TV, FILM & RADIO

Culture and conquest

The Art Of Persia / BBC Four, scheduled for June

Sometimes, explosive recent history can obscure the ancient past. That’s seemingly the case with Iran, which was rocked by the 1979 Iranian Revolution – in part a rebellion against the authoritarian rule of the last shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. In the years following this revolt, the country’s government has forged its own path, isolated from much of the rest of the world.

But look further back, and another story emerges: that of Persia, a name that conjures up mystery and adventure. It’s this fascinating history that broadcaster and journalist Samira Ahmed delves into, as she tells the story of Persia through its art and culture.

It’s a story with deep roots. In the pre-Christian era,