11 years ago, my sister Sarasadat MAKIAN and I embarked on a unique adventure at the inaugural national conference of literary tourism in Tehran, Iran. Our presentation explored the untapped potential of Iran’s rich history and literature as a driving force for tourism, intertwining with the intricate psychology of advertising to amplify our ideas. Literary tourism is a type of cultural tourism that deals with places and events from literary texts as well as the lives of their authors. Back then, this was uncharted territory, and the Ministry of Culture, as the head of tourism management, unfortunately, didn’t recognize our efforts to forge a new approach and understanding.
Undeterred, our paths diverged—Sarasadat MAKIAN pursued a Ph.D. in tourism management at Université Grenoble Alpes in France with a passion for the future of tourism, while I ventured into the realm of historical fiction, crafting a novel set in 15th-century Iran. The Ministry of Culture’s response remained unwavering, and this time, not even applause echoed our way. Yet, we grew, persistence became our ally. Our animated gestures, akin to those captured in our pictures, symbolize our belief that words alone might not be enough to be heard. So we use our hands’ movement to complete the unheard words, maybe.
Where do the unfinished ideas go?
They linger, craving innovation and transforming into fresh concepts, seeking alternative avenues of expression. The key lies in embracing them, extending a hand, and fearlessly presenting them to audiences, even those initially unwilling to listen. Unfinished ideas persist—they never fade away. The real question is, how much interest and passion do you invest in them?
We continue to embrace the journey of ideas, recognizing them as the threads that weave the fabric of innovation and understanding. 🌐✨