Naqqali

Naqqali, also naghghali, meaning storytelling or narration and also known as Persian epic storytelling, is Iran's oldest and most enduring narrative tradition. A naqqal, or naghghal, is a storyteller who recites epic poetry and tales centered on the stories of Iranian mythological kings and heroes, relying on gestures, expressions, and sometimes music, along with descriptions of inscriptions and paintings, to carry the performance. The art demands exceptional memory, improvisational skill, and eloquence from its performers; while everyday performance dress is plain, a naqqal will occasionally wear ancient-style headwear or armor costumes for battle scenes. UNESCO inscribed naqqali as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on November 27, 2011, during the sixth session of its Intergovernmental Committee, recognizing its significance to Iranian cultural identity and its historical role transmitting national literature and values across generations.