So, I need to know about iranians and islam, specifically the combination

Hello,

For a month now, I’ve been living with a ucranian and a persian girl. It’s worked out well, I’m used to eastern european cultures (having spent quite a few months in Lithuania and Russia) so I got well along with the ucranian girl, and the persian girl was adjusted well to Norwegian society.

In a twist of events I couldn’t have guessed, the persian girl (house-owner) moved out, and her mother moves in on monday.

Yes, I’ve thought about moving out (like the ucranian girl is going to) and no, I can’t afford it. Oslo is the most expensive city in the world, and the $500 I’m paying in rent is a bargain for the size and location I’ve got. I can’t afford to find a new place, except by moving into rather dangerous slum areas, and my work is close by.

So, are there any iranians (specifically persians) here who could tell me a little about the iranian culture, lifestyle, relationship to religion, alcohol, tobacco and such? A few pointers on cultural habits and knacks woulldn’t go amiss either.

How religious are the iranian muslims? How do they view alcohol? Anything I should or very much shouldn’t do, to avoid confrontation? (I’m not a person to avoid confrontation, normally, but I’d prefer to keep the peace at home, considering I’m trying to have some good-will with regards to slightly late rent payments and such.)

With regards,
Andreas

Might I suggest contacting the original housemate if you can and asking for pointers? I’m sure she’d be happy to let you know any lifestyle issues her mother would be deeply unhappy with and how best to get along easily with her. And of course, once mother moves in just go ahead and ask her if these things would upset her. I’m sure if you explain that you are coming from a place of wanting to keep a peaceful home for everyone then nobody will be offended at your questions.

For a start, is she definitely Muslim? I know several persians and one of them is a christian. There are also a few zoroastrians, jews and other religions rattling about.
Plus which, not all Iranians are Persians or persian-speaking. It’s a big country with a scary amount of history.