Epic Murals Transform Royan BookCity: Shahnameh Comes Alive on Urban Canvases

 

On Thursday, 4 Bahman 1403 (January 24, 2025), the glass facades of Royan BookCity became a vibrant stage for storytelling as the Line Art Collective—a dynamic group of painters, sculptors, architects, and creatives from Noor—unleashed a burst of color and imagination. Drawing inspiration from Iran’s timeless epic, the Shahnameh (Book of Kings), their street art transformed ordinary surfaces into portals to ancient Persia, merging contemporary flair with legendary tales. Crowds gathered, children laughed, and the sidewalks buzzed with energy as mythic heroes and poetic scenes leaped from folklore to the heart of the city.

This electrifying project emerged from the Collective’s weekly gatherings, where artists, writers, filmmakers, and thinkers collaborate to reimagine urban spaces. During one spirited session, the group decided to break free from traditional galleries and take art to the streets—literally. “We wanted to bring art out of studios and into daily life,” explained Arman Khodaei, the Collective’s lead. “The *Shahnameh* isn’t just history—it’s a living part of our cultural DNA. These murals are a bridge between generations.”

Passersby paused to watch as Rostam’s battles and Simurgh’s wisdom unfolded across the glass, blending bold modern strokes with classical motifs. Kids grabbed brushes to add their own splashes of color, turning the event into a joyful, communal celebration. More than just art, the murals became open-air classrooms, sparking conversations about Iran’s literary heritage and the power of public creativity.

True to BookCity’s mission of fostering cultural vibrancy, the project embodied their belief that books and art thrive beyond shelves and screens. “This is how we build community,” said Khodaei. “When stories leap onto walls, they invite everyone to stop, wonder, and reconnect with who we are.”

—Where legends meet the modern world, and everyone’s invited to paint the story forward.