Hafez: The Timeless Heritage of the Persian Language and a Mirror of Iranian Culture and Identity

Head of the Lorestan Iranology Foundation, in a message marking Hafez Commemoration Day, stressed that promoting the reading of Hafez is an opportunity to connect the younger generation with Iran's literary, mystical, and cultural heritage.

According to Ambassador Arjan of Lorestan, Mojtabi Rumani, head of Lorestan Iranian Studies Foundation, on the occasion of the 20th of October, the commemoration day of Khwaja Shamsuddin Mohammad Hafez Shirazi, emphasized the unique place of this famous poet in the history and culture of Iran, considered Hafez as one of the most prominent symbols of the literary and spiritual identity of Iranians and emphasized the need to preserve his intellectual and linguistic heritage in today's society.

Referring to the place of Hafez in the historical and cultural memory of Iranians, Rumani said: Hafez Shirazi is not only a great poet in the history of Persian literature, but also a thinker who expressed the deepest human experiences with a language full of beauty, imagination, wisdom and literary subtleties. His poetry covers everything from love and mysticism to freedom, truth-seeking, criticism of hypocrisy, and reflection on the secrets of existence, and this wide range of concepts has made Hafez's Diwan remain alive, influential and interested in different generations throughout the centuries.

He added: Hafez is one of the famous people whose knowledge, beyond being familiar with a literary character, helps to understand a part of the worldview, artistic taste and semantic system of Iranian culture. Hafez's language is part of our cultural capital; A capital that has been present throughout history in people's speech, literary circles, family rituals and cultural occasions and has become one of the connecting elements of generations.

The head of Lorestan Iranian Studies Foundation emphasized the importance of continuing Hafez-khani tradition in the society and said: Hafez-khani is one of the valuable manifestations of the connection of Iranian people with classical literature. This tradition provides an opportunity for poetry to go beyond the scope of books and specialized circles and to be present in people's daily lives. When Hafez's poems are read and discussed about their different meanings and layers, a context is provided for the transmission of cultural experiences, the strengthening of the Persian language, and the familiarization of the young generation with the thought and art of the past.

Rumani continued: holding specialized poetry reading meetings, commentary and interpretation of Hafez's sonnets, literary circles and cultural programs with the presence of professors, researchers, poets and enthusiasts can help deepen the society's understanding of Persian literature. Such programs will be more effective when, in addition to honoring famous figures, they allow the participation of young people, students and interested people and expand the connection between academic research and the live cultural experience of the people.

The head of Lorestan Iranology Foundation further considered the recognition of literary masterpieces as a part of the process of recognizing Iran's historical and civilizational identity and said: Iranology is not only limited to the study of historical events and ancient artifacts; Language, literature, art, rites, ideas and cultural traditions are also the basic elements of knowing Iran. From this point of view, Hafezology and attention to the heritage of great Persian-language poets has an important place in Iranological studies.

He stated: Properly introducing Iran's literary heritage to new generations requires continuous planning, producing scientific and cultural content, supporting researchers and creating opportunities for dialogue between generations. Commemoration of honors should not be limited to one day in the calendar, but should become a continuous movement to recognize, preserve and transfer cultural heritage to future generations.

Referring to the cultural and literary capacities of Lorestan, Roumani said: In addition to its historical and civilizational background, Lorestan province has a rich oral culture, native literature, poetry, music and deep-rooted cultural traditions. Simultaneously paying attention to the national literary heritage and local cultural assets can provide the basis for a deeper understanding of the Iranian identity and the place of local cultures in the formation and continuation of this identity.

He added: Establishing a connection between Persian classical literature and the literary and cultural capacities of Lorestan is an opportunity to strengthen research activities, expand literary circles and increase the participation of those interested in cultural programs. In this direction, the cooperation of university professors, researchers, poets, literary associations and cultural institutions can help to better introduce the literary heritage and strengthen the culture of reading and reading poetry.

The head of the Lorestan Iranian Studies Foundation emphasized at the end by honoring Hafez's commemoration day: Hafez teaches us that language and literature, in addition to beauty and artistic pleasure, is a platform for thinking, questioning and understanding of man and society. The protection of Hafez is the protection of Persian language, cultural wisdom and historical memory of Iranians. It is hoped that by expanding Hafez reading programs and supporting literary and research activities, the young generation will be more familiar with this valuable heritage and the treasure of Iranian poetry and thought will continue to have a living and effective presence in the cultural life of the society.