Why it matters:
The event is positioned as a major cultural diplomacy initiative for Iran, bringing together leading global Iranologists at a time when cultural exchange is increasingly intertwined with international relations. Organizers see the summit as a platform to shape the future of Iranology and promote sustained scholarly engagement.
The big picture:
The summit, held at the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization, includes sessions in both Tehran and Shiraz, focusing on “network-building and problem-solving” in Iranology. More than 300 abstracts were submitted, with 100 selected for publication. The gathering also involves several major Iranian universities hosting thematic panels on language, tourism, heritage, technology, and Iranian civilization.
What they're saying:
Event organizers emphasize that this summit marks a new strategic approach to Iranology, one that treats it not only as an academic field but also as a long-term cultural partnership. They argue that previous meetings were mainly scholarly exchanges, whereas the current format is designed to establish durable international networks, encourage joint research, and pave the way for a permanent global Iranology secretariat.
Key points:
• 50 Iranologists from 22 countries, including Italy, Spain, Greece, China, India, Russia, Malaysia, and Central Asian states, are attending.
• Panels take place across several major Iranian universities, covering tourism, Persian language, intangible heritage, and technology.
• The closing ceremony will be held in Shiraz, accompanied by additional expert sessions with global scholars.
• A permanent global Iranology secretariat is being planned as one of the summit’s long-term outcomes.
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