Note: This article was originally published by CAIS

 

In recent days, the so-called Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, an organ of the Islamic regime in Iran, has enacted a law altering the nomenclature and essence of two ancient Iranian celebrations. Yalda night, traditionally commemorating the birth of God Mitra on the last night of December, is now to be renamed 'the day of promoting the culture of hospitality and bonding with relatives.' Simultaneously, the last Tuesday of the year, historically marked by the Zoroastrian fire festival of Chaharbansuri, is slated to be rebranded as 'the day of honouring neighbouring countries' in the upcoming Iranian new year calendar.

 

This legislative manoeuvre represents the latest salvo in the regime's new cultural genocide policy, a deliberate campaign aimed at eradicating the ancient Iranian cultural and historical identity in favour of an imposed Islamic narrative.

 

 

Four Decades of Cultural Genocide: The Ongoing Erosion of Iran's Heritage under the Islamic Regime

The cultural landscape of Iran, historically a bastion of richness and diversity, has undergone a poignant metamorphosis under the aegis of the Islamic regime. It is not unfounded to assert that such cultural genocides in Iranian history mark the fourth occurrence of this magnitude. The first instance transpired during the 4th century BCE with the invasion of Iran by the Macedonian warlord Alexander II, resulting in the destruction of the Imperial Achaemenid library. The second notable event unfolded during the invasion of Arab-Muslim forces, who, in their conquest, incinerated libraries throughout the Sasanian Empire, thereby altering the trajectory of Iranian history as the nation embraced Islam under the influence of the sword's power. The third epoch was marked by the Mongol invasion, which wrought literal and artistic destruction, leaving behind compelling evidence of upheaval. Now, in the contemporary era, the cultural landscape faces another wave of erosion under the Islamic regime.

 

The policy of cultural genocide by the Islamic regime commenced immediately after Ruhollah Khomeini assumed power. One of the initial assaults was directed at the cherished National Iranian festival of Nowruz, which Iranians have celebrated for at least four thousand years. Simultaneously, Khomeini orchestrated an attack on the Persian language. This campaign unfolded alongside the deployment of his henchman, Sadegh Khalkhali, to ruthlessly dismantle the archaeological site of Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the mighty Persian Achaemenid Empire. Additionally, Khalkhali targeted the tomb of the revered Persian poet Ferdowsi. Faced with well-contextualised resistance from the Iranian public at Persepolis, Khomeini's regime was compelled to alter its course, prompting a shift in the execution of its cultural genocide policy. Subsequently, various pretexts, particularly modernisation and water management, were invoked. The construction of over 80 dams, either directly on or in close proximity to archaeological sites, stands as one of the various methods employed in the systematic destruction of Iran's cultural heritage.

 

 

The Ineffectiveness of Renaming and the Resilience of Iranian Cultural Identity

The Islamic regime's endeavours over the past 44 years to undermine Iranian tangible heritage have taken diverse forms, from outright bans on celebrations to the arrest of those who defy imposed Islamic rules. However, despite the regime's persistent efforts to erase these cultural traditions, the Iranian people have steadfastly resisted, resulting in an intriguing shift in the regime's approach to cultural genocide.

 

This shift draws parallels with a historical event, the appropriation of the 24th of December, originally a pagan celebration of the birth of God Mitra by the Romans, later claimed by Christian priests as the birthdate of Jesus of Nazareth. However, what the Islamic regime seems to overlook is the stark difference in the contemporary context. Unlike the 18th century, we now exist in an era marked by unprecedented access to information and profound human advancement.

 

The attempt to alter the essence of ancient celebrations through renaming appears ill-conceived in this age of information. Unlike past epochs, the Iranian nation is not confined to limited knowledge; rather, they are well-informed and connected. The resilience of Iranian cultural identity, deeply rooted in millennia-old traditions, remains unyielding. Efforts to impose an alternative narrative through renaming are likely to face heightened resistance, further strengthening the resolve of Iranians to uphold their pre-Islamic festivities.

 

It is crucial to recognise that the Iranian people, in the contemporary landscape, are not passive recipients of imposed narratives. Instead, they actively engage in the preservation and celebration of their cultural heritage. The attempt to rename ancient celebrations is not merely an alteration of nomenclature; it is an affront to the collective memory and identity of a nation. In response, Iranians are likely to amplify their efforts to celebrate and safeguard their pre-Islamic traditions, turning such attempts at cultural erasure into catalysts for renewed cultural vigour.

 

In conclusion, the Islamic regime's policy of cultural genocide, exemplified by the attempt to rename ancient celebrations, underscores a fundamental misunderstanding of the contemporary socio-cultural landscape. The resilience of Iranian cultural identity, coupled with the era of information, renders such attempts futile. Instead of succumbing to erasure, Iranians are poised to magnify their commitment to celebrating and preserving their rich pre-Islamic heritage, thereby navigating a course that defies the regime's attempts at cultural obliteration.

 

Shapour Suren-Pahlav

23 November 2023