{"id":158496,"date":"2025-07-05T18:02:05","date_gmt":"2025-07-05T14:32:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.amordadnews.com\/?p=158496"},"modified":"2025-07-05T18:02:05","modified_gmt":"2025-07-05T14:32:05","slug":"a-nation-pays-tribute-to-ferdowsi-and-the-shahnameh","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.amordadnews.com\/?p=158496","title":{"rendered":"A Nation Pays Tribute to Ferdowsi and the Shahnameh"},"content":{"rendered":"

Each year, the 25th of Ordibehesht on Iran\u2019s official calendar marks Ferdowsi Commemoration Day<\/em>\u2014a time to honor the legendary poet who gifted Iran its national epic, the Shahnameh<\/em>, and to celebrate the richness of the Persian language. Around this date, events and ceremonies take place across the country to reflect on Ferdowsi\u2019s lasting cultural legacy.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This year, in Ordibehesht 1404 (May 2025), cities across Iran once again hosted a variety of cultural and academic events in tribute to Ferdowsi. What follows is a snapshot of some of the major commemorations held throughout the month.<\/p>\n

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Highlights from May 12 (23 Ordibehesht)<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the days leading up to Ferdowsi Commemoration Day, several events were held, including the launch of a notable international conference:<\/p>\n

Opening of the Ferdowsi International Conference: Rethinking the Shahnameh\u2019s Place in Today\u2019s World<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Ferdowsi International Conference kicked off with the theme \u201cRediscovering the role of Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh in the contemporary world.\u201d<\/em> The event was organized by the Association of Cultural Heritage and Eminent Figures, in collaboration with the Khorasan Razavi Department of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Ferdowsi Cultural Center, the Governor\u2019s Office, Mashhad Municipality, and the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization. It was held at Ferdowsi Hall in the Pardisan Hotel in Mashhad.<\/p>\n

Speakers included Mahmoud Shalouei, head of the organizing association, and Seyed Hassan Hosseini, governor of Mashhad. The event also featured a presentation by Farzad Ghaemi, the conference\u2019s scientific secretary, who offered an overview of the academic work and preparations that led to this year\u2019s gathering.<\/p>\n

The opening ceremony included artistic performances, traditional storytelling (naqali<\/em>), live music, the unveiling of the conference\u2019s collection of papers, and the release of a commemorative stamp marking the occasion.<\/p>\n

Events on May 13 (24 Ordibehesht): Celebrating Ferdowsi and the Shahnameh<\/strong><\/p>\n

On May 13, various scholarly gatherings and cultural ceremonies deepened the tribute to Ferdowsi and his epic Shahnameh<\/em>. Key events included:<\/p>\n

Conference on the Shahnameh and Interdisciplinary Humanities Studies<\/strong><\/p>\n

The conference titled \u201cShahnameh and Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities\u201d<\/em> was hosted by the Iranian Association for Peace Studies, in partnership with the Ferdowsi Cultural Center of Mashhad, the Tabriz Shahnameh Reading Workshop, the House of Humanities Scholars, and Allameh Tabataba\u2019i University.<\/p>\n

Distinguished speakers featured Mohammad Jafar Yahaghi, director of Ferdowsi Cultural Center, Mashhad; Gholamreza Zakiani, dean of Literature at Allameh Tabataba\u2019i University; Maqsood Farasatkhah, sociology professor at Shahid Beheshti University; Nematollah Fazeli, president of the Iranian Peace Studies Association; Mandana Tisheyar, professor of International Relations at Allameh Tabataba\u2019i University; Yaman Hikmat Taghiabadi, psychologist and Shahnameh expert; Mehdi Fadaei Mehrabani, political science professor at the University of Tehran; and Javad Ranjbar Derakhshilar, founder of the Tabriz Shahnameh Reading Workshop.<\/p>\n

Persian Language and Ferdowsi Commemoration at the National Library<\/strong><\/p>\n

A ceremony celebrating the Persian language and honoring Ferdowsi was held in the Qalam Hall of the National Library. Speakers included Seyed Abbas Salehi, Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance; Gholamreza Amirkhani, head of the National Library and Archives Organization; Gholamali Haddad Adel, president of the Academy of Persian Language and Literature; Golrokhsar Safiava, an acclaimed poet from Tajikistan; and Nemat Ildirim, professor of Persian and translator of the Shahnameh<\/em> into Istanbul Turkish.<\/p>\n

