Iran to commemorate National Day of Ferdowsi

Ordibehesht 25 in the Persian calendar corresponding with May 15 is considered a major cultural event for Iranians to both commemorate the Persian Language Day and the renowned poet Ferdowsi and his magnum opus ‘Shahnameh’ (Book of Kings), the world’s longest epic poem written by a single author.

National Day of Ferdowsi is paying tribute to Iran’s national values and religious beliefs as Ferdowsi is believed to immortalize the Persian language, culture, history by creating the everlasting work of ‘Shahnameh’ which has become one of the symbols of Persian-speaking history and culture.

The long-lasting permanence of the Persian language is indebted to the famous Iranian poet. Ferdowsi designed the Persian language and literature in such a way that his epic book Shahnameh, about the Persian kings that took him three decades to write, played a key role in the revival of this language and spread the Persian literature beyond the borders of Iran.

Today Ferdowsi's tomb is one of the tourist attractions in Iran. Millions of visitors from various provinces of Iran come to see the tomb every year. Foreign dignitaries, tourists, and other Persian-speaking people from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East also visit the site.

Every year, a number of literati and scholars from around the world gather at the mausoleum on May 15 to commemorate the great Persian. However, this year the annual national celebration to observe Ferdowsi Day is to be held online due to the pandemic.

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