Unveiling Islamic Heritage: Mashhad Conference Showcases the Power of Cultural Diplomacy

MASHHAD – The significance of cultural diplomacy was the focus of the second specialized conference held in Mashhad, particularly in relation to pilgrimage and Ahl al-Bayt culture. This noteworthy event took place on Friday morning as part of the 21st Imam Reza (AS) International Festival, attracting a diverse group of officials and experts, including representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Iran’s Islamic Culture and Relations Organization (ICRO).

Building on last year’s discussions, the conference aimed to enhance global awareness of Ahl al-Bayt and Razavi culture through collaborative initiatives. The event featured 13 insightful speeches that emphasized the critical role of cultural diplomacy in expanding Iran’s soft power. A significant theme discussed was the strategic influence of the Razavi diplomatic sphere in promoting Islamic civilization and the teachings of Imam Reza (AS).

Among the distinguished speakers was Sheikh Jafar Al-Mohajer from Lebanon, a prominent scholar, author, and researcher. He is also the founder of the Baalbek-based Center for Bahauddin, where he shared a detailed report on recent scholarly efforts. He stated:

“Our center has published 52 titles that provide a new, historically accurate narrative of Shia Islam, countering exaggerated and distant accounts. We aim to highlight the efforts and sacrifices of the Ahl al-Bayt, rewriting history to reflect their jihadist approach and strategic management, which transformed the course of Islamic history.”

Sheikh Al-Mohajer further elaborated on the challenges faced by his center, indicating that:

“Amidst ongoing hardships and destruction in Lebanon, we seek international support to sustain our activities, as Hezbollah remains our primary supporter, and our center faces closure without external aid.”

Sheikh Zaid Alsalami from Australia, a member of the Ahl Al-Bayt World Assembly, addressed another critical issue during the conference. He highlighted the struggles of Muslim communities in Western countries, particularly in Australia, where second and third-generation migrants find it difficult to maintain their Islamic identity amidst cultural assimilation. He remarked:

“Many young Muslims in Western countries are unaware of the significance of pilgrimage and the cultural heritage of Imam Reza (AS). Despite numerous Islamic centers, Westernization and cultural invasion make it difficult to maintain our identity. I actively encourage youth to visit the holy sites and promote awareness through social media and translations into English.”

He emphasized the importance of quality translations and the dissemination of accurate information, particularly in an age where social media dominates communication.

During the conference, Hamidreza Arbab Soleimani, Deputy Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, stressed the wisdom of Imam Reza, saying:

“Meeting with fellow believers fosters growth and vitality, even if long intervals separate these encounters. This conference serves as a valuable opportunity to develop cultural diplomacy, reminding us that our cultural mission extends beyond national borders. Islam, as a universal religion, mandates that our message benefits all humanity.”

He further noted:

“Today, many people around the world are unfamiliar with the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt. If Mashhad can fulfill its mission accurately and communicate this message effectively, it will serve humanity and help expand the Islamic civilization worldwide. Such gatherings play a vital role in this endeavor.”

Hassan-Ali Akhlaghi, a member of the Iranian Parliament, emphasized the spiritual importance of the Ahl al-Bayt, stating:

“Today, Iran’s Islamic Republic stands as a powerful entity on the international stage, embodying the Resistance Axis. Mashhad, with the presence of Imam Reza (AS), has become a hub of social and spiritual vitality, capable of uniting the Islamic world.”

He proposed transforming Mashhad into the country’s first free scientific zone, leveraging its universities and research centers to bolster resistance against imperialism. He stated:

“Such academic and scientific development will bolster resistance against arrogance and imperialism.”

Additionally, Hossein Yekta, a renowned veteran of the Iran-Iraq War, underscored the significance of martyrdom and sacrifice in the ongoing struggle between good and evil:

“The international language is not just English, but the language of sacrifice and martyrdom. To communicate effectively with the new generation, we must adapt our methods, incorporating artificial intelligence and innovative storytelling to counter hostile narratives and promote our cause globally.”

Hamidreza Mahdavi Arfa, an expert on Nahj al-Balagha, discussed the nuances of cultural diplomacy, contrasting Iran’s approach with Western practices. He explained:

“In the West, cultural tools are often used for political purposes, whereas in Iran, culture itself is the goal. Imam Reza’s teachings should be recognized, particularly through pilgrimage, to be acknowledged as a civilization-builder worldwide.”

Finally, Hossein Divsalar, an official with ICRO, emphasized that cultural diplomacy serves as a bridge among nations, advocating for a soft power approach rooted in peaceful coexistence:

“The message of the Islamic Republic is one of civilization, peace, and intercultural dialogue.”

The conference concluded with a consensus on the necessity of innovative, language-sensitive outreach strategies and the importance of promoting Iran’s cultural and spiritual values globally. This initiative aims to foster unity, peace, and mutual understanding among nations.

The Imam Reza (AS) International Festival is an annual event celebrated across various provinces in Iran and several other countries. It encompasses a wide range of fields, including:

• Articles
• Plays and screenplays
• Productions
• Stories
• Visual arts
• Books and literary texts
• Poetry
• Press and digital works
• Radio and television productions

The festival aims to promote artistic excellence rooted in spiritual and cultural values, inspiring both artists and audiences alike.