TEHRAN (Iran News) The “Iran–Kazakhstan Cultural Night” ceremony took place on Monday (Dey 1) in the Blue Hall of the Niavaran Palace Museum, as part of the newly launched “Shared Heritage, Enduring Bond” initiative. Designed by the Center for International Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy of Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, the program aims to introduce the cultural, tourism, and handicraft capacities of different countries and to create platforms for joint cooperation. Kazakhstan was selected as the first focal country of this initiative.

The ceremony was organized in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Iran and featured speeches by Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts; Ontalap Onalbayev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Iran; and Hojjatollah Ayoubi, Head of the Center for International Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy at the Ministry. A significant number of ambassadors, diplomatic representatives, and figures from cultural and artistic circles were also present.

Speaking at the event, Ontalap Onalbayev highlighted the thousands of years of relations between Iran and Kazakhstan, noting that along the routes of the Great Silk Road, the two nations maintained continuous exchanges and lived in close interaction, much like members of a single community.

Referring to the recent visit of the President of Iran to Kazakhstan in December 2025 and the signing of the 2025–2028 Cultural Exchange Program, as well as other memoranda of understanding in the fields of cinema and archival cooperation, the Kazakh ambassador described these developments as important steps forward. He also announced upcoming plans to hold “Iran Cultural Days in Kazakhstan” and, reciprocally, “Kazakhstan Cultural Days in Iran.”

Onalbayev described the exhibition of historical documents related to bilateral relations as “a valuable treasure for studying shared history.” Titled “Historical Documents of Kazakhstan–Iran Relations,” the exhibition showcased 27 historical documents written in Persian, containing information about the history of the Kazakh people in the 18th and 19th centuries, their socio-economic conditions, relations with neighboring countries, and the political and economic situation of Turkestan.

Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, described the launch of this series of programs during Yalda Night as symbolic. He noted that Yalda itself is one of the oldest and most beautiful elements of shared heritage among Iran and other countries in the region—an ancient ritual that for centuries has brought people together around light, warmth, affection, and hope.

Referring to the previous hosting of the “Armenian Symphony” at Persepolis, Salehi-Amiri said that choosing Kazakhstan as the first guest country of this new initiative was a meaningful step toward strengthening cultural relations. He also pointed to the joint global registration of Nowruz by Iran, Kazakhstan, and other countries, calling it a successful experience that could serve as a valuable model for defining and implementing shared cultural projects with other countries in the region and beyond.

The minister further announced plans to hold the “Tourism Ministers’ Summit and Global Nowruz Celebration” in Tehran on Farvardin 8, 1405 (March 28, 2026), inviting the ambassadors present to encourage the participation of cultural figures and elites from their respective countries in this international event.

Emphasizing the trans-geographical nature of shared heritage, Salehi-Amiri stated that the great cultural and scientific figures who lived across this vast region belong to a land that can rightly be called the “Land of Affection.” He stressed that the goal of hosting such an event went beyond symbolism, aiming instead to examine opportunities and challenges related to tourism development, cultural heritage cooperation, and the promotion of handicrafts.

Hojjatollah Ayoubi, Head of the Center for International Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy, remarked that the “miracle of shared heritage” brings people of diverse lands together. He emphasized that in a world overwhelmed by information that creates an illusion of closeness, the best way to truly understand one another remains sitting together and engaging face to face.

The artistic segment of the ceremony featured a performance by the Iranian music group “Pazh,” led by Mortaza Goodarzi, a Khorasani musician and vocalist. This was followed by a performance by the Kazakh music group “Serper” from the Mangystau region, who played traditional pieces using the dombra. The group had previously performed at the Gorgan International Festival.

On the sidelines of the event, a traditional Kazakh yurt (nomadic tent) was set up, along with an exhibition of photographs and handicrafts from Kazakhstan, creating a lively and immersive atmosphere for guests. During the ceremony, the Kazakh ambassador presented a gift to Salehi-Amiri, saying in Persian, “According to Kazakh tradition, I present this gift.”

The ceremony concluded with traditional Iranian and Kazakh dishes served to guests, accompanied by hosting by Seyyed Abbas Sajjadi.

The post Iran–Kazakhstan Cultural Night Highlights Silk Road Legacy and Cultural Diplomacy appeared first on Iran News Daily.

TEHRAN (Iran News) Mr. Aurangzeb Khan khichi was invited as a special guest to participate in the festival. In his key note address, H.E Minister stressed on the joint production of films by both countries. Pakistan and Iran, he added are close neighbors and enjoy close social,cultural  religious and brotherly relations. The cinema is a powerful tool in propagating the culture and cultural values of any country. The screening of Iranian movies in Pakistani cinemas and Pakistani movies in Iranian cinemas will help to bring our people closer to each other, he added.

