Across Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, millions share a language and a passion for poetry. But with its abundance of lovers and wine, Persian poetry sits uneasily with Iran’s theocratic leaders.

We explore their complicated relationship with this facet of Persian identity, and how they occasionally turn to verse to secure popular appeal.

00:00 Introduction
02:38 The Persian language in Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan
09:47 Poetry in the Persian blood - Shahnameh, Ferdowsi, Rudaki, Rumi, Hafez
21:20 Poetry in politics - Khomeini, Khamenei
33:23 Poetry today

Presenter: Krassi Ivanova Twigg
Producers: Kriszta Satori, Barry Sadid
Video producer: Suniti Singh