TEHRAN -- Ordibehesht 25 (May 15) has been designated as the day of commemorating Hakim Abul-Qasem Ferdowsi Tusi, one of the most renowned Persian poets whose magnum opus ‘Shahnameh’ revived Persian language.
The day was celebrated with a miscellany of programs across Iran Sunday.
Ferdowsi is famed as one of the most influential figures in Persian literature, and his name will shine throughout history due to his great effort to save the language.
Shahnameh, which is the world’s longest epic poem created by a single poet, has been translated into many languages and has influenced literary works in other countries.
Ferdowsi’s masterpiece covers all aspects of humanity, calling all people to the highest human status.
Shahnameh, The Book of Kings, took 30 years to be written, which is twice as long as Homer’s ‘Iliad’ and ‘Odyssey’ combined.
The book about Persian kings, written entirely in Persian, played a key role in the revival of this language and made a significant contribution to the development of Persian literature.