Under the auspices of Astan Quds Razavi (AQR), the first intensive Persian language refresher course for selected university professors from Uzbekistan opened in Mashhad, northeast Iran.

Alamjon Dulatov, president of Amir Ali Shir Nawai International Foundation, described Persian language as a vital link between intellectuals and literary figures of Iran and Uzbekistan.

He expressed satisfaction with Samarkand State University’s recent efforts, noting: “Two specialized classes in Persian language and Iranology have been launched for faculty members since February 2025”.

Dulatov emphasized the historical, religious, and literary ties between the two nations, stating that Persian literature remains central to their shared cultural identity.

“The course aims to enhance Persian teaching skills among Uzbek academics and deepen bilateral scholarly exchanges”, he said.

Referring to historical transregional intellectual movements, he cited Avicenna—born in Bukhara and later lived in Hamedan and Isfahan.

He also named Amir Ali Shir Nawai, a 15th-century statesman and poet, whose bilingual works in Persian and Turkish contributed to the literary development of Central Asia.

Dulatov proposed holding the refresher course annually or biennially “to ensure continuity and sustainable collaboration”.

He thanked Iran’s Cultural Attaché and Embassy for their active role in promoting cultural diplomacy, noting that cultural engagement lays the foundation for broader political and economic cooperation.

The course, scheduled from July 25 to August 5, 2025, is designed to strengthen linguistic and academic collaboration between the two countries, both of which share a rich literary legacy rooted in Persian civilization.