Iran and Turkey Strengthen Cultural Ties: A New Era of Cooperation
Iran’s Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Seyyed Abbas Salehi, recently highlighted the nation’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with Turkey. With 2025 marked as the Cultural Year of Iran and Turkey, this initiative seeks to strengthen ties through cultural exchange. Upon arriving in Ankara for the Hafez Day event, Salehi shared insights about the upcoming cultural collaborations between the two countries.
Salehi stated, “The year 2025 has been agreed upon by both countries as the Cultural Year of Iran and Turkey,” emphasizing that this initiative aims to bolster Iran’s policy of fostering neighborly connections. He acknowledged delays in initiating programs due to recent regional events but expressed optimism for the future.
In honor of Hafez Day, various events are scheduled in Turkey, including:
- Seminars focused on the works and impact of Hafez
- Performances by the Iranian national orchestra, showcasing traditional Iranian instruments
“In addition to these programs, we will hold meetings with Turkish officials and cultural figures, visit some of Turkey’s cultural centers, and engage in dialogues with Iranian institutions active in cultural fields within Turkey. We also plan to meet with Iranologists and individuals working on Iranian studies and the Persian language in Turkey,” Salehi elaborated.
He expressed hope that these initiatives would deepen and broaden relations between the two nations, aligning with the Iranian government’s commitment to regional cooperation. Furthermore, Salehi visited the National Library of Turkey, where he engaged in discussions about potential collaborations.
During his visit, Salehi remarked, “The National Library and Archives of Iran has achieved commendable progress across various fields. There is potential for collaboration with Turkey’s National Library, creating a mutually beneficial partnership.” He pointed out ongoing initiatives related to libraries, especially concerning rare manuscripts, and highlighted the significant collections held by both countries.
“There are considerable prospects for cooperation between Iran and Turkey in this area, and expanding these efforts can greatly benefit our shared cultural and scholarly heritage,” Salehi stated. He proposed formal agreements between the National Library and Archives of Iran and other institutions to enhance their collaborative efforts in preserving Islamic manuscript heritage.
Salehi continued by emphasizing the interconnectedness of cultural heritage among nations, stating, “Increasing mutual knowledge enhances national understanding.” He noted Iran’s advancements in the digital heritage sector, as well as the emerging role of artificial intelligence in libraries, which could optimize information utilization.
“Enhancing relations with libraries will not only deepen our understanding of history but also help us envision a brighter future,” he said, reiterating the importance of libraries in preserving history. He expressed hope that Turkey’s participation in the Tehran International Book Fair would positively influence the relationship between the two countries’ library communities.
In a gesture of goodwill, Salehi presented several books to Turkish officials, who in return gifted him a copy of the Persian poet and mystic Molana Jalal ad-Din Rumi’s Masnavi-ye Manavi in Persian. This exchange symbolizes the deep cultural connections between the two nations.
During his visit, Salehi is set to meet with Turkey’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, and other cultural officials. The focus of these discussions will be to explore avenues for expanding cultural and artistic cooperation, including:
- Joint programs in cinema
- Collaborative efforts in music
- Translation and publishing initiatives
- Developing interactions between Iranian and Turkish cultural institutions
Additionally, the minister will engage with cultural elites, Iranology researchers, professors, and Persian language educators in Turkey, fostering dialogue and sharing insights. A ceremony commemorating Hafez, the celebrated Iranian poet, will also be held in Ankara, drawing participation from both Iranian and Turkish cultural figures.
Following this event, a joint concert featuring prominent Iranian and Turkish artists from their national orchestras will take place, further showcasing the deep cultural and artistic bonds shared between the two nations. This visit is part of a larger effort by Iran and Turkey to honor the cultural year, aimed at deepening cultural relations, promoting civilizational dialogue, and strengthening friendship and unity between the two peoples.
Ultimately, these initiatives reflect the mutual desire of both Iran and Turkey to enhance cultural understanding and cooperation, paving the way for a more collaborative future.
