TEHRAN- Iran's national identity and culture owe their survival to Shahnameh, the epic masterpiece of the Persian poet Ferdowsi, Iranian scholar has said.

This epic poem preserved Iranian civilization through centuries of upheaval, ensuring that the language, festivals, and traditions continue to this day, Alireza Qiamati told ISNA in an interview on Monday. 

He emphasized that Ferdowsi's epic did not merely preserve poetry—it safeguarded the very soul of Iranian civilization. "The true legacy of the Shahnameh is that Iran survived," Qiamati stated. 

"Thanks to this epic, our national identity endured, our Persian language survived, and our festivals—Nowruz, Mehrgan, Sadeh—continue in their glory," he mentioned. 

Qiamati explained that earlier versions of the Shahname, by other poets, have been lost to history. "The Shahnameh remained during a period when every other epic was being eliminated," he noted. "In this sense, it is indeed complete because it survived when all its predecessors did not."

The scholar also highlighted a historical revelation regarding the completion date of the epic. According to Qiamati, Ferdowsi explicitly marked March 16 as the definitive day on which he concluded his masterpiece. While the exact year remains debated, the day and month are undeniably clear. 

Ferdowsi dedicated approximately 30 years to writing the Shahnameh and another 30 years to gathering sources and editing it, he noted. 

"In reality, his entire life was consumed by the Shahnameh, with the ultimate goal of ensuring Iran's survival," he remarked.

"Even when the poet fell ill, he was not afraid of his own death. His fear was that the Shahnameh would remain incomplete," Qiamati said. 

Qiamati shared that even the death of Ferdowsi's own son did not deter him. "Ferdowsi mourned for a time, filled with grief, but the Shahnameh could not be taken from him,” he said. 

Qiamati underscored that Ferdowsi's concern extended beyond the text itself to the preservation of Iranian culture and traditions. "He feared that without the Shahnameh, our festivals and rituals would lose their glory and be forgotten," the scholar explained. 

"Fortunately, thanks to the Shahnameh, our national identity survived, our Persian language survived, and our festivals continue in their glory," he stated. 

Shahnameh is not merely a literary work but a cultural fortress, he said and added: "Ferdowsi gave his life for Iran, even in the face of death for the sake of Iran, Rostam tells his brother to reassure their mother that he does not regret his fate. What matters is that Iran survives."

"The ultimate duty of every Iranian is to ensure that Iran, its culture, and its civilization endure through the generations," Qiamati stated. 

"This is a unique and special lesson that the Shahnameh teaches us—all for the survival of Iran," he concluded. 

Ferdowsi is the pseudonym of Abu al-Qasem Mansur, (935-1020), who was born in the city of Tus, located in present-day Iran. In 977 CE, he undertook the monumental task of writing the Shahnameh, completing it in 1010 CE after dedicating much of his life to this labor of love. The masterpiece is written in Persian verse and is divided into three parts, chronicling the mythical, heroic, and historical epochs of Iran.

The Shahnameh begins with the creation of the world as outlined in Persian mythology and follows the lineage of Iranian kings, heroes, and legends throughout history. Ferdowsi intertwines tales of courage, romance, deception, and loyalty, creating a tapestry of Persian culture and identity that continues to captivate readers. 

Ferdowsi's Shahnameh frequently portrays Iran's battles against external enemies, particularly the Turanians, as a central theme. However, the epic also delves into internal conflicts and the consequences of division within Iran. It emphasizes the importance of national unity and the dangers of internal strife, portraying it as a threat to Iran's strength and well-being. While the epic celebrates Iranian heroism and victories, it also highlights the ethical considerations of warfare and the importance of justice and compassion, even towards enemies.

The influence of the Shahnameh transcends Iran's borders, having been translated into numerous languages and serving as a wellspring of inspiration for writers, artists, and intellectuals worldwide. Its themes of heroism, love, and integrity possess universal resonance, striking a chord with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Following the Zionist regime and the U.S's a coordinated attack on February 28, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, was martyred. Also, in a deadly strike on a girls’ school in southern Iran — Shajareh Tayyebah elementary school in Minab, a city in Hormozgan Province, 168 children were martyred and 95 were injured. 

In response, Operation “True Promise 4” has begun and will continue until the defeat of enemies.

SAB/