Tehran Welcomes Global Experts at International Iranology Conference Featuring Scholars from 21 Nations
The inaugural international conference on Iranology took place in Tehran on Saturday, marking a pivotal moment in advancing Iran’s cultural and academic dialogue on a global scale. Organized by the Iranology Foundation in collaboration with esteemed institutions and research centers, this event attracted over fifty scholars and Iranologists from 21 countries. The conference, titled “International Conference on Iranology: Contemporary Iranian Studies, Cultural Diplomacy and International Interactions,” centered on contemporary Iran, the significance of cultural diplomacy, and the narratives that shape Iran’s international image.
Held at the Iranology Foundation’s conference hall, this event was celebrated as one of the most comprehensive gatherings in recent years focused on Iranology and cultural diplomacy. Experts in attendance emphasized the diverse participation, highlighting Iran’s strategic commitment to promoting international understanding through scholarly exchange and cultural collaboration.
One of the standout features of the Foundation is its extensive library and archives, which boast over 100,000 books and a wealth of manuscripts, underscoring Iran’s rich intellectual heritage and dedication to research.
Main Themes of the Conference
The conference was structured around two primary panels:
- Iran in a Globalized World
- Iranology, Cultural Diplomacy, and International Relations
During the event, Ali Akbar Salehi, President of the Iranology Foundation, spoke passionately about the importance of dialogue and mutual respect in scholarly endeavors. He referred to the Foundation’s architecture, which harmoniously blends traditional Persian design with modern elements, as a powerful symbol of Iran’s cultural resilience.
Following Salehi’s address, Mohammad Javad Zarif, former Iranian Foreign Minister and current member of the academic staff at Tehran University, honored the late Hassan Habibi, the Foundation’s founder, and reflected on Iran’s role in contemporary global affairs. Zarif stated, “Iran’s international image is rooted in its culture and soft power,” emphasizing that Iran has never pursued global dominance through military power. Instead, it has historically relied on language, culture, and art to establish its influence.
Furthermore, Zarif highlighted the critical role of Iranologists in countering misinformation and fostering a genuine understanding of Iran’s identity and its contributions on the world stage.
Insights from the Panels
The first panel, “Iran in a Globalized World,” explored how Iran addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by increasing global interconnectedness. Mehdi Ahoui, Deputy Research Director of the Iranology Foundation, elaborated on how Iran’s cultural impact extends beyond its borders, particularly through architecture, literature, and the arts.
Ahoui identified several core elements that have contributed to Iran’s lasting cultural influence:
- Monotheism
- Persian political thought emphasizing justice
- The Persian language
- Mysticism
These elements have allowed Iran to engage meaningfully with neighboring civilizations. Following Ahoui’s presentation, scholars from Uzbekistan, Russia, Georgia, Greece, and South Asia shared their insights on Iran’s historical and ongoing influence.
The second panel, “Iranology, Cultural Diplomacy, and International Relations,” featured contributions from scholars representing Iraq, Indonesia, Turkey, China, and India. Majid Anvar Abbas from Iraq emphasized the significance of Persian-Arabic linguistic coexistence in fostering civilizational dialogue. Afifah Ahmad from Indonesia discussed how Persian poetry, particularly the works of Rumi, continues to enhance intercultural understanding. Additionally, Turkish scholar Ali Temizel traced the historical ties between Iran and Turkey over the past two millennia, highlighting their shared cultural heritage.
Moreover, scholars from China and India underscored Iran’s profound influence on their respective rich historical and cultural traditions.
Conclusion and Future Directions
As the conference concluded, participants unanimously recognized the essential role of Iranology in strengthening cultural diplomacy and fostering international cooperation. They identified several key strategies for advancing this mission:
- Promoting Persian language education
- Organizing cultural exchange programs
- Expanding academic collaborations
The conference served not only as a platform for academic dialogue but also as a testament to Iran’s commitment to engaging with the world through culture and scholarship.
Photo: Ali Akbar Salehi, President of the Iranology Foundation, speaks at the first International Conference on Iranology: Contemporary Iranian Studies, Cultural Diplomacy and International Interactions in Tehran.
