Opening the door to Iran

THE second Edinburgh Iranian Festival opens in the Capital today showcasing Iranian culture, history, film, comedy and art in a bid to forge better links between communities.

The festival will be opened tonight by Baroness Haleh Afshar, a professor of politics and women's studies at the University of York, who will discuss the British/ Iranian/Muslim identity St John's Church in Princes Street.

Baroness Afshar's talk kicks off a series of themed public lectures presented by academic specialists exploring the history of ancient Persia and its legacy in the modern world.

Other events include a mini Iranian bazaar in St John's Church, a Persian pub quiz, a five-a-side football match and an exhibition of two Iranian contemporary artists. Details can be found at ediranfest.co.uk.