"Where is Iran?" and the Rhythms of the South: A Unique Evening at BookCity Amol
On Wednesday, November 5, Amol BookCity transformed into a space for critical thought and artistic celebration. As part of the “Book Afternoon” cultural series, the venue hosted the renowned southern writer and director, Ehsan Abdipour. The event, met with enthusiastic reception from local art and culture aficionados, diverged from the typical lecture format, evolving into a blend of identity studies, live cinematic commentary, and an intimate celebration.
Abdipour began by tackling the profound question of national identity. Referencing Seyyed Mohammad Beheshti’s seminal work, Where is Iran? Who is the Iranian?, he adopted a cautionary tone regarding the environmental crises threatening the nation’s heritage. He described soil erosion not merely as an ecological challenge, but as a national tragedy. Drawing a chilling analogy, he noted, “Layers of soil are lost that no rain can ever return.” He compared this loss to historical territorial concessions, stating that while treaties like Turkmenchay shifted political borders, the current environmental degradation is stripping away “a land mass the size of Mazandaran” from within—leaving the map unchanged but the land dead.
The evening then shifted gears to a visual journey through the south of Iran. The session featured a screening and analysis of the enduring tele-theater Qalandar-Khuneh by Iraj Saghiri. As scenes from this documentary-theater piece—rooted deeply in southern rituals and ecosystems—played out, Abdipour provided live commentary. He dissected the nuances of the actors’ body language and Saghiri’s direction, illuminating the intricate bond between the region’s anthropology, its rituals, and the performing arts for the audience in Amol.
The night concluded on a warm and personal note. Following the intense discussions on literature and identity, the event wrapped up with a surprise birthday celebration for Ehsan Abdipour, creating a lasting memory for everyone present. This gathering highlights a core mission of BookCity: to serve as a bridge between the elite and the public. By hosting such multifaceted figures and addressing critical issues—from the tangible loss of our soil to the intangible heritage of our theater—Amol BookCity like other BookCity branches continues to cultivate a space where culture is not just consumed, but lived and questioned.
Tags: Amol BookCity, Ehsan Abdipour, events, Iran
