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Culture minister promotes contemporary approach to Attar’s teachings
In a message on Monday, Salehi described Attar as a towering figure in Persian-Islamic mysticism and literature, emphasizing that today’s responsibility extends beyond honoring his memory, IRNA reported.
“It is our duty,” he wrote, “to reinterpret his message in today’s language for current and future generations.”
Attar, born in Nishapur in northeastern Iran, was a poet, mystic, and master storyteller. His works, including ‘The Conference of the Birds’ (Mantiq al-Tayr) and ‘Memorial of the Saints’ (Tadhkirat al-Awliya), have long been celebrated for their symbolic depth and spiritual insight.
Attar’s narratives, Salehi noted, tap into “the hidden truths of the human soul” and continue to offer clarity and meaning in a world grappling with spiritual thirst.
Calling Attar a “radiant jewel of wisdom and gnosis,” Salehi described his poetry as a sacred breath that still refreshes the soul of the modern seeker.
The minister highlighted the importance of cultural and educational institutions, particularly in Nishapur, in keeping Attar’s legacy alive.
He encouraged local and national authorities to invest in research, creative productions, and infrastructure that reflect the sage’s enduring relevance.
Salehi also called for greater collaboration between scholars, artists, and young thinkers in the field of Attar studies, underlining the role of collective cultural will in safeguarding what he termed a “global heritage.”
“As long as people of culture and committed officials remain engaged,” the message concluded, “Nishapur will continue to shine as a beacon of wisdom, mysticism, and poetic grace, and Attar’s name will echo with vitality in the hearts of generations to come.”