Editor-in-Chief of Dzair Tube English Website, Hana Saada, Honored at the First International Khorshid Media Festival in Iran
BY: Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria, October 12, 2023 – Dr. Hana Saada, the editor-in-chief of the English-language Dzair Tube website, received a well-deserved tribute during the inaugural International Khorshid Media Festival held in the historic city of Mashhad, Iran. Her remarkable and impactful contributions to the field of journalism were celebrated alongside media luminaries from around the world.
Dr. Saada conveyed her elation at the honor and expressed profound gratitude to the Islamic Republic of Iran for the generous invitation extended to her. She viewed this initiative as a pivotal platform for knowledge sharing and the expansion of collaborative efforts within the global media landscape.
The Khorshid International Media Festival, held from September 29 to October 2, 2023, was organized under the patronage of Dr. Jamila Alam al-Huda, the wife of Iranian President Dr. Ibrahim Raisi, carrying the theme “Women Enlighten.” This milestone event attracted over 100 media professionals hailing from 40 countries, marking the first anniversary of the tragic assassination of Palestinian journalist Sherine Abu Aqla by Zionist occupation forces on May 11, 2022. Significantly, the festival coincided with a wave of criticism against Muslim women in the West, accusing them of having reactionary and backward views.
The festival, a significant event that showcased Iran’s commitment to promoting a positive image on the international stage, was held with the intention of providing the attendees with an authentic insight into Iran’ society and the role of Iranian women. The fact that the event was inspired by Dr. Jamila Alam al-Huda, the wife of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, is a testament to the government’s commitment to engaging with the international community. Her public appearances and interviews with major media outlets signify greater transparency and openness in Iran’s leadership.
The festival commenced with an inspiring opening ceremony, attended by Dr. Jamila Alam al-Huda, followed by a dinner with the Governor of Mashhad. The festival featured a series of workshops focusing on key media-related topics, with special emphasis on women in media and their empowerment. Notably, 15 distinguished female media professionals were recognized for their outstanding contributions.
Throughout the festival, participants were treated to tours of Mashhad, exploring cultural landmarks like the shrine of Iranian poet Abu al-Qasim Ferdowsi and the shrine of Imam Ali bin Musa al-Rida (A.S.). These excursions provided valuable insights into Iranian literature and art, in addition to visits to local markets and museums, creating a vibrant cultural, artistic, and creative atmosphere deeply rooted in history.
A high point of the festival was the official meeting with the Iranian President, Mr. Ibrahim Raisi, which was broadcast live on official Iranian channels. The festival concluded with a grand dinner, attended by the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Dr. Mohammad Mehdi Esmaili.
The International Khorshid Media Festival will be a biennial event, fostering cross-cultural interactions and knowledge exchange among participants from diverse parts of the globe. The level of organization and hospitality was praised, with organizers ensuring that all the needs of attendees were met. Additionally, interpreters were readily available throughout the festival, offering translations in Arabic, English, French, and Spanish.
Hana Saada’s participation was facilitated by the festival’s organizer, Ms. Marzieh Hashemi, a prominent journalist associated with the Iranian English-language channel, Press TV. This collaboration provided a unique opportunity to spotlight Algeria’s role in empowering women in the media and Algerian women’s historic fight against colonialism and tyranny. The audience erupted in pride when Algeria was mentioned, recognizing the country as the homeland of one and a half million martyrs.
For those curious about her academic background, Hana Saada will be discussing her doctoral thesis in media translation. She also holds a position as a university lecturer and serves as the editor-in-chief of Dzair Tube English website. Her extensive body of work includes articles published on renowned foreign websites like Russian Pravda, Al-Mayadeen in English, the Sahrawi News Agency, and the Tehran Times. Furthermore, she has made several significant contributions to Al-Mayadeen and the Iranian Press TV, reflecting her commitment to promoting the cause of journalism and women’s empowerment in the global media sphere.
