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About Shahrgan

Shahrgan is an online cultural and social publication whose electronic edition (PDF) is published monthly on its website. The publication began its activities in 1993 in western Canada and continues to this day. Shahrgan grew out of the biweekly magazine Ayyaneh, which was published during 1993–1994.

After nearly two years of publishing Ayyaneh in British Columbia, followed by a long-term collaboration with the Toronto-based publication Shahrvand beginning in 1994, a new chapter in our publishing activities began. This collaboration and journalistic work continued under the name Shahrvand BC until early 2005.

Providing more comprehensive and meaningful information to the Iranian community across Canada—from the eastern provinces to the westernmost provinces of British Columbia and Alberta—may be regarded as a simple description of the purpose behind this collaborative effort. This was particularly significant at a time when the internet had not yet become widely available, and each of these two publications played an important role in serving the Iranian community and disseminating information.

In the late 1990s, Shahrvand BC also sought to reach Iranian audiences in Seattle, Washington, and the surrounding region. This initiative was successful for a limited period. However, with the emergence and rapid growth of Iranian news and cultural websites on the global internet, the need for such a physical presence gradually diminished and eventually came to an end.

As the Iranian community continued to grow rapidly, and as cultural enthusiasts, advocates, writers, thinkers, and artists became increasingly active in the western Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, Shahrvand BC continued its independent publishing activities in these regions.

With the establishment of its online presence, Shahrgan aims to serve as a worthy representative of the Iranian community in western Canada and as a platform for the voices of its thinkers, writers, artists, poets, critics, and cultural contributors. The diversity of perspectives and the wealth of literary and intellectual talent within the Iranian community in Canada have strengthened our confidence and sense of independence. They have inspired us to amplify these voices throughout British Columbia and Alberta while expanding our cultural activities and fostering relationships with intellectuals and cultural figures around the world.

At the same time, we remain sincerely and passionately committed to reflecting, without restriction or exception, the voices of cultural and intellectual figures, as well as the hardworking people of Iran. Through the publication of uncensored works, we seek to strengthen and sustain meaningful connections between Iran and the Iranian diaspora.

We are deeply grateful to all business owners and entrepreneurs who have supported Shahrvand BC over the years, both materially and morally, and whose contributions have played a significant role in sustaining its activities. We take great pride in the trust and support they have shown us, and we believe they have earned a lasting and honorable place in the history and legacy of Shahrvand BC.

Unfortunately, in April 2020, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shahrvand BC ceased publication. Shahrgan Online continues its independent, non-profit activities with the sole purpose of connecting writers, poets, and literary and cultural figures in Iran with the Iranian diaspora and the broader cultural community abroad.

Editor-in-Chief of Shahrgan
Hadi Ebrahimi-Roudbaraki