This is the first time that three Pakistani movies, “actor in law”, ” Umro ayar -a new beginning”, and “Taxali gate” are displayed in the festival. The minister anthuestically participated in all events He visited the festival and in Pakistan Pavilion he met the chairman of Cinematic foundation Iran .He invited him to visit Pakistan and meet the stake holders of Cinema industry. He reiterated the commitment of his government to work for uplifting Cinema industry in Pakistan.

The post Pakistan participates in Fajr Film Festival appeared first on Iran News Daily.

TEHRAN (Iran News)  Beijing’s Peking University has held a ceremony to commemorate Hafez, the revered 14th-century Iranian poet, with Chinese scholars highlighting his global influence and describing his work as a “shared voice of humanity in pursuit of truth, love and beauty.”

Speaking during the ceremony on Saturday, Li Shujing, dean of the School of Foreign Languages at Peking University, said Hafez’s poetry – known for its passionate expression, profound ideas, and romantic imagination – has not only shaped the spirit of the Iranian nation but also inspired people around the world.

“China and Iran, two countries with ancient civilizations, share poetry, emotions, truth, and wisdom,” Li said, adding that the event paid tribute to a literary genius while underscoring dialogue between two longstanding cultures.

Iran’s Ambassador to China, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, who attended the ceremony, pointed to the strong record of cultural interaction between the two nations. He noted that Persian language and literature programs exist in 14 Chinese universities, including nearly seven decades of such studies at Peking University, which he said reflects the depth of cultural ties.

Speaking during the ceremony on Saturday, Li Shujing, dean of the School of Foreign Languages at Peking University, said Hafez’s poetry – known for its passionate expression, profound ideas, and romantic imagination – has not only shaped the spirit of the Iranian nation but also inspired people around the world.

“China and Iran, two countries with ancient civilizations, share poetry, emotions, truth, and wisdom,” Li said, adding that the event paid tribute to a literary genius while underscoring dialogue between two longstanding cultures.

Iran’s Ambassador to China, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, who attended the ceremony, pointed to the strong record of cultural interaction between the two nations. He noted that Persian language and literature programs exist in 14 Chinese universities, including nearly seven decades of such studies at Peking University, which he said reflects the depth of cultural ties.

The post Beijing university honors Hafez, praising Iranian poet’s universal voice appeared first on Iran News Daily.

TEHRAN (Iran News) Its production and release mark a significant turning point for the Iranian streaming platform Namava. Until now, none of the Iranian platforms has dared to adapt such a major and well-known literary work as “Savushun” into a TV series—an unprecedented move by the Iranian streaming platform Namava.

Most streaming services, aware of the challenges and difficulties of adapting prominent literary works into series, aim to produce low-risk, highly viewable content that stays away from controversy and disputes.

Platforms, when adapting iconic works of Persian literature, are constantly faced with the fear of being judged and rejected by the original readers.

In countries with mature film and television industries, this fear disappeared long ago. There, adaptation is not seen as a risk but as an opportunity.

The production of adapted films and series—especially in the United States—has not only boosted the entertainment industry but also influenced the country’s literature. To such an extent that most fictional books published and being published in the country are structured in a way that makes them easily adaptable into screenplays.

In Hollywood, this change began decades ago and has now fully evolved.

Legendary director John Huston, who adapted Dashiell Hammett’s “The Maltese Falcon,” once remarked that Hammett had written the book “as if it needed no screenplay.”

This observation by John Huston reveals how American fiction books adapted have been and continue to be more visual than dialogue-driven.

In many Hollywood productions, authors themselves contribute to the screenplay or serve as creative consultants.

This is the reason the art of adaptation has reached such sophistication there. Most prominent movies are also adaptations. In such a way, it can be said that literature and the performing arts have reached a state of interaction.

In Iran, however, most modern novels remain heavily dialogue-driven and lack strong visual structure, making the process of adaptation considerably more challenging. Few writers, such as Sadegh Hedayat, possess the cinematic imagination that allows their prose to translate easily to film.

As a result, turning Persian novels into compelling visual stories carries a much higher creative risk.

While modern Iranian literature has remained largely dialogue-driven, audiences of films and series connect more through visuals than through dialogue.

“Savushun,” like most Persian fiction, is dialogue-heavy, which made Namava’s adaptation a formidable task. The book is engaging and enjoyable to read, but if the same qualities were transferred to a series, the audience would likely enjoy reading it more than watching it.

