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World Service,25 Dec 2025,36 mins

Persian poetry and politics

The Global Jigsaw

Available for over a year

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鈥檚 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

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