TEHRAN -- Persian poetry and literature are integral to Iran’s identity and foster empathy with lovers of Iranian culture worldwide, Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan’ani wrote on Tuesday. 
His post in Farsi on his X account came as Iran commemorated the National Persian Poetry and Literature Day. He said September 17 is the day to honor prominent Iranian poet Muhammad Hussein Shahriar, and celebrate Persian poetry and literature.
He stated that Persian poetry and literature are the valuable heritage of “our history and ancestors, the essence of Iran’s identity”, and the source of connection with the admirers of Iranian culture worldwide.
The world’s great writers, from the East to the West, are fascinated by Persian poetry and literature due to the transcendent thoughts and themes present in the great Persian literature of Iran, he said. 
On September 17, Iranians pay tribute to Seyed Muhammad-Hussein Behjat-Tabrizi, also known as Shahriar (1906-1988), a renowned Iranian poet. The date is honored as the National Day of Persian Poetry and Literature.