From Byzantine to Saudi Arabia
Production odyssey of ’Salman the Persian’
The life of Salman the Persian, with its ups and downs, had been drawing Davood Mirbagheri, a seasoned writer and director, in for years. This series sets out to promote a national and Islamic perspective during the second stage of the Islamic Revolution, both at home and abroad, and can bring to light the cultural level of the Islamic Republic. With over four decades of artistic activity in the field of drama and the production of memorable series, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) is at the peak of its maturity and should take a bigger step, which has been taken with the production of the ‘Salman the Persian’ series. Salman the Persian’s character in history had such capacities. He was an Iranian companion of the Prophet of Islam, who held a high position among the great companions and was considered one of the close companions of Imam Ali (PBUH). His spirit of seeking truth led him to travel from city to city and from one religion to another, passing through Zoroastrianism, Christianity, Judaism, and Manichaeism, until he finally found peace in Islam. After the completion of the ‘Mokhtarnameh’ series, directed by Mirbagheri, a suitable opportunity had not arisen for IRIB and Mirbagheri to start the production of this series with a high spirit. Finally, the zero phase of the largest cinematic and television project in Iranian history, was launched with the precise planning of Sima Film and Zolal Film, written and directed by Mirbagheri and produced by Hossein Taheri. A large group of skilled individuals in the field of drama gathered to produce the ‘Salman the Persian’ series under the supervision and support of the national media. The use of the high capacity of the skilled director, writer, and Mirbagheri, after years of inactivity in the field of Islamic history, as well as the liberation of production capacities and various potentials in different sections, were positive events that followed the production of this series. The eagerly awaited series ‘Salman the Persian’ has been making headlines since its announcement, and with the start of its broadcast slated for 2026, excitement is building up. The series, which promises to be a game-changer in the world of television, is being produced in three distinct seasons, each exploring a different chapter in the life of Salman the Persian. The story of the series will be narrated over three seasons ‘Ancient Iran’, ‘Byzantine Empire’ and finally ‘Early Islam’. The series’ creator, Mirbagheri, has taken a multifaceted approach to portraying Salman’s life, weaving together historical facts, cultural nuances, and philosophical insights to create a rich tapestry that showcases the grandeur of ancient Iranian civilization and the profound impact of Islam on the region. At its core, the series aims to humanize Salman, a towering figure in Islamic history, and explore the complexities of his identity as an Iranian, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, and a symbol of the confluence of Persian and Islamic cultures. By doing so, the show’s creators hope to provide a fresh perspective on the early days of Islam, one that highlights the significant contributions of Iranians to the faith’s development and spread. Through Salman’s story, the series will transport viewers to a bygone era, allowing them to relive the triumphs and tribulations of a pivotal moment in human history. As the narrative unfolds, audiences will gain a deeper understanding of the cultural, intellectual, and spiritual currents that shaped the ancient world and continue to influence our lives today. Ultimately, ‘Salman the Persian’ is more than just a historical drama; it’s an evidence of the power of faith, culture, and identity to shape human experience. As audiences immerse themselves in the world of the series, they will be inspired by Salman’s courage, wisdom, and devotion, and gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of this remarkable individual.
By Hamideh Hosseini
Staff writer
Casting, character development
To get the best out of local talent, the directing team of the ‘Salman the Persian’ series set out to scout for actors from all over the country. They conducted reviews at dozens of domestic and international locations, taking stock of the various capacities available. This extensive search led them to test and record information from approximately 20,000 theatrical agents, with 6,000 of them making the cut for interviews. All of these actors will get a chance to shine in front of the camera.
The casting process was a massive undertaking, with over 20,000 aspiring actors signing up for auditions. A team of experts, including members of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, was brought in to sift through the applications and conduct a series of interviews and auditions. This thorough selection process paid off, with over 1,500 actors being chosen to participate in the series. Many of these actors are newcomers, making their debut in the series and bringing fresh energy to the production.
Symbol of Iranian pride
The producer of the ‘Salman the Persian’ series Hossein Taheri stated that the axis of this series is the representation of ‘Salman the Persian’ as a symbol of wisdom, civilization, thought, and culture of Iran and Iranians, accompanying the Prophet of Islam.
The history, civilization, and culture of Iran are filled with names, figures, and personalities that each represent a golden page of the great cultural heritage of the world, Iran. Alongside the identity of culture and literature, which is an essential element of Iran’s identity in the world, the alignment and solidarity with the guiding and Islamic religion, in the form of accepting this religion in our land by the monotheistic people of Iran, and the solidarity of one of the thousands of Iranian men and women with the great men of this religion, from the early days of Islam to the era of Imamate and guardianship, each represents a symbol of pride for Iran and Iranians in the national and international dimensions.
