Naqqāli requires considerable talent, a rete A form of dramatic story-telling of historical or fictitious narratives, Naqqāli was the main keeper of folk tales, ethnic epics and popular music in Iran; its theatrical conventions continue to inspire Iranian artists in their performances and serve as a source of Iranian identity.
ntive memory and the ability to improvise with skill to captivate an audience. The Naqqāls wear simple costumes, but may also don ancient helmets or armoured jackets during performances to help recreate battle scenes. Female Naqqāls perform before mixed audiences. Until recently, Naqqāls were deemed the most important guardians of folk-tales, ethnic epics and Iranian folk music. Naqqāli was formerly performed in coffeehouses, tents of nomads, houses, and historical venues such as ancient caravanserais. However, a decline in the popularity of coffeehouses, combined with new forms of entertainment, has resulted in diminishing interest in Naqqāli performance. The aging of master performers (morsheds) and the decreasing popularity among younger generations have caused a steep drop in the number of skilled Naqqāls, threatening the survival of this dramatic art.
Although a significant number of Naqqāli story-tellers as well as apprentices still exist, a rapid decrease in its popularity among young people and fewer opportunities to perform threaten the continuity of its transmission.
Inscribes Naqqāli: Iranian dramatic story-telling on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.