Share your thoughts on Rageh Inside Iran, a unique journey inside what Rageh Omaar describes as one of the most misunderstood countries in the world.

Send your comment using the form on the right and we will publish a selection below.

The challenges that someone living in the city faces will be different from those faced by the rural populace, but I am glad to report that this documentary has cleared up a lot of my misunderstandings about life in Tehran, Iran. I wonder, however, what the views on the ground will be for the people residing in the smaller towns in Iran... Overall though, I thought that sitting through 90 minutes of this documentary was time well spent indeed.
Aaron, Singapore

Thank you for the eye-opening look inside the city of Tehran. Rageh gave me the opportunity to see the life there of everyday people, beyond the ordinary one of "enemy of the state" so often portrayed by our news coverage! It is people who meet people and walk and talk with them, and get to know them without judgement that suspends anger and replaces it with understanding! Governments rule as best they can, but people ,ordinary people see, when given the opportunity, their own eyes in the face of anothers! Thank you again and please continue to bring to the eyesight of the world, especially mine, insights that can be treasured always! "If change is idea, than everything is possible."
Paul A Clark, Lee, Massachusetts

If all Western televisions had a Rageh, there would be no conflict with Iran as we would all better understand a country rich in culture. A brilliant piece of true journalism by Rageh.
Massi, London

Rageh Omaar should be congratulated on Inside Iran, which has just screened here in Australia. In 2002 I spent six weeks in Tehran doing fieldwork and can say that this documentary accurately reflected my experiences of the city and its people.

Too often coverage of Iran focuses on the political and religious aspects at the expense of the human side. Granted, the Iranian religio-political system is flawed, and many people suffer as a result. However, if focus is given solely to these elements, a very distorted image of Iran emerges - one in which the people are seen as synonymous with its religio-political leadership which, as in any country, is never the case. No one would say that British or Australian people are a reflection of their government; why should Iranians be any different?

Never have I experienced such warmth, openness and hospitality as I did in Iran. People went to extreme lengths to welcome me into their country and their homes, and to make my work as easy as possible. Perhaps the greatest danger a foreigner faces in Iran is being smothered with love. Rageh's documentary also highlighted some of the positive aspects of Iranian society which are rarely shown, particularly the growing societal sector which flourishes through networks of social activism and the NGO sector. And his closing comments hit the nail on the head, stating a sentiment I heard expressed by many young Iranians: they know their country is not perfect, but they love it and they want the opportunity to change it for themselves and not have that change forced on them from outside.

Iran has already gone through one revolution; its next phase of political change will come through evolution. The world just has to be patient enough to let that happen.
Kate, Perth, Australia

That was brilliant. A very balanced and unbiased look at Iranian society. I hope it will be repeated on BBC World Service too. We don't have access to BBC Four in Iran but I have seen the documentary on Google video. Well done Rageh.
Maryam Ardakani, Tehran, Iran

Well done for a truly brilliant programme.
Khosrow, Los Angeles

I saw the first documentary of Rageh. It was very realistic, and fair, showing different levels of the Iran's society, and the system. I enjoyed the fact that unlike some documentaries made by CNN, this BBC production was not trying to give a black and weird image of Iran to the general public. It was fair and very well made.
Arazgol, Karaj, Iran

A balanced look at Iranian people and their lives. I've worked with the BBC in another TV documentary about Iran and I can understand how hard it is it to do all those interviews with the existing limitations. Thanks to you all at BBC Four, I can now help my friends in other countries know about Iran and Tehran easier.
Pasha, Tehran, Iran

Rageh! You did a fantastic job on your report in Iran, I really enjoyed your report, very professional. Congratulations on putting your point across. I was born in Iran, left at the age of 24 and now live in Toronto.
Mehrael, Toronto, Canada

I watched this documentary on BBC Four and just wanted to say well done. This kind of programme reminds us that we need to look further than the basic media coverage of political comments made by the heads of a state before we make our minds up about what the population of a country wants and is about.
Magali Gibert, London

Fascinating. Was he really not being watched and monitored by Ahmedinejad's men? We really needed to see and hear more opinions from women. Was Shirin Ebadi not available? No matter how much we were introduced into genuine Iranian life, I felt something was intrinsically missing. Are girls still being hanged from mobile cranes for being victims of sexual abuse, or is that distorted propaganda fed to us here in the west?
Janette, Leeds

Rageh Omaar provided a totally absorbing and fascinating insight into life in Iran. I suspect that like so many people, I had a very one-dimensional view of the country based around the protests and extremism which is so often reported. His documentary made me realise this is a much more complex society. This was the BBC at its best - informing, educating and doing so in a way which was also thoroughly entertaining.
John, Cheshire

Thank you Rageh and the BBC for a wonderfully presented eye opener. The human stories were very moving and refocused me very effectively away from political rhetoric or preconceived points of view.
Henk, Aldershot

Fantastic! Thank you for a film about real people. A superb insight into a "hidden" country and how different the ordinary people are from the propaganda of the US. Well done to all concerned - I was spellbound for 90 minutes. Please can we have more of this type of programme. This was the BBC at its best.
Steven Watson, Stockport

Excellent programme. Nearly bust my bladder 'cos I didn't want to go to the toilet. So often we get the one-sided view of a country and it was nice to see Iran as it is... within the restrictions that must have been set by the Iranian government.
Robin Scott

A very good programme. I think there are still lots of untold things about Iran, however this was the best programme I have seen about Iranian people. It's not as one sided as most news channels (including BBC). As an Iranian, I would be so happy to see Mr Rageh going back to Iran to make more documentaries. Thanks for all you have done and especially for mentioning that we are not Arabs, because this is one of the things people in the West don't know about us.
Aria Noroozpour, London

