The opening ceremony of the first Persian language refresher course for selected university professors from Uzbekistan was held under the auspices of Imam Reza International University (IRIU) in Mashhad.

The event was attended by Iranian and Uzbek scholars of Persian language and literature, along with officials from Astan Quds Razavi (AQR).

Speaking in the meeting, Hoj. Mostafa Faqih Esfandiari, the Deputy for International Pilgrims’ Affairs at AQR, emphasized the civilizational depth shared by Iran and Uzbekistan.

“The Persian language, as the visible layer of human connection, plays a vital role in rebuilding historical ties and fostering cultural unity”, he asserted.

He described: “Human beings are inherently social, requiring multilayered connections, with language serving as the primary tool for expressing divine attributes such as mercy and compassion”.

“The nickname “Rahman” (compassionate) reflects God’s mercy and should manifest in human communication. Without language, humanity could not fulfill its role as the noblest of creations”, the deputy added.

Elsewhere in the event, Dr. Ebrahim Daneshifar, acting president of IRIU, called Persian language a symbol of unity and shared identity between Iran and Uzbekistan.

“The course offers not only linguistic training but also a journey into the cultural and spiritual heritage of Greater Khorasan. Cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Nishapur, Herat, and Mashhad were once part of a unified civilizational landscape, with Persian as their common soul,” he stated.

The official cited poets like Rudaki, Attar, Rumi, and Bidel Dehlavi, and thinkers such as Ibn Sina (Avicenna) and Saadi, whose works reflect the depth of Persian wisdom.

Daneshifar emphasized that Persian is more than a language—“it is a reservoir of thought, mysticism, religion, and civilization”.

The course runs from July 25 to August 5, 2025, aiming to enhance teaching skills and deepen academic and cultural exchanges between the two nations.