Leader urges young poets to nurture revolutionary spirit in poetry
Ayatollah Khamenei applauds rise of poetry among youth
Iran’s Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei met on Saturday with a diverse group of young and veteran poets on the occasion of the birthday anniversary of Imam Hassan Mojtaba (PBUH), the second Shia Imam and grandson of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), fostering a spirit of camaraderie among Persian literature enthusiasts.
During the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed satisfaction with the rise of committed and revolutionary poetry, describing the recited works as generally of high quality, leader.ir wrote.
He said, “The growing wave of poetry, especially among the youth, is highly encouraging.” Reports indicate that poets have risen to the occasion this year, showcasing their talents.
The Leader highlighted the unique position of poetry as an unparalleled form of art and media, saying, “No other medium can diminish its authority.”
He called for a balance between quantity and quality in poetic works, urging poets to strive for excellence alongside increased participation.
The Leader posited that the current era could be likened to a golden age for Persian poetry, reminiscent of the revered poets Sa’adi, Hafez, and Nezami.
He noted that unlike the Pahlavi era, where poets lacked respect, today’s environment offers significant social recognition and media presence for poets, creating fertile ground for their development.
Ayatollah Khamenei pointed out that the contemporary Persian poetic language is unprecedented, cultivated during the Islamic Revolution, and serves as a foundation for emerging poetic talents.
He urged young poets to maintain their integrity and adherence to moral principles, emphasizing that the purity of a poet’s inner self directly influences the quality of their work. “The more refined a poet’s heart, the more pure their poetry,” he added.
He encouraged poets to draw from the rich legacy of Persian literature while also warning against the dilution of their works by popular, shallow themes. “Love poetry, expressing heartfelt emotions, is valuable, but it must remain within the bounds of decency and virtue,” Ayatollah Khamenei advised.
He emphasized that themes of unity and wisdom are not only valuable but resonate deeply with audiences.
During the event, 36 poets presented their works, covering a range of religious, social, and political themes, contributing to an exchange of ideas and artistry.