TEHRAN -- Iran on Tuesday marked Teachers’ Day which commemorates the assassination of prominent scholar, philosopher and lecturer Ayatollah Morteza Motahari on May 1, 1979.
With a very high command of Islamic teachings, Ayatollah Motahari played an important role in enlightening enthusiasts, especially teachers and academics.
He was one of the main axes of coordination among ulema and university professors. He is regarded as a very knowledgeable expert of Islam and a powerful philosopher who was aware of the conditions of the time.
Ayatollah Motahari has written a number of books with the aim of enlightening the youth, the most significant of which, “Dastan-e Rastan”, was awarded by UNESCO in 1965.
He served as the head of the Department of Theology and Islamic Teachings at University of Tehran. At the time of his assassination, he was the president of the Constitutional Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran and a member of the Revolutionary Council.
The idea of celebrating Teachers’ Day took root in many countries during the 19th century; however, unlike many other International Days in most cases, the day is marked on various dates for different nations by celebrating a local educator or an important milestone in education. Many countries celebrate World Teachers’ Day, established by UNESCO in 1994, on October 5 as their Teachers’ Day.
Teachers’ Day is a special day to pay tribute to teachers and appreciate their efforts which include celebrations to honor them for their special contributions to educating the younger generation.
As in many parts of the world, teaching is sacred in Iran and the young and old sustain undying respect for those who strove so hard to increase their knowledge, honoring them with a small gift or flowers on the day.
Special ceremonies are held on Teachers’ Day in schools, educational institutions, and universities across the country.