The First International Festival of Resistance Poetry held in Damascus 

On the fourth anniversary of the martyrdom of Qassem Soleimani and his companions, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Damascus held the first international festival of resistance poetry, entitled “Rhymes of Victory” at the hall of the Lady Fatima al-Zahra Complex in the Al-Amin neighborhood in Damascus.

For his part, Dr. Hamid Saffar Al-Harandi, representative of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei, stressed in his speech that poetry plays a key role in conveying the nation’s issues, highlight its future, and revealing the masks of enemies. This is what  comprehensive intellectual arts seek to achieve.

Dr. Al-Harandi stressed what the martyrs and heroes like Commander Soleimani and his companions did is a source of pride for the Arab and Islamic nations. Therefore, we were keen to hold this festival on the fourth anniversary of their  martyrdom , because they represent great values in the approach of  the culture of resistance to confront Zionism.

For his part , the Iranian ambassador to Damascus, Dr. Hussein Akbari, stressed in his speech that resistance builds literature and thought because it is the basis of logic . It confronts injustice, racism, and arrogance, and seeks to achieve dignity and honor.

The director of the festival, Dr. Hussein Jumaa, said that Syria defended free speech, supported  the Palestinian cause in its stances  and principles, and had a major role in supporting the resistance in the region against the Israeli occupation, and that is why we chose Syria  to hold the first festival of resistance poetry.

A number of  poets highlighted the virtues of the martyr Qassem Soleimani and his companions, stressing the necessity of confronting the arrogance of the Zionist entity and supporting the axis of resistance.

Rawaa Ghanam