Centennial Celebration: Iran and Czech Republic Mark 100 Years of Diplomatic Ties with Captivating Naqqali Performance
On the occasion of the global celebration of Nowruz and the commencement of the new solar year, a remarkable event took place in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. This ceremony also commemorated the centenary of diplomatic relations between Iran and the Czech Republic. The event showcased traditional Persian storytelling, known as naqqali, alongside vibrant Iranian music, creating a rich cultural experience for attendees.
The ceremony was organized by the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Prague, in collaboration with the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization and the ECO Cultural Institute, as reported by Honaronline. It attracted a diverse audience, including ambassadors and diplomats from Nowruz-region countries such as:
- Pakistan
- Afghanistan
- Turkey
- Azerbaijan
- Kazakhstan
In addition to these officials, the event was attended by several Iranologists, enthusiasts of Iranian culture, and members of the Iranian community residing in Prague.
At the start of the ceremony, Seyed Majid Ghafeleh Bashi, the Iranian ambassador to Prague, emphasized the importance of Nowruz as a shared cultural identity across the expansive Nowruz region. He highlighted how this festivity is deeply reflected in Iranian literature, music, and various cultural and artistic expressions throughout the centuries.
The centerpiece of the event was a bilingual naqqali performance by Bahareh Jahandoost, an acclaimed Iranian storyteller and reciter of the Shahnameh. This performance marked a significant milestone as it was the first of its kind held in Prague, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.
During her performance, Jahandoost narrated the fascinating story of how Nowruz was named by Jamshid along with the epic tale of Bijan and Manijeh from the Shahnameh, a legendary Persian epic penned by Ferdowsi. She skillfully delivered these narratives in both Persian and English, making the stories accessible to a wider audience. Accompanying her was Saeed Gorjami, a seasoned musician specializing in traditional Zurkhaneh music, who played the zarb, an Iranian goblet drum.
Naqqali, or Persian epic storytelling, stands as the oldest form of narrative art in Iran, playing a vital role in preserving cultural heritage. A naqqal is a storyteller who recites epic tales, predominantly focused on the chronicles of Iranian mythological kings and heroes.
Bahareh Jahandoost has been actively involved in the theater since she was just seven years old. She trained under the guidance of the renowned Iranian naqqal, Morshed Vali-Allah Torabi. Over the years, she has used the traditional storytelling technique of naqqali to perform in various countries, including:
- China
- France
- Hungary
- India
- Italy
- Russia
- Turkey
During the ceremony, attendees were also introduced to the elements of the Haft-Seen table, a traditional arrangement of seven symbolic items, each beginning with the 15th letter of the Persian alphabet, pronounced as “seen.” This table is traditionally displayed during Nowruz, which aligns with the vernal equinox, heralding the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
This cultural event served as a powerful symbol of the enduring cultural and civilizational ties between Iran and the Czech Republic. It highlighted over a century of cultural interactions between the intellectuals and the people of both nations, reinforcing the importance of shared heritage and understanding.
In conclusion, the celebration of Nowruz in Prague not only marked the beginning of a new year but also reflected the rich tapestry of Iranian culture and its deep-rooted connections with the world. The event was a testament to the power of storytelling and music in bridging cultural divides and fostering unity among diverse communities.
Photo: Bahareh Jahandoost (L) and Saeed Gorjami perform at the ceremony in Prague, Czech Republic.
