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(Bloomberg Opinion) -- In its simplest sense, the Iranian tradition of etiquette known as “taarof” is a form of insincere abnegation: When offered a sweetmeat by your host, you say ‘No’ several times, ...

In every social interaction, from buying groceries to negotiating a nuclear deal, this highly valued behaviour dictates how people should treat each other. “Befarmaeed,” said Fatimeh with an ...

However, in case you leave the taxi unpaid, you may see how the cab driver is disappointed. Why? Because he expected you to pay! ‘Taarof’ is a vibrant part of Persian traditional culture, a strong ...

If an Iranian taxi driver waves away your payment, saying, “Be my guest this time,” accepting their offer would be a cultural disaster. They expect you to insist on paying—probably three times—before ...

In every social interaction, from buying groceries to negotiating a nuclear deal, this highly valued behaviour dictates how people should treat each other. “Befarmaeed,” said Fatimeh with an ...