As an Iranian-American with a lineage tracing back to the Safavid Dynasty, I have always felt a profound connection to the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of pre-Islamic Persia. This heritage, which is deeply intertwined with the Zoroastrian ethos of truth, justice, and enlightenment, stands in stark contrast to the oppressive dogma imposed upon my people by Arab imperialism and its Islamist legacy. Recently, the Islamist-Leftist coalition’s assault on Behzad Bolour, a prominent figure associated with BBC Persia, has laid bare the depths of their animosity toward the Persian language and culture—a hatred that I, as a former Muslim and now Christian conservative, find deeply troubling and emblematic of a broader ideological war.
Behzad Bolour and BBC Persia: The Controversy
Behzad Bolour, a veteran journalist with BBC Persia, has long been a voice for the Persian-speaking diaspora. His work highlights the diverse cultural tapestry of Iran, often celebrating the music, poetry, and traditions that predate the Arab-Islamic conquest. However, Bolour’s commitment to showcasing pre-Islamic Persian heritage has made him a target for Islamist ideologues who view these traditions as a threat to their dominance. Adding fuel to the fire, Leftist allies of Islamism have joined the fray, branding his efforts as reactionary and out of step with their globalist, multicultural narrative.
The recent smear campaign against Bolour, branded as کار کثیف (dirty work), is not merely an attack on a journalist but a direct affront to the Persian identity. BBC Persia, often accused of political bias, has faced criticism for failing to protect Bolour against these attacks, further exposing the fraught dynamics within media institutions that capitulate to Islamist-Leftist agendas.
The Roots of the Attack: Islamist Hatred for Persian Culture
At the heart of this campaign lies a visceral hatred for Persia’s pre-Islamic legacy. Islamists have long sought to erase or marginalize elements of Persian culture that do not conform to their Arab-centric worldview. The Persian language, which has preserved much of Iran’s ancient heritage, is a constant reminder of a glorious past that contradicts the Islamist narrative of Arab superiority. From banning Nowruz celebrations to suppressing Zoroastrian practices, the Islamic regime in Iran has systematically attempted to extinguish Persian identity.
Behzad Bolour’s work represents a defiance of this erasure. By promoting Persian music and culture, he revives the spirit of Cyrus the Great and the Achaemenid Empire—symbols of freedom and tolerance that resonate with many Iranians. The Islamist-Leftist alliance, however, sees such efforts as a direct challenge to their hegemonic vision.
The Leftist Complicity in Islamist Agendas
The Left, ironically, often positions itself as a champion of minority rights and cultural diversity. Yet, in their alliance with Islamists, they betray these principles. Their support for Islamist regimes and ideologies under the guise of anti-imperialism has made them complicit in the suppression of Persian culture. This unholy alliance seeks to dismantle any vestige of pre-Islamic identity, perpetuating a narrative that vilifies those who dare to celebrate their heritage.
As someone who once embraced socialism, I can attest to the cognitive dissonance within Leftist circles. Their proclaimed solidarity with oppressed peoples rings hollow when they align with regimes and ideologies that perpetuate oppression. The attack on Bolour is a glaring example of this hypocrisy.
The Christian Conservative Perspective
As a Christian conservative and a member of the LDS Church, I view this struggle through a lens of spiritual warfare. The Islamist-Leftist assault on Persian culture is not merely political but deeply spiritual. It is a battle between the forces of truth and deception, light and darkness. The ancient Zoroastrian concept of asha (truth) versus druj (lie) finds a parallel in Christian theology, where Christ represents the ultimate truth and Satan the deceiver.
Behzad Bolour’s work, though secular in nature, aligns with the divine mandate to preserve truth and beauty. As Christians, we are called to stand with those who seek to preserve God’s creation in all its diversity, including the cultural and linguistic heritage of Persia.
Conclusion
The attack on Behzad Bolour is a microcosm of a larger ideological conflict. It is a reminder that the battle for cultural and spiritual integrity requires vigilance and courage. As Iranians, Christians, and conservatives, we must reject the Islamist-Leftist agenda and reaffirm our commitment to the timeless values that define our heritage.
To Behzad Bolour and all who fight for Persian identity: you are not alone. The spirit of our ancestors, the wisdom of Zoroaster, and the light of Christ guide us in this righteous struggle.
Citations
- Afary, Janet. Iranian Identity and Cosmopolitanism: Sufism and the Legacies of Pre-Islamic Persian Culture. Cambridge University Press, 2019.
- Dabashi, Hamid. Iran: A People Interrupted. The New Press, 2007.
- BBC Persia. “Behzad Bolour and the Controversy over Persian Identity.” BBC Persia Archives, 2024.
- Curtis, John. The Legacy of Cyrus the Great: Ancient Persia and Modern Identity. British Museum Press, 2013.
- Keddie, Nikki R. Modern Iran: Roots and Results of Revolution. Yale University Press, 2006.
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