Contemporary Persian Protest Poetry

Book excerpt: This book is a compilation of Persian protest poems written in the last century. This collection comprises works that address the socio-political issues of their time, often focusing on government oppression of the people. Such topics can stimulate a reader's interest and empathy, possibly spurring him/her into action. Because of the lack of freedom of speech in Iran and constant fear of censorship, Persian poets use various tools, including rhyme, metaphor and symbolism, in order to bypass the government's censorship. The works of the following poets are included in this compilation: Mohammad Taqi Bahar, Simin Behbahani, Ali Akbar Saidi Sirjani, Nader Naderpour, Fereydoun Moshiri, Ahmad Shamlou, Mehdi Akhavan Salis, Parviz natel Khanlari, Hadi Khorsandi, Nasim Shomal, Karo Derderian, Hila Sedighi, Mohammad Reza Aali-payam, Iraj Mirza, Basij Khalkhali.