The role of Persian language in the national unity of Iran

Due to its unique natural, geographical and political situation, Iran has passed through numerous events since the dawn of the history. However, what has preserved the country from the widespread invasions is, actually, their national identity. Such a national identity has developed and manifested itself in the Persian language. This language has been always playing a unique role in the sustainability of the Iranian nation as well as their national identity. This language was always doing so, both at the time when Cyrus and Darius had their orders and statements carved on the mountains and columns, and at the time when the great Ferdowsi wrote his epical poems in Persian so as to strengthen the national and cultural interests and to display the self-awareness of the Iranians. In fact, Persian is like a visible and invisible circle welding the Iranian national identity with its different ethnic groups, and keeps playing the key role in maintaining Iranians national unity. In the present paper, the writer will point out the role of great Persian poets, some of whom are non-native speakers of Persian, in maintaining and preserving such valuable heritage, as well as their efforts to preserve the Iranian identity in general and Persian language in particular.