An Epoch of Ancient Music Resounds in the Heart of Qeshm Island:
The second edition of the Qeshm National Oud Festival officially commenced on April 13, 2025 (Farvardin 25, 1404 in the Iranian calendar), filling the land, sky, and sea of Qeshm Island with the resonant tones of the oud. This significant cultural event, running until April 16, 2025 (Farvardin 28), is a collaborative effort brought to fruition by the BookCity Institute and the Qeshm Free Zone Organization. The partnership between these two entities, particularly with BookCity’s national reach and cultural mission, aims to present the cultural and artistic capabilities of this ancient instrument – deeply rooted in the history of Qeshm and the wider region – to audiences both in Iran and potentially abroad.
At its core, the festival is driven by a creative, community-oriented approach, emphasizing authentic musical identities alongside the unique “sea-based culture” of Qeshm Island, located in the Persian Gulf. As announced in the call for submissions in December 2024 (Azar 1403), the festival provides a vital platform for artists to express their creativity through various formats, including free solo performances, reinterpretations of traditional pieces, and improvisation. A primary objective of the organizers, including BookCity, is to identify, support, and introduce the brilliant talents of oud players found throughout Iran, enabling them to connect and share their art on Qeshm Island.
In a message to the festival, Adel Pighami, CEO of the Qeshm Free Zone Organization, underscored the importance of forging connections between the music of southern Iran and other regions of the country. He expressed satisfaction that, with the support of leading music masters and the valuable cooperation of the BookCity Institute and art-loving sponsors, the festival has transcended being merely a local event to become a truly national one. He voiced hope that through related sessions and programs held in various parts of Iran, the sound of the oud will serve as a cultural bridge, extending across all four corners of the Iranian plateau. This vision aligns perfectly with BookCity’s role as a national cultural institution, capable of leveraging its network to amplify such initiatives.
The daily schedule of the festival unfolds across several parallel sections, offering diverse musical experiences. Daytime performances by oud artists and music groups are held at the Surinet Hotel on Qeshm Island from 5 PM to 7 PM. More intimate evening gatherings and performances take place at various locations including the City Center complex, Shen Cafe, Pin Cafe, Gerdingi Restaurant, Khaneh Doost Ecolodge, and Nakhle Pegrom Guesthouse, spreading the festival’s vibrant atmosphere across different parts of the island.
The closing ceremony of the festival is scheduled for April 16 (Farvardin 28) in Safaabad, featuring a formal concluding performance and final celebration. This event will provide an opportunity for all participating musicians, judges, and enthusiasts to gather once again and collectively envision the future and broader dissemination of oud playing in Iran.
The 2nd Qeshm National Oud Festival, by blending the deeply rooted traditions of southern music with the presence of young talents and offering diverse workshops, strives to become a significant force in the expansion of both local and national music. BookCity, in line with its cultural mission and its commitment to fostering constructive interaction between various art forms and its diverse audience base, endeavors to infuse this ancient art with a fresh vibrancy. Looking ahead, it is hoped that this festival will mark a lasting step in enhancing musical knowledge, creating new opportunities for local artists, and introducing the significant tourism and cultural potential of Qeshm Island to a wider audience.
Below, we invite you to view the image report capturing the essence of the first day of the festival.
Photographers: Marzieh Noorali and Marzieh Mousavi
Tags: Oud Festival, Qeshm, عود
