Cultural, diplomatic mystique ofNowruz
Nowruz, celebrated by millions across continents, stands as a vibrant symbol of humanity’s shared heritage and enduring spirit. This ancient festival, deeply tied to the rhythms of nature and the cycles of life, has become a cornerstone for fostering understanding and unity among diverse cultures. Beyond its cultural richness, Nowruz opens doors to innovative partnerships between governments, nations, and non-governmental organizations in areas like energy, trade, and environmental sustainability, offering a pathway to address shared challenges. As the world grows more interconnected, Nowruz serves as a reminder of the power of tradition to inspire dialogue, strengthen bonds, and create opportunities for collective progress. In this collection, scholars and experts offer unique perspectives on how Nowruz can shape a future defined by connection and shared purpose.
Why rereading Nowruz’s narrative matters
By Abed Akbari
Secretary of Nowruz Trophy Conference
The foundational philosophy of International Relations as a discipline lies in studying the causes of war and the means to achieve peace. From its inception, this field has been built on the normative approach of “viewing war as evil and peace as good,” and its evolution over the past century has adhered to this same principle. However, the dominance of Western authors in shaping the discipline’s literature has led to a reproduction of Western thought on war and peace, leaving little room for non-Western societies to propose indigenous ideas for “preventing war and promoting peace.” While the second decade of the 21st century has seen nascent efforts to advocate for non-Western theorization in International Relations, these remain marginal. Undoubtedly, one source of inspiration for indigenous theorization lies in drawing theoretical templates from the ideas of intellectual and cultural luminaries within each society. Just as Western International Relations theories rely on the intellectual frameworks of figures like Immanuel Kant, Thomas Hobbes, and John Locke, non-Western societies must also return to their own cultural and intellectual giants to articulate alternative or complementary perspectives on “preventing war and promoting peace.”
The Nowruz civilizational sphere, as an intellectual domain spanning Central Asia, the Iranian Plateau, the Caucasus, and Anatolia, is rich with historical figures, and a return to and a rereading of their works and ideas could serve as resources for indigenous theorization. Yet, modern inheritors of this sphere have adopted a reductionist approach to these figures in recent decades. On one hand, influenced by the “territory-centric ontology” dominating mainstream International Relations theory, they have attempted to recast historical intellectuals as “modern citizens” labeled with national adjectives like “Iranian,” “Turk,” “Afghan,” “Tajik,” or “Azerbaijani.” On the other hand, shaped by the “dualist ontology” of mainstream International Relations — which rigidly separates “the domestic” from “the foreign,” idealizing the former while viewing the latter with suspicion as a tool of external enemies — they have restricted the dissemination of certain historical thinkers’ ideas. For example, when Nizami Ganjavi is portrayed as “Azerbaijani,” the modern Azerbaijani state censors his Persian-language writings, reproducing only his works in Azerbaijani Turkic. Such reductionism, politicizing historical figures, has obscured the “ideas and philosophies of inspirational luminaries” in this sphere. In practice, due to this politicization, rare attempts to introduce these figures focus solely on their cultural aspects, seldom exploring the theoretical implications of their foundational ideas.
Today, the countries of the Nowruz civilizational sphere are arguably trapped in their own historical narratives of shared traditions and culture — particularly Nowruz. This entrapment stems from political rivalries, national ambitions, and at times, extraterritorial interference. In an era of global regionalism, this captivity has inflicted significant harm, especially through missed opportunities for cooperation and convergence.
Crafting a strategic narrative of Nowruz is now an urgent imperative for these countries. -If their shared history and geography, through dialogue among their elites, are transformed into a strategic narrative, it could pave the way for this ancient culture to exert global influence. Nowruz’s narrative should be seen as a powerful tool to shape a favorable image of these nations regionally and internationally. This necessity will help expand their effective influence, construct a shared understanding of the past, present, and future among all Nowruz-celebrating nations. These countries possess unparalleled potential in terms of human resources, economic opportunities, and socio-political prospects. One pathway to consolidating these strengths into effective regional agency is initiating dialogues among elites rooted in shared historical and cultural foundations.
However, this opportunity is not indefinite. The elites of Nowruz nations must act with greater resolve to lay the groundwork for such collaboration in an increasingly Westernized world — a fleeting chance, like spring itself, as Nizami reminds us:
“Cherish this spring today, for
Not every dawn brings Nowruz anew.”
Nowruz; A global symbol of solidarity
By Mohammad Reza Pakravan
Former diplomat
Nowruz, undeniably one of the world’s oldest and most enduring traditions, not only commemorates the arrival of spring and the rejuvenation of nature but also embodies a shared cultural heritage. Beyond its symbolic resonance, it creates opportunities for nations to cultivate and reinforce ties across cultural, artistic, political, and economic spheres.
