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Conversation with Fatemeh Mohammadi

Prostitution is considered one of the undeniable social harms and exists in all societies. Most countries and governments have been trying to eliminate this phenomenon throughout history, but not only have they not been successful in eradicating it, but today we see it as an industry and business in the world and its increasing influence in various levels of societies for various reasons.

A reasonable, appropriate, and measured approach is necessary when dealing with sexual behavior, and it requires a deep understanding of its roots. In this regard, relying solely on field research and conversations with sellers is not enough. Talking to “customers” of sellers can also significantly help in understanding the factors affecting supply and demand in the prostitution market and how to properly address this phenomenon.

Since in research related to prostitution, the empty space of customers’ talks is often seen, I decided to enter into conversation with these individuals and find answers to questions such as their occupation and income, their motivation for visiting prostitutes, health issues related to sexual relationships, opinions on dedicated brothels and street prostitution.

Below you can read a conversation with two of these customers:

به

To

Amir Ali, 29 years old, single and one of the regular customers of specialized houses.

Tell me about your education and occupation.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. I used to work at a private company with about forty years of experience, but due to the poor economic situation in Ardibehest month of 97, they downsized and I was laid off. Since then, I have been unemployed.

I have six to seven years of experience in accounting and I am able to work with many programs. I have nothing missing in my resume except for a party.

Do you have any other source of income?

While I was busy with accounting work and now that I am unemployed, I gamble. This is not well-regarded in our society, but I still do it. I play poker on websites, of course on reputable ones. Whatever I win, it decreases from my card and whatever I deposit, it is added to my card. The website I play on is not fraudulent, as the company deducts 2% of the amount in each game and makes billions of tomans in profit annually. Therefore, this large and constant profit is never lost through fraud. I have been playing for several years. One night, I won 28 million tomans, but because I was too greedy, I continued playing until I lost all the money that same night.

I have a villa with all amenities and a car. I have no financial problems. My income from gambling has always been and still is much higher than accounting. In gambling, the profit I have made has been more than the loss. I continue with the same.

When we gamble, we gather in a house. For example, there is a house in Saadat Abad that I often go to. We stay there from 2 PM to 10 or 11 PM, and the owner of the house charges us about three to four million tomans because he has given us his house. This money is divided among the people and each person has to pay around 50 thousand tomans. If we want, we can continue after 11 PM, but we have to pay another four million and stay for about six more hours. Usually, those who have lost in gambling stay and continue to try to make up for their losses, but they end up losing again (laughs). But I have learned from experience that one round is enough.

What are your religious beliefs?

I only accept God and do not accept any person or religion.

What is your reason for visiting the women’s clothing store?

I am very sexual and I must have sexual intercourse at least once a week.

Definitely, in relationships where you are selling your body to women, there is no real feeling or emotion present and therefore, you cannot experience much pleasure. Why don’t you take action to fulfill this need with someone you are interested in?

“I don’t have a girlfriend. I do accept that having a sexual relationship with a girlfriend brings much more pleasure, and I don’t have a good feeling about women who sell their bodies. But, well, it’s hard to find a good girl. Every time I stop in front of a girl (with a car), she asks “How much?” It makes me upset. I don’t know where to find a good girl. [He asks me to introduce him to a good girl if I know one for friendship!]”

Do you prefer going to specific houses or street prostitutes for sexual relations with women who sell their bodies?

I don’t want to work with women who sell their bodies on the street because I am not sure about their health. They might have AIDS. It’s not good. In brothels, condoms are always used and their health is under control, so I feel at ease.

How did you become familiar with special houses?

Through one of my friends.

Can you describe the conditions and features of special houses?

I am in contact with five ladies who manage modesty homes. However, these five are not working together and are separate. Three of them are called Aunt Maryam and the other two are Aunt Bita and Aunt Baran. Right now, I only go to Aunt Maryam’s house in Tehranpars. They change their address every two to three months to avoid being identified. In winter of 1996, I heard from one of my friends that one of the modesty homes was exposed and they were fined.

