Iran is a symbol of cultural diversity and peaceful coexistence of religions
According to Moj news agency, Ali Darabi said in the “celebration of cultural diversity” ceremony held at the Niavaran Cultural Center in Tehran: We live in a world where more than 10,000 distinct human communities coexist in more than 200 countries. Cultural diversity means that all people and groups can benefit from their cultural rights based on human rights and basic human freedoms.
The Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage said: Cultural diversity means that all cultures have the opportunity to work equally, in sync with others, and that there is no discrimination and inequality under any circumstances.
He added: Although human societies have many cultural characteristics in common, at the same time, all societies, both in the internal sphere and in comparison with each other, have different degrees of inhomogeneous nature, and this diversity and plurality must be Such as “biodiversity” as “common human heritage” and “treasure full of experience, wisdom and behavior of all human beings” should be protected and supported.
The Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage said: The principle of pluralism in the sense of accepting others and respecting the plurality of cultures is very important both within countries and inter-ethnic relations as well as in relations between countries. It also includes the right to enjoy one’s own culture, the right to express faith and perform one’s own religious ceremonies, the right to use one’s own language, and the right to participate in cultural life.
Darabi said: Cultural diversity is considered a valuable measure against cultural assimilation that America and some western countries are doing in the form of “importing western values and democracy” to other nations of the world.
He clarified: Iran’s cultural policy is to respect 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.
Darabi added: Iran has long been a meeting place of different cultures. Iran has been a symbol of seven thousand years of history of diversity of culture, peaceful coexistence of religions and a symbol of peace and dialogue, tolerance and tolerance. Mosques, churches, synagogues in different cities of the country speak of this tolerance and cultural diversity.
The Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage 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 globalize cultural diversity.
He said: “Dear Islam, it invites us to conflict of opinions, a good fight.” This is a great symbol of “conversation” and “seeking advice” from others. There are many historical examples from the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), Shia imams (PBUH).
Darabi said: When we talk about cultural diversity in Iran, it means that this diversity has brought unity, solidarity and national unity, not creating instability and ethnic conflicts. Because cultural diversity has been a clear sign of the cultural dynamics of Iranian society throughout human history.
He said: Our dear Iran has a brilliant system of ethnicities 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.
The Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage stated: Looking at the definition of culture, which is a system of meaning, beliefs and activities that a group of people understand, regulate and structure in their personal and social lives, and in other words, culture and methods It is the understanding and organization of human life based on which in Iranian society throughout history, from religious origin and common history, Iranians have become a single figure, the same as the great poet of Iran. Saadi sings in Golestan “Bani Adam are members of one body…”
He added: The phenomenon of the state and the requirements of coexistence for several thousand years have also caused the development of a common cultural heritage that has shaped the elements of the national identity of Iranians. This identity has been displayed in the ancient history of this land in the form of various rituals, traditions, and customs, which has become the bond of all Iranians.
Darabi said: Nowruz Eid, Yalda Night (Cheleh), Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, Hafez, Saadi, and Rumi 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.
The deputy minister of cultural heritage noted: 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.
He emphasized: The media, new social networks, or what we call virtual space, has become an unrivaled super media today. Radio, television, press, non-governmental organizations, elites, reference groups 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.
Darabi said: Cultural diversity aims to promote cultural diversity, dialogue and development. This is an opportunity to renew, become better, think more socially and live more globally in the current era.
The Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage thanked the officials of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts and the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance for organizing this ceremony and added: “I hope this series of meetings will make the Iran-phobia of the hostile media disappear and Iran will shine on the top of cultural honors.” And let the youth hope for the future more than ever.