Clarifying the Current Situation; Perspectives of the Oral History Website
Maryam Asadi Jafari
Translated by Mandana Karimi
2025-8-28
The definition of a “journalist” and the profession of “journalism” is not limited to simply “gathering,” “editing,” and “publishing breaking news.” Such an approach aligns more with the work done in news agencies and news websites. But now, after years of working in the field of books for various news agencies, newspapers, and magazines, when I look back, I realize that producing and compiling content for the “Oral History website” has been a deeper and more professional step for me in the world of publishing.
When a journalist is supposed to take a broad view of the body of literature—although oral history, according to some experts, is not considered part of literature—they have more freedom of action. However, when the task is to develop and expand just one brick of the vast structure of knowledge and publishing—such as oral history—within the framework of a specialized website, a very difficult job lies ahead. This is because the circle of people who can be interviewed narrows, and consequently, the scientific and content weight of the subjects and materials must be heavier and more substantial. As seen in recent years, by addressing topics such as “the moral and material rights of oral history works,” we have put effort into clarifying this issue.
Analyzing and challenging the fundamental principles of oral history from the perspective of Iranian experts, discovering unseen talents in the field of oral history, scientifically and accurately introducing oral history to practitioners, professionally reviewing and critiquing published works on the subject, and ultimately striving to strengthen the correct and scientific relationship between oral history and universities—these have been only some of the efforts of the team behind the “Oral History website” over the years. On the verge of the 700th issue of the Oral History weekly journal, I hope these efforts will continue with the ongoing support and cooperation of experts.
Number of Visits: 874
The latest
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- The 372nd Night of Memories – Part 1
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- Objects Tell What Happened in the Eight-Year War!
- 100 Questions/6
- Comparative Analysis of Women’s and Men’s Written Memoirs in the Sacred Defense
Most visited
- Third Regiment: Memoirs of an Iraqi Prisoner of War Doctor – 6
- Comparative Analysis of Women’s and Men’s Written Memoirs in the Sacred Defense
- Third Regiment: Memoirs of an Iraqi Prisoner of War Doctor – 7
- 100 Questions/6
- Objects Tell What Happened in the Eight-Year War!
- The Importance of Pre-Publication Critique of Oral History Works
- The 372nd Night of Memories – Part 1
- Managing Oral History Interviews
Comparing the Narratives of Commanders and Ordinary Combatants in the Sacred Defense
An Analysis of Functions and ConsequencesThe experience of the Sacred Defense cannot be comprehended merely through statistics or official reports; what truly endures from war are the narratives of those who stood upon its frontlines. These narratives, however, vary significantly depending on one’s position, responsibilities, and lived experience.
Unveiling of the book "Oral History: What and Why"
The First report: Alireza KamariAccording to the Oral History website, the unveiling ceremony of the book "Oral History: What and Why" by Hamid Qazvini was held on Sunday evening, November 24, 1404, in the presence of experts in the field of oral history in the Salman Farsi Hall of the Arts Center.
Mohammad — The Messiah of Kurdistan
Boroujerdi immediately said to Darvish, “Ready a few men; we’re going.” Then he moved toward Mostafa, who was studying the Kurdistan map. Mostafa straightened his back and said, “During my service in the army I experienced a full-scale war in Kurdistan. Guerrilla warfare in Kurdistan follows its own rules. The anti-revolutionary commanders want to draw us into a battle chosen on their terms.”