‘Salman the Persian’ is one of these names, which the Prophet of Islam confirmed and stated: “Salman is one of us, the Ahl al-Bayt.” This important and high position was achieved only through his companionship, solidarity, and interaction with the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (PBUH), in the early years of his prophethood, from battles and wars to the propagation and promotion of Islam.
The seventh day of the lunar month of Safar coincides with the anniversary of the digging of the ‘Trench’ around Medina to protect the city against attacks by the infidels of Quraysh, a move that was also among the suggestions and guidance offered by Salman the Persian in the entourage of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This day has been designated as ‘Salman Farsi Day’ on Iran’s country’s cultural calendar, Taheri added.
Collaboration across borders
Behind the camera, the production team emphasized the use of Iranian capacities. Dozens of production groups, with a combination of experienced individuals and talented youth, gathered to participate in the construction of this important work. The construction of decorations and equipment, and the combination of them with the latest visual and computer effects, were other special features of this large project.
Approximately 24 specialized workshops were set up in the Ghazali Cinema Town to bring in the most specialized individuals in various fields. In addition to the performance of more than 700 first-class actors from our country, more than 40 actors from Greece, Morocco, Armenia, and Tunisia have appeared in front of the camera, including the late Hisham Rostom from Tunisia.
All foreign actors, after their presence in Iran and their performance in the ‘Salman the Persian’ series, become cultural ambassadors of our country in their homeland. The presence of foreign actors will also facilitate the distribution of the series in the international arena and increase its penetration into the target audience of international viewers.
Exploring Iran’s diverse landscapes
In 2018, the production team embarked on a reconnaissance mission to scout locations for the series. They visited various sites, including film studios in Turkey, to find the perfect setting for the Byzantine era. With a clear vision in mind, they began pre-production, designing and building sets, costumes, and props that would transport audiences to a bygone era.
The emphasis of the producers of the ‘Salman the Persian’ series is on the presence in domestic locations, which have been various regions so far.
Mirbagheri started shooting ‘Salman the Persian’ in Shahdad deserts of Kerman Province in late 2019 as he said that it was expected to be completed in five years.
Shahroud and Semnan are among the most important locations, and a significant part of the work has been done and will be done in this region, which is the birthplace of Mirbagheri.
In Jolfa, the capacity of the region’s churches, such as the Saint Stepanos Church, and the Aras River beach, were used. The capacities of the three cinema town of Ghazali, Noor, and Sacred Defense were also used, which resulted in an interesting combination of decorations and computer effects.
Recreating historical architecture
using cutting-edge visual effects
The series has also involved the recreation of historical buildings and architectural structures, which has provided an opportunity for Iranian architects and engineers to showcase their skills. The construction of a massive lake and two ships for the series’ naval scenes is a notable example of this achievement.
They have built a massive lake in Shahroud, a semi-arid region, to facilitate the production of the series’ port and sea scenes. Two enormous ships, partially constructed physically and partially using visual effects, have been brought to life by Iranian teams of experts and artists.
The series has also been a game-changer in terms of production values, with the construction of a massive film set, replicating the architecture of the Sassanid era.
The series’ visual effects have been created by Iranian specialists, who have demonstrated exceptional skill and creativity in their work. The quality of these effects is on par with international standards, and in some cases, even surpasses them.
Documenting production process
The entire production process, from filming to costume design, has been meticulously documented, providing a valuable resource for future generations of filmmakers, historians, and researchers. These documents will be made available to universities and film schools, serving as a testament to the series’ educational value.
As an example, a comprehensive documentary has been produced, focusing solely on the costume design process, from fabric selection to printing, and the research and construction of period-accurate clothing. This documentary can be considered a valuable educational resource or a specialized university course. The key point is that professionals from the Iranian film industry have contributed to the production of ‘Salman the Persian’, which not only adds to the quantitative value but also lends credibility to the quality of the work.
To produce these documentaries, the filmmakers invited experts from the country to collaborate. This, in itself, can be seen as a distinguishing feature of the legacy that has been created for the first time in the production of a series on Iranian state television, and one that has practical and operational significance.
Legacy of ‘Salman the Persian’
As the ‘Salman the Persian’ series comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on its profound impact and the lasting legacy it will leave behind. This comprehensive special issue delves into the various aspects of the series’ influence, from its educational value to its cultural significance, both nationally and internationally.
The series has been a transformative learning experience for the young generation involved in its production. By providing a platform for them to learn and grow, the project has not only honed their skills in their respective fields but also instilled valuable lessons in teamwork, discipline, and creativity. This, in turn, will have a positive ripple effect on the Iranian film industry, making it more robust, powerful, and effective.
The series offers a unique civilizational perspective on the history of early Islam, which can profoundly impact our understanding and appreciation of our cultural heritage. The production team’s meticulous attention to detail and commitment to historical accuracy have resulted in a work that is both informative and engaging.
