TEHRAN – The Barkaniran Institute of Culture and Media was officially announced in Tehran at a ceremony attended by a prominent gathering of researchers, academics, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, media experts and international and regional experts.
The event took place at Saadi Hall, Mirado Tower, Tehran, and was blessed with prominent figures, including Foreign Secretary Mohammad Josaiin Ranjibalan. Mohammad Javad Aceish, former Iranian ambassador to Yugoslavia. And Abbas Alazand, a former cultural attachment to the Balkans, reported on Friday.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mohsen Sohani, the institute’s founder and CEO, emphasized the importance of the Balkan region as a bridge to the west. “Today we gather at a forum with windows open at the gateway to the Western world.
The geography in which the call to prayer echoes alongside the church bells, “But for us, the Balkans are more than just a region. They are mirrors that reflect our shared history. Today, the Balkaniran Institute of Culture appears as a bridge to unite this rich heritage. We whispered at the poems of Naim Hrashri in Tirana, and at the monastery of Mostar.”
“From today, Balkaniran is your home for all of you. To the media and communications experts, I say: We will become storytellers as well as recorders. For diplomats, we will bring diplomacy to the streets and communities from behind desks.
Conclusion of his statement, Sohani states: “The 20th century saw the Balkans through the lens of conflict. Let us dedicate the 21st century to the colours of Hafez, Saadi and Rumi. Culture becomes a weapon of resistance in establishing lasting peace.”
The Iran and the Balkan region share a longstanding history of cultural, historical and diplomatic relations rooted in centuries of interaction and mutual influence.
Despite geographical distance, these connections are strengthened through trade, transition, and shared cultural values. Iran’s involvement with the Balkans is often focused on promoting regional stability, promoting cultural exchanges, and strengthening diplomatic relations.
In recent years, Iran has been trying to deepen cooperation with Balkan countries in a variety of fields, including education, media and regional security, with the aim of building a bridge between understanding and partnership.
Establishing initiatives like Balkaniran’s Cultural and Media Research Institute highlights Iran’s commitment to strengthen dialogue, friendship and shared development with the Balkan people, reflecting mutual interest in promoting peace, stability and cultural abundance in the region.
sab/