TEHRAN -- Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Muhammad Mehdi Esmaili said Sunday the Persian language has been dynamic in all periods, especially the contemporary era, and is still expanding in the cultural climate of Iran.
“One of our missions is to help this expansion without any interruption and with full force,” he said here in an interview with the news headquarters of the 30th Book Week of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Touching on the Persian language and its importance in Iran’s soft power, he recounted his trip to Tajikistan and meeting with the country’s writers, literati, artists and poets.
“Mrs. Golrokhsar Safieva, who is one of the famous poets of the country, told me that we have been separated from Iran for 300 years, but we still name our daughters Irandokht or Irangol,” Esmaili recounted.
“In my opinion, Persian language and Persian poetry cannot be erased. Even in Türkiye, you can see works in Persian language.
“Today, the Persian language is powerful, and we at the Organization of Islamic Culture and Communication are facing the logjam of requests. However, we have to do more in this field to spread and protect the Persian language in the best way,” he added.
The minister touched on the geographical spread of the Persian language, saying that India has chosen Persian as its second official language.
“The ignorant deeds and statements of some groups in the world against the Persian language, which shows their cultural ignorance, do not harm the greatness of the Persian language.”
Esmaili touched on the importance and necessity of teaching Persian language in other countries.
He said, “We have made the necessary arrangements with the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology and the sending of professors is increasing. Many professors have also announced their readiness to help us. We have also increased allocations for teaching Persian language abroad several times.”
The 30th Book Week of the Islamic Republic of Iran started on November 14 and will continue until Nov. 21.