The series has left an indelible mark on the Iranian television industry and the world of art. By telling the story of Salman the Persian, one of the most influential figures in Islamic history, the series has not only showcased the rich cultural heritage of Iran but has also bridged the gap between Iran and the world.
Salman the Persian, a Persian companion of the Prophet Muhammad, played a pivotal role in the early days of Islam. His unique character, which embodied the spirit of Islam, has fascinated scholars and researchers for centuries. The series has brought this iconic figure to life, highlighting his contributions to the spread of Islam and his impact on the cultural and intellectual landscape of the time.
Ultimately, the impact of the series extends far beyond the realm of entertainment, as it has provided a platform for cultural exchange and understanding. The series has also been a catalyst for social change, promoting cultural justice and providing opportunities for talented individuals from across the country to showcase their skills.
Weathering the storm
According to initial planning, the first season of the series (Byzantine) was set to be shot in Turkey. The initial planning was designed to be completed in a year and a half, allowing us to wrap up our work in Turkey in a condensed timeframe. Since most of the buildings and architectures sought after by the director, the story’s setting, and the production team were already finalized in eastern Turkey, there was no need to construct or rebuild existing architecture in the region to depict the Byzantine era.
However, just as filming was about to begin in winter 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, bringing production to a grinding halt. The team faced numerous challenges, including the repatriation of foreign actors and the suspension of filming. Though, they refused to let the pandemic derail their project, and after a brief hiatus, they regrouped and devised a new plan.
In August 2020, filming resumed in the mountainous region of Majan, Shahroud, where the team built elaborate sets, including a Byzantine-era port and caves. Simultaneously, they worked on constructing sets in the Tehran Film Studio, including a replica of a Byzantine city. Despite the ongoing pandemic, the team persevered, driven by their passion for the project.
The filming process continued, we shot a small portion of the series in Armenia, taking advantage of the existing structures in the country. Of course, there was no need to build sets or renovate them for that part, as we had already scouted the locations and all environmental conditions were in place. The team moved forward with the project simultaneously in the three regions mentioned – Shahroud, Noor Cinema Town, and Armenia – in a bid to stay on track, Taheri added.
The production team has been working around the clock, with a daily schedule of 16 to 18 hours of filming. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the team has made significant progress, with the architecture and set construction nearing completion. The speed of production has increased by two and a half times compared to the previous year, thanks to the tireless efforts of the team.
The next phase of production, focusing on Iran, kicked off in September 2023. The construction of buildings, structures, and architecture envisioned for the series is currently underway at the Ghazali Cinema Town.
According to the same planning, the team aims to wrap up filming for the Iran section by next year (2025) and move forward with the Hejaz section, whose pre-production began in early July 2024, at full speed. The initial steps of research and studies for the Hejaz and Islamic era have been taken, and some of the necessary architecture and equipment are being built to enable us to start casting for the Hejaz and Islamic era section from early 2025 and officially launch the filming process for this season.
Countdown to premiere
Despite various problems, such as the coronavirus and inflation, the ‘Salman the Persian’ series is being produced with precise planning. The team is currently present in Shahroud and is busy filming scenes from the season of ‘Ancient Iran’. According to the plans, this series will be ready for broadcast in 2026.
The plan is to air all three seasons of the series consecutively, without any breaks, to keep the audience engaged and invested in the story. This bold move is a testament to the confidence the production team has in their work. However, it’s worth noting that the final broadcast strategy may be subject to change, depending on the progress of the production.
As the production team works towards the final stages of filming, the anticipation builds up. With the premiere date set for 2026, the audience can expect a thrilling ride, as the epic saga of Salman the Persian unfolds on their screens. Will the series live up to the hype? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – this is a production that promises to leave a lasting impact on the world of television.
Unparalleled attention to details
The attention to detail in every aspect of the production is staggering. For the Byzantine era alone, the team created over 4,400 sets of costumes, each meticulously designed and crafted to reflect the era’s unique style. They also built an impressive array of props, including armor, swords, and other artifacts, which will eventually be showcased in a museum.
The production involved a network of workshops and studios across Tehran, employing skilled artisans and craftsmen in various fields, from carpentry to jewelry-making. The team’s commitment to authenticity and excellence is evident in every aspect of the production, from the intricate costumes to the elaborate sets.
In Tehran alone, more than 24 workshops have been set up to handle the production of various components, including weaponry, clothing, and tools needed for the series. These workshops, which include carpentry, carriage-making, tailoring, jewelry-making, and others, have been working non-stop to meet the demands of the production.
In the tailoring department, the team has taken on the entire process from scratch to finish, given the importance of accurately reflecting historical authenticity. Our tailoring workshops, for instance, have been broken down into sub-sections such as patchwork, dyeing, embroidery, fabric printing, and many others.