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Minister calls for embracing diversity to strengthen national identity
Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Reza Salehi Amiri, addressed the critical issue of national unity and identity.
He made the statements during a meeting held on December 31 at the Iran International Conference Center, highlighting the country’s rich history and the challenges it has faced, IRNA reported.
Salehi Amiri began by asserting, “No one has been able to implement a project of uniformity in society; cohesion is directly related to plurality, and unity is formed in a society where diversity is recognized.”
He referenced the Pahlavi era, where attempts to impose uniformity through forced migration and language restrictions failed, stating, “Pahlavi I, due to a lack of political literacy, thought that if Azerbaijanis were relocated to North Khorasan, the country’s security issues would be resolved.”
The minister drew a comparison with other nations, questioning, “How is it that in Canada, Australia, and other countries, over 200 nationalities, races, religions, and colors live together without issues? This shows that cohesion is directly related to plurality.” He emphasized that unity is fostered when diversity is embraced, not through forced means.
Salehi Amiri expressed deep concern about the younger generation’s diminishing sense of patriotism and national identity.
He criticized the education system, saying, “Education has not been able to teach this generation that your land is a land of pride, glory, and joy. The university has also failed to educate our youth about the unique and enviable qualities of their homeland.”
The minister highlighted Iran’s historical resilience, stating, “Iran has remained firm, strong, and resistant throughout history, from the Mongol war to Saddam; because Iran and the Iranian belong to this land.”
He emphasized the importance of the Persian language in preserving Iran’s identity, saying, “All languages in history have faced crises, but Persian has resisted. Islam was embraced by the monotheistic people of this land, and their culture absorbed it without disappearing.”
In a powerful call to action, Salehi Amiri urged, “Use the concept of Iran in your writing and engage with the youth and teenagers to foster a sense of belonging to this land.”
He emphasized the need to educate the younger generation about the country’s rich heritage and the importance of national identity in a diverse and pluralistic society.