Iran to expand research on Ferdowsi
As Iran prepares to commemorate the epic poet Ferdowsi on May 15, an official in Khorasan Razavi Province announced that the Ferdowsi Award will expand research activities on the Persian poet and his magnum opus ‘Shahnameh’ (Book of the Kings).
According to Mohammad Hosseinzadeh, who spoke with an Iran Daily reporter, the award ceremony, which is currently held at a national level, will be held internationally as of next year.
At present, the Ferdowsi Award is annually given to three types of people: (1) those conducting research on Ferdowsi; (2) those who, like Ferdowsi, made a long period of contribution to the country; and (3) those who have created an epic poem praising Iran.
The epic poet played a significant role in protecting the Persian language and Iranian identity, Hosseinzadeh said, adding that his collection of epics, created during 30 years, provided a great service to Iran and the Persian-speaking community.
The programs are aimed at introducing the poet to the young generation and increasing their knowledge, he highlighted.
A theatrical performance entitled, ‘Ancient Playbook,’ directed by Reza Sabeti, will be staged for 10 days, and a group of people will move from Ferdowsi’s tomb to Neyshabur to hold a poetry night there.
The commemoration ceremony, which will run from May 14 for over a week, will include theatrical programs, sessions for reading the ‘Shahnameh,’ poetry readings, and zoorkhaneh (powerhouse) rituals.
The theme of this year’s commemoration ceremony is: “Ferdowsi, the Guardian of the National Identity of Iranians”.
The programs this year are based on scientific research, with over 110 scientific articles submitted from Iran and abroad, which will be published in two volumes after the ceremony, Hosseinzadeh concluded.