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Iran celebrates Nat’l Day of Persian Poetry, Literature
Shahriar.
The anniversary of Shahriar’s death, which typically falls on Sept. 18, is celebrated on that day, although this year it coincides with Sept. 17 due to the Iranian calendar.
Spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry Nasser Kan’ani marked the occasion by highlighting the significance of Persian poetry and literature in fostering empathy and connection with lovers of Iranian culture worldwide. “Persian poetry and literature are the valuable heritage of our history and ancestors, the essence of Iran’s identity,” Kan’ani wrote on his X account.
In the northeastern province of East Azarbaijan, 120 cultural programs were held to coincide with the anniversary of Shahriar’s death, including poetry and music nights, calligraphy and painting exhibitions, and a ceremony to honor the poet’s memory.
In Kermanshah Province, a grand ceremony was held which was attended by local artists, writers, and students.
Pooriya Jalali, the provincial director of culture and Islamic guidance, emphasized the importance of literature in Iranian culture, saying that “from the beginning, our culture has been intertwined with poetry, and it is this connection that makes it essential for us to preserve and protect it.”
In Alborz Province, literary events and poetry readings were held to celebrate the day, with many paying tributes to Shahriar’s contributions to Persian literature.
Shahriar was a famous Iranian poet who died in 1988. His poetry is known for its themes of love, nature, and fairness, and has been translated into many languages.
Born on January 2, 1906, near Tabriz City in East Azarbaijan Province, Shahriar showed a love for poetry at a young age. His first poems were published while he was still in high school in Tabriz.
At first, Shahriar wrote under his given name, Behjat. Later, he started using the pen name Shahriar. His first book of poetry, ‘Divan-e Shahriar,’ came out in Tehran in 1931 and got praise from well-known poets and scholars for its beautiful language and new ideas.
Shahriar wrote in many forms, including songs, four-line poems, and long poems. But he was most famous for his ghazals, which were influenced by another respected Iranian poet, Hafez.
Shahriar’s first book of poems came out in 1929, with introductions by three notable writers. His poems are mostly influenced by Hafez. His most famous poem, ‘Heydar Babaya Salam,’ is considered one of the best modern poems in the Azeri language. It has been turned into several plays and translated into over 30
languages.
One reason for Shahriar’s success is that he used everyday language in his poetry, making it easy for many people to
understand.