Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei convened with Tehran’s literati and poets at the Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah in Tehran to emphasise the role poetry plays in shaping one’s own history as well future narratives in the age of social media.
Forty renowned and emerging Iranian Poets performed spoken word poetry to the literati and public figures at the Hussainiyah in Tehran this week.
Various recitations included a plethora of subject matter including eulogies for Imam Hassan Mujtaba, Imam Mahdi, poetry on the current plight of Gazian women and children, poems paying tribute to family as well as spoken-word performances on other social and political issues.
Commenting on the performances, Imam Khamanei says that poetry is a powerful medium that can effectively convey alternative narratives.
“Our rich heritage of Persian poetry and literature has always been used as an effective and influential medium to convey our ideas and culture. The most moving poetry conveys messages of religion and ethics, civilization, and the Iranian experience,” says Imam Khamenei.
He also praised the Iranian people’s steadfastness, emphasizing that these expressions are both pivotal and inspiring to global audiences. He noted that demonstrations of such stances often garner praise during official foreign events and public addresses.
Imam Khamenei also congratulated the Poets’ performances and encouraged the publication of translations to make Iranian poetry more accessible.
“Quality poetry should be made accessible to a global audience, and it’s important to establish a translation movement so our rich prose is available to all,” says Imam Khamenei.
