TEHRAN – A conference in memory of the legendary Persian poet Hafez was held on Friday at Peking University in Beijing, China.
Mr. Li Shujing, Chairman of the Council of Faculty of Foreign Studies of Peking University, and Mr. Abdulreza Rahmani Fazli, Ambassador of Iran to China, gave speeches at the event. A large number of professors and students specializing in Persian from various universities in Beijing and Tianjin also attended the conference.
In his opening remarks, Li Shujing said, “Today’s gathering in honor of Hafez, one of Iran’s great poets, is a meaningful and fruitful event. Hafez’s poetry, with its sincere emotions, deep thoughts, and romantic imagination, has not only shaped the spirit of the Iranian nation but also inspired people all over the world.”
“China and Iran, two ancient civilizations with magnificent poetic traditions, share emotions, truth and wisdom through poetry. Holding this event at Peking University is a tribute to the literary giants and a symbol of dialogue between the two ancient civilizations,” she explained.
Rahmani Fazli said that with the 70-year-long glorious history of the Faculty of Persian Language and Literature at Peking University, expanding the Persian Language and Literature program to 14 universities in China is a commendable and honorable initiative.
He added: “This is clear evidence of the depth and longevity of cultural cooperation and brotherhood between Iran and China.”
Scholars and students from both countries can deepen mutual understanding by exploring aspects of culture, art and civilization such as painting, architecture, literature, language, customs and social values, he said.
Following this, professors from various universities discussed the status of Hafez’s research in China, and students gave various presentations on Hafez’s life and poetry.
At the end of the conference, the Iranian ambassador presented a collection of Persian poetry to the professors and students in attendance.
SAB/