Speaking at a ceremony commemorating Hafez at his mausoleum in Shiraz on Thursday, Salehi Amiri said, “We have gathered here once again to loudly proclaim that we have Hafez, and as long as literature remains, we will remain.”
He described Hafez as a “treasure trove of ethics and sincerity,” whose thought is essential for today’s generation and a necessity for the future, IRNA reported.
The minister highlighted Hafez’ significance as Iran’s greatest cultural asset, stressing that in an era where material wealth is often prioritized, the country must turn to Hafez and another renowned Persian poet, Saadi, to “breathe life into society.”
Salehi Amiri warned that a society without cultural heritage is merely a lifeless body, citing the numerous social ills and family problems plaguing Iranian cities as evidence of the country’s detachment from its cultural roots.
He emphasized that revisiting Hafez thought is a return to dignity and humanity, ensuring a vibrant life. The minister also praised Shiraz as a cultural hub, not only for Iran but for the world, and expressed gratitude to scholars who keep Hafez’s legacy alive.
Salehi Amiri noted that Hafez’s poetry has a universal appeal, with his divan being a staple in Iranian homes and major libraries worldwide, making his verses a remedy for all ages and a source of life for humanity throughout history.
The minister concluded by expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to visit the Hafez mausoleum, vowing to remove obstacles and strive to make the site shine like a gem globally.