Why it matters:
The establishment of the Iranology Center highlights Iran’s commitment to deepening cultural and linguistic cooperation with Pakistan, a neighboring and brotherly country. By promoting the Persian language and Iranian studies, Tehran seeks to reinforce shared historical ties and foster academic collaboration, enhancing people-to-people connections between the two nations.
What he's saying:
Asghar Masoudi, head of Iran’s Cultural House in Lahore, emphasized the deep-rooted cultural and linguistic bonds between Iran and Pakistan. He described the Persian language as a key element in the historical and intellectual unity of the two nations. He also announced Iran’s readiness to organize Persian language courses at the university, asserting that Persian can play a significant role in the academic and cultural development of Pakistani students.
What they're saying:
Faisal Hayat Jabbah, the president of Muhammadi Sharif College, and Ahmad Yar, the head of the Persian department, welcomed the initiative, highlighting the keen interest of Pakistani students in learning Persian. They called for increased academic cooperation between Iranian and Pakistani universities, emphasizing the need to leverage cultural capacities to strengthen bilateral ties.
Key points:
- The Iranology Center provides valuable resources on Iran’s history, literature, and civilization for Pakistani students and researchers.
- The initiative is part of Iran’s broader strategy to expand cultural diplomacy in the region.
- Persian, historically the dominant literary and administrative language in South Asia, remains influential in Pakistan’s academic and cultural spheres.
- The move aligns with Iran’s emphasis on fostering stronger regional partnerships based on shared linguistic and cultural heritage.
Go deeper:
Iran and Pakistan share deep historical, cultural, and religious ties, with Persian serving as a bridge between the two nations for centuries. Tehran has long pursued cultural diplomacy as a means of strengthening its regional influence, particularly in South Asia. The Iranology Center's inauguration in Chiniot marks another step in these efforts, reinforcing Iran’s soft power through academic and cultural engagement.
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