Persian Language is a Language of Wisdom and Cultural Dialogue

According to the Public Relations Office of the Saadi Foundation, a ceremony marking Persian Language Day and honoring the great Persian poet Hakim Abolqasem Ferdowsi, along with other Persian-speaking poets, was held at the gallery of the Cultural Center of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Saadi Foundation office in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The event was attended by 30 students from one of Sarajevo’s leading high schools.

During the ceremony, Hamidreza Azadi, Iran’s Cultural Attaché and Representative of the Saadi Foundation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, addressed the Bosnian students, saying:

> “Today, more than ever before, the world needs dialogue among cultures. Any nation that gains a deeper understanding of other cultures will broaden its horizons and build a brighter future.”

He added:

“Iranian culture, one of the oldest and most influential cultures in the world, does not belong solely to Iranians; it is part of humanity’s shared heritage. Becoming familiar with this culture means entering a world of poetry, wisdom, humanity, and beauty.”

The Saadi Foundation representative further stated:

“When we speak of the Persian language, we speak of a language that for centuries was the language of science, literature, and intellectual thought across much of the world. It is the voice of great poets such as Ferdowsi, Saadi Shirazi, and Omar Khayyam. Through the Shahnameh, Ferdowsi teaches us that nations remain alive through their culture and identity.”

Referring to the poetry of Saadi Shirazi, Azadi quoted the famous verses:

 “Human beings are members of a whole,
  In creation of one essence and soul.
  If one member is afflicted with pain,
  Other members uneasy will remain.
  If you have no sympathy for human pain,
  The name of human you cannot retain.”

He emphasized that these words continue to carry a message of peace and solidarity for the entire world today. He also noted that Omar Khayyam, through his profound reflections, invites humanity to contemplate life, time, and the value of every moment.

The Iranian Cultural Attaché in Bosnia and Herzegovina continued:

 “You, the young people of Bosnia, live in a country with its own great history, culture, and spirit. The connection between the peoples of Bosnia and Iran is not merely political or historical; it is a cultural and human bond. Learning Persian language and literature can become a bridge toward a deeper understanding of a civilization that has influenced the world for centuries through art, poetry, and thought.”

He added:

 “I hope that each of you will one day read a book by Saadi, recite a poem by Khayyam, and become familiar with Ferdowsi’s epic stories. Within these words lies not only poetry and literature, but also thousands of years of wisdom, love, and humanity.”

During the event, university students recited poems by Ferdowsi, Khayyam, and Nezami in both Persian and Bosnian for the attending students.

Another part of the ceremony featured a screening of the story of Rostam and Sohrab with Bosnian subtitles. The emotional reactions of several students were visible following Sohrab’s tragic death at the hands of Rostam.

The closing section of the ceremony was dedicated to *fal-e Hafez* (divination through Hafez’s poetry). Five students opened the Divan of Hafez after making wishes, and Bosnian translations of the selected poems were read aloud. Hamidreza Azadi also provided explanations about the meanings and concepts behind the verses.