Unveiling of the World\u2019s Earliest Illustrated Lithographed Shahnamehs<\/strong><\/p>\n

At the Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi, the world\u2019s first illustrated lithographed editions of the Shahnameh<\/em>, preserved in the Razavi Treasury, were officially unveiled.<\/p>\n

The library currently houses 55,000 lithographed volumes in Persian, Arabic, and Turkish. During the event, the second and third illustrated lithographed Shahnameh<\/em> editions worldwide\u2014printed in 1266 and 1267 AH (circa 1849-1850 CE) and also part of the Razavi collection\u2014were presented. Mustafa Lal-Shatari, professor at Neyshabur University, delivered the keynote speech.<\/p>\n

Events of May 15 (25 Ordibehesht): Ferdowsi and Shahnameh Commemoration Day<\/strong><\/p>\n

The much-anticipated 25th of Ordibehesht, recognized as Ferdowsi and Shahnameh Day, resonated throughout Iran in honor of the nation\u2019s epic poet.<\/p>\n

Ferdowsi Tribute Ceremony in Tus<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Ferdowsi Memorial Ceremony, organized by the Association of Cultural Heritage and Eminent Figures, gathered enthusiasts of Persian language and literature at Ferdowsi\u2019s tomb in Tus. Mahmoud Shalouei, head of the association, read the President\u2019s message to the audience.<\/p>\n

The event featured speeches by Mohsen Esmaeili, the President\u2019s Strategic and Parliamentary Deputy, and Gholamhossein Mozaffari, Governor of Khorasan Razavi. Musical performances by Mohammad Motamedi, traditional naqali<\/em> storytelling, Shahnameh recitations, and zourkhaneh<\/em> ceremonies enriched the ceremony.<\/p>\n

Ferdowsi Commemoration by the Zoroastrian Association of Kerman<\/strong><\/p>\n

For several consecutive years, the Zoroastrian Association of Kerman, alongside the Zoroastrian Youth Commission, has hosted the Ferdowsi commemoration ceremony at the Rashid Nikbakhsh Festival Grounds. Sirous Nikbakhsh, chairman of the association, was among the event\u2019s speakers. Kamand Kaviani also read the message from Behshid Barkhordar, the Iranian Zoroastrian representative in Parliament.<\/p>\n

The Shahnameh Reading Group, directed by Mitra Khosravi, presented a coordinated performance of the epic tale \u201cSiyavash\u2019s Trial by Fire.\u201d Dr. Salajeghe was another notable speaker at this memorable gathering.<\/p>\n

Mohammad Ali Sajadi\u2019s Art Exhibition<\/strong><\/p>\n

On the occasion of Ferdowsi Commemoration Day, a painting exhibition dedicated to the Shahnameh<\/em> opened. Organized by Saeed Babavand with wall d\u00e9cor designed by Mahour Sajadi, the exhibition titled \u201cJam\u201d<\/em> showcased Mohammad Ali Sajadi\u2019s works from May 15 (25 Ordibehesht) through May 23 (2 Khordad 1404) at the Bahar Gallery, Iranian Artists Forum.<\/p>\n

\u201cGolden Motif\u201d Exhibition<\/strong><\/p>\n

The \u201cGolden Motif\u201d<\/em> exhibition, highlighting Iranian and Shahnameh-themed art, was curated by artist and university professor Narges Safi. It took place on Ferdowsi Commemoration Day and Persian Language Day at Gallery No. 3 in the Arasbaran Cultural Center. A special feature of the exhibition was a live woodcarving demonstration of Ferdowsi\u2019s bust by master craftsman Hossein Ali-Bakhshi.<\/p>\n

Events on 28th Ordibehesht<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although Ferdowsi Commemoration Day had passed, various gatherings continued across Iran to honor the poet:<\/p>\n

Commemoration of Ferdowsi and Khayyam at Shiraz University\u2019s Faculty of Science<\/strong>
\nA ceremony celebrating the legacy of Ferdowsi and Khayyam was held at Shiraz University\u2019s Faculty of Science, featuring speeches by Dr. Saeed Hessampour and Dr. Mahmoud Rezaei Dashtarjeneh, both members of the university\u2019s faculty. The event also included traditional storytelling (naqali), recitations of Khayyam\u2019s poetry, and musical performances.<\/p>\n

