Emphasis on Shahriar’s Role in Cultural Dialogue between Iran and Türkiye Highlighted in Ankara on Persian Poetry and Literature Day

According to the Public Relations Department of the Saadi Foundation, the meeting was held on the occasion of Persian Poetry and Literature Day, in cooperation with the Cultural Counsellor’s Office of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Saadi Foundation’s representative office in Türkiye, and the Writers’ Union of Türkiye, at the Islamic Republic of Iran Cultural Center in Ankara.

Mohammad Hassan Habibollahi-Zadeh, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Türkiye, referred to the position of Persian literature in the shared history and culture of the region and said: “Shahriar was a poet from Iranian Azerbaijan who was deeply rooted in Iranian culture and Persian literature. He succeeded in expressing human emotions and experiences in a language with which many people across the region can connect.”

Referring to Shahriar’s connection with the classical heritage of Persian literature, he added: “Shahriar demonstrated that belonging to one culture is not an obstacle to dialogue with other cultures; rather, it can serve as a starting point for such dialogue.”

The Iranian ambassador to Türkiye described relations between Iran and Türkiye as extending beyond political and economic ties, saying that these relations are rooted in a shared historical and human foundation.

Habibollahi-Zadeh also described poetry as one of the most important bridges for recalling shared human experiences among nations.

Persian as Part of Anatolia’s Literary and Civilizational Heritage

Asghar Farsi, Cultural Counsellor of the Islamic Republic of Iran and representative of the Saadi Foundation in Türkiye, referred to the historical presence of the Persian language in Anatolia and said: “At various periods in the history of this region, Persian served as a language of poetry, literature, mysticism, thought, and religious creativity.”

Referring to Shahriar’s position within this shared cultural heritage, he said: “Shahriar demonstrated that it is possible to remain faithful to one’s cultural and linguistic roots while also establishing connections with other cultures and worlds.”

Farsi also described the poem Salam be Heydarbaba (Greetings to Mount Heydar Baba) as an example of literature’s capacity to transcend geographical borders and convey human experiences.

Shahriar and Mehmet Akif Ersoy: Two Figures for Cultural Dialogue

In another part of his remarks, the Saadi Foundation’s representative in Türkiye announced plans to hold a commemorative ceremony in Iran honoring Mehmet Akif Ersoy, Türkiye’s national poet.

He said: “Just as we honor Shahriar in Türkiye, we plan to hold a ceremony in Iran to commemorate and honor Türkiye’s national poet, Mehmet Akif Ersoy. Shahriar should serve as a window from Iran toward Türkiye, while Akif Ersoy should serve as a window from Türkiye toward Iran.”

Emphasis on Passing Shahriar’s Heritage on to Younger Generations

Adnan Karaismailoglu, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Writers’ Union of Türkiye and a professor of Persian language and literature, referred to Shahriar’s position beyond geographical borders and said: “This poet has become a figure capable of connecting Türkiye with Iran and Central Asia.”

He emphasized the need to pass this cultural heritage on to younger generations.

The specialized session titled “Persian Language and Literature: Shahriar’s Shared Literary and Civilizational Heritage” was subsequently held under the chairmanship of Adnan Karaismailoglu. Professors and researchers of Persian language and literature discussed Shahriar’s life, ideas, literary style, and cultural and literary influence.

Ali Tamizal, Dean of the Faculty of Letters at Selçuk University; Fakhraddin Joshqoner, Professor of Persian Translation at Kırıkkale University; Mahmoud Jadouk, Head of the Department of Persian Language and Literature at Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University; and Farrokh Seddighzadeh, academic advisor to the Persian Language and Literature Students’ Association at Ankara University, were among the speakers at the session.

The event was attended by a number of professors and students from universities in Ankara, members of the Writers’ Union of Türkiye, foreign diplomats, Iranians residing in Türkiye, and those interested in Persian language and literature.

At the end of the ceremony, the speakers and participants were honored.