The Iranian Embassy in Ankara has recently published a book ‘Norouz in Our Joint Culture.’
The book in Istanbul Turkish is titled ‘Ortak Kulturumuzde Nevruz’ and is available in 3,000 volumes, Mehr News Agency reported.
It seeks to familiarize readers with the traditions and rituals of Norouz and the Iranian new year (Norouz) celebrations. Norouz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of Iranian solar calendar. The festivities start from vernal equinox.
The book starts with an introduction by the Iranian cultural attaché at the diplomatic mission, Hassan Safarkhani where he explains the significance of the ancient tradition and festivities of Norouz.
It has three chapters first of which expounds on how people prepare for celebrating the Persian new year and the traditions and rituals observed, including the fire festival or ‘Chaharshanbeh-Souri’, house cleaning and arrangement of Haft-Seen Sofreh (tabletop) or seven symbolic items whose names start with ‘s.’ The philosophy behind the traditions is also mentioned in brief.
Sizdah Bedar, a festival held on the 13th day of spring is another tradition explained in the first chapter. On Sizdah Bedar, also known as Nature Day that actually wraps up the extended two-week holiday season, people spend time picnicking outdoors. The chapter introduces and explains visits during Norouz and the giving and exchanging of gifts.
The second chapter takes a look at Norouz celebration in non-Iranian countries such as Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan among other nations.
The third chapter is titled Norouz in Shahnameh (a long epic poem by celebrated Persian poet Ferdowsi). It explains the concept of Norouz and links it to mythological and literary notions in Iranian works.
