Iran, Tajikistan push Persian literary ties with 3.4m ‘Shahnameh’ print run
Iran’s National Library chief Gholamreza Amirkhani met Tajikistan’s ambassador in Tehran, Nizomiddin Zohidi, on Thursday, stressing plans for joint workshops, researcher exchanges and wider access to archives, the Iranian body said.
The talks reflected growing cultural and linguistic cooperation between the Persian-speaking neighbors, ISNA reported.
Both officials said historic ties should be translated into practical programs in libraries, publishing and preservation. Amirkhani called Tajikistan “not just a neighbor” but part of “a shared civilizational sphere.”
Amirkhani praised Dushanbe’s ongoing project to distribute Ferdowsi’s ‘Shahnameh’ (The Book of Kings) nationwide, calling it a “valuable step” for Persian heritage.
He recalled the 2017 establishment of an “Iran Room” at National Library of Tajikistan in Dushanbe, saying the space now needed fresh momentum and stronger academic exchange.
Zohidi said Tajikistan aimed to print and distribute 3.4mn copies of the epic poem, much of it produced in Iranian printing houses. He noted that about 40 train wagons of books had already been shipped, adding: “We hope every Tajik family will have a two-volume Shahnameh by the end of the year.”
The envoy outlined five proposals, including sharing expertise in restoration, exchanging manuscripts, enabling online researcher access, holding joint workshops and strengthening Tajikistan’s cultural corner in Tehran’s National Library.
He also sought Iranian help to compile a full index of works on Tajikistan published in Iran.
Zohidi urged cooperation on archival matters, stressing that in Tajikistan the archive and library are separate institutions requiring greater ties with Iran. He also suggested next year’s 150th anniversary of Tajik writer Sadriddin Aini be marked with a commemoration in Tehran.
Both sides pointed to recent high-level visits, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s trip to Dushanbe this summer, as laying the groundwork for what the ambassador described as “a new page” in cultural ties.