Why Persian speaking leaders turn to verse - The Global Jigsaw podcast - BBC World Service

The Global Jigsaw: Persian Language, Poetry, and Political Identity

Key Concepts:

• Farsi/Dari/Tajiki: Dialects of the Persian language, differentiated by geography, politics, and minor linguistic variations.
• Shahnameh (The Book of Kings): A foundational epic poem of Persian culture, used for national identity and political messaging.
• Hafez & Rumi: Highly influential Persian poets whose work embodies mystical and philosophical themes, often at odds with strict religious interpretations.
• Strategic Ambiguity: The use of indirect language, like poetic verses, to convey criticism or assert dominance without direct confrontation.
• Linguistic Nationalism: The use of language to construct and reinforce national identity, often through differentiation from neighboring cultures.
• Cultural Legitimacy: The use of cultural references, particularly poetry, to establish credibility and connect with the population.

I. The Ubiquity of Poetry in the Persian-Speaking World

The episode begins by highlighting the central role of poetry in Persian culture. Unlike Western traditions where poetry is often reserved for specific occasions, in the Persian-speaking world (Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan), poetry recitation is a common feature of speeches, celebrations, and everyday life. This isn’t merely aesthetic; the philosophical depth and wisdom embedded within Persian poetry elevate it to a cornerstone of Persian identity. Politicians frequently employ poetry to signal education, elite status, and connection to the populace. However, this cultural touchstone also creates tension, as the values inherent in Persian poetry sometimes clash with dominant ideologies, particularly within the Islamic Republic of Iran.

II. Farsi, Dari, and Tajiki: A Shared Language, Divergent Identities

The program explores the linguistic landscape of the Persian-speaking world, revealing that the language exists under three names: Farsi (Iran), Dari (Afghanistan), and Tajiki (Central Asia). While mutually intelligible, these dialects have evolved differently due to geographical, political, and historical factors.

• Mutual Intelligibility: Speakers from all three countries can generally understand each other.
• Linguistic Differences: Variations exist in accent, vocabulary, script, and loanwords.
• Historical Development: Modern Persian largely developed in eastern Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia, initially as a counter to Arabic influence.
• Dari (Afghanistan): Considered by some to be a “purer” form of Persian, less mixed with Arabic and other languages. It is the lingua franca, spoken by at least half the Afghan population.
• Tajiki (Central Asia): Uses a Cyrillic script introduced by the Soviets to foster a distinct identity, incorporating loanwords from Russian.
• Farsi (Iran): Has absorbed influences from Arabic, Turkish, and French.

III. The Politics of Language and Identity in Afghanistan and Tajikistan

Both Afghanistan and Tajikistan have actively sought to differentiate their national identities through language.

• Afghanistan (Dari): The adoption of “Dari” around 60 years ago was a deliberate attempt by the Pashtun ruling elite to create a distinct Afghan identity separate from Iran. Pashtuns comprise approximately 40% of the population, Tajiks 30%, with Uzbeks, Turkmens, and Hazaras making up the remainder. Dari serves as the lingua franca connecting these diverse groups.
• Tajikistan (Tajiki): Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Tajik was established as the sole official language, symbolizing national identity. While recognized as a minority language in Uzbekistan, its official status is limited, with Uzbek predominating in education. The use of the Cyrillic script, imposed by the Soviets, further solidified a separate identity.

IV. Poetry as a Tool for Political Legitimacy and Control

The episode demonstrates how poetry functions as a powerful tool for political actors across the region.

• Iran: Presidents, like Rahmon, frequently incorporate poetry into speeches, particularly verses from Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh and Rudaki, to connect with the population and project an image of education and legitimacy. There’s a “competition” among local officials to present the president with original poems. Ayatollah Khomeini, despite his austere public persona, was revealed to have written poetry in the style of Hafez and Rumi, demonstrating a complex relationship between religious authority and artistic expression. Current Supreme Leader Khamenei also hosts poetry nights and incorporates verses into his speeches.
• Afghanistan: The Taliban, in contrast, has banned romantic poetry, reflecting a rejection of cultural traditions deemed incompatible with their strict Islamic ideology.
• Strategic Ambiguity: Government spokesperson Fatemeh Muhajirani responded to criticism from President Trump with a verse by Hafez, employing strategic ambiguity to deliver a veiled rebuke.

V. The Tension Between Persian Culture and Islamic Ideology in Iran

A central argument of the episode is the inherent tension between the values embedded in Persian poetry and the ideology of the Islamic Republic.

• Mystical vs. Jurisprudential Islam: Poets like Rumi and Hafez emphasized a personal, mystical connection with God, which contrasts with the more legalistic and prescriptive approach of clerical Islam.
• The Use of Imagery: Persian poetry frequently employs imagery of wine, love, and beauty, which can be interpreted as metaphors for spiritual longing but are often viewed with suspicion by conservative religious authorities.
• Post-War Shift: Following the recent conflict with Israel, there’s been a noticeable increase in the use of imagery from Shahnameh in official messaging, aiming to unify the population and draw parallels between contemporary events and heroic narratives from the past.
• Repression and Dissent: Despite the attempt to harness the power of Persian culture, the Iranian government continues to suppress dissent and crack down on artistic expression that challenges its authority. Execution rates have risen significantly, reflecting a broader trend of repression.

VI. Poetry as Social Glue and a Universal Human Experience

Beyond its political applications, the episode emphasizes the enduring cultural significance of poetry in the Persian-speaking world.

• Oral Tradition: Poetry is deeply embedded in the oral tradition, accessible even to those without formal education.
• Memorability: The philosophical meanings and wisdom within the poetry make it easily memorable and readily recited.
• Universal Themes: The themes of friendship, love, and the search for meaning resonate across cultures.
• Personal Connection: The example of Krassi Ivanova Twigg’s name, Parnian, and its connection to a poem by Rudaki, illustrates the personal and emotional resonance of Persian poetry.

Conclusion:

The episode reveals that Persian poetry is far more than just a literary tradition; it is a powerful force shaping political narratives, reinforcing national identities, and providing a vital source of cultural continuity in a region marked by complex historical and political dynamics. While governments attempt to harness its power for their own purposes, the inherent values of Persian poetry – its emphasis on individual expression, mystical experience, and a shared cultural heritage – continue to challenge and complicate the exercise of power. The ongoing tension between Persian cultural identity and dominant ideologies, particularly within Iran, underscores the enduring significance of poetry as a site of both celebration and contestation.