Note from the Editor-in-Chief 

Dear Readers,  

Welcome to the latest issue of Roshangar, our underground Persian studies journal. This online  issue brings together a compelling range of perspectives, showcasing the depth and diversity of scholarship and creative expression by undergraduate students in Persian studies.  

We begin with Stella Henson’s “From Exile to Revolutionary: The Impact of Khomeini’s Exile on the 1979 Iranian Revolution,” a thought-provoking exploration of a pivotal historical moment and figure. Abel Amene’s “In Defence of Decolonial Nationalism as the First Stage of Iran’s Struggle Against Imperialism” challenges us to reconsider the relationship between nationalism and anti-imperialism in the Iranian context. Zyad Khan’s “Theatre as a Tool for Rebuilding Afghanistan’s Youth” highlights the transformative power of theatre and transnational collaborations in Afghanistan’s post-conflict recovery. Finally, Michael Amin Mashhoon’s “Reflections in Roba’i” offers us eight beautiful and evocative Roba’i poems to enjoy and reflect upon.  

I extend my deepest gratitude to our assistant editors, Donya Saghafi and Yara Ayache, for their meticulous work in preparing and uploading this content, and to Tobin Johnson for their careful reading and editing. This issue would not have been possible without their dedication.  

A special thanks to Dr. Fatemeh Keshavarz, Chair and Director of the Roshan Institute for Persian Studies, whose unwavering support continues to inspire and enable our work.  

We hope you enjoy this issue and find the articles and poetry as inspiring and thought-provoking as we do. Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, peace, and inspiration. Happy holidays from all of us at Roshangar!

Warm regards,  

Marjan Moosavi 

Editor-in-Chief, Roshangar