“Discarding Eurocentrism: Tehran’s Unique Beauty Challenges Western Standards”
modern urban landscape, cultural diversity, architectural marvels
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In a tweet posted on June 22, 2025, Twitter user mischa (@redmischa) challenges the notion that Tehran should be judged by European standards of modernity and cleanliness. The tweet emphasizes the importance of avoiding reductive, orientalist framing and acknowledges that beauty and value can exist outside of European norms.

The tweet serves as a reminder that cultural diversity and individuality should be celebrated rather than homogenized under a Western lens. By rejecting the idea that Tehran should conform to European standards, mischa highlights the need to appreciate different cultures on their own terms.

This message is particularly relevant in a globalized world where Western ideals often dominate the conversation around progress and development. By calling out the orientalist framing that often occurs when comparing non-Western cities to European ones, mischa encourages a more nuanced and inclusive perspective.

The tweet also challenges the implicit bias that equates European standards with superiority, reminding readers that worth and admiration can be found in a variety of forms. By shifting the focus away from Eurocentric views, mischa invites us to broaden our definition of what constitutes modernity and beauty.

Overall, mischa’s tweet serves as a powerful reminder to question our preconceived notions and to appreciate the uniqueness of different cultures. It encourages us to look beyond Eurocentric standards and to recognize the value in diversity and individuality. By embracing a more inclusive and open-minded approach, we can better appreciate the richness and complexity of the world around us.

No, Tehran looks like Tehran. Europe is not the benchmark or standard for modernity and cleanliness. Stop this reductive, orientalist framing. Something doesn’t have to be European for it to be valuable and worthy of admiration. https://t.co/Mt3bDT7dX3

— mischa (@redmischa) June 22, 2025

No, Tehran Looks Like Tehran

When it comes to the perception of modernity and cleanliness, there is often a tendency to compare cities to European standards. However, as Twitter user mischa pointed out, Tehran should not be judged based on European benchmarks. The idea that something must be European to be considered valuable or worthy of admiration is a reductive and orientalist framing that fails to appreciate the unique qualities of different cultures and cities.

Breaking Away from Eurocentric Standards

It is essential to recognize that beauty and progress can be found in diverse places around the world. Tehran, with its rich history and vibrant culture, has its own unique charm that sets it apart from European cities. By embracing the distinctiveness of Tehran and other non-European cities, we can move away from the narrow mindset that equates modernity and cleanliness solely with European standards.

Celebrating Cultural Diversity

Every city has its own story to tell and its own way of defining modernity and cleanliness. By appreciating the diversity of cultures and perspectives, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world around us. Tehran may not look like a European city, but that does not diminish its value or significance. It is through embracing cultural diversity that we can truly broaden our horizons and appreciate the beauty of different places.

Challenging Orientalist Framing

The concept of orientalism, as described by Edward Said, refers to the Western tendency to exoticize and stereotype non-Western cultures. By labeling certain cities as “modern” or “clean” based on European standards, we perpetuate this orientalist framing that undermines the richness and complexity of non-European societies. It is important to challenge these preconceived notions and recognize the inherent value of all cultures and cities on their own terms.

Looking Beyond Eurocentric Perspectives

In a globalized world, it is essential to move away from Eurocentric perspectives and embrace a more inclusive and diverse outlook. By appreciating the beauty and value of cities like Tehran for what they are, rather than what they are not, we can foster greater understanding and respect for different cultures. Diversity should be celebrated, not diminished by narrow-minded comparisons to European standards.

Conclusion

No city should be judged based on Eurocentric standards of modernity and cleanliness. Tehran, like any other city, has its own unique qualities that deserve to be appreciated and admired. By challenging reductive and orientalist framings, we can foster a more inclusive and diverse worldview that celebrates the beauty and diversity of cultures around the world. So let us embrace the richness of Tehran and other non-European cities for what they are, rather than trying to fit them into a narrow European mold.