Three years after the war was over we went to Ahwaz, Abadan, and Khoramshar, as our new year’s trip. My father was so excited to show us those cities, where he had lived and worked for years, and he was eager to find out which part of their planning has been materialized. My mother was trilled to find her childhood neighborhoods in Ahwaz. That city was in a good shape, and then after two days it was time to go to Abadan, where my father's office was located. The city looked more like a huge slum. As we drove through Abadan,
I could see my parents' mood demoting and their eyes getting teary. I also could see why, but only half of it. That visit was so emotional that I never dared to ask any question. Then without any delay we drove to Khoramshahr, the city that was extremely ravaged by Iraqi force, after being occupied. In comparison to Khoramshahr, Abadan was in excellent condition. The fury and sorrow of my parents was apparent, with words, actually shouts, and tears. The ruins after the war were something, but not going according to the plans to rebuild the city was something else. When I could sit with my father and ask my questions, I understood that there was more logic behind their anger than emotions. The master plan's focus was on residential and cultural areas, and infrastructures, but what had been taken care of was more mosques, and commercials, instead of schools and houses.
Years past, and I started my own journey, and came across a book and a course on the concepts of community development. While reading "Preserving The World's Great Cities" the chapter about Warsaw was amazingly similar to my memories and personal interests. During World War II the Poles fought and died in hundreds. Hitler had said: "Warsaw has to be pacified, that is, razed to the ground". The enemy had the perfect plan; to destroy where the most important part of a nation is. The historical buildings and the places that people had strong cultural bonds with. Hitler's intelligence was dangerous, but there were true heroes among the people of Warsaw. Those who fought by the help of the strongest weapon. A group of engineers gathered and created an underground secret circle. Before it was too late, they wanted to produce the most valuable thing for their city which was the same master plan with the details of where everything that had been ruined existed. Armed with their patriotism in its most glorious form they recreated their hometown on pieces of paper and waited for the end of World War II.
For me everything makes perfect sense now. My father's effort to start BEFORE the end of war, despite all the criticism and its danger. My mother's support and patience during those difficult years. Their anger and disappointment when we went to Khuzestan province. And my own excitement and mission in life. It seems like history keep repeating itself, and for my people, these days mean a different form of battle. If any lessons learned it should be to find the best weapon, and to pick the best fight. Victory will be our own, if we choose so.
Link لينک 2:21:00 pm همايون خيري 
