Episode

Persian poetry and politics

Podcast
The Global Jigsaw
Published
Dec 25, 2025
Duration seconds
2181
Processing state
not_requested
Canonical source
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct7yvj
Audio
http://open.live.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/6/redir/version/2.0/mediaset/audio-nondrm-download-rss/proto/http/vpid/p0mq78w5.mp3
JSON
/v1/public/podcasts/the-global-jigsaw-6300406/episodes/persian-poetry-and-politics
Markdown
/podcast/the-global-jigsaw-6300406/persian-poetry-and-politics.md

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Summary

How poetry is used by Persian speaking leaders to build legitimacy and shape the political narrative. Across Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, millions share a language - and a passion for poetry. But with its abundance of lovers and wine, Persian poetry sits uneasily with Iran’s theocratic leaders. We explore their complicated relationship with this facet of Persian identity, and how they occasionally turn to verse to secure popular appeal. Producer: Kriszta Satori Presenter: Krassi Ivanova Twigg Music: Pete Cunningham