Honorable Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei
After greetings and respects,
As you are aware, in the year 1357 [1978/1979], after the glorious victory of the Iranian Revolution, the first anthem of the Islamic Republic was played. The beginning of the anthem was as follows:
“Arose the Islamic Republic
Bringing both religion and world to us”
Thereafter, on the 3rd of Khordad, 1371 [May 23, 1992], through the efforts of artists, another anthem was unveiled, which, after your approval, replaced the previous anthem as the anthem of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This anthem begins as follows:
“Risen from the horizon is the light of Khavaran
The radiance perceived by truth believers”
It has been approximately a quarter-century that this anthem has been the official anthem of the Islamic Republic, and most young people sing it by heart with respect during ceremonies.
The major flaw of this anthem is that it starts with the word “Khavaran”, which unintentionally reminds one of the Khavaran cemetery in the east of Tehran. It is said that in Mordad, 1367 [July/August 1988], when a large number of political prisoners, both female and male, were executed, they were buried in mass graves in this region. The number of these bodies is mentioned in various statistics ranging from four thousand to twenty thousand, and in another account, up to thirty-three thousand.
Since the anthem of the Islamic Republic represents the country’s reputation, especially in international assemblies, ceremonies, and official competitions, it should not evoke any unpleasant memories for people. It would be preferable if the word “Khavaran” were not used in the national anthem of the Islamic Republic. This word, in this anthem, inadvertently conjures the image of Mr. Mostafa Pourmohammadi, the Minister of Justice, and the image of Mr. Ebrahim Raisi, the Custodian of Astan Quds Razavi, and Mr. Hossein-Ali Nayeri, the Deputy of the Supreme Court.
One cannot say that the poet intentionally and with the aim of damaging the sacred system of the Islamic Republic, placed such a phrase, especially in the beginning of the anthem, and it was most likely unintentional. Nevertheless, we can easily find another word that matches the rhythm of “Khavaran” and replace it without affecting the meaning of the poem. For this task, we can call upon poets, literati, and also the general public for assistance.
I wish you success.
Mohammad Mahdavifar
Deminer and Diver of the Sacred Defense
14th Shahrivar 95 [September 4, 2016]