In 1988, Shamloo traveled to West Germany as an invited guest at the Second International Literature Congress (Interlit 2), titled “The Third World: Our World.” Held in Erlangen and surrounding cities, this event gathered prominent writers from diverse backgrounds, including Aziz Nessin, Derek Walcott, Pedro Shimose, Lorna Goodison, and Gioconda Belli. Shamloo’s speech, titled “I am a common pain, shout to me!” encapsulated his lifelong concern with poverty, ignorance, and superstition as fundamental obstacles to achieving a unified, transcendent global culture. His words resonated deeply, highlighting literature’s role in confronting oppression and advocating for a more just society.
Following the congress, Shamloo visited Austria at the invitation of Ruttrat Hackermüller, where he continued his literary engagements through poetry readings and speeches. His European tour extended to Sweden, where he participated in literary events organized by the World PEN Association and the University of Gothenburg. Iranian expatriates in Sweden hosted a poetry evening with him at Stockholm’s People’s House, and he also engaged with the Swedish PEN Association’s board of directors. His poetry, cherished among the Iranian diaspora, saw a collection published in two volumes in West Germany, further cementing his international literary presence.
Ahmad Shamloo, one of Iran’s most influential poets, intellectuals, and literary figures, left an indelible mark on Persian literature and cultural discourse. His contributions spanned poetry, translation, literary criticism, and advocacy for freedom of expression. Throughout his life, Shamloo was deeply engaged with the political and social currents of his time, a commitment that brought both acclaim and hardship. His international engagements and struggles in his homeland reflect the tensions between artistic expression and political authority.
In 1988, Shamloo traveled to West Germany as an invited guest at the Second International Literature Congress (Interlit 2), titled “The Third World: Our World.” Held in Erlangen and surrounding cities, this event gathered prominent writers from diverse backgrounds, including Aziz Nessin, Derek Walcott, Pedro Shimose, Lorna Goodison, and Gioconda Belli. Shamloo’s speech, titled “I am a common pain, shout to me!” encapsulated his lifelong concern with poverty, ignorance, and superstition as fundamental obstacles to achieving a unified, transcendent global culture. His words resonated deeply, highlighting literature’s role in confronting oppression and advocating for a more just society.