Developing a Nowruz narrative a strategic necessity
By Abed Akbari
International affairs expert
Presenting a strategic narrative of Nowruz by countries that traditionally celebrate it is a necessity. If the shared history and geography of these countries are transformed into a strategic narrative through dialogue among the elites of these countries, it can provide the groundwork for this ancient culture to make significant changes on a global scale.
It seems that countries within the Nowruz cultural sphere are, more than anything, captive to their historical narratives of traditions and shared culture, especially Nowruz. This captivity is the result of certain political relations, nationalistic ambitions, and sometimes trans-regional interventions. This captivity has inflicted considerable damage on these culturally similar countries in the era of global regionalization, particularly by missing out on opportunities for cooperation and convergence.
The narrative of Nowruz can be seen as a powerful tool for shaping the desired image of its observing countries in the region and the world. This necessity will help expand the effective influence and create a joint sense of the past, present, and future for all countries that celebrate Nowruz. These countries have unparalleled capacities in human resources, economic opportunities, and socio-political advantages. Initiating dialogue among the elites of these countries about their common historical and cultural foundations is one way to consolidate these capacities and turn them into a potent regional force.
On a national level, presenting a narrative of Nowruz as a historical and geographical bedrock is an urgent necessity for our country, especially now that powerful global networks are seeking to strip Iran of its Iranian identity and induce Iranophobia.
The Fourth International Conference on Nowruz Diplomacy, which will be held on March 9, with the participation of diplomatic and cultural elites from countries that celebrate Nowruz and the presence of high-ranking officials from 21 countries worldwide, is an effort to achieve this strategic narrative, which must continue with the collaboration of official and non-official institutions in the country’s diplomatic sphere. It is hoped that in the continuation of this event, decision-makers, policymakers, and the scientific community in the country will take the lead in achieving this lofty goal in the cultural sphere, which has abundant economic, social, and political implications for the region.