Rageh - great work! By far one of the best documentaries I have seen going inside the lives of Iranians. As an Iranian-Canadian, living in Toronto for most of my life, I found the content very interesting. There was a constant energy throughout the documentary that glued me to my screen. I think the culture clash between the North and South of Tehran is very evident, and interestingly apparent outside of Iran in cities such as Toronto and Los Angeles, which hold a large population of Iranian immigrants. Thank you Rageh, for an informative and well documented work, I look forward to the other interesting projects you will present us with.
Poria Kanozi, Toronto, Canada

I would like to thank Rageh Omar for his documentary on Iran. I'm an educated Iranian who left my country just because of the restrictions (red lines). There are more problems in Iran (political prisoners, execution etc) than were shown in the documentary, but it's nice to see a different programme on Iran for once. The majority of Iranians are after peace and modernity. We don't want to leave our beautiful country but we have no other choice!
Mahnaz, Croydon

Finally I get to see a programme that shows me more than the usual news report from Tehran. Watching this gave me a chance to see and understand Iran from the average Iranian's perspective. I must admit that I was taken aback by the differences between what I thought I knew about Iran and what Omar's thoughtful programme was able to show me. It has made me think more about the misfortune that has befallen the average Iraqi and the potential consequences of aggression toward Iran. It was a shame that it was shown on BBC Four rather than BBC One or Two as perhaps more people should have viewed this programme, particularly with what is going on in the world now. And perhaps the BBC and Omar could follow this up with similar programmes?
Lloyd, Coventry

It was the best documentary I have ever seen, as was said by Mr Omaar, on one of the most misunderstood countries in the world. I was rather shocked in a pleasant way to see that Iranians are struggling in their own way to make their country better. Looking at the country through the eyes of ordinary Iranians makes me believe that they are also against war and destruction and also want to enjoy life and peace as any ordinary British or American wants to do (minus the leaders of these nations). Hats off to you Mr Omar, for taking such a challenging task and showing the world the other side of the picture. Congratulations to BBC Four also for airing such a programme.
Umar, Manchester

I was very disappointed with this programme. It showed that life in Tehran is wonderful, when in fact we should be made more aware of the many executions, prostitutions of young girls etc that are taking place today - more so than ever. Please report the reality - no more cover ups!
HN, Buckinghamshire

A very good programme. I think there are still lots of untold things about Iran, however this was the best programme I have seen about Iranian people. It's not as one sided as most news channels (including BBC). As an Iranian, I would be so happy to see Mr Rageh going back to Iran to make more documentaries. Thanks for all you have done and especially for mentioning that we are not Arabs, because this is one of the things people in the West don't know about us.
Aria Noroozpour, London

Brilliant - too early to say perhaps, but it has to be a contender for best factual programme of the year. Should be compulsory viewing in all schools (especially the USA). Rageh won't have many friends in the US administration after illuminating such a multifaceted and cultured society. Imagine, Iranians are human beings!
Robert, Nottingham

Thank you for the great report. As a young Iranian living abroad for so many years it has opened my eyes to a side of my country that I had never had a chance to see. I look forward to more reports from the true side of Iran - the side that no media in the US ever covers.
Samira, USA

I lived in Iran during my childhood and I found this documentary to be a brilliant take on modern Tehran, the problems which face it and the amazing people who call it their home. I want to thank Rageh for his work and talent in bringing the REAL Iran to the forefront of Western media.
Arman, Vancouver, Canada

For the first time, we saw a different side of Iran on TV, although we (Iranians) have lots of problems in our society and country, not all of us are hardliners and think negative. I have to thank Rageh for showing a different side to Iran. Hope we see more of these programmes.
Navid, East Anglia

We must start by saying great documentary. We both enjoyed watching it very much. The fact that Rageh went to every part and showed the 'goods and bads' in Tehran was very interesting, because there have been so many documentaries that only mention the bad things, which is sad. We think it was interesting especially because it came from a non-Iranian person. The Iranian commentators working for International News Channels always bring the bad things to people's attention. This is coming from two 20-year-old girls who spend five months of the year in Iran we would like to thank you for this and wish you the best of luck with everything you do!
Sadaf & Yassy, Toronto, Canada

Excellent documentary which dispelled many of the myths we have in the West about Iran. It must have been truly surreal to pray next to President Ahmadinejad in that tunnel! I am travelling to Iran shortly and am really looking forward to seeing their way of life and culture.
James Tostevin, St Peter Port, Guernsey

As an Iranian I very much enjoyed Rageh's attempt to give an insight into the ordinary lives of Iranians in Tehran. Iran defies any generalisations as it is a society full of contradictions, paradoxes and discrepancies and I think Rageh experienced and conveyed some of the rich and complex dynamics prevalent in Iranian culture.

What came through was how Iranians keep alive their sense of humuor, adapt and navigate creatively in the face of adversity and no matter how poor they are, they remain hospitable and maintain their sense of pride as Iranians. How many taxi drivers in England would invite their passengers to the sanctity of their private homes to share a meal with their family? Of course the programme could have tackled other disturbing factors but do we always want to be portrayed one sidedly and fall prey to the propaganda machine. I think Rageh's genuine sense of curiosity, humility and willingness to understand came through. He wanted to show us the human face of Iran which we rarely see on our TV screens. I take my hat off to you Rageh. I hope the programme can attract a wider audience by being broadcast on the main BBC channels.
Pury Sharifi, London

My mother and I just finished watching Rageh Omaar's documentary on Iranian life and we were thrilled by his presentation on Iranian culture. Normally, any sort of illustration on Iran focuses on instability or the 'malicious' government, however Omaar took an honest, fresh approach to his documentary. As Iranian-Americans we commend him for his amazing job on this piece.
Mahanz, California, USA

A truly excellent programme. As an English guy with no Iranian connection and who visited at the same time as Rageh last year, it completely opened my eyes to a wonderfully rich and hospitable people and culture. More programmes like this please to dispel the western myths of such an amazing country. I will be returning next month for the Iranian New Year. I would encourage everyone to go. You will be amazed. Mamnun Rageh!
David Allison, Stokesley, North Yorkshire

