The Documentary Podcast Persian poetry and politics
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Jan 7, 2026 Join Parneon Sadegi, an Iran analyst, as he discusses the intricate relationship between Persian poetry and politics, revealing how leaders leverage poetic imagery for legitimacy. Majid Nusrat, an Afghanistan analyst, sheds light on the role of Persian in Afghanistan and the impact of Taliban restrictions on poetry. Maruf John Ismatrov, a Tajikistan expert, explores the significance of Persian literary traditions across Central Asia. Together, they delve into how poetry serves as a tool for cultural identity, political dissent, and unity amidst repression.
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Poetry As Cultural Glue
- Persian poetry is woven into daily life and major events across Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
- Politicians cite poetry to signal education and connect culturally with audiences.
One Language, Three Names
- Farsi, Dari and Tajik are dialects of the same Persian language with political names and minor differences.
- Speakers from Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan remain largely mutually intelligible.
Childhood Readings Of Shahnameh
- Parneon Sadegi recalls childhood readings of the Shahnameh and Rudaki that tied poetry to place and memory.
- She describes poems about home and softness that connect people across Persian lands.