Originating in the ancient history of Iran and the civilizations of Central Asia, Nowruz has expanded its reach over millennia. Today, its observance spans vast regions — from its heartlands in Central Asia and the Middle East to communities in Eastern Europe and North Africa.
At its core, Nowruz symbolizes renewal, peace, and solidarity — both national and international. These universal values serve as a bridge for fostering global connections and enhancing relations in the modern era, a time when cultural diplomacy holds unprecedented significance in international affairs.
As a shared cultural heritage, Nowruz unites diverse nations and regions, including Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic, Turkmenistan, and communities in Iraq and Syria. This vast cultural sphere mirrors the historical and identity-based commonalities among these societies. Such a common heritage lays the groundwork for collaborative cultural initiatives and the strengthening of goodwill between nations.
In 2010, the United Nations designated Nowruz as “International Nowruz Day,” elevating it to a global event and affirming its status as a shared human heritage. This acknowledgment underscores Nowruz’s potential to foster solidarity and serve as a platform for cross-cultural dialogue.
In today’s world — marked by political tensions, economic disparities, and climate crises — Nowruz offers a unique opportunity for cultural diplomacy. Joint celebrations, artistic
collaborations, and international events centered on Nowruz could strengthen solidarity and expand cultural exchanges.
Nowruz also holds significant economic promise. Its vibrant festivals and exhibitions attract international tourists, showcasing regional cultures and transforming Nowruz into a compelling cultural brand. Additionally, promoting handicrafts and traditional arts linked to the celebration could boost local economies while enhancing the global image of host nations.
To fully harness Nowruz’s diplomatic and cultural potential, closer coordination among celebrating countries is essential. Establishing a “Permanent Secretariat or International Organization for Nowruz” could streamline program management, position the festival as a forum for international cooperation, and promote it worldwide. This body could leverage digital tools — social media, virtual events, and immersive technologies — to engage younger generations and preserve the tradition’s relevance.
Youth engagement is critical: innovative approaches like virtual reality experiences, narrative films, and interactive social media content could revitalize Nowruz for future eras. However, challenges persist, including political and cultural differences among nations, funding gaps for international programs, and divergent interpretations of the festival. Addressing these requires collaborative efforts — financial and advisory support from international institutions, cultural exchanges, and dialogues to align visions of Nowruz.
As a final point, Nowruz transcends a seasonal ritual; it reflects timeless human values — reverence for nature, unity, and peace. In an era of instability, it offers a universal language to bridge divides and foster mutual understanding. By embracing coordinated strategies, nations that celebrate Nowruz can amplify its message of friendship and sustainability, ensuring it benefits not only their societies but the world at large. Nowruz is an invitation to reimagine global cooperation, rooted in shared heritage, to build a more harmonious and resilient future for all.
Nowruz; A heritage of
global peace, solidarity
By Mona Rahmani
CEO of Int’l Farda Development Activists Association
Nowruz, beyond being a national tradition, is a shared and eternal heritage for humanity. Celebrated in over 16 countries, including Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, it carries a message of peace, coexistence, and friendship with nature. This celebration is rooted in ancient Iranian culture but offers boundless potential for fostering cultural connections among nations and facilitating dialogue between civilizations. In this context, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can step up to bridge the communication gaps, turning Nowruz into a tool for lasting peace.
By holding educational workshops on Nowruz traditions, ancient stories, and the philosophy of loving nature, NGOs can keep this heritage alive in the hearts of communities. Campaigns such as “Green Nowruz,” which invite people to plant trees and manage waste, not only align with the nature-loving spirit of Nowruz but also bring about a global message of solidarity with the Earth and humanity. Moreover, collective events like Nowruz bazaars and handicraft exhibitions strengthen the bond between urban and rural areas and improve the livelihoods of artisans and villagers.
Civil society, through joint Nowruz festivals and artistic projects in countries within the Nowruz cultural sphere, can transform this celebration into a symbol of mutual understanding and friendship among nations. For instance, a collaboration between Iranian NGOs and their counterparts in Tajikistan and Afghanistan to showcase the music, dance, and stories of Nowruz reinforces a shared identity. Nowruz diplomacy is a powerful tool at the disposal of these organizations to promote Nowruz as a model of global peace through campaigns at the United Nations or UNESCO, just as its global registration marked the beginning of this journey.
