Tehran Diplomatic Women’s Association Charity Bazaar
Every year, the Diplomatic Women’s Association of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs organizes a large-scale international charity bazaar in Tehran, bringing together embassies, diplomatic families, cultural centers, and charity organizations. The event serves as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, humanitarian cooperation and friendship between nations. The embassy will showcase its country’s traditional products, handicrafts and food, and all proceeds will go to supporting Iranian charities, especially those focused on children and vulnerable families. Among the active participants, the Embassy of the Russian Federation has consistently played an important and generous role.
Among the participants was Rafael Gevorkyan, Chargé d’Affaires of the Russian Federation in Tehran, with whom Mehr correspondent had the opportunity to speak.
Historical and cultural ties between Iran and Russia
“Historical relations between Iran and Russia date back to the Safavid era, when the two countries first began exchanging ambassadors,” Rafael Gevorkyan, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Tehran, said in an interview with Mehr News correspondent on the sidelines of the charity bazaar.
He pointed out that over the centuries, the two countries have developed many cultural commonalities. “Persian tiles, for example, were introduced to Moscow by merchants in the 16th century, and these Persian artisans and their work were warmly welcomed by the Russian people. Even today, when you visit Russia, you can find Persian-style tiles in some of the oldest churches, beautifully integrated with Russia’s religious and artistic traditions.”
Gevorkyan stressed that Iran and Russia are “friendly and brotherly neighbors in the region” and that culture serves as a “bridge of ties between the two countries.”
Participation in Russian charity bazaar
Commenting on the Russian Embassy’s presence at the event, he said: “It is an honor to participate in this exhibition. Like in Iran, charity is highly valued by the Russian people. Also, our religion encourages helping the needy and weak members of society.”
She explained that when the Diplomatic Women’s Association began organizing a charity bazaar, the Russian embassy “warmly and sincerely accepted the invitation.”
In support of the event, the embassy imported a selection of famous Russian products and traditional sweets, which were exhibited and sold at the bazaar. “Our embassy’s policy is 100% philanthropy,” he said, stressing that all proceeds will go to charity.
“Last year, the Russian Embassy broke records by generating more revenue than any other pavilion participating in the charity bazaar,” Gevorkyan said proudly. He added that the funds raised were donated to Iranian children’s charities.
He reaffirmed the embassy’s determination to continue participating in philanthropic activities and strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.
Mr. Gevorkyan expressed his hope that the Embassy of the Russian Federation will continue to participate in the next edition of this charity bazaar and further strengthen humanitarian cooperation and cultural friendship between the two countries.
Interview by Marji Rahmani