Nowruz an opportunity for increased int’l interactions
By Masoud
Bonabian
Vice-Chairman of the Tabriz CCIM
Nowruz presents a suitable opportunity for strengthening a country’s social capital and increasing international interactions with the aim of enhancing its economic potential. It has been proven that the economic prosperity of a country is only feasible through the optimal combination of both material and human capital. Developed countries, by making new investments in land, machinery, technology, and other tangible assets as well as human resources, have managed to create an environment for sustainable economic growth within their nations.
Developing countries, on the other hand, do not experience as much growth due to the lack of material capital. While some developing countries, especially those with abundant natural resources like oil-rich nations, possess significant material resources, their economic development and growth have not been substantial. One of the most overlooked values in developing countries is social capital. Neglecting social capital can impose undeniable costs on society, the economy, and the culture of a nation. Therefore, attention must be paid to social capital for the growth and enhancement of economic capacities within a country.
In Iran, there are many religious festivals and ceremonies that may strengthen relationships among community members, ethnic groups, and families, and highlight activities that revolve around common interests. One of the most important annual celebrations for Iranians is Nowruz. Nowruz is the oldest and most significant cultural symbol of Iran, an ancient ceremony that has encompassed the highest human and cultural values throughout the history of this land. It is deeply rooted in the subconscious cultural heritage of Iranians, to the extent that it cannot be eliminated from any part of Iran’s history.
As the oldest and most superior cultural symbol of Iran, Nowruz is a popular and pleasant ritual for all Iranian minorities. Therefore, in terms of cultural order and social cohesion, it has been beneficial for bringing Iranian ethnic groups closer together and enhancing national solidarity. Nowruz, with traditions such as visiting each other and reinforcing family ties, as well as mutual assistance in case of problems, plays an effective role in the unity of society.
Social capital, through engendering trust among people, promoting norms and common values, and creating various economic relationship networks, leads to a noticeable reduction in transaction costs. Most economists believe that since social capital is a source of collective action, its most important role in development is reducing transaction costs. There is a reverse relationship between social capital and transaction costs, meaning that as social capital decreases, production becomes more expensive overall. Social capital acts as the ethics and rules of the game. If there are no rules in the economic game or if ethical principles do not govern individuals’ behavior, then either the whole game stops or the game becomes very expensive. Conversely, the existence of ethical rules and adherence to the rules of social capital make the game less expensive, smoother, and more attractive. Therefore, Nowruz should be viewed as a renewed covenant among the people. By utilizing such a ritual, unity and social capital should be strengthened within the society, and with effort, dedication, and investment, the economic foundations of the country should be reinforced.
The impact of Nowruz on economic development can be highlighted from another perspective, which is an international viewpoint. It has been proven that not all countries have access to all resources for economic growth. So, in order to meet their economic needs, they are obliged to have effective relations with other countries to provide a platform for exporting their surplus and importing to meet their deficits. This, in turn, provides the necessary ground for economic growth and development.
Nowruz is a ceremony celebrated in countries such as Iran, Turkey, Tajikistan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Syria, Iraq, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Albania, China, Turkmenistan, India, and Pakistan. Having shared rituals and customs with other countries lays the groundwork for strengthening friendly, economically beneficial relations with these countries and enhances the potential for economic prosperity. In other words, Nowruz is an opportunity for strengthening social capital both domestically and internationally, creating cohesion and unity among the people of our country through the cooperation and selflessness needed for economic growth and development.