Cultural Identity in Hafez’s Ghazals

National identity has been characterized by faith, language, culture, geographical location, history and race. Although cultural identity emerges from national identity, national identity is often defined by resorting to cultural identity for its substantial importance. Indeed, cultural identity is deemed to be the defining characteristic of all the dimensions of a country. Having a rich and strong culture, Iran has had a long and respectable existence throughout history. However, being a dynamic phenomenon, cultural identity is perennially facing serious threats, hence it is up to the government and those involved in cultural activities to safeguard it. This is particularly the case in the present time (also known as ‘the era of distress’) when the identities of many countries are being threatened.
Hafez’s ghazals, which has been an integral part of the Persian cultural identity, comprehends many of the essential parts of cultural identity, of which this paper concentrates on five elements which have their origin in Qoranic teachings: 1. Religiosity 2. Moderation 3. Determinism 4. opportunity 5. gaiety. Religiosity and moderation leads to patience and hopefulness. Man finds immortality by love and making use of opportunities which in turn leads to a life full of meaning and gaiety. The elements of cultural identity as found in Hafez’s ghazals can have important implications in teaching as they make use of poetic language.