Always an Immigrant: A Cultural Memoir

Iraq to Iran to America...

This collection of personal stories engages, entertains, and educates about cultural norms and mores of the 1940s, 1950s, and the beginning of the 1960s in the Middle East when Mohammad Yadegari was growing up there.

Serious, yet often humorous, the stories describe the truths behind such topics as temporary marriage, veiling and seclusion of women, ceremonial politeness, racism, and bigotry. A great storyteller, Dr. Yadegari regales his readers with tales of his life experiences that prepared him for his immigrant experience when he arrived in New York in 1964.

At the same time, the book debunks some of the misconceptions that are common in both the Middle East and the United States.

About the Author
Yadegari, Mohammad: - Mohammad Yadegari was born in the holy city of Karbala, Iraq, in an Iranian family in 1941, where he lived and studied until the age of 18 when he left for his native country, Iran, to continue his studies in Tehran. After completing high school, he traveled to the United States to pursue his studies and has been living in this country for the last 55 years. He received his BS and MS in mathematics from State University of New York at Albany and his PhD in Middle East Studies from New York University. He taught mathematics at Ravena Coeymans Selkirk Central School for 31 years. Meanwhile, he taught courses in cultural history of the Middle East at Union College and the University at Albany for 27 years. Now retired, Mohammad Yadegari lives with his wife, Priscilla, in Guilderland, New York.