Persian Poetry and Lit. Day in Iran

The 'National Day of Persian Poetry and Literature' in honor of a prominent figure of contemporary Persian poetry is celebrated today in Iran.

Today marks the death anniversary of great Iranian poet Seyyed Mohammad-Hossein Behjat-Tabrizi, mainly known by his pen name, Shahriar. In honor of the poet, this occasion has been named the 'National Day of Persian Poetry and Literature' in Iran. 

Shahriar was one of the first Iranian Azeris to write a significant collection of poetry in Persian and the Turkish language.

One of his significant poems is themed on the kindness and greatness of the first Shia Imam, Imam Ali (AS).

Below is the English translation of two important lines of the poem performed by Iranian vocalist Mohamad Esfahani.

O Ali, you’re such a great sign of God

Whose shadow upon us resembles God’s greatness

Shahriar lived in three eras of Qajar, Pahlavi, and the Islamic Republic. A deeper look into his poetry shows his objection to injustice and narrow-mindedness.

He supported his people at critical times such as the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war when he reinforced the morale of Iranian soldiers through his poems.

AG/AG