Aria Fani
Associate professor and director of Persian and Iranian Studies at the University of Washington and author of Reading Across Borders: Afghans, Iranians, and Literary Nationalism (University of Texas Press, 2024), specializing in Persian literary history and transnational cultural exchange.
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Oct 31, 2025 • 52min
Aria Fani, "Reading Across Borders: Afghans, Iranians, and Literary Nationalism" (U Texas Press, 2024)
Aria Fani, an associate professor and expert in Persian literary history, explores the interconnected literary identities of Afghans and Iranians. He reveals how modern nationalism emerged not solely through European influence but through a rich shared Persian heritage. Fani discusses the evolution of 'adab' into modern 'literature,' the impact of early periodicals, and the complex relationship between language policies in both nations. He emphasizes the need for ethical discourse around Afghan displacement in Iran and advocates for literature as a tool for justice.
Oct 31, 2025 • 52min
Aria Fani, "Reading Across Borders: Afghans, Iranians, and Literary Nationalism" (U Texas Press, 2024)
Aria Fani, an associate professor and director of Persian and Iranian Studies at the University of Washington, dives into how Afghans and Iranians developed their national identities through literature. He discusses the evolution of 'literature' in Persian and the crucial role of literary associations and periodicals in this transformation. Fani also tackles the complexities of linguistic nationalism, the impact of exclusionary canon-building, and the ethical dimensions of literature in contemporary contexts, particularly regarding Afghan displacement.