Namava’s decision to move forward with the project therefore stands as a genuine act of creative audacity—one that involved significant risk but ultimately paid off.

The series’ success is evident: had it not resonated with audiences, it wouldn’t have received such a warm welcome. Available viewer statistics and audience feedback indicate a strong positive reception and audience satisfaction with the series and the Namava platform, making Namava a trailblazer among Iran’s streaming platforms in Persian media.

The post Namava’s Bold Step by Adapting “Savushun”/ “Savushun” Redefines Adaptation in Iranian Streaming Platforms appeared first on Iran News Daily.

TEHRAN (Iran News)  President Masoud Pezeshkian has described Iran as a land of valor and art destined for greatness, following the registration of three Iranian villages, namely Shafiabad, Soheili, and Kandolus, on the UN Tourism List.

Pezeshkian hailed the achievement on his X account on Friday, noting that the three villages, located in areas spanning from the deserts to the Alborz mountains and the shores of the Persian Gulf, have showcased Iran’s rich cultural heritage.

“Iran is a land of courage and art, embracing a great destiny. For Iran, for a global Iran, for a greater Iran,” he further said.

On Friday, the World Tourism Organization, during its fifth session, officially registered Kandolus, located in Iran’s northern province of Mazandaran, as one of the top tourist villages. The session took place in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province of China, where the results of the evaluation for the 2025 best tourism villages were announced.

Kandolus has gained international fame over the past three decades due to its unique ethnological museum, well-preserved rural area, stunning natural beauty, and rich cultural history. These attributes led the Iranian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism to nominate Kandolus for UN Tourism registration, highlighting its importance as a cultural treasure of the country.

Shafi’abad is located in Kerman Province, southeast Iran. And, Soheili village is located on Persian Gulf Qeshm Island.

Pezeshkian hailed the achievement on his X account on Friday, noting that the three villages, located in areas spanning from the deserts to the Alborz mountains and the shores of the Persian Gulf, have showcased Iran’s rich cultural heritage.

“Iran is a land of courage and art, embracing a great destiny. For Iran, for a global Iran, for a greater Iran,” he further said.

On Friday, the World Tourism Organization, during its fifth session, officially registered Kandolus, located in Iran’s northern province of Mazandaran, as one of the top tourist villages. The session took place in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province of China, where the results of the evaluation for the 2025 best tourism villages were announced.

Kandolus has gained international fame over the past three decades due to its unique ethnological museum, well-preserved rural area, stunning natural beauty, and rich cultural history. These attributes led the Iranian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism to nominate Kandolus for UN Tourism registration, highlighting its importance as a cultural treasure of the country.

The post Pezeshkian: Iran is land of valor and art, embracing great destiny appeared first on Iran News Daily.

TEHRAN (Iran News) Minister Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri conveyed his message on Tuesday, October 13, during the opening ceremony of the exhibition “Gift of Silk: A Review of Iran–China Relations.” He noted:

“Cultural diplomacy is an important strategy for achieving cultural, economic, and political advancement and can serve as one of the most effective tools for fostering cultural connections among nations. Iran and China—two great civilizations of East and West Asia—have shared deep cultural and commercial ties since ancient times. In Iran’s cultural diplomacy, this shared heritage plays a distinctive role in expanding relations between the two countries.”

Salehi Amiri added that this shared heritage reflects the mutual cultural influences rooted in the religious traditions of the Iranian world. He noted that Zoroastrian and Manichaean customs historically contributed to shaping and consolidating economic and political relations. The exchange of ambassadors and trade caravans in the past, he said, symbolizes this longstanding civilizational connection.

“In today’s cultural policies,” he continued, “this convergence must be pursued in such a way that Iran–China relations are not confined merely to economic dimensions, but evolve into a profound bond between the hearts and cultural identities of both nations—a bond rooted in a brilliant past that continues to illuminate present-day interactions.”

The minister stressed the need for a scientific and precise understanding of the shared cultural roots of the two nations, explaining that such knowledge provides a clearer picture of their ancient and interconnected identities in art and culture. This understanding, he said, fosters a shared sense of civilizational heritage that can serve as an inspiring beacon for future cultural cooperation.

Salehi Amiri also pointed out that while religious exchanges—through Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism, and Islam—represent spiritual dimensions of this interaction, the Silk Road and the Royal Road stand as enduring symbols of trade and exchange across land and sea routes. The influence of literature, art, pottery, and metalwork seen along the trade stations between the two countries remains evident in their archaeological heritage and could form the basis for joint research among Iranian and Chinese scholars and academic institutions.

