“Cultural diversity” is an opportunity to think more socially / The role of virtual space in expanding cultural diversity

Ali Darabi; Deputy Minister and Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage in the celebration of “Cultural Diversity” which was held tonight on the occasion of May 31st International Day of Cultural Diversity at Niavaran Cultural Center, asked the question what is meant by cultural diversity and said: We live in a world Let’s say that more than 10,000 distinct human communities coexist in more than 200 countries.

He added: Cultural diversity means that all individuals and groups can benefit from their cultural rights based on human rights and basic human freedoms. All cultures should be able to work equally, in sync with others, and there should be no discrimination and inequality under any title.

The Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts continued: Although human societies have many cultural characteristics in common, at the same time, all societies, both in the domestic sphere and in comparison with each other, have different degrees of nature. They are inconsistent that this diversity and multiplicity should be protected and supported as “biodiversity” as “common human heritage” and “treasure full of experience, wisdom and behavior of all human beings”.

Darabi considered the principle of pluralism in the sense of accepting others and respecting the plurality of cultures as important both within countries and inter-ethnic relations as well as in relations between countries and said that this principle is the right to have one’s own culture, the right to express faith and practice It includes one’s own religious ceremonies, the right to use one’s own language, the right to participate in cultural life…

He added: cultural diversity is considered a valuable measure against the cultural homogenization that America and some western countries are doing in the form of “issuing western values ​​and democracy” to other nations of the world.

Deputy Minister and Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage said: Iran’s cultural policy is respect for cultural diversity, equal opportunities for social and cultural groups to participate in cultural life and support marginalized cultures or those in danger of being forgotten.

Cultural diversity is a sign of cultural dynamics of Iranian society throughout human history

In another part of his speech, Darabi said about Iran’s long history as a meeting place of different cultures: Iran has been a symbol of cultural diversity, peaceful coexistence of religions and a symbol of peace and dialogue, tolerance and tolerance. Mosques, churches, synagogues, etc. in different cities of the country speak of this tolerance and cultural diversity.

He added: The world registration of the collection of Armenian churches in Iran in 2008, the ritual of pilgrimage of Thaddeus Church with Armenia in the list of intangible cultural elements by the Islamic Republic of Iran in 2020, shows the recognition and efforts to universalize cultural diversity.

The vice president of cultural heritage said: dear Islam invites us to conflict of opinions, good debate. This is a great symbol of “dialogue” and “seeking advice” from others. There are many historical examples from the era of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and Shia Imams (peace be upon them). Of course, when we talk about cultural diversity in Iran, it means that this diversity has caused unity, solidarity and national unity, not creating instability and ethnic conflicts.

He added: cultural diversity has been a clear sign of the cultural dynamism of Iranian society throughout human history. Our dear Iran has a brilliant system of ethnic groups and regions in its heart. These ethnic groups have unique characteristics according to their climate, history, beliefs and lifestyle. There are more than 100 dialects in our dear Iran.

While pointing to the process of development of the common cultural heritage of Iranians and the formation of elements of national identity, Darabi emphasized: This identity has shown itself in the ancient history of this land in the form of various rituals, traditions, and customs, which has become the factor of connecting all Iranians. . Nowruz Eid, Yalda Night (Cele), Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, Hafez, Saadi, Molana, … are among these symbols that are particularly popular among all Iranians. Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, which is “certificate”, “registration” and “History of Iran”, shines on the top of world literature and has no equal.

He reminded: UNESCO’s global declaration of cultural diversity is a “common human heritage” that can replace conflict, violence, and war with dialogue, peace, tolerance, and coexistence with respect for different cultures.

The deputy of cultural heritage said: Media, new social networks, or what we call virtual space, have become an unrivaled super media today. Radio, television, press, non-governmental organizations, elites, reference groups, etc. can be pioneers in expanding cultural diversity. Because the existence of cultural diversity in a land means living with the quality of diverse or different cultures, as opposed to monoculture or homogenization of cultures, which is known as cultural evolution.

He said: cultural diversity in a land and its development is an opportunity to renew, improve, think more socially and live more globally in the current era.

At the end of his speech, the Deputy Minister and Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage expressed hope that this series of meetings and its role in reducing Iranophobia will continue.

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