Persian Language Is One of the Pillars of Strengthening Cultural Relations between Iran and Türkiye

According to the Public Relations Office of the Saadi Foundation, Hojjatoleslam and Muslimin Alireza Salimi, a member of the Presiding Board of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, met with Asghar Farsi, Cultural Counselor of the Islamic Republic of Iran and representative of the Saadi Foundation in Türkiye. Appreciating the activities of the Persian Language Teaching Center of the Iranian Cultural Counsellor’s Office and the Saadi Foundation’s representation in Ankara, Salimi described the promotion of the Persian language and literature as an effective means of strengthening cultural relations between Iran and Türkiye and emphasized the importance of supporting cultural activities between the two countries.

Referring to the long history of cultural exchanges between Iran and Türkiye, he said that relations between the two nations are not limited to political and economic ties, but are rooted in deep cultural, literary, and civilizational connections.

Salimi added that teaching Persian in Türkiye, along with introducing Iranians to the Turkish language and culture, can contribute to strengthening mutual understanding and creating new opportunities for cooperation between the two societies.

The member of the Presiding Board of the Islamic Consultative Assembly highlighted the important role of Persian language teachers in introducing Iranian culture and civilization, stating that language education is not merely about teaching vocabulary and grammatical rules. Rather, through learning a language, learners also become acquainted with a nation’s history, literature, thought, way of life, and cultural worldview.

He further noted that Persian language teachers abroad therefore play an important role in providing a realistic and in-depth introduction to Iranian culture.

In the same meeting, Asghar Farsi, Cultural Counselor of the Islamic Republic of Iran and representative of the Saadi Foundation in Türkiye, described Persian language education as one of the most important areas of Iran’s cultural activities in Türkiye. He said that Persian is not only a means of communicating with contemporary Iranian society, but also a gateway to an important part of the shared cultural and civilizational heritage of the two nations.

Referring to the historical background of the Persian language and literature in Türkiye’s cultural history, he added that a significant part of the country’s classical works, mystical literature, and intellectual traditions developed in direct connection with the Persian language and literature. Expanding Persian language education can provide an opportunity for younger generations to gain a deeper understanding of this shared heritage.

The Saadi Foundation’s representative in Türkiye also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the teachers and staff of the Persian Language Teaching Center in teaching and promoting the Persian language.

As part of the program, Salimi, accompanied by Asghar Farsi, visited the center’s classes at various levels and became familiar firsthand with the process of conducting Persian language courses.

During the visit, a number of Persian language learners spoke about their motivation for learning Persian and their interest in Iranian culture and literature. They also demonstrated their proficiency in the language by reciting verses from Persian poetry.

In his conversation with the Persian language learners, Salimi described their interest in the Persian language as valuable and said that learning the languages of other nations is one of the best ways to gain direct insight into their culture, history, and thought.

He expressed hope that the Persian language learners at the center would in the future serve as cultural links between Iran and Türkiye.

He also expressed his readiness to follow up on and assist with some of the center’s issues and needs, and voiced hope that, by strengthening educational facilities and expanding the center’s programs, more Turkish enthusiasts would participate in Persian language courses.

At the end of the visit, gifts were presented to the Persian language learners by the Cultural Counsellor’s Office of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in recognition of their efforts and to encourage them in their pursuit of learning the Persian language and literature.