The “Song of Life” ceremony will celebrate the 108th birthday of Fahimeh Akbar, a pioneering artist whose songs became an enduring part of Iranian culture during World War II. The event will bring together prominent figures from the arts and literary communities of Gilan and Tehran.
Fahimeh Akbar’s remarkable life, documented in the book “Song of Life”, reflects her dedication to the nation. During World War II, her music supported the Iranian people. She also devoted herself to educating women in prisons, authored books, built homes and clinics for those in need, and donated her house to the National Museum of Iran.
Girls supported by the charitable center “Ava” are invited to learn from her inspiring life, showing that one can leave a lasting impact despite life’s challenges.
One of the features in the celebration will be the “Jouma” group performing songs by Fahimeh Akbar and Jahangir Sartip Pour, evoking the era of World War II and the occupation of Gilan. A video message from Gilan and Goli Akbar in the United States will also be presented. Additionally, Master Hossein Mahjubi, the renowned Iranian painter, will speak about the paintings in “Okhan”, originally published in 1338 (1959/60).
Ghazal Shakeri will share her experiences portraying Fahimeh Akbar in the TV series Khatoun. The ceremony will also pay tribute to Master Abdollah Ashrafi, a renowned Iranian musician, with Mehdi Pesyan recounting his life and work. A segment of the documentary “Letters from America”, directed by Nezam Manouchehri, will be shown as part of the program.
The event will honor Shadi Pirouzi, director of Ilya Publications, along with four Gilan-based writers and journalists — Kourosh Ranjbar, Peyman Berenji, Amin Hagh-Reh, and Ebrahim Morouji — for their efforts in preserving and promoting Fahimeh Akbar’s legacy.
Another segment will commemorate Najmeh Shamsbakhsh, an Iranian traveler and mountaineer who was martyred on the first day of the 12-day war in Khordad 1404 (June 2025). A new edition of the book “Song of Life” will be presented to her mother in honor of Mother’s Day.
The program is entirely independent and volunteer-run, with no governmental or private sponsorship. Designed with cultural and educational goals in mind, the event will take place on Tuesday, 18 Azar 1404 (December 9, 2025), from 17:30 to 20:00, at the Iran Artists’ Forum, Master Jalil Shahnaz Hall.
