National Ferdowsi Day

Painting of Ferdowsi, a renowned Persian poet, in traditional Persian clothing surrounded by lush Persian gardens.. — National ferdowsi day illustration

Hey there, folks! Are you ready for a wild ride? Because today we're diving into the fascinating world of National Ferdowsi Day!

When is Ferdowsi Day?

It's national ferdowsi day on the 14th May.

The Legendary Ferdowsi

Prepare yourself for an epic tale of literature, love, and legacy. National Ferdowsi Day is a celebration of the great Persian poet Abolqasem Ferdowsi and his masterpiece, the Shahnameh.

Now, before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's give a quick shout-out to Ferdowsi himself. Born in 940 AD in the lovely city of Tus in Iran, he dedicated over three decades of his life to composing the Shahnameh, which means 'Book of Kings.' This epic poem tells the story of pre-Islamic Persia and is full of heroic adventures, mythical creatures, and tales of honor and bravery. You could say it's the Game of Thrones of its time, minus the dragons (but hey, don't quote us on that).

Preserving a Legacy

So, why do we celebrate National Ferdowsi Day? Well, my friend, it's all about keeping the legacy of Ferdowsi and his masterpiece alive. This day is a nod to his contribution to Persian literature and culture, as well as a way to promote the importance of preserving and cherishing our literary heritage.

Just imagine, without Ferdowsi's dedication and passion, we might have missed out on the adventures of Rostam or the tragic story of Sohrab and Rustom. We owe him a debt of gratitude!

How to Celebrate

Now that you're all fired up to celebrate National Ferdowsi Day, let's talk about some awesome ways to do it:

Grab a copy of the Shahnameh and dive into the world of Persian mythology and heroes. Trust us, it's a thrilling read!
Organize a reading or storytelling session with your loved ones. Share the tales of Ferdowsi and let his words ignite your imagination!
Spread the word about National Ferdowsi Day on social media. Use the hashtag #FerdowsiDay and share your favorite quotes or moments from the Shahnameh. Extra points if it inspires others to pick up a copy!

Fun Fact Alert!

Did you know that Ferdowsi's epic poem, the Shahnameh, contains over 60,000 verses? That's longer than the extended edition of The Lord of the Rings trilogy! Talk about dedication!

History behind the term 'Ferdowsi'

935 AD

Birth of Ferdowsi

Abu ʾl-Qasim Ferdowsi Tusi, commonly known as Ferdowsi, was born in 935 AD in the city of Tus, Khorasan, in present-day Iran. He was a Persian poet and the author of the Shahnameh, also known as 'The Book of Kings.' This epic poem is considered one of the greatest works of Persian literature and a cornerstone of Persian culture.

977 AD - 1010 AD

Writing the Shahnameh

Ferdowsi spent over three decades of his life writing the Shahnameh. Composed of 60,000 verses, it recounts the mythical and historical past of Iran from the creation of the world until the Islamic conquest in the 7th century. Ferdowsi aimed to revive Persian identity and preserve the Persian language from the encroachment of Arabic.

1010 AD

Completed Shahnameh

After years of dedicated work, Ferdowsi completed the Shahnameh in 1010 AD. It became an instant masterpiece and gained significant recognition and popularity throughout the Persian-speaking world. The Shahnameh plays a crucial role in preserving Iranian mythology, culture, and history, making Ferdowsi a national hero and his work a symbol of national identity.

1934

The Ferdowsi Day Celebration

In 1934, during the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi, Ferdowsi Day was celebrated in Iran for the first time. This annual event takes place on the 15th of Aban in the Iranian calendar (around November 6th) and honors Ferdowsi's contribution to Persian literature and culture. It includes various activities such as poetry recitations, art exhibitions, and scholarly discussions.

Today

Ferdowsi's Legacy

Ferdowsi's legacy continues to thrive in modern Iran and beyond. His works have inspired countless poets, writers, and scholars, shaping the course of Persian literature for centuries. The Shahnameh remains a cherished masterpiece, loved by Persian-speaking people worldwide. Ferdowsi's dedication to Persian culture and language has left an indelible mark on the cultural identity of Iran.

Did you know?

Did you know that Ferdowsi's epic poem, the Shahnameh, contains over 60,000 verses? That's longer than the extended edition of The Lord of the Rings trilogy! Talk about dedication!