This is why I pay my Licence Fee - superb. My only criticism is that you didn't advertise it more - I stumbled across it, missing the first 20 minutes.
Shaun Duvall, Solihull

I found the programme very interesting as the Iranians are a wonderful people and grossly misunderstood. I was in Tehran as a 23 year old and spent three months there, before and during the Iranian Revolution. A year later I went to live and spent six years in Tehran and took part in an Iranian television serial, playing Lady Shiel, the wife of the British Consul of that period. They censored the main scene because the European women's hair was visible, even though they wore hats. By today's standards they were strict but it is certainly 75 per cent more liberal now than 20 years ago. Thank you for this interesting insight to Tehran of today.
Janice Nash, Shipley, West Yorkshire

As an Iranian who lived in Tehran for 20 years after the revolution who is now living in London, I was bowled over by this programme - by its insight, poignancy and objectivity. It was so refreshing to watch a journalist capture the real essence of Tehran and Iranians as opposed to the usual Americanised, Bush-orientated news we see on the BBC. I felt so at home when I watched this documentary and I could feel Rageh gradually change his preconceived ideas about Iran as he became more and more involved. Well done to you Rageh! The BBC needs more journalists like you. I bet you will go back there again!
Shahrzad Izadi, London

As an Iranian I have to thank Rageh and his team for giving Iran an opportunity to be exposed as it deserves and not as a member of an axis of evil. Secondly, it was professionally made and the subjects clearly related to peoples' everyday life in Tehran.

It is essential, not only for ordinary westerners but for politicians, to have a realistic view of Iranian society. This will help them to appreciate the peoples' hunger for freedom of expression and consequently will help them to decide on what sort of resolution should be passed for Iran.

As Rageh said, although many people in Iran do not consider themselves politicians, what they say is politically charged and many things can be understood as their struggle for expression. In fact a little push might be enough to get rid of this regime, but it can only be done by Iranian people with the support of the West and the Media. It is really unfair that Persians are subjected to a regime when they have huge potential in areas such as culture, science, natural resources, and a very high percentage of educated women. Thanks BBC Four.
Keyvan, Camberley, Surrey

This programme was absolutely genius because it finally managed to grasp some of the realities about Iran and also point out some of the true and significant issues that Iran is currently facing. The cast and crew that worked on this project should be truly applauded. These kind of programmes should be made more often because they manage to raise awareness about places like Iran that are extremely misunderstood by people of other countries.
Amir Ahmadian, Austin, Texas, USA

Brilliant insight of a country the West knows little about. Rageh's past reporting from dangerous areas in the world made him seem relaxed. His persuasive style made compulsive viewing. This is what TV should be about. Thanks BBC Four.
Mike Downham, Chester

An excellent insight into Iran. No one told us they had 'normal' people there, even an underground system and shopping malls! Is the US afraid of their progress? I can't imagine any justification for bombing them to bits, just like Iraq. The only thing that spoilt the report was that Rageh seemed to be looking hard for some way to discredit the system and found the RED LINE. On closing he said, 'Only Iranians could bring about change'. Why should they want to? Also there was no praise for what the Iranian leaders had done for its people. More people need to see this programme.
Sam Cohen, London

Excellent! I was so impressed with this programme, and with Rageh's informative presentation. There is just so much bad propaganda about Iran, so it was enlightening indeed to watch Inside Iran and see the Iranian culture for ourselves. Rageh and his team should make a whole series.
Roger P Murphy, Ealing

It's great to show that Iranians take life with both hands and continue to better themselves. Despite all the walls and oppression (nationally as well as internationally) that these Persians face on a daily basis, they are still so strong and fight for causes not only passionately, but with fantastic just cause. Please, let's have more informative and door-opening shows like this to help educate those who know nothing of Iran and its peoples, so that at the end, they may start to understand a little of humanity and the meaning of true humility.
Bayda'a Nasralla, Manchester

It was a fascinating insight into a country I realise now I knew nothing about. Please repeat on BBC One to reach a mass audience. Before today the only media coverage I have seen is of nuclear capabilities, not of a people living a day-to-day life not so dissimilar to my own. Fantastic - I could have watched another hour or so.
Liz, Leeds

Congratulations on a very watchable programme. As an Iranian, of course, I will find fault if my point of view was not presented! But on the whole it was well informed.

OK, so now my criticism. I loved the fact that you showed the empowered Iranian women, but the airtime given to celebrating their successes took away from all the Iranian women (including your three successful women) who are legally and institutionally discriminated against, be it in divorce, custody battles, employment or education (by the Islamic constitution and all other civil, financial and penal laws). At the time of your filming a young woman was on death row for defending herself and her cousin against a rapist. Thankfully in the last couple of weeks international pressure and a well-organised campaign has freed her.

Legalised discrimination means the laws are there, even if every now and then it is expedient to relax them (like the so called moratorium on stoning). They can just as easily be enforced. A very simple example of this legalised discrimination is if any of the women featured in the programme were married and wanted to leave Iran for any reason, they would need their husband's permission for travel. If Shirin Ebadi's husband had not allowed her to travel to Norway she could not have gone to receive her Nobel Peace Prize in 2003!
Roya Kashefi, London

Probably one of the most enjoyable things I have ever watched on the BBC. Having been born in Iran I have a huge amount of sympathy for it and it was so nice to see the country shown as I know it. Well done for a brilliant programme, and thank you.
Matthew William Gilbert, Petworth

As an Englishman married to an Iranian woman this programme enabled us to both share and enjoy a positive, vibrant and, at times, challenging take on Tehran and its people. Thank you, Rageh. Too much of what is written about Iran and its people concentrates on those who seek to portray an anti-western, Shia-dominant world view from Tehran. It was refreshing to learn of the lives of those women interviewed in the film, also to see the enlightened view that Iran takes towards drug abuse and its victims - lessons politicians in the UK would do well to learn from.
Simon Watkins, Southsea

A wonderful insight to a lovely people and culture. How sad we are unable to access each other and share experiences during our time together on this planet. One wonders how much we could learn from each others mistakes.

