Politics and poetry may seem like an odd couple. But throughout history, and across cultures, through symbolism and story telling, writers and poets have captured the spirit of their age and shared them with us through time and geography - helping us make sense of human foibles, and the events of our our own world.
In Episode 6 of If You were in Charge
Sanam takes a different tack in her conversation with Christine Van Ruymbeke, The Soudavar Professor of Persian literature and culture at Cambridge University.
It is said that the key to understanding Iran is through poetry, with Iranians often turning to verse to express their hopes and frustrations in everyday life. Familiarity with Persian poetry and the study of its rich, deep history in the West has suffered due to the Western world’s antagonism toward the Iranian regime.
Yet these works hold profound cultural significance, particularly through Sufism and its global philosophical resonance. During an uncertain time in the world what wisdom to the poets of the past have for us about how navigate our modern world.
Sanam also speaks with her daughter, Soleh, a PhD student at Cambridge, to reflect on the conversation and the role poetry played in their family life—with a few laughs along the way.
So join us to hear about the enduring cultural power of classical poets such as Rumi and Saadi, and how these centuries-old verses continue to resonate with contemporary challenges. The episode also highlights the role of women in literature, showcasing their intellectual force and strategic insight in navigating cultural and social currents.
Guest.
Professor Christine van Ruymbeke
Head of Middle Eastern Studies at Cambridge University
Ali Reza & Mohamed Soudavar Professor of Persian Studies
If You Were In Charge is brought to you by the Bjian Ghaisar Foundation
And ICAN International Civil Society Action Network
You can find out more information or how to get in touch following the link to our homepage -
https://shows.acast.com/if-you-were-in-charge
Original Music, Little Monster Media
Executive Producer: Pearse Lynch
This is an Africa Digital Audio Production
ICAN’s newsletter: https://icanpeacework.org/2025/03/sign-up-to-icans-newsletter/
Chapters
00:00
The Power of Poetry and Literature
05:00
Exploring Persian Literature
10:10
The Significance of Rumi and Saadi
20:13
Lessons from Persian Fables
30:04
Women in Persian Literature and Their Power
37:23
Reviving Literature in Education
42:12
The Importance of Humanities
45:38
Funding and Institutional Support for Literature
47:48
Hope for the Future of Literature
49:23
Connecting Poetry to Society and Governance
58:35
The Role of Literature in Understanding Human Nature
ProfessorChristine van Ruymbeke
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices