In the final days of 2025, just before Yalda Night and the first sunrise of winter, Ardeshir Babaknia presented his works in the exhibition “Art of Yalda & Other Persian Cultural Festivals.” Made primarily of glass, his creations combine delicate forms, vibrant colors, and intricate patterns, all infused with a deep affection for a land that deserves both understanding and recognition. While the exhibition celebrated artistic mastery, it also told the story of Iranian culture, its festivals, joys, and enduring traditions.
Babaknia, a physician, university professor, and artist living in California, described his work as a reflection of a “culture of life”—one that honors joy and celebrates living. Addressing visitors among his creations, he shared:
“When I first came to the United States, I wished Iran had as many celebrations as possible. Over the years, I studied my homeland and realized how rich our traditions have been. Beyond the mourning of Siyavash, nearly every occasion was a festival—honoring women, the earth, freedom, victory, wherever light triumphs over darkness. We celebrated water, soil, wind, fire… life itself.”
Pointing to a piece depicting a cypress tree, which he called “Yalda Cypress,” Babaknia added: “This symbol has marked the birth of light for thousands of years. We celebrated it at Yalda, yet today many mistakenly think it belongs to another culture.”
He encouraged us to explore and learn more—or, more easily, a simple Google search would reveal how many festivals Iran has celebrated, often one, two, or even several each month.
The traditions and celebrations were captured in the glass artworks throughout the exhibition. Each piece radiated a world of energy and joy—from Yalda and Sadeh to Chaharshanbe Suri and Esfandegan, from Nowruz to Mehregan.
Yet the exhibition went beyond festivals. In another section, where the sounds of celebration faded, the glass panels displayed iconic symbols—from Cyrus the Great’s Cylinder to excerpts of messages of peace and freedom—this time etched in glass rather than stone. Babaknia has created 60 works inspired by Cyrus the Great, noting:
“Remember, 2,500 years ago, Cyrus issued a decree—and it was carried out. Had it not been, his name would not have endured in history. His actions, as commanded then, remain admirable even today.”
“Art of Yalda & Other Persian Cultural Festivals” reflects the devotion of an Iranian who has lived nearly fifty years abroad. A physician and artist, Babaknia has spent a decade working with glass, producing over 500 pieces that narrate the history and culture of his homeland. Speaking of his connection to Iran, he said: “You can take me from Iran, but you cannot take Iran from me.”