Highlighting the role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening official ties, Salehi Amiri described cultural heritage as a civilizational gateway for expanding multifaceted relations between Iran and China. He cited exhibitions such as “Gift of Silk”—organized by the Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Tourism—as examples of purposeful cultural diplomacy in action.

The minister further announced that the ministry’s next initiative will focus on the maritime heritage of both nations. He expressed hope that this collaboration, centered on understanding maritime culture and technology, will showcase the ancient creativity of the Iranian and Chinese peoples.

Finally, Salehi Amiri voiced optimism that these cultural exchanges will pave the way for greater numbers of Chinese tourists to visit the ancient land of Iran.

Meanwhile earlier Salehi Amiri had emphasized the need for a well-defined model of tourism governance that can shape the country’s development trajectory in this sector for at least the next 20 years.

During his visit to the Tourism Deputy Office and in a meeting with its deputy, directors, and experts, Salehi Amiri stated:

“We need a desirable model of tourism governance that will determine the direction of this industry’s development for the next two decades.”

He announced that the ministry plans to strengthen its ongoing presence and engagement in the tourism sector, adding:

“Construction of a new Tourism Deputy building at the ministry’s central complex will begin soon. This project aims to enhance administrative infrastructure and increase focus on specialized planning.”

Highlighting the valuable experience of Mohseni Bandpey, the newly appointed Deputy for Tourism, Salehi Amiri described him as:

“A capable manager, well-versed in the country’s administrative system, and with a record of successful management. I am confident that under his leadership, the future of the Tourism Deputy Office will be brighter and more promising.”

The minister underscored the importance of presenting a realistic and safe image of Iran to the international community, stating:

“Iran is one of the safest countries in the world, yet some foreign media occasionally portray a distorted picture. We must continually highlight the phrase ‘Safe Iran’ to ensure that the true reality of our country is accurately reflected.”

The post Shared Cultural Heritage Between Iran and China Plays a Key Role in Deepening Bilateral Relations appeared first on Iran News Daily.

TEHRAN (Iran News) The Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance stated that the relations between the nations of Iran and Türkiye are old and historical, and said: “The two governments have had and continue to have good relations and common positions on various issues.”

Abbas Salehi said let’s end the year 2025 with quality cultural programs in Iran and Turkey.

In a meeting on Saturday with Hejabi Kerlankic, the Turkish ambassador to Tehran, Salehi said: “The relations between the peoples of Iran and Turkey are old and historical, and the two governments have had and continue to have good relations and common positions on various issues. God willing, we will end the year 2025 with high-quality cultural programs in Iran and Türkiye.”

Abbas Salehi said let’s end the year 2025 with quality cultural programs in Iran and Turkey.

In a meeting on Saturday with Hejabi Kerlankic, the Turkish ambassador to Tehran, Salehi said: “The relations between the peoples of Iran and Turkey are old and historical, and the two governments have had and continue to have good relations and common positions on various issues. God willing, we will end the year 2025 with high-quality cultural programs in Iran and Türkiye.”

Abbas Salehi said let’s end the year 2025 with quality cultural programs in Iran and Turkey.

In a meeting on Saturday with Hejabi Kerlankic, the Turkish ambassador to Tehran, Salehi said: “The relations between the peoples of Iran and Turkey are old and historical, and the two governments have had and continue to have good relations and common positions on various issues. God willing, we will end the year 2025 with high-quality cultural programs in Iran and Türkiye.”

The post Salehi: Iran and Turkey have good relations and common positions on various issues appeared first on Iran News Daily.

TEHRAN (Iran News)  President Massoud Pezeshkian celebrated Shams al-Din Mohammad Tabrizi and Mowlana Jalal al-Din Mohammad Balkhi as two high-profile figures in Iranian culture, asserting that their legacies will continue to shine throughout history.

In a message on the occasion of the 11th International Conference of Shams and Mowlana in Khoy city, West Azarbaijan Province, on Tuesday, President Pezeshkian emphasized that the teachings of Shams and Mowlana provide a pathway for developing a new discourse centered on love, justice, spirituality, and wisdom.

He noted that their enduring messages resonate not only within Iran but also across the globe, uniting people from diverse backgrounds in shared appreciation of their poetry and philosophy.

Pezeshkian reminded attendees that the two-day conference is dedicated to reflecting on the profound contributions of these two mystics, whose thoughts transcend cultural and national boundaries.

