Development of cultural relations with Azerbaijan priority for Iran
By Sara Rajabova
Development of relations with Azerbaijan in cultural fields is among the main priorities of Iran, Chairman of Iran’s Culture and Islamic Communications Organization Abuzar Ebrahimi Turkman said.
Ebrahimi Turkman told Trend Agency on December 4 that there are no obstacles in the way of developing relations between Iran and Azerbaijan in cultural field.
He said Azerbaijan is a country with rich culture and the people of Azerbaijan are very intelligent.
Ebrahimi Turkman further added that development of cultural relations will benefit both countries.
He also expressed regret that some persons commit crimes under the pretext of religion, which leads to emergence of violence and radicalism in the region. “At the moment it is very important that Azerbaijan and Iran cooperate closely in religious field. Expanding this cooperation, we will be able to fight against radical groups,” Ebrahimi Turkman said.
He went on to say that Iran and Azerbaijan have similar fates. "We must be aware of this and don't allow insignificant problems hamper our future cooperation."
Ebrahimi Turkman also added that the radicalism in the region is problematic for both Azerbaijan and Iran, and if the two countries don't persist on this matter, they may suffer from its consequences. He said Iran has for many years conducted research on radical movements and published books on this topic.
“We are ready to share our experience with Azerbaijan in this area,” he said, adding Iran can hold joint conferences with the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations of Azerbaijan.
Ebrahimi Turkman further said Islam is a religion of peace and love, noting that the radical groups introduce their ideas under the guise of religion.
“We need to protect our values,” Ebrahimi Turkman said, adding that traditions and spiritual values of the Azerbaijani and Iranian peoples are the greatest legacy left by their ancestors, which shouldn't be forgotten.
Ebrahimi Turkman also urged the media in both countries to fight against the dangers posed to the region and said the media outlets should enlighten the young people and reveal the true face of radical groups.
He further noted that Azerbaijan and Iran will publish a joint magazine, adding that his meeting with the Rector of Baku State University Abel Maharramov focused on publication of a joint journal on the Persian language and literature.
“The journal will include articles by the Iranian teachers of the Persian language and literature and the Persian language teachers at the Baku State University,” Ebrahimi Turkman added.
Ebrahimi Turkman said the Culture and Islamic Communications Organization has 80 cultural centers in 60 countries.
“Among these countries, Azerbaijan is the most important one for us. We want to develop these relations and expand cooperation between the countries in the field of translation and literature. Azerbaijan has a rich literature, and Iran is interested in cooperation in this sphere,” he said.
He further noted that in 2015, Iran will hold the Days of Culture of Azerbaijan, and in 2016 the Days of Culture of Iran will be held in Azerbaijan.
“We support Azerbaijan in the Lavash issue. This is our common heritage,” Ebrahimi Turkman said.
Speaking about the destruction of historical and religious monuments, including mosques in Azerbaijan’s lands occupied by Armenians, Ebrahimi Turkman said no one has the right to do so, and Iran condemns such actions.
Iran and Azerbaijan have had diplomatic relations since 1918. Iran recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1991, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992.
Tehran has in recent years focused seriously on development of ties with neighboring countries, including Azerbaijan which enjoys various commonalties with Iran in religious, historical and cultural fields.
The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Iran stood at $144.045 million in January-September 2014, according to the State Customs Committee (SCC) of Azerbaijan.
In the past nine months, goods worth $115.6 million were imported to Azerbaijan, and the goods exported by the country amounted to $28.45 million.