Why it matters:
The festival reflects growing cultural diplomacy between Tehran and Baghdad, as both countries look to strengthen ties beyond politics — through shared heritage, language, and art.
The big picture:
Held with the participation of the Iraqi ambassador to Iran, cultural attachés from both countries, and Iranian Vice President for Social Affairs Ali Rabiei, the event served as a platform for soft diplomacy and cultural dialogue.
Exhibits featured Iraqi photography, traditional cuisine, and live music. Artists from both nations collaborated in joint performances and artworks, offering a symbolic expression of cultural unity.
What they’re saying:
Iran’s ambassador to Iraq: “This festival doesn’t just introduce Iraq — it acts as a bridge between our nations from past to present. Events like this play a vital role in deepening cultural solidarity and strengthening bilateral friendship.”
Ali Rabiei, Iranian VP for Social Affairs: “It’s an honor to be present at Iraq Cultural Day. These shared civilizational roots form a solid foundation for ties between our peoples. We are committed to expanding cultural cooperation in education, literature, media, and tourism.”
Key points:
- Joint performances and collaborative artworks highlighted mutual appreciation of cultural identity.
- Iran emphasized plans to expand cooperation in fields like translation, academic exchange, cinema, and heritage preservation.
Go deeper:
Iran and Iraq, bound by centuries of shared history, religious pilgrimage routes, and linguistic proximity, are increasingly using cultural events to fortify people-to-people ties.
Mojtaba Darabi
