The first “Epic Generation Storytelling” event was held by the Omid Youth Development Center, with the aim of recounting stories of Iranian heroism and exploits during the Ramadan War, coinciding with Iran’s annual Sacred Defense Week.

The Omid Youth Development Center is a cultural and arts organization focused on children and teenagers, with an emphasis on identifying and nurturing young artistic talent. The event centered on retelling stories of Iranian heroism and exploits during the Ramadan War.

In Iran, the term “Ramadan War” is used to refer to the 2026 war imposed on Iran by the United States and Israel. The conflict began on February 28, 2026, coinciding with Ramadan in Iran. Ramadan is one of Islam’s holiest months, during which Muslims observe a daily fast from dawn to sunset.

The event was held on September 22 and 23, 2026, coinciding with Sacred Defense Week, an annual observance in Iran commemorating the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988). It was designed to give children and teenagers an opportunity to participate in recounting historical and national events.

Participants used the traditional Iranian art of «naqqali», or epic storytelling, to perform accounts of Iranian heroism during the Ramadan War, revisiting elements of the historical and epic narratives highlighted by the organizers through artistic performances.

«Naqqali» is a traditional Iranian storytelling art in which epic stories and narratives are conveyed through expressive oral performance. Its use at the event provided children and teenagers with an opportunity to take part in revisiting and passing on Iran’s historical and epic narratives.

The first edition of the event was judged by a panel of masters and veteran practitioners of «naqqali».

Held during Sacred Defense Week, the event sought to bring together the traditional art of »naqqali« with the participation of a children and teenagers in revisiting and passing on Iran’s historical and epic narratives.