Ferdowsi’s Enduring Influence: A Book Launch at Bahar BookCity

On Wednesday, January 30, 2025, Bahar BookCity in Isfahan hosted a vibrant book launch and discussion event for From Strife to Praise by Nima Zaheri. The gathering, attended by literary enthusiasts and scholars, delved into Ferdowsi’s enduring influence on Persian poetry. Dr. Seyed Mehdi Nourian, a renowned professor of Persian literature at the University of Isfahan, highlighted how nearly all Iranian poets—directly or indirectly—have drawn inspiration from Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh (Book of Kings). “Even in the works of masters like Hafez, the footprints of this monumental epic are unmistakable,” he remarked, underscoring the timeless resonance of classical Persian literature .

Dr. Nourian opened the discussion by exploring the dual perspectives scholars have historically held toward the Shahnameh. “While poets like Malek osh-Sho’arā Bahar have revered Ferdowsi, earlier eras saw critics dismiss both the poet and his work,” he noted. He shared anecdotes about Bahar’s exile in Isfahan, where the poet meticulously studied the Shahnameh and penned reflective essays for the Bakhtar newspaper—a testament to how classical texts fuel intellectual resilience even in adversity .

The professor framed the Shahnameh as a profound effort to revive Iran’s national pride during periods of foreign domination. “Rostam, the epic’s hero, embodies the strength of unity and grassroots power,” he explained, linking Ferdowsi’s vision to contemporary cultural identity. This emphasis on literature as a pillar of heritage aligns seamlessly with BookCity’s mission to celebrate classical works while fostering dynamic dialogue about their modern relevance. As a cultural hub, BookCity bridges Iran’s literary past and present, offering spaces where texts like the Shahnameh are not just preserved but reimagined .

Nima Zaheri, author of From Strife to Praise, elaborated on the book’s research focus. “Commissioned by Dr. Shafiei Kadkani, this work traces how poets’ attitudes toward Ferdowsi shifted from critique to veneration over centuries,” he said. Zaheri invoked the concept of a “text’s afterlife,” observing, “The Shahnameh is a living entity, continually reinterpreted across generations—proof that classical literature thrives when engaged critically and creatively.” Such reflections resonate with BookCity’s role as a platform for scholarly and public discourse, where historical texts are revitalized through events like this .

The event, part of BookCity’s ongoing cultural and academic initiatives, reaffirmed the Shahnameh’s status as a cornerstone of Iranian literary identity. It also highlighted the necessity of continuously revisiting classical texts to uncover their contemporary relevance. By hosting discussions like these, BookCity not only honors Ferdowsi’s legacy but also nurtures a community where literature becomes a catalyst for collective reflection and growth.