TEHRAN — Iran will hold a series of nationwide cultural, religious and artistic programs during Unity Week, including the “Ummah of Ahmad” festival and a conference promoting popular artistic narratives of Islamic unity, an official said.
Muhammad-Hassan Akhtari, head of the Central Headquarters for Commemorating Unity Week, said this year’s events will be held under the slogan “Ummah of the Messenger of Allah,” with the participation of government bodies, public organizations, civic groups and Sunni scholars, particularly in Iran’s border provinces.
One of the main events will be the “Ummah of Ahmad” festival, scheduled for Sunday, August 30, from 4 to 8 p.m. along Tehran’s Haft-e Tir Square to Vali-e Asr Square.
Akhtari also announced the 40th International Islamic Unity Conference, whose theme will be “Islamic Unity in the Thought of the Martyred Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.” 
Scholars, intellectuals and religious figures from across the Muslim world will attend. Unity Week celebrations will also be held in several countries, particularly among members of the Resistance Front.
A series of celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad and Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq will run from August 25 to 30 at Tehran’s Book Garden. 
The program will include a festival featuring traditional tribal tents, live performances by leading Iranian regional musicians and handicraft stalls from provinces across the country.
A conference titled “Prominent Martyrs of the Muslim World: Heralds of Unity” will also be held at the Book Garden on Wednesday, August 26.
The “Popularizing the Artistic Narrative of Unity” conference will feature theater and street performances nationwide, particularly in Sunni-populated provinces. Families of Sunni martyrs will participate alongside Sunni and Shiite scholars and intellectuals.
Akhtari said Iran’s skies will be illuminated at more than 400 locations on Saturday night, August 29, marking the eve of the Prophet’s birthday. Similar celebrations will take place in provincial capitals and major cities.
In West Azerbaijan Province, the “Civilization-Building Scholar” conference will be held in Urmia, featuring five commissions covering religious, social, economic, political and family issues and bringing together national and international guests, including scholars from Bahrain and South Africa. 
Similar events will be held in cities