The president underscored the importance of embodying their spirit of love and courage in contemporary life to build a future characterized by harmony and understanding. He highlighted Iran’s potential to play a pivotal role in fostering a world free from violence, rooted in peace, friendship, and dialogue.

Pezeshkian expressed gratitude to all scholars and organizers of the event for their efforts to deepen cultural identity and strengthen friendships among nations, affirming that the wisdom of Shams and Mowlana remains a guiding light for future generations.

In a message on the occasion of the 11th International Conference of Shams and Mowlana in Khoy city, West Azarbaijan Province, on Tuesday, President Pezeshkian emphasized that the teachings of Shams and Mowlana provide a pathway for developing a new discourse centered on love, justice, spirituality, and wisdom.

He noted that their enduring messages resonate not only within Iran but also across the globe, uniting people from diverse backgrounds in shared appreciation of their poetry and philosophy.

Pezeshkian reminded attendees that the two-day conference is dedicated to reflecting on the profound contributions of these two mystics, whose thoughts transcend cultural and national boundaries.

The president underscored the importance of embodying their spirit of love and courage in contemporary life to build a future characterized by harmony and understanding. He highlighted Iran’s potential to play a pivotal role in fostering a world free from violence, rooted in peace, friendship, and dialogue.

The post President Pezeshkian hails cultural legacy of Mowlana, Shams appeared first on Iran News Daily.

TEHRAN (Iran News) The Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Abbas Salehi, and his Tajik counterpart, Matlubakhon Sattoriyon, have held a meeting to discuss views on expanding cooperation.

Salehi, who traveled to St. Petersburg to participate in the multilateral international event, held bilateral talks with Sattoriyon on the sidelines of the 11th St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum at the Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin), south of St. Petersburg, Russia, on Saturday.

During the meeting, the Iranian minister highlighted the similarities between Iran and Tajikistan regarding cultural issues, stating, “Both countries share numerous cultural bonds, making it fitting to plan joint initiatives.”

Salehi proposed organizing joint events, such as contests and award ceremonies focused on Naqqali and reciting the Shahnameh, which are deeply rooted in the history of both nations.

For her part, the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tajikistan welcomed this proposal, expressing her gratitude for the support of Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance in publishing the Shahnameh.

Additionally, both sides discussed recent bilateral agreements made during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. They discussed issues related to cultural interactions between the two countries.

During the meeting, the Iranian minister highlighted the similarities between Iran and Tajikistan regarding cultural issues, stating, “Both countries share numerous cultural bonds, making it fitting to plan joint initiatives.”

Salehi proposed organizing joint events, such as contests and award ceremonies focused on Naqqali and reciting the Shahnameh, which are deeply rooted in the history of both nations.”culture ministers”

For her part, the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tajikistan welcomed this proposal, expressing her gratitude for the support of Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance in publishing the Shahnameh.

Additionally, both sides discussed recent bilateral agreements made during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. They discussed issues related to cultural interactions between the two countries.

The post Iran, Tajikistan culture ministers hold talks in St. Petersburg appeared first on Iran News Daily.

TEHRAN (Iran News)  Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Abbas Salehi says Iran and Armenia can form a comprehensive strategic plan based on their culture and art, which are intertwined with the souls of the two nations.

Salehi made the remarks on Tuesday during a meeting with Armenia’s Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports, Zhanna Andreasyan, who is on an official visit to Iran while accompanied by a delegation.

Referring to the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra’s celebration of its 100th anniversary with a special performance at the World Heritage Site of Persepolis, he said that the event indicates the convergence of the deep historical relations between the two countries.

He said the Persepolis event has provided an opportunity for Armenia to have a stronger presence in Iranian cinema programs, adding, “We are also ready to attend Armenian film festivals and other cinema events such as film weeks.”

Salehi also touched on high-level visits between the two sides, including the recent trip of President Masoud Pezeshkian to Yerevan, where a dozen cooperation documents were signed.

“Pezeshkian’s vision is to have comprehensive strategic ties between Iran and Armenia in the future,” he said, adding that the realization of this vision hinges on greater cooperation between cultural ministries and the participation of civil society.

Explaining the works of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Salehi stated that books and literature, including the translation of works into Armenian and Persian, are within the scope of the activities that can also provide a wide possibility for cooperation between the two countries.

The Armenian minister, while stressing the need for more cultural bonds, said that she “fell in love with Persepolis and its monuments.”

Andreasyan commended the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance for its role in organizing the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra in Fars province, saying this cooperation will continue and she will witness Iranian performances in Armenia.

The post Art and culture bring Iranians and Armenians closer: Minister appeared first on Iran News Daily.