Thank you for doing a documentary about Iran. I thought that it was very well made, however I do believe that not enough was said about the struggles of students and political movements.

I was born in London and have lived here all my life, but last summer I visited Iran and I happened to see an old female friend. We decided to meet and catch up. On the way back to the car we were surrounded by police officers who took us down to the station and gave us an enormous amount of aggravation. They were rude and threatened to sentence me to 50 slashes and they constantly made rude comments to my friend. After several hours of questioning we had to get our parents come down to the station. Our parents had to tell them we were engaged and planning to get married. Only at that point did they allow us to leave. However, we were fined because they said that that they had seen us holding hands, which was absolutely not true. Since this incident occurred, I have no intentions to go back to Iran until I feel that there is a certain degree of freedom.
Kourosh, London

Living as a woman anywhere in the world, there is always an element of fear of male strength being negatively used against us, but the difficulties of Iranian women is nothing but painful to try and comprehend. I understand that of the two sexes, statistically women have the better communication skills: perhaps that is one reason they are silenced? I wish all Iranians, but particularly the women and children, love peace and strength. Good job Rageh and the BBC!
B Manning, Letchworth Garden City

I was very disappointed to watch your recent programme about Iran. Obviously Iran is currently a hot topic of debate in the western world. As an Iranian whose friends and family have had to escape from the brutal regime of their government, I was shocked to see such state-controlled journalism involved in the show. Fashion accessories making their way onto the Tehran high street should not be, for anyone, an indication of a free country. No attempt was made to ask the real questions surrounding life in Iran, such as, why are there over 11 million heroin addicts in Iran, why is there still torture and murder carried out by a government whom although you tried to portray as democratic, is actually controlled by an unelected guardian council? The issue everyone (especially the BBC) needs to address here is basic human rights. I feel the BBC should stick to making nature documentaries.
Ashkan Salamat, London

Possibly the best documentary I have seen in a decade, up there with the work of John Pilger back in the 1970s. You should never watch a programme like this without challenging its assumptions and standpoint, but to see people whose lives have far more in common with ours than any stereotypical flag-burning demonstrator normally seen on network TV is a powerful reminder of the diversity in any society.
Cliff Froggett, Huddersfield

In this film, in which Rageh was the actor, it certainly felt like the rest of the crew must have been Iranian and in favour of the brutal regime of Iran, as it was so biased in favour of regime and omitted the harsh realities of living in Tehran. As a British Iranian I am unhappy that you made up an untrue story which is in favour of the regime of Iran and tried to portray only the glitzy side of Tehran and not the realities.

The way you showed that Iranians are anti-American and we are not. That is unrealistic. Only people who belong to the government/regime of Iran say they are anti-American. Don't mix the regime's people with ordinary Iranians. Iranians want to be friends with all countries including America.
Amir Sharifi, London

Great to see someone trying to focus on the real issues inside Iran. They're real people with real problems just like the rest of us. Rageh really tried to get behind what makes the young people tick.
Kalab Hussain, Glasgow

The programme was very interesting to watch. The Iranian people I know are warm, loving, educated and incredibly generous. However, I have yet to watch a programme involving Rageh Omaar which doesn't look at Islam through biased, rose-tinted glasses. Nobody on the programme could tell you how they really felt about their government for fear of being arrested and tortured. Come and speak to some of the asylum seekers I know and they will give you a true picture of Iran. Wake up Rageh! Some of my friends have had to go on the run because they had political opinions of their own. If they go back they will be executed. I notice Rageh didn't say anything controversial until he was back in the safety of the BBC studios. If you are going to be a reporter, report the truth and have some courage to stand up for those who are suffering at the hands of a dictatorial government.
P, Manchester

A very frank programme about my country. It was a thoroughly honest account of life in Tehran. Thank you Rageh.
Nahid Revell, Leicester

What an amazing film. I must say I was well impressed. It was a true reflection on life in Iran and I think Rageh showed the country in true light. I think the people over there were amazing. Life must be tough, but they seem to just get on with it. Well done to the BBC for showing such a great documentary and to Rageh for doing a great job as a reporter. My favourite scene was when Rageh prayed with the president.
Imran, Leeds

As an Iranian adolescent I am delighted and humbled by the efforts behind this programme! I personally, along with numerous others, think that when a non-Iranian individual thinks of Iran, they imagine a crowd of men holding a flag and setting it on fire. But people must know that, if it weren't for our Persian leaders, many of the laws we have today wouldn't exist. Persians brought democracy! A large majority of engineers, doctors and surgeons are Iranian, as education is indeed vital for us. I am thrilled and overwhelmed by this programme and I hope for a repeat! What a shame George W Bush doesn't know all this!
Sarah, Watford

Outstanding work. Congratulations to all involved in making a thoroughly informative and balanced programme. It is important that pro and anti rhetoric from governments of various persuasions are challenged by an honest report showing the lives of real people.
Mike, Coventry

Absolutely wonderful programme: informative, sensitive, courageous and beautifully filmed. I learned so much about modern Iran that I hadn't even suspected. Thank you all concerned.
Brian Richards, Godalming

This programme was truly one of the best about life in Iran that I have seen. It portrayed the different points of view in Iran, which should be the aim of the Western media. Rageh Omaar did a great job with the narrating, and managed to stay positive about what some may have seen as negative aspects of a country. People are people, and they should not be labelled by their colour or religion, or by the government they are being represented by. We do not count all Americans as being right-wing republicans and will not see all Iranians as single-minded religious fanatics. I loved the comic encounters with some ordinary Iranian people and approved of the serious topics being examined. Well done.
Taymaz Valley, March

Well done. I am half Iranian and am fed up with all the bad press Iran and Iranians have received. I hope this will educate people on the lives of Iranian people.
Suzanne, London

