Shahrvand Magazine Ends Print Publication After 30 Years

Vancouver’s oldest Persian-language publication, Shahrvand magazine, is no longer available in print. Hadi Ebrahimi, the long-time editor and publisher, revealed in an interview that after thirty years of continuous publication, rising printing and distribution costs have made it unsustainable to produce a physical edition. Moving forward, the magazine will exist solely in digital format, marking the end of an era for the city’s Iranian community.

Ebrahimi shared that Shahrvand originally launched as a news-focused magazine, serving as a key resource for Vancouver’s growing Iranian diaspora. However, the advent of the internet and the ease with which news is now disseminated have diminished the need for a print edition. Instead, Ebrahimi has chosen to embrace the opportunities offered by digital publishing, shifting the magazine’s focus to highlight artistic and literary content. Collaborating with local writers, poets, and creatives, Shahrvand now serves as a platform for cultural expression, showcasing the richness of Persian literature and art in the digital age.

At seventy years old, Ebrahimi reflects on the journey of a publication that has been a cornerstone of Vancouver’s Iranian community for decades. He began Shahrvand at the age of forty, with a vision to create a space for Iranian voices in the city. Over the years, the magazine has achieved far more than he initially imagined, becoming a bridge that connects Iranian writers, artists, and readers across Vancouver and beyond. Even now, in its digital form, Shahrvand continues to foster these connections, adapting to new platforms while staying true to its cultural roots.

Notably, Shahrvand remains free to access, reflecting Ebrahimi’s commitment to making art and culture accessible to all. Despite the financial challenges that come with maintaining the publication, a small but steadfast group of local sponsors has supported its operations. This backing, coupled with Ebrahimi’s passion, has allowed the magazine to sustain its presence and continue promoting Persian culture in Canada.

Ebrahimi is keenly aware of the financial struggles faced by artists and cultural workers, a reality he has witnessed throughout his career. “Artists are often undervalued, yet they play an essential role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage,” he remarked. He hopes Canada will increasingly recognize this vital contribution and offer greater support to the arts sector, particularly for initiatives that celebrate the diversity of cultures across the country.

The transition to digital is bittersweet for Ebrahimi, who acknowledges the nostalgia many feel for the tangible experience of flipping through the pages of a magazine. However, he remains optimistic about the future, viewing this shift as an opportunity to reach a broader audience and engage younger generations more accustomed to consuming content online. By embracing digital publishing, Ebrahimi believes Shahrvand can continue to evolve while staying true to its mission of celebrating Persian art, culture, and literature in Vancouver.

As Shahrvand embarks on its next chapter, it serves as a testament to the resilience of independent publishing and the enduring power of cultural storytelling. For Ebrahimi, it is not just a magazine—it is a labour of love, a legacy, and a vital thread in the cultural fabric of Vancouver’s Iranian community.

Guest: Hadi Ebrahimi

Journalist: Majid Mahichi

Skyrise Media Society