Iran’s Quiet Cultural Outreach Across Asia

Date: 01 September 2025 - 22:28

News ID: ۱۴۳۰۸۳

TEHRAN -- In a world often dominated by geopolitical headlines and diplomatic tension, Iran is carving out a different kind of presence across Asia—one grounded in cultural connection, storytelling, and shared heritage.
Through a trio of meaningful initiatives spanning Malaysia, Thailand, and Pakistan, Iran is quietly but powerfully fostering ties that celebrate history, nature, and the human spirit.
The journey begins in Malaysia, where a remarkable literary event unfolded. Iran played a key role in launching the Persian translation of Parman: A Prescription for a Better Malaysia, a thoughtful book by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Translated by Iranian scholar Habib-Reza Arzani and meticulously edited by Fereydoon Rahedan-Mofrad, the book distills a vision of sustainable development, social equity, and inclusive governance—six guiding principles that Anwar Ibrahim advocates for his nation’s future.
But the significance of Parman goes beyond policy prescriptions. It acts as a cultural bridge, a rare instance of literary diplomacy that unites two nations through shared values and aspirations.
The Persian edition’s unveiling was met with enthusiasm and gratitude, symbolizing not only a partnership between governments but a genuine exchange of ideas and hopes.
Travel eastward to Thailand, and you encounter a different form of cultural storytelling: the vivid, immersive documentary series Irangard (meaning “Iran Wanderer”).
This captivating series has begun streaming online with Thai subtitles, courtesy of the Iranian Cultural Center in Bangkok, and it offers viewers an intimate look at Iran’s extraordinary landscapes and cultural richness—beyond the usual tourist landmarks.
Irangard journeys deep into Iran’s varied terrains: from the emerald rice terraces of Mazandaran in the north, to the shimmering salt flats of the central deserts, and the rugged mountain villages scattered across the Zagros range.
Rather than a fast-paced travelogue, the series is a slow, reverent exploration, capturing moments of quiet connection—sharing tea with shepherds, camping beneath starlit skies, and wandering alongside nomadic tribes.
This narrative approach offers Thai viewers a nuanced and authentic portrait of Iran’s countryside and the enduring bonds between its people and the land. It’s an invitation to experience Iran as a living mosaic of cultures, traditions, and ecosystems.
Meanwhile, in Pakistan, Iran’s cultural diplomacy is taking root in the academic sphere. A recent meeting at the Iranian Cultural House in Karachi gathered more than 20 Pakistani scholars, including Sunni and Shia intellectuals, who voiced strong support for Iran’s resilience amid regional challenges.
This gathering was far from ceremonial; it marked the beginning of a collaborative vision encompassing educational exchanges, joint research initiatives, and cultural festivals designed to strengthen ties between the two neighboring countries.
The Pakistani scholars emphasized their commitment to broadening academic and cultural engagement, seeing this as a natural extension of the deep historical, religious, and cultural connections that bind Iran and Pakistan.
What ties these seemingly disparate initiatives together is a new kind of cultural itinerary—one less about tourism in the traditional sense, and more about intellectual curiosity, empathy, and mutual understanding.
Iran’s active cultural presence in Asia is an invitation to see the country beyond stereotypes, to appreciate its rich heritage and natural beauty, and to engage in conversations that matter.
For global travelers, these efforts highlight a profound truth about travel itself: it is not merely about visiting places but about connecting with people, ideas, and histories.
Whether it’s through the pages of a translated book in Kuala Lumpur, the subtitled scenes of Irangard in Bangkok, or the thoughtful dialogues in Karachi’s cultural center, Iran’s cultural outreach embodies travel’s deepest purpose—to open minds, build bridges, and nurture relationships.