Inauguration of the Ferdowsi Cultural Center in Tehran<\/strong>
\nThe Ferdowsi Cultural Center in Tehran officially opened with the attendance of Mohammad Jafar Yahaghi, director of Ferdowsi Cultural Centers, and Gholamreza Zakiani, dean of the Faculty of Literature at Allameh Tabataba\u2019i University, along with several literature professors. The center was established by the Faculty of Literature and Foreign Languages at Allameh Tabataba\u2019i University, with Javad Ranjbar Derakhshiler appointed as its director.
\nThese Ferdowsi Cultural Centers, the first of which was founded in Mashhad in 2005 through the efforts of Dr. Yahaghi, focus on promoting the Shahnameh<\/em> and advancing education and research related to the epic.<\/p>\n

Events on 31st Ordibehesht<\/strong><\/p>\n

Additional commemorations in late Ordibehesht included:<\/p>\n

Shahnameh and the glory of the mausoleum<\/strong>
\nA scholarly symposium titled “Shahnameh and the glory of the mausoleum was held to explore national identity as expressed in epic literature and Iranian funerary architecture. This session, the first in the \u201cIranology Days\u201d series, featured presentations by Abbas Safaei Mehr and Sam Guivrad. The event revisited the cultural and historical importance of Ferdowsi\u2019s Shahnameh<\/em> and celebrated the grandeur of Ferdowsi\u2019s mausoleum as a symbol of national reverence for literary and cultural heritage.<\/p>\n

Events on 1 Khordad<\/strong>
\nThe beginning of Khordad continued to be dedicated to honoring Ferdowsi and the Shahnameh<\/em>:<\/p>\n

Ferdowsi Commemoration by the Paliz Institute of Kashan<\/strong>
\nThe 20th annual Ferdowsi commemoration ceremony, organized by the Paliz Institute of Culture and Wisdom, took place on the 1st and 2nd of Khordad at Kashan University and Aran va Bidgol. The first day featured speeches by Dr. Alireza Ghiyamati, Engineer Babak Salamati, and Farahmand Farzanegan, while Dr. Hossein ShirMohammadi and Dr. Alireza Ghiyamati spoke on the second day. The event at Kashan University opened with Narges Hamzei as the host and secretary of the ceremony, followed by welcoming remarks from Masoud Farzanegan, director of the Paliz Institute, who expressed his gratitude to the attending scholars.<\/p>\n

Events on 3 Khordad<\/strong>
\nRemembrances of Ferdowsi and gatherings of Shahnameh<\/em> enthusiasts continued into the 3rd of Khordad:<\/p>\n

Examining Iranian-Armenian Cultural Connections with Emphasis on the Shahnameh<\/strong>
\nA session titled \u201cFerdowsi and the Shahnameh in Armenian Culture and Literature\u201d was held, featuring a lecture by Andranik Simoni, faculty member and head of the Armenian Language and Literature Department at Islamic Azad University. The session highlighted Armenian literary figures and thinkers from past centuries who engaged with Ferdowsi and the Shahnameh<\/em> and celebrated the epic\u2019s magnificence in their works. It also reviewed various Armenian translations of the Shahnameh<\/em>. This event was held in the conference hall of the Academic Publishing Center.<\/p>\n

Through these and many other events not detailed here, the Ferdowsi and Shahnameh<\/em> commemorations were celebrated with joy and enthusiasm. Iranians across the country participated in numerous gatherings, conferences, lectures, exhibitions, and unveilings throughout the delightful month of Ordibehesht.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Each year, the 25th of Ordibehesht on Iran\u2019s official calendar marks Ferdowsi Commemoration Day\u2014a time to honor the legendary poet who gifted Iran its national epic, the Shahnameh, and to celebrate the richness of the Persian language. Around this date, events and ceremonies take place across the country to reflect on Ferdowsi\u2019s lasting cultural legacy. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":158498,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[222,59],"class_list":["post-158496","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-zoroastrians","tag-ferdowsi","tag-shahnameh"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/en.amordadnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/158496","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/en.amordadnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/en.amordadnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/en.amordadnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/en.amordadnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=158496"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/en.amordadnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/158496\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/en.amordadnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/158498"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/en.amordadnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=158496"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/en.amordadnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=158496"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/en.amordadnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=158496"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}