A splendid Persian poetry night was held on Sunday, December 14th, 2025, at the Aga Khan University in Central London. Hosted by Farsi Action Foundation in collaboration with the Aga Khan University/Research Centre, the event witnessed a remarkable gathering of literati and lovers of the Persian language and literature from Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and the English-speaking cultural community.
The cultural program commenced with the unveiling and introduction of the poetry collection by the gifted poet, Ms. Sahar Rahimi, titled "My Beauty Has Resigned from Continuing." In this segment, speakers including Reza Mohammadi, Dariush Rajabian, Ms. Shabnam Azar, and Shahin Shabaniyan discussed her poetic stature, artistic language, and the humanistic, identity-related, and feminine themes in her work.
Following this, an open poetry reading session, facilitated by Ms. Zhaleh Zafari and Soudabeh Kamran, showcased the cultural diversity and shared linguistic bonds of the participants, enriching the gathering with an intimate and collaborative spirit. A captivating performance of traditional music created sublime moments, recalling the timeless bond between verse and melody.
Concurrently, a book exhibition and opportunities for conversation with cultural figures from the Persian-speaking world provided a valuable space for the exchange of ideas, cultural familiarization, and convergence across generations and nations. Refreshments with warm and cold beverages further enhanced the warmth and conviviality of the evening.
This cultural night met with an overwhelmingly positive reception, demonstrating once again that the Persian language transcends political borders, serving as a bridge that connects cultures, identities, and hearts.
An excerpt from the unveiled collection:
I promise if I am killed in the war, I will stay alive.
I will gather my fragments from the street,
Force my corpse to walk on the moon,
And pretend that
The trees endure in my shadow.
