TEHRAN – On Thursday evening, a crowd of Iranian citizens, mainly women and children, gathered at Hafta Thiru Square in Tehran for an event where they saw the event where they saw hundreds of letters, artwork and handicrafts previously on display in the gallery.
This work was collected through a campaign called “Dastmarizad Iran.” It was organized by the local government’s women’s and family department and served as a way for people to express their gratitude to the soldiers and honor those fighting the attacks of the US and Israel in June.
The night began with a beautiful and quiet moment. The voice of singer Mahmoud Karimi filled the square with the patriotic song “Ai Iran.” The crowd stood completely. The children were waving the Iranian flag, their small hands holding the colour high.
Political analyst and scholar Komeil Khojasteh, who also attended the event on Thursday, said such rituals demonstrated Iran’s unity, even amidst differences and differences. “The fact that our people were thinking of the army during the war and the way they appreciate their efforts shows that there is unity in the country and that Iran will become the most important issue during times of crisis,” he explained. “Our people can overcome any challenge, even those planted by their enemies.”
Beyond the square, I saw reminders of recent wars. The damaged ambulance, its window cracked from the attack and was parked nearby. Beside it was a burnt swing and slide. But hope also existed. Behind the red curtains were handwritten letters, dolls and handmade crafts prepared by Iranian women and children during the 12-day war, thinking of the people and military families who kept them safe.
Raufa, 5, was photographed giving roses to a soldier standing near the stage when the speaker spoke to the crowd. The soldier accepted the flower and patted Raufa’s head temporarily on the head before returning to his post. After exchanging several words with him, Laufa rejoins his mother, who was sitting in the audience. When I asked her what she had said to the soldiers, Raufa replied, “I wanted to thank you for protecting me and my sister.”
I also met young artists whose paintings are painted among those whose paintings are presented to representatives of the army. She created the portrait of Martyr Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the IRGC general who celebrated his important role in the impressive development of Iranian missiles. These missiles ultimately forced Israel and the United States to demand a ceasefire for the precise and catastrophic destruction they gave to the occupied territory and the most important US military bases in the region. At first glance, the portrait seemed to lack artistic details. However, a close inspection revealed that the artist had used Quran quotes and poems to render his face. I asked her to explain the emotions behind her work. “If artists could easily express what is in their minds, they wouldn’t be artists,” she replied. “They won’t draw! There are some emotions you should gather by looking at art.”
Among the many Quran poems she used were well-known passages about martyrs. Hajizadeh was assassinated by Israel on the first day of the war. However, his missiles and his ability to use them remained.
The night ended with fireworks. When the sky was lit, the gift was eventually handed over to Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Hukadi, the representative of the army. “Support is not one-sided. The army can fight the enemy. People can fight the enemy because they support it. Without the expression of generous daily love from the citizens, soldiers cannot withstand hardships,” the general told the Tehran Times. “I want the Iranian state to know that we are prepared. If the enemy attacks again, there will be a much more severe response.”