Art one of influential areas for strengthening Iran-Turkey ties: Official
One of the important and high-impact fields for strengthening the ties between Iran and Turkey is art, said Iran’s Cultural Attaché in Turkey Qassem Nazemi.
He made the statement in the opening of a calligraphy exhibition featuring the poetry of renowned Persian poet Rumi in Ankara, Turkey.
The exhibition, which highlights works of calligraphy, gilding, and miniature painting, was inaugurated by Nazemi alongside prominent figures including Mohammad Hossein Shojaei, Deputy Ambassador of Iran, and Barış Demirci, Vice Rector of Ankara Music and Fine Arts University, IRNA reported.
He noted that both countries share numerous commonalities, particularly in traditional art forms such as calligraphy, gilding, and miniature painting.
Nazemi described the exhibition as a “bright manifestation of these valuable cultural collaborations,” facilitated by the Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR) in partnership with Ankara university.
In a statement read at the event, Amin Mokhtari, the head of ACECR, highlighted the organization’s commitment to promoting Iranian-Islamic culture and art internationally. “One of the key priorities of our organization in the arts sector is to support the development of the cultural economy and create pathways for mutual flourishing,” he remarked.
Mokhtari further elaborated on the exhibition’s significance, stating it is a valuable opportunity to showcase Iranian calligraphy and introduce Rumi’s timeless poetry to a global audience.
He expressed hope that the event would serve as a catalyst for expanded cultural and artistic exchanges between the two nations.
Barış Demirci emphasized the importance of academic training for artists, noting that events like this exhibition are integral to the university’s mission.
He expressed gratitude to the Iranian artists for choosing the Ankara Music and Fine Arts University as the venue for this exhibition.
The exhibition features 40 works by 16 distinguished calligraphers, each proficient in various styles, including nasta’liq and shekasteh nasta’liq scripts. These creations were meticulously crafted over six months under the artistic guidance of Hamid Reza Jamshidi.
Visitors can also enjoy selected verses from Rumi in both Persian and Turkish, accompanied by soothing music, creating an immersive experience that invites them to explore the profound thoughts and messages of the poet.
The exhibition opened on January 13 and will run through January 15.