Persian Literature: Common foundation of two nations
The head of publishing and press of the Tajikistan Ministry of Culture hailed Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh as a mirror of Tajik culture, asserting that this epic poem encapsulates the worldview of the Tajik people, instilling values of bravery, love, and patriotism. Coinciding with the 35th Tehran International Book Fair, held from May 8 to May 19, the Tajikistan pavilion has been established in the exhibition’s international section. The pavilion showcased books by Tajik publishers and offered opportunities for their introduction and supply. Attending the fair as a special guest from Tajikistan, Rahmonali Miralizoda, the head of publishing and press at the Ministry of Culture of Tajikistan, conducted an exclusive interview with Iran Daily. Read on for an in-depth account of the conversation:
By Sadeq Dehqan
Staff writer
Iran Daily: Could you provide insights into Tajikistan’s participation in this year’s exhibition?
Miralizoda: Ever since the early 90s, following Tajikistan’s independence and the establishment of official relations between Tajikistan and Iran, Tajik publishers have consistently taken part in the Tehran book fair annually. This year, Tajikistan is participating with over 150 book titles encompassing various subjects. The majority of these books delve into topics such as history, literature, prose and poetry, fiction, and encyclopedias.
Some noteworthy titles among these works include the 6th-century collection of poetry by Ohadeddin Muhammad bin Muhammad Anuri, the timeless epic Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, Nizami Ganjavi’s captivating war tales, and the renowned medical treatise penned by Avicenna. These literary gems continue to garner significant interest and appreciation from Iranian readers.
It’s important to note that in Tajikistan, we write Persian in the Cyrillic script, which is our nation’s official writing system. This distinctive feature often leads some to mistakenly assume that these books are penned in Russian. In reality, they are all written in Persian, mirroring how individuals sometimes employ Latin letters to write Persian in the form of Finglish. Similarly, we use the Russian alphabet to transcribe books.
It seems that the difference in handwriting between two Persian-speaking countries has created a slight separation, making it challenging for our people to communicate effectively through text and writing. What measures could be considered to address this issue?
If you are referring to the change in script, it would be a costly undertaking for Tajikistan and is not an easy task. However, to tackle the issue you’ve raised, we’ve selected the finest books available in both countries and underlined them, as they no longer require translation. For instance, I personally translated ‘Cyrus the Great or Dhu al-Qarnayn,” an enlightening work authored by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a distinguished Indian intellectual. Dr. Bastani Parisi translated this piece from Urdu into Persian. In this book, Azad provides an in-depth exploration of Cyrus the Great by examining the historical context of Dhu al-Qarnayn mentioned in the Qur’an and Torah. Notably, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad boasts an intriguing multicultural background: he was born in Mecca, raised in Egypt, and grew up in India. His mother is of Arab descent, while his father is Hindu. Through his work, Azad illuminates the character of Cyrus the Great by delving into the religious and historical narratives that surround Dhu al-Qarnayn.
An aspect worth noting about the people of Tajikistan is their exceptional focus on and admiration for Persian literature and ancient Iranian culture, notably Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh. What is the source of this captivation?
Persian history, culture, and literature constitute our shared roots; we are intrinsically bound to them. The origins of modern Farsi language can be traced to eastern Iran, whereas Pahlavi language was spoken in the western region. Pahlavi eventually faded away, yet Dari Farsi has endured and thrived across Iran and beyond.
From the distant past to the present day, our land has birthed renowned poets and writers who have bestowed upon us an incredibly rich literary heritage spanning over a thousand years. This expansive literature encompasses diverse poetic forms such as sonnets, stories, quatrains, and couplets, among others. Within the realms of history, literature, and culture, we possess a priceless global treasure, which acts as a shield protecting us against Western cultural encroachment. Our strong cultural foundation helps prevent self-destruction in the face of external influences.
Today, we inhabit an age of globalization where various cultures inevitably collide, and digital advancements have transformed the world into a small, interconnected village. This digital realm allows people to communicate with one another at an unprecedented pace. Against this backdrop, we are urged to delve into our historical roots and cultivate a deeper appreciation for our own culture. We must not only preserve our rich literary assets but also promote them on the global stage to enhance their visibility and recognition.
It appears that Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh holds a high status in Tajikistan. Could you elaborate on this?
The Shahnameh embodies the culture, history, language, literature, worldview, and wisdom of our people, all skillfully woven together within its pages. The epic imparts two key messages: the establishment of justice and the triumph of knowledge over ignorance. These themes exemplify our collective worldview and are complemented by lessons on courage, patriotism, and love, among others.
Tajikistan’s fascination with Shahnameh is not a recent phenomenon; its roots trace back to a time before the nation’s independence. During the Soviet era, the epic was held in high regard and enjoyed immense popularity. This reverence was manifested through various film adaptations of Shahnameh’s individual stories, such as Kaveh Ahangar, Rostam and Sohrab, and The Story of Siavash. These films were meticulously produced with the finest Russian actors and were considered costly endeavors due to the challenges of depicting ancient armies without the aid of modern visual effects.
Shahnameh stands as a testament to our rich literary heritage, joining the ranks of universally acclaimed poets like Saadi, Hafez, Rudaki, and Rumi. Within these works, we discover the pinnacle of human society’s ideals. Recognizing the historical, cultural, moral, and epistemological significance of Shahnameh, the decision was made this year to publish and disseminate this timeless epic, making it accessible to all Tajiks.