TEHRAN — Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Seyyed Reza Salehi Amiri has clarified recent remarks about the shared registration of the Masnavi, the renowned poetic work of the 13th-century Persian mystic Rumi, on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.
Speaking at a ceremony in the northwestern city of Khoy to honor both Rumi and his spiritual mentor Shams Tabrizi, Salehi Amiri said that Iran, Turkey, and Afghanistan had jointly registered the Masnavi as a cultural heritage shared among the three nations. 
“Shams and Rumi belong not only to Iranians but to the world,” he said. “Their legacy transcends borders.”
The minister’s comments stirred debate in Iran, where some questioned why the government pursued a joint registration with neighboring countries. In a press briefing on Tuesday, Salehi Amiri outlined the history behind the decision.
He explained that Iran initially sought to register an ancient manuscript of the Masnavi independently. But Turkey objected, citing the location of Rumi’s tomb and his theological school in Konya, as well as an older manuscript they held, which predates Iran’s version by about four decades.
To avoid a cultural dispute, the two countries agreed in 2013 to submit a joint nomination that would recognize both manuscripts. Afghanistan was later included, recognizing that Rumi was born in the city of Balkh, although at the time the country was grappling with political instability.
“Rumi is a figure whose message of humanity and spirituality goes beyond national boundaries,” Salehi Amiri said. “The joint registration is a reflection of that shared heritage.”
He also explained that UNESCO’s Memory of the World Committee encourages collaborative registrations when multiple countries claim a cultural work. Otherwise, contested nominations risk rejection. 
The minister drew a parallel to the Persian New Year celebration, Nowruz, which was registered as a shared heritage involving thirteen countries.
Salehi Amiri also emphasized Iran’s efforts to promote Shams Tabrizi’s legacy, including funding for the restoration of his mausoleum in Khoy. He expressed hope that Khoy could develop into a center for spiritual tourism, similar to Konya’s prominence in Turkey.
“The world today needs the ethical and humanistic messages of Shams and Rumi more than ever,” the minister said.
Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi (1207–1273), also known as Molana, was a Persian poet, Islamic scholar, and Sufi mystic born in Balkh, present-day Afghanistan. He later settled in Konya, modern-day Turkey, where he composed the Masnavi, one of the most important works of Sufi literature. His spiritual guide, Shams Tabrizi, greatly influenced his thought and poetry. Rumi’s teachings continue to inspire audiences worldwide.