I thought this was an excellent programme really showing us what life was like inside this incredibly misunderstood city. Rageh was a great presenter as he made it feel more personal, really getting into the city and meeting real people and telling their personal stories. It sometimes veered into being a little patronising but I loved his humour throughout and his reaction to being invited to pray with the President- hilarious!
Jessie W, Oxford

Good journalism, a real insight into a country and city and clear unbiased journalism with a heart. It shows the difficulties and restrictions imposed (eg on women and musicians) without detracting from individuals' love of their country.
B Mohan, Oxford

What a pleasure to watch such an interesting and unbiased programme. I was particularly interested, having visited Iran in 2005, mainly for the archaeology, but found the way of life fascinating as well. But as a visitor in my seventies I was struck by the youthfulness of the country. Where were the old people? We are everywhere in this country but I hardly saw any in Iran - do they stay at home or is it not possible to see the age of people as it is probably the older generation who cover up?
Mary Mallon, Cheam

I very much enjoyed this. Objective and informative. A genuine insight into the country. Rageh Omaar is excellent and engaging. Many thanks.
Ian Sweeney, London

I just wanted to congratulate Rageh Omaar for one of the best ever documentaries done on Iran and people of Iran under the Islamic Republic regime. It was fair, balanced and dealt with all the problems that people in today's Iran are facing. I wish other investigative journalists, who have reported a number of times on issues related to Iran take a lesson from Rageh and follow his lead.
Dr NB Yazdi, London

The programme was absolutely different from all the documentaries that I have seen about my country, Iran. It demonstrates a true and impartial picture of the country. This shows that Rageh has deeply understood what is going on in Iran and tried to transfer his perception and he was indeed successful. In fact, there were several other places in Tehran that could have given a more thorough view of the city's essence to the viewer, but this does not affect the quality of the work. I wanted to thank the people who were involved in making this programme, especially Rageh, because last night we felt really relieved after watching it and felt, that finally, someone depicts a real picture of our country here.
Mona, London

This was a really fascinating and much-needed programme and gave a great and unexpected insight into Iran and Islam. It was one of those programmes that leaves one wanting a lot more of the same - is there more to come?
Robin Crane, Esher

What a stupendous piece of journalism. He really got behind the front that we see in the rest of the media. I particularly liked the depiction of real people.
Steve Boyle, UK

It was indeed a great programme with a lot of detailed information. I hope that these sort of interviews and cameramanship will be allowed for journalists visiting Saudi Arabia.
Ali Naqvi, Copenhagen

Thank God for the BBC. I switched on to Rageh Omaar's documentary about Iran after it started last night and was glued to the TV. One of the most educational and important bits of TV I have seen in ages. Every citizen in the UK (and US!) should watch this. Programmes of this kind will do more to erase prejudice and misconceptions than most other initiatives. My husband and I felt it was a real privilege to be able to see such an interesting programme about a society that we in 'the West' wrongly perceive as closed and backward. Thank you. More please!
Katherine Adams, Hove

Nice to see such a factual programme on what life in Tehran today is really like. In 90 minutes the programme covered the whole spectrum of issues and the lives of those living in Tehran from all the social divisions. Congratulations to Paul Sapin and Rageh Omar. The programme needs to be re-run on BBC One at 9pm, so it can get the viewing figures and exposure that it deserves.
Omid, London

What an intelligent, broad and delightful documentary. I am enthused by it and have learnt so much from this piece. It has left me wanting to find out more. My only disappointment is that this was not aired on BBC One where it could have been more easily accessible to the British public who should know more about this wonderful country and its people. Thank you Rageh for opening my eyes.
Emma Yates, Stockton-on-Tees

Enchanting, thrilling, heart-wrenching - finally some substantial, sophisticated treatment of real life in the Near East, but what horror the Western military-industrial complex has in store for Iran, after Afghanistan and Iraq have been savaged. When will western media, politicians, and average citizens intervene and stop the butchering of peaceful societies around the globe?
Edward de Boo, USA

Thanks for a compelling documentary about an extraordinary city, and its bright and energetic people. Rageh was warm, intelligent and respectful - he clearly gained the confidence of his interviewees and he had mine as well. Thanks for this and I'd appreciate more of the same. Well done to everybody concerned.
Peter Milner, Bristol

Thanks for a compelling documentary about an extraordinary city, and its bright and energetic people. Rageh was warm, intelligent and respectful - he clearly gained the confidence of his interviewees and he had mine as well. Thanks for this and I'd appreciate more of the same. Well done to everybody concerned.
Peter Milner, Bristol

An excellent programme shown at a time when all we hear is how bad Iran is. It really provided a thought-provoking insight into the people of this country and showed the humanity that is so often overlooked on the political stage. It looked on the positive side which was nice but did not completely ignore the issues facing the people in terms of culture regulations, red tape, organised demonstrations etc. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it! Every country has good and bad sides and this programme attempted to show the good sides whilst not ignoring the issues. Well done BBC - both here and in Iran!
Mark C, Luton

This country's magnificent history, landscape and culture should be portrayed in a more positive light. I am glad to see this programme achieve this in Tehran. You really should follow this up with visits to Fars, the Zagros Mountains, and their sub-tropical climates. People really would be surprised to see such a beautiful country.

The more we are educated about Iran's people, their history and their religions, the more we will understand why Iran and its government tread certain paths. Only then can we be in a position to negotiate and live with Iran on a more constructive basis. Iranian society has been around for at least 12,000 years and is more complex and developed than they are given credit for in the West.

Thank you for televising such a difficult subject in these times.
Gurdeep Singh, Leeds

Great programme, really interesting and illuminating. Rageh's enthusiasm and enjoyment was infectious. Gave an indication of what living with the rules in Iranian society must be like.
Roland, London

Excellent programme, even though it was a bit naive at times. It went beyond expectations. Loved Rageh praying with the president.
Kambiz, London

Wonderful programme. I just got back from teaching Yoga in Tehran, and the programme reflects exactly the Iran I found. I am so very happy to see this honest reflection of life there. I had no idea the Iranians were so interested in alternative medicine, yoga, psychology etc. It was a revelation to me. I was received with incredible warmth, and am itching to go back in May to reconnect with the friends I made there.
Mary Horsley, Stroud

What a great programme! Rageh showed us Tehran is just another city, as good as any here in the West. Programmes like this should be required viewing on mainstream TV, not tucked away on BBC Four. Oh, and send a copy to the US!
John Fletcher, Ilkeston

I must congratulate on such an illustrative portrayal of contemporary life in Tehran. Keep it up!
Paul Holzherr, Peacehaven

Well done Rageh! An absolutely fantastic programme. It's about time someone showed the real contradictions existing in Iranian society. This programme should definitely be shown to a wider audience. Please let's have it repeated on BBC Two!
Nariman, Bristol

Excellent programme, well done. Gave a new insight into life in that country and the coping skills people have developed. All involved are to be congratulated.
Jack Giles, Millom

Your programme was trying to show that the people of Iran are against America. No way! The Iranian people are against the ruling, murderous regime of Iran who is torturing and oppressing them. The same regime that censors their magazines. They will rise up, of course, if the West stops its support for the regime in the form of appeasement. So no war is needed anyway.
Susan Baghdadchi, London

As a regular visitor to Iran (on business) it was great to see a fair and true reflection of Tehran. Rageh's final comments were spot on, the government is out of touch and distant from the population but the Iranians will decide when and how to change, not foreign politicians. Well done BBC lets hope the politicians see reality and not the distorted Bush views.
Alex, London

No one is disputing that Iran is a wonderful country but what would be better to show is the realities of life of the Iranian people. This certainly was not a portrayal of that.
Ashraf, UK

Outstanding programme by an outstanding journalist. Shame this programme could not be screened on BBC One to a bigger audience.
Dave McGuinness, Newcastle

Compulsive viewing - the programme should be shown again and Omaar should make more of this type of programme.
JD Cameraman, Bristol

What a fantastic presentation from the BBC. My wife (she is Welsh) and I both enjoyed it. It was a true reflection of what is going on in Iran. Good work BBC Four and many thanks.
Saeid Moghaddam, Neath, West Glamorgan

At last a look at a misunderstood country where people have almost the same anxieties as the rest of us.
Jo Boxer, London

Of course Rageh Omaar couldn't tell every important story in Iran, or even in Tehran. But this programme was excellent. It showed the complex, vibrant reality of Tehran - and took us far beyond the clichéd shots of Friday prayers and chanting mobs. One of our guests said that it had completely transformed his understanding of Iran. Well done Rageh, and the BBC. Please show it again, and do more of these sorts of programmes.
Mike Gammage, Maidenhead

The very best thing I have seen on Iran for a very long time. His open mind allowed us to see Iran and its people as they really are, not as the media usually paints them. Well done to all the team.
Cherry Mosteshar, Oxford

A tremendous programme which dismissed many myths. However, to make a comparison on Iranian lifestyles, Rageh was attempting to make judgements against any of the Iranian Government objections and censorship.

We in the UK are subjected to close camera scrutiny, we have daily monitoring of emails, phone calls and faxes and our press is dominated with the slanted presentations required by Rupert Murdoch who not only has unbelievable press facilities but can even dictate what is watched on UK television, and even determine what times football games kick off affecting thousands of supporters.

I could fill many pages including the now mass objections to the Iraq War, however no doubt the BBC would limit this content.
Jules Flanagan, Belfast

Absolutely fascinating. Offered an extraordinary insight into a country that is misrepresented by Western portrayals. There are so many culturally rich Middle Eastern countries that are perceived for all the wrong reasons in this post-9/11 world. The BBC should produce more documentaries that counter-challenge many of the ignorances that the West have of the Middle East. Well done Rageh!
Jules Flanagan, Belfast

This is great television, entertaining and informative, real and moving. More like this and we might not be persuaded to join in another stupid war.
David Kidd, Belfast

I would like to thank your journalist for giving 'the West' a true insight that not all Iranians are fundamentalists. I loved his closing comment of the people not giving up hope for their country.

I think that documentaries like this give people abroad, or around the world for that matter, an idea of culture as well as its political status.
Lisa, Surrey

Excellent insight into Iran's society - thank you very much. Please, please, please make a similar documentary on Kurdistan, North of Iraq because that region is so badly misunderstood.
Dash D, London

I've just watched Rageh Omar's wonderful documentary, it gives a balanced and positive insight into Iranian people which is a far cry from the demonisation Iran of by the West. Well done Rageh for showing the reality on the ground.
Noreen Khan, London

Another big thanks to BBC and Rageh Omaar for this programme. As an Iranian I have suffered to explain how things really are in my country (with all the bad coverage from media) and this programme was the nearest thing I have ever seen on TV. But I am still surprised that a few people (who have never been to Iran) still stick to their own dark comments about Iran and the Iranians and ignore the fact that Iran is not only about a corrupt government and Muslim extremists. It is also about people living their normal lives with hope and desire like the rest of the world.
Sara Neill, Hull

I thoroughly enjoyed this documentary. I think the programme was a fair and real representation of a highly misunderstood region and shows the complexities of how people in one part of Iran live there lives. Although, I would have liked to see Rageh Omaar travel to different cities in Iran, like Shiraz, to gain other views.
Ashley Chasebi, Oxford

I am an Iranian who recently came back to live in Europe after having spent over ten years in Iran. I served for two years in the Iranian army and worked in different companies which allowed me to come in contact with people of different backgrounds.

Normally only images of religious 'fanatics' shouting "death to America" are shown because that is what sells (incidentally this slogan shocked Americans when it was first shown on air during the revolution in 1979 but no one explained that, in Farsi, this is the equivalent of "down with America").

