TEHRAN- Focusing on the rural and nomadic section of the 21st edition of Imam Reza (AS) International Festival, known as Eight Sky, could help reverse rural-urban migration, the organizers have announced. 

During a press conference held in Tehran on Wednesday, Morteza Saeidizadeh, the director of Imam Reza (AS) International Art and Cultural Foundation, highlighted the goal of the festival to promote Razavi culture in rural areas and propel their progress. 

“As a result, it aims to facilitate reverse migration.”

He emphasized the need to alleviate deprivation in these rural areas and foster comprehensive progress. He further noted that the festival aims to spread culture, create opportunities for progress in villages, and revive rural traditions and customs.

This year, five distinct areas will host the festival, encompassing rural song, traditional performances that prioritize the preservation of indigenous culture, Pardeh-Khani (a type of traditional storytelling), eulogy recitation, and rural photography, all aimed at mitigating deprivation, he added.

For his part Seyyed Amir Hossein Madani, the vice president for rural development emphasized the significance of highlighting rural culture through festivals like Imam Reza Festival. Madani underscored the importance of reconnecting to "rural authenticity" and addressing the social problems resulting from the detachment from rural areas.

In different eras, Iranian governments showed equal consideration for rural infrastructure and economy, however, these measures alone cannot effectively counter migration, as special attention must be given to rural culture, considering that approximately 80 percent of the Iranian population has rural roots, he mentioned. 

"The cultural issue is the root cause of migration, not merely economic or infrastructural matters. The cultural aspect takes precedence, and rural identity must be our priority," highlighted Madani. 

He further emphasized the need to divert focus and resources from cities to rural areas, as individuals in the current post-modern era display a growing interest in rediscovering their rural heritage.

To safeguard cultural security, Madani advocated a comprehensive approach that restores the essence of rural life. By directing attention to cultural matters, he outlined that economic and infrastructural issues would gradually find their solutions. 

"If we redirect our focus towards rural areas, including government officials and authorities, we can ensure our cultural security lies in the countryside," he remarked.

According to Madani, comprehensive cultural reform will not only address population challenges but also offer resolutions to broader societal concerns. By embracing rural authenticity, he believes that the nation can pave the way for a prosperous future.

The 6th edition of the Eighth Sky Festival will be held in Kardar Razavi Village in southern Hormozgan province in March 2024. 

The Imam Reza (AS) International Festival is held annually in various provinces of the country as well as in several other countries.

This festival encompasses various fields such as articles, plays or screenplays, produced shows, stories, visual arts, books, literary texts, poetry, press and digital works, and radio and television productions.

The festival will come to an end in Mashhad on May 19, 2024 that marks the birthday of Imam Reza (AS).

SAB/