On the 15th of May Maxim Albertovich Alontsev, an Iranist, a Candidate of philological sciences, an Assistant Professor of the Institute of Classical East and Antiquity of the National Research University “The High School of Economics”, pronounced a speech at the Centre of Oriental Literature of the Russian State Library. He delivered a lecture “From a Tsar Book to a National Epic: How Did Firdowsi Become the Main Poet of Iran?” disclosing the perception of “Shahnameh” in Iranian intellectual circles in the XIX-XX centuries, as well as the image of Firdowsi as a symbol of patriotism.
The event was dedicated to the Day of Persian Language and the Day of Commemorating Firdowsi. It was organized and held in the framework of collaboration between the Centre of Oriental Literature of the Russian State Library and Ibn Sina Foundation.
