In an article published by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Dr. Mehrdad Rakhshandeh, Executive Director of the ECO Cultural Institute (ECI), examines the role of shared cultural figures, classical literature, and historic cities in fostering regional identity and cultural convergence across the ECO region.
According to the ECO Cultural Institute (ECI), Dr. Mehrdad Rakhshandeh, Executive Director of the Institute, has published an article in the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) exploring the cultural and civilizational foundations that contribute to regional cohesion among the member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).
The article highlights the significance of shared cultural heritage in strengthening ties among nations and identifies classical literature as one of the most effective instruments of cultural diplomacy. It draws attention to the enduring legacy of prominent literary and cultural figures of the region, including Ferdowsi, Nizami Ganjavi, Jalal al-Din Rumi, Saadi, Hafez, Alisher Navoi, Magtymguly Pyragy, and Muhammad Iqbal.
Dr. Rakhshandeh argues that the works and ideas of these distinguished figures transcend contemporary political borders and form an integral part of the region’s shared cultural memory. Their intellectual and literary heritage, he notes, continues to provide a strong foundation for dialogue, mutual understanding, and cultural cooperation among ECO member states.
The article also emphasizes the importance of historic and cultural cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Herat, Tabriz, Baku, Lahore, and Konya, describing them as living centers of the region’s common civilizational heritage. For centuries, these cities have served as hubs of knowledge, literature, art, and intercultural exchange.
Furthermore, the author underscores the need to introduce this shared heritage to younger generations through educational initiatives, translation projects, cultural tourism, academic cooperation, and digital platforms. Such efforts, he argues, can play a vital role in promoting sustainable cultural convergence throughout the ECO region.
The article concludes that the future of regional cooperation depends not only on economic and political relations but also on a shared sense of belonging to a common civilizational space. Greater awareness of the region’s cultural heritage can contribute to lasting peace, friendship, mutual respect, and sustainable development among its peoples.
The full article is available through the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
Author:
Dr. Mehrdad Rakhshandeh
Executive Director
ECO Cultural Institute (ECI)
Link