Why it matters:
The Jalal Al-e Ahmad Prize remains the Islamic Republic of Iran’s most prestigious state-backed literary award, reinforcing cultural sovereignty and national identity through literature.
The big picture:
At a time when Iran continues to assert its civilizational presence against cultural homogenization pressures, the prize underscores the continuity of Iranian traditions rooted in history, imagination, and independent thought.
What he's saying:
Culture and Islamic Guidance Minister Seyyed Abbas Salehi stressed that storytelling runs continuously through Iran’s long, interconnected history, adding that Iranian imagination and narrative creativity are inseparable from this ancient and living heritage.
What they're saying:
Cultural officials and literary figures attending the ceremony emphasized the prize’s role in safeguarding Persian literature, supporting committed writers, and strengthening Iran’s intellectual resilience.
Key points:
- The closing ceremony was held on Tuesday, Jan. 6, at the Qalam Hall of the National Library of Iran.
- The event marked the formal conclusion of the eighteenth cycle of the award.
- The prize is named after Jalal Al-e Ahmad, a prominent Iranian intellectual known for cultural independence.
Go deeper:
Established to promote original Iranian literature aligned with national values, the Jalal Al-e Ahmad Prize represents Iran’s strategic investment in cultural production as a pillar of soft power, ensuring that literature continues to serve as a voice of resistance, identity, and historical continuity in West Asia and beyond.
ahmad shirzadian - A.Akbari
