Tehran Welcomes the 5th International Nowruz Diplomacy Conference: A Celebration of Culture and Cooperation
Tehran is gearing up for an exciting event that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Nowruz. The Fifth International Conference on Nowruz Diplomacy and the Nowruz Trophy is scheduled to take place on March 8 at the esteemed Niavaran Cultural-Historical Center. This significant gathering promises to be a vibrant showcase of diplomacy, culture, and the arts, attracting government officials, ambassadors, international artists, and media representatives.
Organized by the Nowruz Trophy Cultural Institute in partnership with the Art Credit Fund and the Niavaran Cultural Center, the conference aims to promote the values associated with Nowruz, which is celebrated across various countries and cultures. The event will feature a comprehensive agenda that includes:
- The presentation of the prestigious Nowruz Trophy
- Performances of local and international music
- A special theater production dedicated to Nowruz
- Speeches from experts delving into the significance of Nowruz culture
The festivities will kick off at 16:00 local time with an expert panel discussion titled “Nowruz Peace”, led by Shirin Tajik. Notable speakers include:
- Nematollah Fazeli discussing “Nowruz Peace”
- Mahtab Haji Mohammadi presenting on “Nowruz Rituals and Teaching Peace to Children”
After the panel discussions, an exhibition showcasing Nowruz-related cultural artifacts and artworks will open at 18:00. The official opening ceremony is scheduled from 19:00 to 21:00, featuring cultural performances and the highly anticipated Nowruz Trophy award presentation.
The public relations office of the Niavaran Cultural Center has announced that this cultural and artistic event is open to everyone, encouraging attendees to immerse themselves in the beautiful traditions of Nowruz, which embodies a message of peace and unity.
Nowruz, recognized by UNESCO as an ancient festivity, marks the arrival of spring and the new year. Celebrated on the 20th or 21st of March, it is observed in various countries along the Silk Roads, including:
- Iran
- Afghanistan
- Azerbaijan
- India
- Iraq
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Pakistan
- Tajikistan
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Uzbekistan
The term “Nowruz” translates to “new day” in Persian, symbolizing new beginnings and the rejuvenation of nature. This celebration carries deep spiritual significance, representing the victory of good over evil and joy over sorrow. Nowruz festivities encompass various rituals and ceremonies, including family gatherings centered around special meals.
As one of the most significant days in the ancient Zoroastrian calendar, Nowruz honors the shared heritage of the Silk Roads and the cultural traditions associated with the arrival of spring. It is celebrated by individuals from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, with customs passed down through generations. Over time, Nowruz has evolved, integrating new social, religious, and cultural influences while retaining its core values.
Various traditions surround the Nowruz celebration, including:
- Ritual dances, such as jumping over fire and streams
- Replenishing water supplies on the last Wednesday of the year
Nowruz was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009, with an extension in 2016, through the joint efforts of multiple countries including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Additionally, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the “International Day of Nowruz” in 2010, promoting the preservation and development of the cultural practices associated with Nowruz.
In a statement made in December 2024, Iran’s tourism minister, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, emphasized the importance of Nowruz in fostering peace and stability within the region and beyond. He noted that the global recognition of Nowruz has elevated its cultural significance from a national to a global level, establishing a sustainable foundation for unity among nations. He further highlighted that Nowruz connects the shared cultural heritage of Iranian ethnicities, promoting national cohesion and a sense of belonging.
Salehi-Amiri remarked that Nowruz represents a vital aspect of Iran’s cultural identity, deeply rooted in nature and shaped by traditional beliefs and calendars. Over the years, it has become a symbol of renewal, embodying the creation of the world and the revitalization of life as the creative energy of spring rejuvenates human cultural and social systems.
As the world prepares to celebrate Nowruz, the Fifth International Conference on Nowruz Diplomacy and the Nowruz Trophy in Tehran stands as a testament to the enduring significance of this ancient tradition, inviting everyone to partake in the festivities and appreciate the values it embodies.
