In an ironic twist that perfectly captures the complexities of Middle Eastern relations, a bakery in central Tehran named "Bibi" has become Iran's latest viral sensation - though not everyone is laughing.
The shop, named decades before Benjamin Netanyahu became a household name, has recently drawn massive crowds and, reportedly, unwanted attention from Iran's Revolutionary Guards. Yet despite threats to change its name, the bakery continues serving eager customers who line up for their "Bibi cakes."
Beyond Politics: Unexpected Cultural Ties
The bakery's popularity has highlighted surprising parallels between Persian and Jewish cultures:
- Iranians currently celebrate "Shab-e Yalda," marking the year's longest night with family gatherings reminiscent of Jewish harvest festivals
- Persian New Year (Nowruz) ceremonies mirror aspects of the Jewish Passover Seder
- Even Lag B'Omer traditions find echoes in Persian fire-jumping customs
"These cultural connections date back to Queen Esther and Mordechai," explains Rani Amrani, a Persian-language radio host who brought this story to light. "Despite political tensions, there's a deep historical relationship between these peoples."
A Name That Draws Crowds - And Controversy
Sources inside Iran suggest Revolutionary Guard officials have threatened the establishment over its name, but the publicity has only increased its popularity. The shop joins several "Bibi"-named establishments that have operated in Tehran for over 40 years.
Iranian media closely follows Israeli politics, with Netanyahu's legal troubles receiving particular attention. Yet this bakery's success suggests a more complex relationship between the two cultures than headlines might suggest.
Channel 14 contributed to this article.