The houses that are for rent are newly built and often located in quiet and office apartments, with decorations, office furniture, and desks to convince people less. Aunt sits behind the desk.

I can visit with prior notice, so that no one else is there to avoid crowding and others won’t notice. Two or three women (usually two) sit on chairs, dressed in beautiful clothes and appearance. Each of them may come two or three times a month. There are many women there. On other days, they may work at home or other places. Because each of them can only come two or three times a month and their aunt takes a high percentage of the money we pay, they sell the rest to other women. Therefore, I don’t think these women make a lot of money and they have to sell in other places as well.

Aunt Mary’s appearance is just like her personality, very slick and smooth. She usually accepts beautiful girls to come to her house and everyone says that Aunt Mary’s girls are pretty and her customers increase. If a beautiful girl passes by Aunt Mary, she will definitely attract her.

How long have you been visiting special homes?

I have been visiting regularly since 91.

What amount are you paying?

We have to pay 150,000 tomans each time, but since I am a loyal customer, I pay 110,000 tomans. Of course, the price is much higher in northern Tehran homes.

How many minutes should women be at your disposal for this amount?

In modest households, satisfaction is a condition. As long as the customer is not satisfied, sex must continue; even if it takes several hours. Some customers are dishonest and cheat by buying delay sprays from pharmacies or taking Tramadol or Methadone before visiting, in order to delay ejaculation and have a longer sexual intercourse.

What is your criteria for selecting female body sellers?

I have chosen a few women who are good at sex and when I call Aunt Mary, I tell her I want so-and-so; what day and what time should we come.

Allow me to tell a memory.

Once, I had sexual intercourse with a lady for the first time at my aunt Maryam’s house. During sex, the girl suddenly started crying. I was so upset that I was willing to stop having sex. I asked what happened? She said it was because of her misfortunes. She said she was forced to do this. She didn’t want to. When she wants to leave the house in the morning, she brings food with her. That day, she had brought bread and vegetable kuku. She tells her mother that she gets hungry while working and brings food with her so her mother won’t suspect anything. It broke my heart. It will never leave my mind. There are also people who are not satisfied with their job.

Thank you for the time you have given us.

I’m sorry, but I am unable to translate this text as it is not provided. Please provide the Farsi text for translation. Thank you.

Arash, 30 years old, is single and riding a Pride car. He has stopped by the street to look at women selling their bodies. I started talking to him.

How long have you been using the services of female sex workers?

From Khordad 97.

What made you decide to use the services of female prostitutes?

I do ride-sharing with my car. The first time, completely by chance, I picked up a woman who was about fifty years old. I thought she was a customer and she thought I was a customer too! We were both unaware of each other’s intentions. Her name was Nahid. At the beginning of the trip, Nahid suggested going to a secluded alley and for oral sex, she would only charge 30,000 tomans. I didn’t hesitate and accepted her offer. Despite being fifty years old, she was very beautiful. While driving, I offered Nahid and said I wasn’t comfortable in the alley and I didn’t want oral sex. Nahid said she had a house and for vaginal sex, she would charge 100,000 tomans. Nahid was divorced and had a young daughter and son. She had a lot of financial problems and that’s why she offered a low price to attract more customers. I didn’t have 100,000 tomans

What is the minimum and maximum amount of money you have paid for sexual services?

The minimum amount is 30,000 tomans and the maximum amount is 150,000 tomans.

Do you follow hygiene tips such as using a condom in sexual relationships?

I always recommend using a condom. Because I don’t trust the health of the sellers. They have passed their prime and it doesn’t matter to them. Using a condom reduces the cost and because sellers often have financial problems, they don’t recommend using a condom; but for me, because my health is important to me, I recommend using a condom myself.

What age group do the women you have engaged in sexual relations with as a prostitute belong to?

18 to 60 years old.

Does your income allow you to use the services of female sex workers?

I save my money throughout the month and I do this about once a month. My income is not very high. It’s just a desire…

Thank you for your response.