He emphasized that houses-museums linked to Imam Khomeini should not be reduced to theatrical or object-focused displays. Instead, they must preserve historical authenticity while remaining interactive and narrative-driven for younger generations.
Criticism of Taste-Based Cultural Policymaking
In a key part of his remarks, Hojjat al-Islam Komsari criticized the role of personal taste in some cultural decisions in the Islamic Republic. He said many restrictions in art and music lack a religious basis and have at times been imposed solely on administrative or personal preferences.
Referring to the ban on displaying certain instruments on national media and drawing on his experience in cultural management in Kerman, he noted: “Sometimes a decision is made first, and then a ‘religious or revolutionary identity’ is attached to it afterward.”
Citing examples of non-expert dealings with musicians and artists, he argued that determining the limits and dignity of clothing or spaces should be left to true experts in those fields, not to those judging from the outside based on narrow assumptions.
He stated: “Many decisions in the Islamic Republic in the past have lacked a religious basis.”
Society Must Have the Right to Choose and Judge
Kamsari stressed that history and culture should present both positive and negative aspects. Concealing negative parts, he said, does not help society understand itself correctly.
Referencing ta‘ziyeh — which includes both agreeing and opposing roles — he said an effective historical narrative gives the audience the ability to compare and make judgments.
He also invoked Quranic logic of listening and choosing, saying that when society is exposed to both good and evil, it can naturally choose the right path based on its nature. He recalled that many revolutionary figures were exposed to various cultural choices in their youth, yet chose a different path.
Baseless Restrictions: Lessons from Cultural Experience
Reflecting on his tenure in Kerman, Dr. Komsari described a strict and sometimes contradictory atmosphere in music. He explained that at certain points, even artists’ clothing or the use of specific instruments became grounds for administrative intervention.
According to him, these restrictions stemmed more from personal taste than from jurisprudential foundations.
Harsh Encounters and Narrowing the Circle of Judgment
Dr. Komsari also pointed to harsh encounters with some religious and cultural figures. He said such behavior results from non-experts narrowing the circle of choice and judgment in society — something that, in his view, ultimately pushes part of society away from the revolutionary movement.
Imam’s House Museums: From Birth to Jamaran
The Head of the Institute for the Compilation and Publication of Imam Khomeini’s Works devoted the main part of his speech to the role of the Imam’s house-museums. He said these places were formed along the historical course of Imam Khomeini’s life, and each one narrates a part of his political, scholarly, and social journey.
1. Khomein: He described the Imam’s birthplace in Khomein as reflecting his family and social roots.
2. Qom: He pointed to the Imam’s houses in Qom, especially the certain sites, as the sites of key events — including speeches, the Imam’s arrest, his nighttime exile, and the events of 1963.
Bursa and Najaf: Dr. Komsari discussed the Imam’s houses in Bursa and Najaf. While some of these buildings were destroyed over time, he said they have been reconstructed using documents and photographs. Regarding the house in Najaf, he noted it is now one of the most visited house-museums, receiving between tens of thousands and about 100,000 visitors per month.
Jamaran: A Symbol of Simplicity during Leadership
On Jamaran, Hojjat al-Islam Komsari emphasized that in addition to its historical importance, the complex is a symbol of the simplicity of the Imam’s life during his leadership.
He stated that the house and Hussainiyeh in Jamaran are not merely places to visit — the space itself carries a historical message and reflects the Imam’s lifestyle.
Comparing it with the Imam’s paternal home in Khomein and his home in Qom, Komsari stressed that the simplicity of Jamaran was deliberate and meaningful. Just as in the life of Amir al-Mu’minin (the commander of the faithful), he said, a significant part of speeches on asceticism and renunciation of the world relate to the period of rule.
“The Hussainiyeh and the Imam’s house in Jamaran are a symbol of simplicity, and this simplicity is part of the historical message of that place,” he said.
House-Museums Should Remain Narrative-Centered, Not Theatrical
Citing international museum classifications, Kamsari said Imam’s house-museums fall under “house-museums of personalities.” This type, he explained, is more narrative-centered than object-centered. In such spaces, the building and its environment tell the story of the person’s life, and their authenticity must not be undermined by theatrical interventions.
He also proposed ideas to make these sites more multimedia. While such approaches could help attract audiences, he warned they might damage the simplicity and authenticity of the space. He said the same concern applies in Khomein, and that a balance must be struck between preserving authenticity and using modern tools.
Engaging the New Generation and Cooperating with Cultural Heritage
In closing, Hojjat al-Islam Komsari said the vitality and continuity of the Imam’s museum houses are among their key features. These spaces, he argued, should be made more interactive and accessible for the younger generation and teenagers.
Referring to cultural programs in Khomein and Jamaran, he emphasized that these are not only sites for visitation but also have the capacity to host cultural events and activities.
He announced the Institute’s readiness to expand cooperation with the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, and expressed hope that specialized meetings like this would lead to more accurate and effective decisions for the development and activation of the Imam’s museum houses.