March 23, 2023
Linda Blaser
Bidens again mark Nowruz with Ahmad Sadri’s ‘Shahnameh’ translation
For the second time, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden included Professor Ahmad Sadri’s translation of Shahnameh in their Nowruz display at the White House.
“I am thrilled that the Persian New Year (Nowruz), which arrives every year at the exact time of the vernal equinox, has been recognized by the Biden White House. It means a lot that my translation of Epic of the Persian Kings was at the Haftsin table,” Sadri said. “The tradition 
of the Haftsin spread goes back to ancient Iran and includes seven edible items (apple, garlic, sumac, vinegar, fermented wheat) plus freshly germinated wheat (Samanu) and h yacinth. Iranians often add the divan of their favorite national poets such as Hafez and Ferdowsi, the composer of the Epic of the Persian Kings, Shahnameh.”
Sadri’s translation was featured in a photo the Bidens posted on US Government social media accounts in celebration of Nowruz. The Bidens placed Sadri’s best-selling translation of Shahnameh to bless their Nowruz spread.
“It was a pleasant surprise to see my translation of Shahnameh at the White House Haft-Sin table for the celebration of the ancient holiday of Nowruz,” Sadri said.
Related Links:
- View the official POTUS Twitter post
- Learn more about Professor Ahmad Sadri