Nowruz
2017
Salzburg-Austria
The Intercultural Festival, organized by Sam Beklik in collaboration with the Afro-Asiatisches Institut Salzburg and held at KHG Salzburg, was a vibrant celebration of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Sponsored by Afro-Asiatisches Institut Salzburg, KHG Salzburg, and Kultur Stadt Salzburg, the event featured a blend of art, tradition, and music. The evening began with a short talk, followed by a heartfelt poetry reading by Iranian writer Mahdiyeh Seifi. A highlight was the traditional Haft-Seen table, a symbolic centerpiece of Nowruz, introduced by Matin Emamy, who shared its cultural significance with the guests. Sam Beklik’s photo exhibition, framed by this celebration, was complemented by a painting exhibition by Asefeh K. The festival concluded with an enchanting performance of Persian music by Nastaran Ghobadi (setar) and Zhila Mirshafiei (daf), leaving the audience inspired. With contributions from photo model Anastasia Churakova and artist assistant Estefano Ferrari, the event successfully merged art, storytelling, and tradition into an unforgettable experience.