Nezhad will lead the discussion at this month’s free event at 6:30 p.m. today, Aug. 12, in room 105 of the Shouvlin Center on the Wittenberg University campus.
He will share a brief history of Persian literature, as well as discuss popular stories, Iranian poets and tales about Baha’i heroines.
Often Persian literature or stories focus on its Islamic culture, Nezhad said, but it has other influential traditions as well with the Baha’i and Zoroastrian faiths.
“As contemporary Iran continues to appear in world news, sharing Persian stories with a wider lens may help to paint a more complete picture of Persian culture and its people,” he said.
The Baha’i Faith is a religion founded in Persia in the 1800s. It emphasizes the oneness and unity of human kind and all religions and seeks world peace.
The Global Education and Peace Network formed out of study circles following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. This year’s speaker series theme is “Sharing our Stories: Family and Cultural Traditions that Shape Us.”
The series is co-sponsored by the Wittenberg Center for Civic and Urban Engagement.
Nezhad, a fourth generation Baha’i, hopes participants learn more about his faith and Persian literature.
“Most importantly, I hope people find the stories interesting and even entertaining,” he said.
If You Go
What: Global Education and Peace Network Speaker Series
When: 6:30 p.m. Today, Aug. 12
Where: Room 105, Shouvlin Center
Cost: Free
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