In a world filled with tension and conflict, NGOs, through networking, creativity, and leveraging the soft power of Nowruz, can turn this celebration into a dynamic movement for peace and solidarity. Nowruz is a unique opportunity to demonstrate the power of culture against division. NGOs, by representing local communities, reflect the needs and aspirations of people through this tradition. Undoubtedly, with public participation and civil efforts, Nowruz will evolve into a richer and more meaningful experience, planting the seeds of peace in the heart of the world.
Nowruz diplomacy; A path to economic integration
By Abdollah Razavi
Faculty member at PUT
Nowruz, beyond being an ancient celebration, represents a cultural and civilizational asset that can serve as a foundation for the development of economic diplomacy and regional integration. In a world where regionalism has emerged as one of the most significant political and economic approaches, the countries within the Nowruz civilization can leverage this shared heritage to forge a new path for economic, energy, and financial cooperation.
This region, stretching from Central Asia and the Caucasus to the Middle East and parts of South Asia, possesses immense potential in energy, trade, and communications — a potential that remains largely untapped.
One of the key opportunities that Nowruz diplomacy could create is collaboration in the energy sector. The countries in this region are among the largest producers of oil and gas globally; however, their reliance on traditional transit infrastructures, geopolitical rivalries, and a lack of coordination in energy policies have hindered the full utilization of this potential. In such circumstances, integrating the Nowruz-celebrating countries through shared infrastructure development, coordinated export policies, and investments in clean energy projects could enhance their global market position and strengthen regional energy security.
Nevertheless, Nowruz diplomacy should not be confined to energy cooperation alone. Due to cultural, historical, and linguistic commonalities, this region has significant capacity for forming an economic bloc. The experience of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) has demonstrated that regional collaborations can only succeed when backed by strong cultural and economic foundations. By establishing trade agreements, developing shared transportation corridors, and facilitating cross-border commerce, these nations could advance economic integration. A civilizational-based economic union might further foster common markets, reduce trade tariffs, and boost productivity.
One of the most pressing challenges facing these countries is the disruption of financial and trade flows caused by economic sanctions and banking restrictions. Creating a common financial system — including a regional development bank, the use of local currencies in trade, and an independent payment mechanism — could reduce dependence on the international financial system and bolster economic autonomy. Successful models from other regions offer actionable insights for countering external pressures and enhancing resilience.
Beyond economics, Nowruz diplomacy can strengthen neighborhood ties and mitigate regional tensions. Many Nowruz-celebrating nations grapple with political and territorial disputes that obstruct cooperation and sustainable development. By drawing on their shared heritage, they could establish mechanisms to deepen diplomatic dialogue, resolve conflicts, and expand cultural collaboration. History shows that culture and economy can synergize to drive integration and stability.
As the world shifts toward regional blocs and multilateralism, these countries must seize this historical opportunity. Harnessing their shared heritage could lay the groundwork for sustainable collaboration, fostering regional economic progress while elevating their global standing. Nowruz is not just a celebration; it has the potential to become a bridge to a brighter future in the region.
Preserving Iran’s final say on Nowruz needs vigilance
By Ehsan Movahedian
Faculty member at ATU
With a 7,000-year civilizational history and a 3,000-year written history, Iran is among the countries possessing a rich and unique cultural heritage. The ancient celebration of Nowruz and its associated traditions are among the factors that have sustained the unity of the diverse inhabitants of the Iranian plateau, preserved solidarity among its peoples, and enabled our country to withstand foreign invading forces.
Throughout history, these foreign invaders have consistently sought to dominate Iran and plunder its abundant resources, aiming to undermine the foundations of national and religious cohesion in Iran. That is why Shi’ism on one hand, and the traditions respected by all inhabitants of Iran on the other, have been under constant attack by those hostile to Iran.
In recent years, some neighboring countries, particularly Turkey and the Republic of Azerbaijan, guided by the Zionist regime, the United Kingdom, and the United States, have made every effort to diminish the strength of these unifying bonds within Iranian society. Consequently, we are witnessing the formation of rival civilizational and identity alliances around Iran, especially by Turkey.
While Turkey has little linguistic, civilizational, or cultural connection with Central Asia and the Caucasus, the Erdogan government, driven by economic, political, and security goals — which are implanted by Israel and NATO — is striving to strengthen so-called Turkic nations, create a Turkic NATO and a Turkic Silk Road, and take other similar initiatives to establish a cultural and civilizational authority in its name and then compete with Iran. Iran’s cultural and political influence extends to the heart of these regions naturally due to its civilizational, identity-based, and historical ties with the inhabitants of the Caucasus and Central Asia, without needing to resort to such measures.
