UNESCO authority singles out Farsi as an international language

1394/02/19-09:39

A UNESCO authority says the Persian language has proved to be a cross-border tongue and therefore deserves to be recognized as an international language.

Director of Cultural Department in UNESCO National Commission, Abd al-Mehdi Mostakin made the remarks in a panel discussion on Persian language learning at the 28^th Tehran International Book Fair (TIBF) that is underway in Tehran.

Titled ‘Sa’adi Foundation and Persian Graduates,’ the panel discussion was held in the international section of the fairground on Friday and was also joined by deputy of international affairs in the foundation, Mohammad Reza Darbandi, Italian Orientalist, Rafael Maurio, and post-graduate student in Persian language at Tehran-based Allama Tabataba’i University, Javier Arnandas.

In the meantime, Mostakin invoked a few verses of Shahnameh (Letter of Kings), the masterpiece of the internationally-acclaimed Iranian poet Ferdowsi to say cultural themes serve as a source of tranquility for the soul.

The senior cultural activist said urged promoting the Iranian culture through language-related themes in international bodies, especially the United Nations.

Mostakin admired the fact that Iran had been pursuing to present and promote its culture from the date of accession to the international body, adding some 33 eminent Iranian personalities
had already been registered and introduced at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The Director of Cultural Department in UNESCO National Commission said Iran counts among top four civilizations in the world.

The UNESCO authority added that he would strive to register Persian as the seventh international world, particularly noting its millions-strong users.