Knowledge and Society: Interview with Shujauddin Shafa, Renowned Contemporary Iranian Writer and Thinker in Three Parts - 2003-07-29

Knowledge and Society: Interview with Shujauddin Shafa, a renowned contemporary Iranian writer and thinker, in three parts - 2003-07-29. Is another birth conceivable for Iran and Iranians? Shujauddin Shafa believes that the Iranian nation deserves a resurrection and a new birth that is on the verge of flourishing and will lead to the liberation of Iran from darkness and humiliation. Few Iranians have not heard of Dr. Shujauddin Shafa, a prominent writer, literati, and researcher in Iran. Dr. Shafa began his cultural and literary activities in the early 1950s with a literary translation called 'The Songs of Bilitis' and has translated and authored dozens of significant cultural and historical works over the past 50 years. Dr. Shafa also held the position of Cultural Deputy in the Imperial Court for many years, and one of his important initiatives during that time was the establishment of the Great Pahlavi Library, which was the largest library in the country after the National Assembly Library. After the revolution, Dr. Shafa continued his research work and published numerous books to clarify the nature of the Islamic Republic, some of which, like 'Another Birth,' have gained international fame. Although its publication is banned inside Iran, it has been secretly printed dozens of times and circulated. Dr. Shafa's latest work discusses the impact of Iranian culture on Catalan culture, explaining how Iranian culture influenced a part of Western culture through Spain. In the final section of our colleague Mansour Farasioon's interview with Dr. Shujauddin Shafa on the program 'Knowledge and Society,' the prominent Iranian writer and researcher explains the key to the success of followers of Christianity and other major religions in removing power from religious authorities and separating religion from government two centuries ago. He discusses the reasons for the backwardness and stagnation of Islamic societies, including Iran, and why the key to the salvation of Iranians should be sought in the hands of the younger generation of Iran. Pay attention to the conversation between Mansour Farasioon, a scientific reporter for Voice of America, and Dr. Shujauddin Shafa on the program 'Knowledge and Society.'