From Tehran to Truro
Mehran Farrokhrouz, his wife Foroozan and son Aryana are all in a festive mood, despite being far from loved ones
TRURO, N.S. – For Mehran Farrokhrouz and his family, the biggest Christmas present of all is the freedom to follow their dreams.
And their Christmas dream has come true, in the form of their popular new Persian restaurant, complete with its own tree, lights and plenty of good cheer.
“I’m so excited to see the people of Truro put special decorations up for Christmas,” said Mehran. “I want to be a part of this celebration and be happy with them.”
Mehran and his wife Foroozan Moslemi plan on keeping Saffron Restaurant open over Christmas Day, as they enjoy being around other people during the holiday season. Any customers who come by can also enjoy a festive beer or wine, as their liquor licence has been approved.
While not religious, Mehran, Foroozan and their son Aryana may attend a Christmas church service in town, to fully immerse themselves in the Canadian holiday experience.
However, Mehran knows opening a restaurant and celebrating Christmas as they choose would still only be a dream, had his family stayed in their native Iran.
The family came to Truro in April, leaving behind Iran’s crumbling economy and intrusive government. They previously lived in Tehran, Iran’s sprawling capital.
Mehran and Foroozan chose Truro after some friends already living here recommended it as a good place to start over.
It seems to have paid off for the Farrokhrouz family. After just eight months, they have made plenty of new friends locally, while their restaurant has gained many regular customers.
“Canada respects the family and our ideas and we are free to choose what we want to be,” said Mehran. “I believe in the global village. Wherever you are happy, that is your home.”
But beneath the festive joy lies a tinge of sadness for Foroozan, who misses her mother Azizeh deeply. Her parents and extended family are all still in Iran.
Speaking in her native Farsi, Foroozan wiped away a tear as she said she loved her mother very much.
Asked what she would say to her mother, Foroozan’s response was heartfelt. “Movazebé khodet bāsh. Look after yourself,” said Foroozan.
Her son Aryana, 23, also misses his old friends in Iran, but still enjoys life in Truro.
He is focusing on improving his English with help from his Canadian friends and enjoys Truro’s coffeeshops.
He studied theatre before leaving Iran, which he has not yet been able to fully resume in Nova Scotia.
“It’s hard for me to stay in this position,” said Aryana. “For the new year, I hope our family do well in our work and learn new things in a new country.”
Despite the hardships, he shares his father’s enthusiasm for Christmas, including being around other people and putting up decorations at his parents’ restaurant.