TEHRAN -- In the luminous dawn of contemporary Iranian poetry, the name Muhammad-Hussein Behjat Tabrizi—known by his pen name Shahriar—shines like a beacon. 
More than a century after his birth, Shahriar remains an enduring symbol of love, mysticism, and Iranian identity, immortalized in two languages: Persian and Azerbaijani Turkish. 
His work forms a bridge between tradition and modernity, weaving the heartfelt language of the people into the grand tapestry of Persian literature. Scholars place him alongside the towering giants of Persian letters—Ferdowsi, Hafez, Saadi, Khayyam, and Rumi.
But Shahriar is more than a poet; he is a cultural icon, a spiritual treasure whose verses resonate far beyond literary circles, capturing the hearts of ordinary Iranians and Persian speakers worldwide. His poems, such as the celebrated Azerbaijani Turkish “Heydar Babaya Salam,” and his immortal Persian compositions, serve as a vibrant testament to poetry’s power to unite languages, peoples, and generations.
Today, Shahriar’s legacy remains a source of inspiration and reflection. His work transcends geographic borders and acts as a potent tool of cultural diplomacy, showcasing Iranian identity on the global stage and helping to sustain the Persian language’s vitality in the modern world.
In commemoration of the 120th anniversary of Shahriar’s passing, the city of Tabriz—his birthplace—will host the International Shahriar Congress. 
This cultural event will gather distinguished guests from both inside and outside Iran, launching a year-long series of programs designed to celebrate and promote the poet’s profound influence. 
East Azarbaijan Governor Bahram Sarmast emphasized the importance of national commitment and stable financial support as key pillars for the congress’s success. He also highlighted fruitful dialogues with cultural ministers and media leaders to deepen cultural diplomacy efforts.
Ali-Asghar Shaerdoost, the congress’s secretary-general and a noted scholar, described Shahriar as one of Iran’s richest cultural assets on the international stage. 
He portrayed the poet as a figure capable of enhancing Iran’s global standing through the universal language of poetry and literature. National media, particularly the head of Iran’s broadcasting organization, have expressed broad support, recognizing Shahriar as a priceless cultural heritage.
The congress also boasts an impressive academic rigor. Professor Hussein Sadrineya, a renowned Shahriar expert at Tabriz University, noted that only submissions vetted by three scholarly reviewers will be accepted, reflecting the high esteem of Shahriar’s thought in both Iranian and global academic circles. To date, 64 scientific papers from prominent domestic and international scholars have been approved for presentation.
Cultural programs honoring Shahriar are already well underway across East Azarbaijan. Ne’matollah Payan, director of the province’s Culture and Islamic Guidance Department, outlined an ambitious agenda that includes multiple poetry nights, invitations to foreign media, and tributes to regional cultural figures. The confirmed participation of Iran’s Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance adds gravitas to the event.
Sociologist Firouz Rad offers a compelling portrait of Shahriar as a “twofold treasure.” On one hand, his global stature aligns him with Persian literary giants; on the other, his symbolic significance evokes a profound sense of pride wherever his name is spoken. 
Rad points out that Shahriar’s poetry not only addresses human social and emotional needs but also delves into deeper layers of life’s meaning and philosophy. His insights harmonize with contemporary sociological theories of human needs, ensuring his work remains timeless.
The congress’s media outreach includes participation from Turkey’s national television network TRT and Anadolu Agency, signaling the event’s growing regional and international resonance. 
Invitations extended to Turkey’s Minister of Culture and Tourism and senior officials further underscore efforts to position Tabriz as a vibrant capital of Turkic-Persian culture and to attract a broad international audience.
Shahriar was a poet who lived in the hearts of both the people and the scholarly elite. His bilingual oeuvre serves as a symbolic link between nations, celebrated not only within Iran but across the globe. 
Every year on September 18—the anniversary of his death and Iran’s official National Day of Persian Poetry and Literature, established in 2000—his memory is lovingly revived.
Today, Shahriar continues to shine like a brilliant star in the skies of Persian and Azerbaijani poetry. His verses weave together love, mysticism, humanity, and Iranian identity, creating an eternal treasury not only for Persian literature but for the world’s cultural heritage.