Closing Ceremony of the Campaign “Persian, Language of Iranian Culture and Civilization” Held

According to the Public Relations of the Saadi Foundation, in this ceremony, Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel, President of the Academy of Persian Language and Literature and head of the Saadi Foundation, sent a message commemorating the 25th of Ordibehesht (Persian Language Day) and honoring Hakim Abolqasem Ferdowsi. He extended his congratulations to all Iranians, Persian speakers, learners, and enthusiasts of the Persian language around the world.

Emphasizing the historical continuity of the Persian language, Haddad-Adel stated: “With its long-standing historical continuity, the Persian language has been the pillar and supporter of Iranian national identity, and today, as in the past, it remains a fundamental component of Iranian nationality.”

Haddad-Adel described Persian as “a beautiful crystal vessel” of Iranian-Islamic culture, adding: “This language holds within it the precious contents of Iranian-Islamic culture. Just as the container gives value and prestige to its contents, it also enhances them with its elegance and delicacy.”

Referring to the current situation in the country in the year 1405 (Persian calendar), the President of the Academy stated: “The great nation of Iran has been standing courageously for more than two and a half months against the evil forces of criminals targeting the people, culture, civilization, national identity, and territorial integrity of Iran. This honorable resistance, which has amazed and impressed people around the world, continues the heroic spirit that has preserved this nation through the storms of thousands of years of history.”

He continued: “What is seen today in the streets and squares, confronting an uncultured and malicious enemy, is the same noble truth that Ferdowsi immortalized over a thousand years ago in the magnificent Shahnameh, leaving it as a testament to the identity, authenticity, and antiquity of this nation for the Iranian people.”

Referring to a verse from the Shahnameh: “If we give our lives, it is better than giving the country to the enemy,” Haddad-Adel added: “Ferdowsi’s voice today resonates not only in books and classrooms but also on the battlefields and in the vast waters of the Persian Gulf.”

He emphasized: “The Academy of Persian Language and Literature, entrusted with the crucial task of preserving this invaluable heritage, on the occasion of 25th Ordibehesht 1405, pays tribute to all brave Iranian men and women who, like their ancestors, sacrifice their lives for the dear homeland. We wish victory to all the selfless fighters of this nation and steadfast, cultured Iranian people facing the enemies of truth, justice, wisdom, and faith in God.”

Concluding his message, the President of the Academy said: “Long live the proud flag of Iran, victory to the Iranian nation, and glory to the Persian language and literature, the language of this great nation.”

During the ceremony, Fatemeh Mohajerani, government spokesperson, described Persian as more than a language of communication: “Persian is not only a language for dialogue or expressing love; it is the language of life and ethics. It teaches us how to live in a world full of compassion. Returning to our cultural roots, we realize that the people are our greatest asset and we must engage with them.”

Mohajerani emphasized the importance of passing literary heritage to future generations, stating: “It would be a great loss if future generations could not read the Tarikh-e Beyhaqi or the works of Saadi. Over these 77 days, I have always ended my speeches to the beloved people with these verses:
It is a pity if Iran is destroyed,
the lairs of leopards and lions remain;
If Iran does not exist, may my body not exist,
may not a single person live in this land.”

Seyed Ali Mousavizadeh, Deputy of International Affairs at the Saadi Foundation, praised the participants of the campaign, noting that Persian learners and enthusiasts around the world recognize the Persian language as the narrative of a civilization, renowned for centuries through poetry, wisdom, and thought, forming a vital part of the historical memory of the East.

He added: “Persian is not merely a tool for communication; it is a shared heritage that has survived history and remains alive and dynamic. Through the works of Ferdowsi, Saadi, Hafez, and Rumi, Persian has conveyed human values beyond geographical boundaries and forged connections among nations.”

Highlighting the historical significance of Persian, Mousavizadeh noted: “Throughout history, it has been the language of science, literature, mysticism, and cultural dialogue across much of the world. This deep connection with culture and thought explains its enduring legacy.”

Zahidi Nezam-ud-Din Shams-ud-Din, the Tajikistan Ambassador to Iran, remarked: “Persian is a rare, indivisible treasure and a national asset of the Iranian peoples. This vibrant and dynamic language has always reflected the identity and essence of the people of this land. Great scholars and literary figures, both in Iran and the civilized world, have created enduring works in this language—luminaries like Rudaki, Hakim Ferdowsi, Avicenna, Khayyam, Nasir Khusraw, Saadi, Hafez, Rumi, Nizami, Abdolrahman Jami, and hundreds more, whose works remain a source of pride for Iranian peoples and global culture.”

The Ambassador continued: “Our shared language, known as Persian, Dari, and Tajik, has consistently preserved national identity, historical memory, culture, rituals, and traditions of Persian-speaking communities. In difficult periods, when the national identity and spiritual existence of our ancestors were under threat, Persian has faithfully fulfilled its great mission.”

Other speakers included Kameljan Bokharai, an Iranian studies scholar from Uzbekistan, Mohammad Dabirmoghadam, Scientific and Research Deputy of the Academy of Persian Language and Literature, and Mahmoud Fotouhi, a permanent member of the Academy.

Selected campaign videos and performances of Iranian music were also part of the program.

The global campaign “Persian, Language of Iranian Culture and Civilization” was held with the aim of promoting the Persian language and introducing Iranian culture and civilization to Persian learners worldwide, organized in collaboration with the Saadi Foundation, the Organization of Islamic Culture and Communications, and the Academy of Persian Language and Literature.