Samarkand State University Professor Becomes Permanent Member of the Academy of Persian Language and Literature of Iran

According to a report by the Public Relations Office of the Saadi Foundation, during the meeting, Hassan Safarkhani, Iran’s cultural attaché and the foundation’s representative, conveyed the message and greetings of Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel, head of the Academy and president of the Saadi Foundation. He expressed appreciation for Saadi’s academic and educational contributions to the field of Persian language and literature, stating that the presence of scholars like him strengthens the academic standing of Samarkand State University. He described Saadi’s permanent membership as a symbol of the Academy’s attention to neighboring countries, particularly Uzbekistan.

Safarkhani expressed hope that Saadi’s membership in the Academy would enhance cooperation in various fields, especially in Persian language and literature in Uzbekistan.

For his part, Saadi thanked the Academy for the appointment, describing the membership as a significant honor in his decades-long academic career. He also expressed gratitude for the support of Samarkand State University and the Uzbek government in advancing Persian language studies, and voiced hope that this appointment would pave the way for expanded academic and educational cooperation between the two countries.

During his visit, Safarkhani also met with Rustam Khalmuradov, rector of Samarkand State University. Referring to the shared cultural heritage of Iran and Uzbekistan, he outlined Iran’s scientific and research capacities and highlighted Persian language education and research as key areas for collaboration. He emphasized the importance of jointly training professors and students capable of studying and researching the Persian written heritage in Samarkand and Bukhara.

The Saadi Foundation’s representative in Uzbekistan also pointed to several areas of potential cooperation, including faculty development programs, Persian language and literature Olympiads, public language courses, and the provision of research opportunities.

Khalmuradov, in turn, called for a greater presence of Iranian professors at the university. Noting that more than 200 foreign professors are currently active in Samarkand, he stressed the importance of expanding academic and research cooperation with Iranian universities and institutions. He also welcomed proposals for academic and cultural tours for professors and students.

At the end of the ceremony, the decree granting Sadri Saadi permanent membership in the Academy of Persian Language and Literature of Iran was formally presented to him by Iran’s cultural attaché and the Saadi Foundation’s representative in Uzbekistan. Gifts were also presented to him and to the rector of the university.