Neglecting Iran’s civilizational, identity-based, and historical capacities and leaving defenders of the Persian language and Iranian traditions like Nowruz undefended in the Caucasus and Central Asia is a grave and irreparable mistake. This has confined Iran within its current borders and will force us in the future to defend Nowruz, the Persian language, and other rich cultural treasures not in cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, Baku, Dushanbe, and the Fergana Valley, but in Tabriz, Ardabil, Urmia, Zanjan, Qazvin, and elsewhere.
While a significant portion of the historical and ancient books in these regions are written in Persian script and language, the rulers of Baku and Turkey, by presenting Latin books containing historical forgeries to universities and cultural centers in their countries, are attempting to fabricate a false identity.
They are trying to make Turkish the standard and reference language for all Azeri-inhabited regions of Iran, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. They are trying to forge cultural, identity-based, civilizational, historical, and religious solidarity between the inhabitants of these regions and Turkey. Meanwhile, this solidarity naturally exists with Iran.
Turkey, which until a few years ago prevented Kurds from celebrating Nowruz, now, alongside Baku, claims Nowruz as its own celebration and even fabricates non-Persian roots for the word “Nowruz”. Meanwhile, leaders of some Western countries, particularly the United States, send Nowruz greetings to the president of Baku and overlook Iran, attempting to strip Iran of its civilizational final say over Nowruz and attribute the festival to countries that have been politically independent for no more than four decades. The Islamic Republic of Iran must recognize this significant threat and step up its efforts to foster convergence among Nowruz-celebrating countries. This will prevent nations with no history or civilization to boast about from seizing the opportunity to forge and steal Iran’s identity-based and civilizational achievements. There are strategies that will help revive and strengthen cultural Iran and prevent Central Asia and the Caucasus from becoming the backyard of Iran’s enemies and rivals; Among such strategies are strengthening cultural ties with countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia, teaching Persian to the younger generation in these countries, enhancing media activities in the region using the internet to counter anti-Iranian narratives by rival and hostile nations, promoting the discourse of the Islamic Revolution with an emphasis on Shia-Sunni unity and respect for local beliefs, employing soft political language through cultural initiatives (such as poetry nights, literary gatherings, art workshops, and screening Iranian films and series) to avoid provoking political and security sensitivities in these countries, positively portraying Iran’s scientific and technological advancements in recent decades, and expanding healthy and purposeful economic presence and activities in these countries.
Common Nowruz rituals of Iran, Armenia
By Isak Unanesian
Cultural researcher
The cultural relations between Iranians and Armenians date back 28 centuries, with deep cultural roots tying the two peoples together: The land of Armenia is an extension of the Iranian plateau. Both peoples set out from the original homeland of the Aryan tribes and settled in their current territories. The Armenian language shares an inseparable bond with Persian; Ancient Armenian names are derived from Achaemenid and Parthian names. Iranians and Armenians shared a common religion during the Achaemenid and Parthian eras. Both peoples celebrate shared festivals with a history of 2,700 years, and today, Armenians observe these festivals within the framework of Christianity. No nation or people are as close to Iranians as the Armenians, and in fact, they form a single family.
Since ancient times, Iranians and Armenians have celebrated many shared festivals, inspired by antiquity. Among these are Barqandan for Iranians (Barekendan for Armenians), Tirgan (Vardavar), Sadeh (Trndez), and Nowruz (Navasard). The Barqandan (Barekendan) festival is one of the shared celebrations of Iranians and Armenians, respectively, which, in addition to having similar names, also share similar customs and traditions. This festival was held before the arrival of the Great Lent (the Great Fast), and both peoples celebrated it.
In the Armenian language, Barekendan signifies a good life, joy, happiness, and abundance. This festival dates back to pre-Christian Armenia and was celebrated simultaneously with the Navasard festival. Armenians still celebrate Barekendan on the day before the start of the Great Lent. Those who intend to fast prepare a more elaborate and colorful dinner table than usual and gather with relatives and friends to celebrate.
In ancient Armenia, the first month of the year was called Navasard (meaning New Year), which coincides with the Iranian Nowruz (meaning New Year) festival, both signifying the arrival of the New Year. This is one of the most important festivals of the Aryan peoples.
Although the fire-lighting festival now commonly brings to mind the Iranian Chaharshanbe Suri festival (celebrated on the eve of the last Wednesday of the calendar year,) it also refers to the Iranian Sadeh and the Armenian Trndez festivals. While Armenians celebrate Trndez on February 13 in the courtyards of churches or their homes, roughly around the same time, Iranians celebrate Sadeh in late January and Chaharshanbe Suri in mid-March.
The Iranian Tirgan and the Armenian Vardavar festivals are among the oldest shared festivals of the two nations and it is also known as the water-splashing festival. Vardavar is celebrated in the summer, during which Armenians splash water on each other.