Unveiling of "I Am a Piece of Khorasan": A Narrative of Khorasan’s Thought, Culture, and Historical Ties

Dushanbe, Tajikistan:
The unveiling ceremony for the book *I Am a Piece of Khorasan* (*Yek Pareh Khorasanam*) was held at the National Library of Tajikistan in Dushanbe, attended by a gathering of writers, poets, cultural figures, journalists, artists, and enthusiasts of culture and literature.

*I Am a Piece of Khorasan* is the culmination of the author's years of contemplation, study, writing, and experience. According to the author, the work’s roots trace back to his childhood and his birthplace, Kapisa; it matured in Kabul and ultimately found the opportunity for publication in Tajikistan.

At the ceremony, the author remarked that publishing this first book was the realization of a long-held dream—a dream he had carried for years and which finally became reality in Tajikistan. He described Tajikistan not merely as a place of residence, but as a gateway to realizing this cultural and literary aspiration.

In another part of the ceremony, Ebrahim-Jan Doost-Ali-Zadeh was acknowledged as a key figure in the book's development and publication process. The author noted that Doost-Ali-Zadeh had stood by him from the initial decision to publish the book, offering support and companionship through the challenges of the publishing journey. His role, the author added, extended beyond mere assistance with printing; he played a vital part in making the dream of publishing this debut work in Tajikistan a reality.

The National Library of Tajikistan also held a special place in the author's remarks. He referred to this cultural institution as his first "cultural home" in Tajikistan and expressed his gratitude to Ms. Rahimeh Azam for introducing him to the library's various sections and for facilitating opportunities for study, research, and engagement with Tajikistan's cultural landscape. The author also acknowledged Bozorgmehr Bahador as another influential figure in his cultural and literary journey. According to the author, his acquaintance with Bahador paved the way for connections with various figures in the realms of culture and thought; this collaboration played a pivotal role in the publication of his early articles, his participation in cultural and academic programs, and the preparation and release of the book *Yek Pareh-ye Khorasanam* (A Fragment of Khorasan).

During the ceremony, Adel Nazer was also commended for his study and critical analysis of the author's writings, as well as for encouraging him to compile his scattered works into a single volume. The author emphasized that Nazer’s critiques—both during the book's development and in the presentation given at the unveiling ceremony—had been instructive for his ongoing intellectual and literary path.

**Presence of Cultural and Literary Figures**

A highlight of the event was the presence of prominent cultural and literary figures from Tajikistan and Afghanistan, who enriched the unveiling ceremony of *Yek Pareh-ye Khorasanam* through their speeches, critiques, poetry, and insights.

Dr. Yaqub Yasna, speaking during the book review segment, discussed the work and its significance regarding the literary and cultural ties between Afghanistan and Tajikistan, highlighting the book’s importance within the context of the shared cultural and literary heritage of the Khorasan region.

Additionally, Abdulqader Talbak-zadeh—described by the author as a bearer of the Zoroaster Order in Tajikistan—emphasized the work's historical and cultural importance by presenting this honor to the author and sharing his views on the book. The author regarded receiving this award, after years of anticipation, as one of the ceremony's most cherished moments.

Saifollah Mollajan, a researcher and historian, also attended the event; according to the author, his remarks on Khorasan and the "Khorasani school of thought" added significant intellectual depth to the proceedings. In the poetry and literature segment, Mohammad-Jan Juya graced the event with a poetry recitation, using his verse to address the theme of connecting the younger generation with the culture, literature, and historical geography of Khorasan.

Other cultural and media figures also attended the event, including Babajan Shafie, Fuad Juya, Sina Khaleq-zadeh, Kahzad Fath-ollah, Shahriyeh Adham, Javid Rostam-zadeh, Ruzbay Adineh-zadeh, Safar Abdolrahim, Taher Nazar, a representative of the World Association of Tajiks, Ms. Amina Samarqandi, Ms. Shayesteh Esmat-zadeh, and Ms. Laura.

**The Intersection of Music and Literature**

Music also featured prominently in the unveiling ceremony of *Yek Pareh-ye Khorasanam* ("A Piece of Khorasan").

Vocalist Jafar Jalal lent a special atmosphere to the event by performing the song "The Pride of Ancestors Lies Within My Blood," effectively weaving music into the program's historical and cultural themes.

Additionally, Hatam Roshan revived musical memories for the audience by performing works associated with the legendary Ahmad Zahir, thereby harmoniously blending music and literature within the event's ambiance.

***Yek Pareh-ye Khorasanam*: A Book About a Long-Held Dream**

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the author emphasized that *Yek Pareh-ye Khorasanam* represents more than just a debut book; it is the embodiment of a long-held dream and the fruit of years of contemplation, writing, and the experience of life in the diaspora.

He described the book as a symbol of the cultural bond between lands that remain inseparable in his historical and cultural memory, stating that he dedicates the work with affection to Tajiks and all Persian speakers worldwide.

According to the author, the aim of publishing this work is to keep alive the culture, language, history, and shared memories of the people within this cultural sphere—a region that, in his view, constitutes a vital part of the collective historical and cultural memory of Persian speakers. The unveiling ceremony for *Yek Pareh-ye Khorasan-am* (I Am a Fragment of Khorasan) concluded with the participation of figures from the worlds of culture and art—an event that brought together books, poetry, music, critical analysis, and dialogue to introduce the author’s debut work to the audience.

In closing, the author expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the creation, publication, and unveiling of the book, voicing hope that the journey of writing and thought would continue and that cultural and literary ties among Persian speakers would remain vibrant and dynamic.

Report: Kabul Times News | By Zaher Jahesh