Shahnameh and Reading of Shahnameh among the Lur Nomads

The interests of the Lurs in Shahnameh over the centuries has undergone changes under the influence of several factors, some of which are discussed below. Some of these reasons include the simplicity and liveliness of the Persian language, a kind of commonality of language and understanding, epical nature of Shahnameh, the seven hurdles Rustam faced, the lifestyle of the camp of heroes, the feeling of being a co-traveler of the heroes and coexisting with them in the difficult environmental conditions, dynastical system and social relations of the heroes of Shahnameh, a kind of common feeling of having the same structure, cultural similarities, type of some ceremonies, and the feeling of having the same religion among the figures of Shahnameh and the Lur nomads. These feelings are so strong among some Lur tribes and communities that they attribute the genealogy of some of the heroes of Shahnameh to themselves. Due to its widespread popularity among the Lurs, Shahnameh has several functions, some of which are enumerated below. Shahnameh is used for education, spending leisure times, exciting the warriors at the time of battle, spreading the language and establishing relations with other ethnic communities, psychiatric functions, and finally christening or naming the children. The main question is: how can one be a pioneer in the modern developments and carry the mission of “old” Ferdowsi and the “young” Shahnameh?