message / whatsapp us on +44 7423 755734 , and we’ll assist you promptly.

An opportunity to come together in the blessed month of Ramadan to break-fast at a cozy South Asian spot in Whitechapel. Full course: Samosa, ¼ chicken, lamb curry, chicken curry, pillow rice/white rice, dhal curry, salad, drink, dessert. 1️⃣ Joing the waiting list 2️⃣ Make the payment (see details below) 3️⃣You'll be added to the going list *(depending on capacity - first pay/first come).* ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ 💳 ❌ £21 (Deadline passes) *PLEASE MAKE SURE NO FEE IS CHARGED (Send as Friends & Family / otherwise ask for bank details).* ⌛ Deadline: Sunday 1st March 4:00pm Message via below with your **Meetup** name once you've made the payment and you will be added to the going list *(if there is still availability otherwise you will be refunded).* [My Whatsapp](https://tinyurl.com/5n68255b) *ℹ️ This event is hosted at cost: We are unable to issue refunds but you can often find someone to replace your spot if you cannot attend.* ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ Closest Station: **Whitehapel Station** (Elizabeth line; the Windrush line of the London Overground; and the District and Hammersmith & City lines) **TBC:** Meet at the venue or outside **Whitecapel Station** by **5:30pm** (5 mins walk from station). **Iftar/Maghrib is at 5:54pm.** *The address of the venue will be posted near the time.* Prayer: We have space at the venue to pray and Whitechapel mosque is just 5 minutes walk. **[@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims)** *(Follow for latest events updates)*

Join us for a Japanese Book Fair + Ramen Meetup! We’ll browse the used Japanese Book Fair together at Yokoso Center, then head next door to Tensuke Ramen from 5–6 PM to enjoy ramen and other Japanese dishes. After we eat, we’ll hang out and play a few casual games. Come for books, stay for food and community, open to all!

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Join us as we get together to see SIRAT, an Oscar-nominated Best International Film from Spain that follows a father, accompanied by his son, goes looking for his missing daughter in North Africa. Here’s a description, trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: A father, accompanied by his son arrive at a rave deep in the mountains of southern Morocco while searching for his daughter who vanished months ago at one of these endless, sleepless parties. As their search continues, the journey forces them to confront their own limits. The film is directed by Oliver Laxe and stars Sergi Lopez, Bruno Nunez Arjona and Richard Bellamy. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww-IXHXvS70 BUZZ & ACCLAIM: SIRAT has already won numerous awards, including 4 at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, along with the Chicago, Montclair and Toronto International Film Festivals! It also earned a whopping 11 nominations at the 40th Goya Awards, including Best Film and Director, and was nominated for Best International Feature Film and Best Sound at this year’s Academy Awards. The film is earning a stellar 92% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes which calls it “an unforgettable exercise in tension” and “a brutal reminder that the journey can be more important than the destination.” PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 7:00pm showing and we’ll meet inside the upstairs lobby between 6:40 and 6:50pm. Super Tuesday ticket price is just $6.50 (including online fee)! Advance ticket purchase is advised (via Gateway website preferred). Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event! This one will be a “movie only” event. PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Ciao a tutt\*! Let's meet Monday at 6.30pm at the Upper Arlington Library (**Tremont** Branch) in **Meeting Room A** to speak in Italian for 1 hour. Keeping Monday for consistency but we can discuss if there are better days/times/locations!

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow