TEHRAN – The artistic community and the family of martian Manslea Alikani met at the Art Bureau of Tehran’s Islamic Ideology Promotion Organization on Tuesday to pay tribute to the incredible artists who were tragically shortened in the recent Israeli attacks in Iranian soil.
The ceremony not only celebrated her artistic achievements, but also emphasized her unwavering faith, courage and dedication to social causes, embodying the true believer and the spirit of a liberated soul.
The event was attended by prominent figures in the cultural and artistic realms, as well as artists, friends and family from the late artists. The ceremony began with a heartfelt speech reflecting her life, her artistic journey and the profound impact she had on the people around her.
Speaking at the ceremony, painter Kazem Charipa captured the essence of Alikhani’s personality. He emphasized that everyone on earth is limited, and that her life is a testament to the importance of cherishing the moments given to us. “Alikani was a person of a distinctive personality. She didn’t waste time and created meaningful works that reflected her quest for self-discovery.”
He further emphasized her dedication to crafting, noting her seriousness and commitment. Her last work, Ashura’s portrayal, was presented as an example of the pursuit of meaningful art. Charipa emphasized that Alikani is a meaning seeker and follower.
Charipa expressed her hope that more efforts are being made to publish comprehensive books about her work, including analysis and insights on her artistic approach. “We must cherish the living artists between us, and I think her legacy should serve as an example for future generations,” he concluded.
On his part, Seyed Amir Javid, deputy director of the Arts Bureau, stated that unlike other forms of perception that require human effort and planning, the choice and perception of martyrs are acts of God. “God himself chooses the martyr, and through this God’s choice, their voices are amplified among the wider audience,” explained Javid. He emphasizes that efforts to introduce the martian Alikani to the public are merely the beginning of God’s plan, and her memory will continue to be respected through ongoing initiatives.
Following Javid, acclaimed artist and journalist Seyed Ali Mirfattah analyzed the evolving cultural perceptions of Iranian martialism. He pointed out that in the 1980s the culture surrounding martism was different. However, this perspective has faded over time. Mirfata highlighted the recent 12-day war as a turning point that rekindled the collective consciousness of the martyrs’ enduring spirit and their spiritual presence. He mentioned Iran’s missile defense system developed under the guidance of martialists as evidence of their lasting impact on national security.
He also highlighted the role of martialists in shaping the social and media landscape of Iran. “Today, when global students rally around the Palestinian flag in support of resistance, they reflect the bloodshed and sacrifice of our martyrs,” he said. He urged artists and cultural figures to respect these sacrifices and use their talents to create stories that strengthen the unity of the nation.
Nadereh Rezai, the Ministry of Culture’s Arts Issues and Islamic Leader Nadereh Rezai emphasized the importance of investing in creative talent. She noted that more than 40 artists from the ministry are martial artists, along with several women, children and soldiers who defend the country’s security.
“Creating art is a way to continue life and memory. The sacrifices of these individuals must inspire us to cultivate a vibrant cultural scene that honors their heritage,” she said.
She also referred to the importance of telling the history of Iran’s defense through art. “In the 1980s, eight years of war stories were rooted in the efforts of artists and storytellers. Today, this story must evolve. Artists must play a pivotal role in shaping the truthful accounts of our history,” she urged.
“History proves that we have not launched a war of history. But wherever we were attacked, we were standing firm, and it is our right to have an advantage in shaping this story,” she added.
“The enemy is spending millions of dollars to distort our stories, and we call on all artists to use all the tools at our disposal to create stories, bringing the voice of Iran’s innocent voice to the world. We also ask artists to help strengthen national unity.”
Following the ceremony, Sediqeh Salman, a fellow and friend of the Mar-father, spoke about her personality and her artistic journey. “Over the years I have seen her grow into a caring, sincere and dedicated artist. She has been active in numerous exhibitions and collaborated with renowned figures. Her work reflects social concerns and love for Iranian culture, particularly the focus on women and children.”
Finally, Mansore Alikani’s younger sister, Mojang Alikani, expressed deep admiration and love for her sister. “Mansore was more than an artist. She was the source of inspiration for our family. Her creativity and passion did not diminish even among illness. She believed that art was a lifelong journey and that her sketches and paintings always reflected life and homeland.”
The event culminated in the opening of an exhibition featuring 25 of Alikani paintings at the Abolfarzuru Ali Gallery of the Arts Bureau. The exhibition, which will be open to the public until August 6th, offers a glimpse of the artistic evolution that features works exploring Iran’s culture, social issues and the sacrifice of martyrs.
Following the Zionist regime’s aggressive attack on Iran, Mansore Alikani lost his life during an Israeli attack on Tehran’s residential area.
Alikani was a student at Master Kazem Charipa and was a prominent figure in the field of painting, who was also involved in training and research. She was drawing pictures of Asura, the day Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions had taught Martyr at the Battle of Karbara in 680 AD.
sab/