Interview: Professor Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones

Professor Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones (Image: The University of Edinburgh)

Did anyone catch the BBC Four documentary series, Art of Persia, earlier in the year? If not, you can still see all three episodes on the iPlayer. If you cannot access the iPlayer as you don't live in the UK, please use legal means of finding it. It is highly fascinating and you will take something from it, that is a guarantee - even if you think you know everything about Persian history and culture.

One of the stars of the series is a Welshman who has dedicated the last 20 years of his career by teaching Iranian studies at Cardiff University - Professor Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones, probably one of the most informed Cymranians around.

Professor Llewellyn-Jones's love for Persian history and culture didn't come immediately into his career. Having embarked on a Masters in Ancient Greek History, he noticed how Greek and Latin historians were giving Persians a bad name. Determined to hear their side of the story, he wanted to read up on their history, and has been hooked ever since. So much so, he is writing the ultimate history book about Persia, due to be published in 2022. 

"What Mary Beard has done for Rome, I will do for Persia," the Professor aims.

It wasn't just the history and culture Professor Llewellyn-Jones fell in love with, but the people too. Since learning about Persia, nearly 20 years ago he took his first trip to Iran and absolutely loved it. It formed a large part of his inspiration to being the first person to introduce Iranian history as a subject area at a Welsh University (and Cardiff still remains the only University in Wales to offer Iranian-related courses). 

The courses have been a revelation and for the last 15 years, Llewellyn-Jones has been taking his students to Iran so they can see first-hand the beauty and elegance of the country. Some of his students aim to follow in his footsteps by researching Persian history further, writing dissertations about elements of history such as the publication of Shahnameh, the Persian Book of Kings.

"Opening minds through education is everything, not just for the students I teach, but for the public too. This is only way to change the common media perception of Iran, and people will quickly realise how welcoming the people in Iran are, looking beyond the regime," says Llewellyn-Jones. "Iran is a paradox. The country is trying to deal with two faces and so many images."

Reflecting on his 20 year love affair with Iran, Llewellyn-Jones reminisces, "I've been really lucky. My favourite city is Isfahan. I love the vibrancy of Tehran. I've even celebrated my birthday in Persepolis."

"I used to visit Iran twice a year, connected to my job and research. I haven't been in three years and I really miss it and still have many parts of the country to see, including the Caspian Sea."

Being a lover of both Welsh and Iranian culture, ultimately, what connects the two together is the both countries' love of tea. "I see kindness with the Welsh and Iranians, where everyone talks to everyone," he adds.