Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh to be Published in Languages and Dialects of Iranian Ethnic Groups

Alireza Shabani, manager of Shonobook audio publisher, in an interview with a reporter from the Iran Book News Agency (IBNA), referring to the production of Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh stories in the languages and dialects of Iranian ethnic groups, stated: “Unfortunately, we sometimes witness some tasteless acts and even insults in some programs and by some so-called humorist bloggers who directly target Iran’s national myths and symbols; an issue that pains the heart of every Iran-lover.”

He continued: “At Shonobook, with the aim of familiarizing people more with national myths and luminaries, and also preserving and promoting Iranian identity, we decided to turn to the Shahnameh, as one of the pillars of this land’s culture.”

Shabani, emphasizing the literary and historical significance of the Shahnameh, added: “The beautiful and epic verses of the Shahnameh remind us of love, destiny, freedom, chivalry, and the philosophy of life, but sometimes understanding its epic and weighty language is difficult for some audiences. For this reason, at Shonobook, we are producing the Shahnameh stories in simple prose and in various languages and dialects, including Persian, Turkish, Kurdish, Lori, Laki, Turkmen, Sistani, and Balochi, as well as Arabic and English, so that all people of Iran and even global audiences can connect with this enduring work.”

He also said: “This project is progressing with the collaboration of literary and cultural luminaries. Master Abdoljabbar Kakaii and Dr. Rashid Kakavand are among the figures who are alongside the Shonobook team in this endeavor. Also, a group of professional artists and actors from the country are involved in the performance of the audio and video versions.”

Shabani, by stating that the audio versions will be released through the Shonobook application and the video versions through film streaming platforms, reminded: “Providing a rich, professional, and accessible experience for all audiences has shaped the collective’s efforts, and the goal is free access for all Iranian ethnic groups to this great national treasure.”

According to him, “with God’s help and with the support of companies and banks as cultural sponsors, we intend to make this work completely free for all people of Iran.”