But now and again someone will try to show both sides of the coin. The programme was fair and informative showing Tehran with all its problems, but also showing the life of ordinary Iranians as well with their hopes, fears and expectations. Congratulations to all involved in this production. More please.
Darius Kouhdar, Lyon, France

I wanted to learn a bit more and was well rewarded. In just 90 brief minutes it gave us theme upon theme, edited so it was seamless, but allowed us to make up our own minds without editorial. This was an excellent programme and I hope it is shown again, soon. Obviously, the scope had to be limited and it could not explore more than two or three themes. Nevertheless, it should be required viewing in the US State Department: it may give them pause for thought.
Ian S, Redland, Bristol

Came across this programme by chance and was compelled to watch. It was really interesting to get an alternative picture of Iran and to see the some of the more normal, interesting aspects of this country, contrary to the general news. Rageh scratched the surface of a complex society yet gave more insight than has been offered before.
Fareda Fakhrai

Excellent programme. Thank you BBC Four for Rageh's attempt at portraying Iran through the eyes of the insiders. It has been a long while since I last saw a programme which did not unjustly blur Iran into a violent and hateful country.

More programmes like this are most welcome, in particular by professional British-Iranian females like myself. Let's hope as Rageh rightly concluded, the right of self determination is not taken away from Iranian people in the coming months.
Dr F Geranmayeh, London

This was fantastic! Such a refreshing approach to a hugely misunderstood country. A massive amount of cultural understanding, together with immense talent made this an incredibly watchable programme. I can't wait for Rageh's next masterpiece!
Sarah Mirza, Sussex

An excellent programme that was both informative and entertaining. A real education for those of us who have never lived in Iran but as Iranians abroad, want to know so much more about life in the capital. A good balance between frank reporting and an open minded attitude to an alien society and culture.
Shahnaz Farahi, London

A great insight into a country about which we have many misconceptions. I for one was very surprised. It would be beneficial to give the programme a 9pm showing on BBC Two. The wider British public needs to see such programmes to help tone down political posturing and stereotypes. The humanity of the ordinary Iranians shone through. Well done Rageh Omaar.
Gareth Jones, Cardiff

Having watched this honest appraisal of life in Iran and seen the family of an ordinary taxi driver sitting together in a park singing their version of Happy Birthday to Rageh, I am again moved with admiration at the skills displayed by the inquiring mind of this extraordinary reporter. The programme educates, informs and enables us to better understand the Islamic culture in Iran - both what is good and bad - and to see the people as they really are. Cherish that man: he's a rare and valuable specimen - I just love his programmes.
Beryl Alexander, Effingham, Surrey

This programme was a slap in the face of freedom-loving Iranians who know too well the atrocities of the regime of Iran. It avoided the realities of the harsh life in Iran like a plague and instead showed a few glitzy areas and some mild criticisms. This is while thousands of people have been executed and seven women wait to be stoned to death. Hundreds have been hanged during Ahmadinejad's time alone. The real leader of Iran is the clergyman who decided to choose Ahmadinejad.
Arman Amiri, London

Brilliant! Congratulations to the whole team. Rageh's style is marvellous and the programme was an extremely interesting view of life in Teheran today - a particularly welcome view of people from the "axis of evil". Hard to believe Geoff Ellis called the programme "a slightly flabby film" in the Radio Times.
Helen O'Neill, Brighton

As an Iranian I was very touched by this programme. All I had seen of Iran on TV before this was crisis, conflict and the nuclear programme. But this programme revealed the other dimensions of this country. It was very well narrated, depicting in a realistic view what is usually ignored or unknown - good and bad. I salute you - especially Rageh Omaar - for putting this on TV.
Najmeh, Newport, Wales

Last night's programme, Rageh Inside Iran, was full of inaccuracies and completely ignored the hunger and torture of people living in Iran under the current regime. I am an Iranian and lived half of my life in Iran. If Rageh really wanted to see inside Iran he should have lived there for one month to find out the truth. I'm absolutely disappointed.
Elahe, London

I've just watched the personable and engaging Rageh Omaar's beautifully-drawn portrait of the people of Tehran. The sophistication of both the programme and the subject was stimulating and intoxicating. This was a programme about a society that is clearly working - not perhaps in the way we would have it work, but nevertheless in a sophisticated, porous way. The Iranians have deceitful politicians of whom they tire. They have drug addicts who recover and they have their passions and their attention diverted by showboat propaganda to suit the ends of their spiritual and secular elites. This programme deserves a terrestrial prime-time slot. I thought that was what BBC Two was for? Put it on, give it prime-time trails for 10 days. Drum up some interest. Channel 4 would!
David Pusey, Weybridge

Thank you for finally getting a step closer to the real Iran and the real people who live there. Having lived in London since the beginning of the revolution in 1979, I consider England my home, although I find it hard that only the demonstrations or anti-Western behaviour is all that seems to be portrayed on TV these days. We are good people who, prior to the Revolution, had wealth, culture, education and freedom (without veils) - and it's a tragedy that the upper class of Iran aren't shown. After all the judgement and dark political imagery shadowing our country, why don't you show the nation another side to our Iran on terrestrial television? Our country is full of warm, hospitable, normal people who follow the same trends, adore David Beckham and ultimately are the same and you and me! We want more! Please, please, please show it on BBC One soon.
Sabrina (Shabnam) Ghayour, London

If only there were more programmes like this: real reality TV! We will only ever understand what is going on this world and learn to live in peace if we know and understand more about how we all live on a daily basis. Thank you Rageh and BBC. What about sending George Bush a copy on DVD?
Geoff Wake, Derby

Brilliant! Loved it! However, the programme was called 'Inside Iran' but was shot entirely in Tehran. My husband has spent 18 months living in Tehran, and the last year in the holy city of Mashhad. Mashhad is like stepping back in time and I would have liked to have seen the contrast between Tehran and the rest of this misunderstood country. Thank you for a wonderful programme.
Beverley Thomas, Kelso, Scottish Borders

