The theocratic government is repurposing folklore and patriotic anthems as it seeks to channel national outrage into increasing its support at home.The New York Times reports that the theocratic government in Iran is using folklore and patriotic anthems to gain support at home and redirect national outrage following the recent war with Israel. During a ritualistic Shiite Muslim mourning period, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whispered in the ear of a singer leading the chants, who then broke into a patriotic anthem called “Ey Iran, Iran.” This embrace of ancient folklore and patriotic symbols is a departure from the conservative theocracy’s usual rejection of Iran’s pre-Islamic heritage. The government hopes to capitalize on the current nationalist sentiment to strengthen its position amidst economic and political challenges.
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