TEHRAN – Iran’s Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Seyyed Abbas Salehi has emphasized Iran’s desire to expand bilateral relations with Turkey, as 2025 has been designated as the Iranian-Turkish Year of Culture.
He made the remarks upon arriving in Ankara on Monday to attend Hafez Day events, according to Persian media.
“Both countries have agreed to designate 2025 as the Year of Culture between Iran and Turkey,” he said, expressing hope that this initiative will contribute to the Iranian government’s serious policy toward promoting broader neighborly relations.
He acknowledged that recent events in Iran and the region have delayed the start of the program somewhat. Nevertheless, a series of events are planned in Turkey to commemorate Hafez Day, including a seminar on Hafez and a performance by the Iranian National Orchestra featuring traditional Iranian instruments.
“In addition to these programs, we will meet with Turkish officials and cultural figures, visit some of Turkey’s cultural centers, and interact with Iranian institutions active in the cultural field in Turkey. We will also meet with Iranian scholars and individuals working on Iranian studies and Persian language studies in Turkey.”
The minister expressed hope that these efforts will be consistent with the Iranian government’s serious policy towards broader regional cooperation, deepening and expanding ties.
Mr. Salehi also visited the National Library of Türkiye in the presidential palace and met with its staff.
After listening to the briefing, Salehi said, “The National Library and Archives of Iran has made commendable progress in various fields. There is a possibility to cooperate with the National Library of Turkey and build a mutually beneficial partnership.”
He highlighted some of the ongoing initiatives related to libraries, particularly those regarding rare manuscripts, noting that both countries possess important collections. “There are considerable prospects for cooperation between Iran and Turkey in this field, and expanding these efforts could have significant benefits for our shared cultural and academic heritage,” Salehi said.
He also proposed the possibility of a formal agreement between the National Library and Archives of Iran and other Iranian institutions, stressing that a significant portion of Islamic manuscript heritage exists in both Iran and Turkey. “Our joint efforts will definitely benefit cultural and scientific progress,” he added.
The minister pointed out that many countries’ cultural heritage sites are interconnected, and increasing mutual knowledge will deepen public understanding. “In the field of digital heritage, Iran has made remarkable progress and gained valuable experience. Moreover, the application of artificial intelligence in libraries is an emerging field, exploring how AI can optimize the use of information,” he explained.
Salehi reaffirmed that libraries are the basis for preserving the past and building the future. “Strengthening relationships with libraries not only deepens our understanding of history, but also helps us envision a brighter future,” he said.
He expressed the hope that Turkey’s participation in the Tehran International Book Fair will have a positive impact on the relationship between the library communities of the two countries.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Salehi presented Turkish officials with several books, and in return Turkish National Library officials presented him with a Persian version of the Persian poet and mystic Molana Jalal al-Din Rumi’s Masnavi-e-Manabi.
During his visit to Türkiye, Salehi is scheduled to meet and hold discussions with Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy and other cultural leaders. The main focus of these meetings is to explore ways to expand cultural and artistic cooperation between the two countries, implement joint programs in film, music, translation and publishing, and develop exchanges between Iranian and Turkish cultural institutions.
Additionally, during his visit, the Minister will meet with Turkey’s cultural elite, Iranian studies researchers, professors, and Persian language educators for dialogue and exchange of views.
As part of the program of the visit, a ceremony commemorating the famous Iranian poet Hafez will be held in Ankara with the participation of Iranian and Turkish cultural figures and enthusiasts. The event will be followed by a joint concert by prominent artists from the national orchestras of Iran and Turkey, highlighting the deep cultural and artistic ties between the two countries.
The visit is part of broader efforts by Iran and Turkey to honor the Year of Culture, which is designed to deepen cultural relations, promote dialogue of civilizations, and strengthen friendship and unity between the two countries.
SAB/