Please thank Rageh for his fine programme. I too have many friends in Iran, having worked there from 2000 to 2004 as a helicopter pilot. I will be back in Tehran in April this year visiting my old friends and the city he portrayed is exactly the city I have been in and understand. "Wonderland" it certainly is - and polluted and traffic-crazy, but the non-political world he spoke of and showed so well is so in need of clear space, free of international condemnation. I'm a man of advancing years, very near retirement, and my Iranian friends are mostly of my own age, and with personal experience of the awful Iran/Iraq war of the 1980s. But many of my associates there are younger and Rageh showed their dilemmas so very well. Well done and thank you. If he has any messages he would like me to take to his friends I will happily oblige.
Peter Morgan, Inverurie, Scotland

You would think from this programme that all was well in Iran, as though Iran has a democracy and there are no hideous injustices inflicted on the Iranian people. This is a fundamentally misogynist regime where women of all ages including 16-year-old girls are being publicly hanged. In Tehran there are currently over 300,000 homeless women roaming the streets. Barbaric punishments such as flogging for mal-veiling is a common practise in Iran. Women cannot choose the style and colour of their clothing, Iran's Islamists terrorise young women ignoring the country's strict dress regulations with acid splashed on their faces. Women are not free to choose their way of life.

The inhuman regime of Iran, in line with its suppressive misogynous policies, is rapidly imposing further gender segregation in public places such as government offices, universities, schools, hospitals and even parks. Iranian women lose jobs despite competence. I haven't even begun on the political and extra-judicial killings and the ruthless stamping out of all opposition in the country. The Iranian pro-democracy movement would be horrified to see this programme sweep these things aside - they've been fighting against this regime for decades, many of their number either executed or in exile. This programme was a disgrace!
N Fowler, UK

An interesting look at Tehran and Tehranis overall, but fairly shallow, and light on context. For example, the fact that the vast majority of the Iranian population is under 30 was explained as everyone following Ayatollah Khomeini's exhortation to "go forth and multiply", but there was no mention of the more significant banning of contraception, abortion etc. Also, the incredible Iranian drug problem, with somewhere between 2-10 million drug addicts in an Islamic country of 70m, was skated over. And at no time did Rageh Omaar try to delve into the 'whys' of this situation. Finally, whilst the programme was called 'Inside Iran', it was of course inside Tehran only. There is a great difference between Tehran and the rest of the country - poorer, more rural, more conservative, and where the regime's rhetoric is starkly at odds with the everyday corruption of clerics and moral police.
Douglas Rodger, Glasgow

As an Iranian who has moved abroad quite recently, I've found Rageh's documentary very true. He has been able to delve into today's Iran very deeply. The film is very sincere and balanced at the same time. I really enjoyed watching it. Thank you very much.
Faramarz Ipchi, Maidenhead

A great view inside Tehran that made me feel as though I was travelling through the city myself. A mix of lives throughout the city which shows nothing is black and white. There is always a mix stereotypes, the ordinary, the extra-ordinary. Well done Rageh and team. Please turn your attention and style on to other cities of the world.
Richard Jones

Compelling and wonderful. My thanks to everyone who took part in, and bought Rageh Inside Iran to my television screen. I have a personal interest in this country as I was thrilled to find a review in Farsi for a book of mine on an arts website. An Iranian student at Essex University was kind enough to translate it for me. The programme highlighted some very interesting and unexpected aspects of life in what I believe to be a truly beautiful country. Peace to the people of Iran from an Englishman.
Ray Hollingsworth, Colchester

I travelled in Iran for three weeks two years ago and people back home would not believe me when I told them how Iran is completely different from how it is perceived in the media here. They are a very friendly people - I totally understood this programme. I was expecting something like this.
Graham Boyd, Kilmarnock, Scotland

Thank you to Rageh, the production team and BBC Four. This programme is interesting and enlightening. A fascinating glimpse of a place rarely seen in a balanced and meticulous fashion. Excellent television.
Steve, Haywards Heath, West Sussex

Great programme which gave real insights into a country within the 'axis of evil'. For me it was like watching an extended visual edition of Radio 4's excellent From Our Own Correspondent, and that is praise indeed. Well done and thank you Rageh and the BBC.
Steve Rogers, St Albans

I was very pleased to see Rageh Omaar's documentary about the lives of ordinary people in Tehran. All too often politicians and the media concentrate their vilification of Iran on its leaders thus demonising the Iranian people as a whole. Unfortunately when/if war comes this attitude acts as a license to kill ordinary Iranian people. This documentary was a pleasant antidote to the distorted views of Iran from hostile opponents of the regime.

He exposed a much more complex picture of the position of women in Tehran and did not shirk pushing awkward questions about censorship and control by the authorities nor did he avoid exposing unemployment and poverty in the working class area of the city. He revealed a generous and warm-hearted people who were only too willing to take him into their homes and to show him around the city. This gives a truer snap shot of life in that fascinating and vibrant city. Whether the same story can be told about the rest of Iran is a moot point.

However, as a gay man, I am only sorry that he did not have the courage (or foresight?) to have raised questions about the position of gay people in Iran. With reports of executions and the torture of gay men I think he should have been just as probing about their plight to raise awareness of the cruelty and injustice being meted out in the name of the Iranian people.
Ian Townson, London

Wonderful programme, wonderful people, corrupt government, hi-jacked religion, well-researched, well-filmed, confident and passionate. Should you have a debrief programme I would love to be a part of it.
David Mclean, Bishops Waltham, Hants

Wonderful film: such dynamic warm thoughtful people. Make Bush watch this film Rageh. These people deserve our support not bombs. Let them change their own country - no one else can.
Michael Wilson, Newtown, Wales

Excellent programme. I hope it will be repeated on BBC One or Two - vital in dangerous times. Well done BBC.
Diz Harford, London

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