Cultural Heritage a Living Asset for Strengthening National Identity

TEHRAN (Iran News) According to the Ministry’s Public Relations Department, Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri made the remarks at the 20th Strategic Council meeting of the ministry, held with the participation of Kerman Governor Mohammad Ali Talebi.

Salehi Amiri emphasized the significance of the recent meeting between the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, the President, and members of the Cabinet, describing it as a turning point in the country’s governance. He praised President Masoud Pezeshkian’s comprehensive report during the meeting, calling it proof of the government’s maturity in its first year, and noted that the Leader endorsed the report several times with a supportive and fatherly approach.

Highlighting the cultural diplomacy dimension, Salehi Amiri referred to the performance of the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Persepolis. He described the event as a remarkable cultural achievement stemming from Iran’s recent high-level delegation visit to Armenia. Outcomes of that visit, he added, included agreements on expanding overland tourism, organizing a handicrafts exhibition, and restoring the Blue Mosque of Yerevan. The concert at Persepolis, which featured a performance of the national anthem “Ey Iran,” symbolized cultural and artistic convergence between the two nations.

The minister also pointed to the presence of over 4,000 Persian-language students in Armenia, calling it an unparalleled capacity for expanding scientific, cultural, and social ties between the two countries, and a solid foundation for strengthening regional connections.

Referring to the public celebration of the inscription of prehistoric sites in Khorramabad Valley on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Salehi Amiri said the enthusiastic participation of citizens reflected both national pride and greater social vitality. “Events like these demonstrate that cultural heritage is not just a historical souvenir but a living and dynamic resource for building national identity and enhancing social well-being,” he stressed.

The minister further noted his recent meeting with Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, describing it as positive, constructive, and forward-looking, with important implications for cultural and international cooperation. He also mentioned a recent session with sociologists, saying the academic and analytical discussions could give new depth and direction to the ministry’s social and cultural policymaking.

Praising Kerman Governor Mohammad Ali Talebi, Salehi Amiri said his appointment was one of President Pezeshkian’s best decisions. He described Talebi as energetic, reform-minded, and creative, noting that Kerman province has gained momentum in development under his leadership, particularly in the fields of cultural heritage and tourism.

In closing, the minister highlighted the launch of provincial strategic councils, established to socialize cultural heritage and address key local issues within the framework of national policies. Each council member, he explained, will act as a representative in a designated province to follow up on regional matters. This structure, he added, is a fundamental step toward deepening cultural justice, strengthening social cohesion, and achieving sustainable development at both national and regional levels.