TEHRAN – Recruitment for the 20th Fajr International Poetry Festival has been announced. It aims to showcase and recognize young poets from our beloved homeland and promote empathy and solidarity among Farsi-speaking communities around the world.
Since 2006, the festival has been dedicated to advancing and promoting contemporary Persian poetry, hosting a caravan of esteemed poets each year. The 20th edition is scheduled for this winter, Mair reported on Wednesday.
The Fajr International Poetry Festival aims not only to interact with prominent contemporary Iranian poets, but also to discover and showcase young talents from other Persian-speaking countries and strengthen cultural ties with Persian speakers around the world, the report added.
The main section of this international festival will display works published in Persian for the first time in 2024 with the approval of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. Submissions must be original, independent poetry collections written in Persian and cannot be collaborative. Works previously published under another title, publisher, or as part of an anthology will be excluded from the contest.
A supplementary section is dedicated to poets who have not yet published a book. Interested participants can submit five poems in this category. This includes all forms of contemporary poetry. Poems submitted to this category must be unpublished and have not won any other awards.
This year’s special section is titled ‘Month of Parliament’ and commemorates the 1500th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). We are looking for works that depict the prophet’s character and virtues in literary terms.
Application deadline is December 21st. Winners will be announced at the winter closing ceremony and will receive cash prizes, commemorative plaques and festival trophies.
Persian poetry occupies a respected place in the cultural and literary heritage of Persian-speaking countries, especially Iran. Prominent poets such as Rumi, Hafez, Saadi, and Ferdowsi have created timeless works that reflect deep spiritual, philosophical, and emotional insights.
In Iran, Persian poetry is not only a literary tradition, but also an important part of daily life, influencing art, music, and social customs. It serves as a means of expressing love, mysticism and social values, fostering a sense of national identity and cultural pride.
The rich symbolism and lyrical beauty of Persian poetry continues to inspire generations, evolving to resonate with modern audiences while playing an important role in preserving Iran’s historical and cultural heritage. Additionally, poetry festivals, readings, and educational programs keep this tradition alive and ensure that the poetic spirit remains a core element of Iranian culture and identity.
SAB/