The ECO Cultural Institute commemorates the anniversary of the great Sage, Saadi Shirazi.
Honoring the status of the "Sheikh of Excellence" is, in fact, a tribute to the "common language of humanity" within our vast civilizational landscape. For centuries, his words have transcended geographical borders, weaving together awakened souls from the heart of Shiraz to the historic gateways of Samarkand, Lahore, Baku, and Istanbul. He is a sage belonging to all of humanity, whose thought is deeply rooted in the shared history and culture of this region.
In our view, Saadi is the eternal teacher of ethics, tolerance, and altruism. In today’s turbulent world, his profound wisdom in the Gulistan and Bustan serves as more than just a written heritage; it is a roadmap for peaceful coexistence and a firm pillar of cultural diplomacy within the ECO region. With a language blended with emotion and wisdom, he reminds us that human dignity and peace are the primordial roots of our ancient tree of culture, a truth manifested in his sublime verse:
"Plant the tree of friendship that yields the fruit of desire, Uproot the sapling of enmity that brings forth countless sorrows."
Reflecting on its mission to safeguard spiritual heritage and strengthen regional ties, the ECO Cultural Institute honors the exalted status of this rare orator in the realm of wisdom. This occasion offers a golden opportunity to revisit the shared cultural identity in which the Persian language and its lofty concepts have always served as a robust thread for convergence and the intellectual and spiritual interactions among the scholars and literati of this realm.
While extending our congratulations on this auspicious day to all people of culture, researchers, and the noble nations of the member states, we are confident that adhering to the sublime human values in Saadi’s thought will serve as a peerless model for strengthening empathy and establishing lasting peace in the region and the world.