TEHRAN – The Swedish Iranian ambassador says that Swedish Iranian community plays an important role in introducing Persian culture and identity as they sought a deeper cultural and artistic exchange between Tehran and Stockholm.
Mathias Otterstead, a Swedish envoy to Tehran, spoke about bystanders at a recent concert by the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra, held in Persepolis, the UNESCO-registered ceremonial capital of the Acemenid Empire in Southern Fars.
“The concert in Persepolis was an opportunity to experience two kinds of beauty at once: the grandeur of history and the richness of music,” CHTN said on Wednesday.
The ambassador, who has been in Iran for eight months, said he is still exploring the country’s long-standing traditions. “This period is too short to be fully familiar with Persian poetry and music,” he said.
Otterstedt pointed out that around 150,000 Iranians (expats) live in Sweden, which helped Swedes become familiar with Iranian culture, customs and heritage. “Many people are educated and active in the cultural, scientific and artistic fields, playing an important role, from celebrating Iranian culture to celebrating the knowles to showcasing Iranian films at local festivals,” he said.
He added that he would like to see musicians from both countries perform in each of their capitals, and that cultural cooperation will expand “without obstacles along the way.”
Persepolis concert commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra, and included “o Iran” by composer Ruhola Karegi, along with works by Armenian composers.
The event was organized with support from Iran’s cultural heritage, the Ministry of Tourism and Crafts, the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Leadership, and the state authorities. Officials said the initiative aimed to promote intercultural dialogue and artistic collaboration, using music as a universal language.
Persepolis, also known as Takht-e Jamshid, was built under Darius The Great in the 6th century BC and served as the ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire.
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