Introducing history and culture of ECO Member Countries

In the Name of God, the Almighty

Excellencies

Distinguished professors

Honorable Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the inaugural session of our series, "Introducing history and culture of ECO Member Countries".

At the outset, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all distinguished guests, representatives of cultural institutions, academics, researchers, and friends of culture and heritage who have joined us today.

Today, we are launching more than a lecture series. We are beginning a new journey of discovery—a journey to better understand the cultures of the ECO region and to reconnect with the historical ties that have linked our peoples for centuries.

The idea behind this initiative is straightforward.

Economic cooperation and political dialogue are important pillars of regional partnership, but they are strongest when supported by mutual cultural understanding.

UNESCO views culture as a fundamental driver of human development, social cohesion, and peace, while within the ECO framework, culture serves as a bridge connecting the peoples of the region, strengthening mutual understanding, preserving shared heritage, and promoting regional cooperation through cultural exchange and dialogue.

Culture creates trust, encourages respect, and allows us to see one another not as strangers, but as neighbours sharing a common human experience.

The ECO region has long been connected through the movement of people, ideas, knowledge, art, and trade. Along the Silk Roads and other historic routes, scholars travelled, books were exchanged, and traditions crossed borders.

 Many of the cultural achievements we celebrate today emerged from this rich interaction among our societies.

As the great historian Arnold Toynbee observed, "civilizations grow through encounters rather than isolation". Our region's history provides ample evidence of this truth.

It is therefore fitting that we begin this series with Afghanistan.

Afghanistan occupies a unique place in the cultural geography of our region. Situated at the crossroads of Central Asia, South Asia, and the Iranian plateau, it has for centuries served as a meeting point of civilizations.

Its culture reflects influences from many traditions, yet it has transformed these influences into a distinctive identity of its own.

The cultural contribution of Afghanistan to our shared heritage is profound. This land gave birth to some of the most influential figures in human history.

Among them stands Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi, born in Balkh, whose poetry continues to inspire people across cultures, languages, and continents.

Afghanistan has also played a vital role in connecting different regions through history.

The Ghaznavid and Ghurid dynasties helped facilitate exchanges of language, literature, architecture, scholarship, and administrative traditions across vast territories.

In many ways, Afghanistan served as a bridge linking Central Asia with South Asia, contributing to cultural spaces that continue to shape our societies today.

Its historic cities stand as testimony to this remarkable legacy.

Balkh, often called the "Mother of Cities," was a centre of spirituality, philosophy, and learning from ancient times.

Herat, particularly during the Timurid era, emerged as one of the great cultural capitals of the Islamic world.

Its achievements in literature, miniature painting, calligraphy, architecture, and music remain a source of admiration.

The legacy of masters such as Kamal al-Din Behzad continues to enrich the artistic heritage of our region.

Ghazni became renowned for its contributions to Persian literature and intellectual life, while

Kabul, positioned along major trade routes, reflected centuries of cultural diversity and exchange.

What is particularly remarkable about Afghanistan is that it has not merely preserved cultural traditions—it has shared them.

Through centuries of interaction with neighbouring societies, it has contributed to the transmission of ideas, artistic styles, and knowledge across borders.

Its living heritage remains equally vibrant today. Afghan music, especially the sound of the rubab, oral poetry, carpet weaving, embroidery, calligraphy, miniature painting, and architectural traditions reflect a culture that continues to evolve while remaining deeply rooted in its history.

Indeed, Afghan culture cannot be reduced to a single narrative. It is a tapestry woven from many threads, shaped by dialogue, encounter, and creativity across generations.

As we reflect on Afghanistan within the ECO cultural space, we are also reflecting on a heritage that transcends national boundaries.

 These cultural treasures belong not only to one nation but form part of the shared legacy of our wider region.

At a time when many parts of the world face division and uncertainty, culture offers an important source of continuity and understanding.

It reminds us of our common humanity and encourages us to build bridges where differences might otherwise create distance.

This is why the ECO Cultural Institute places such importance on cultural dialogue. Our objective is not only to preserve the achievements of the past but also to strengthen the foundations of cooperation for future generations.

Through research, exchange, and mutual learning, we can deepen understanding and foster lasting bonds among our societies.

I am also delighted to announce that two eminent scholars from Afghanistan, who are among us today, will enlighten us today about the insider's view of Afghanistan's culture and history.

They will share their insights and experiences, helping us appreciate Afghan culture through both scholarly knowledge and lived experience.

I hope today's session will inspire us to view Afghanistan through the lens of its rich cultural contributions, its creativity, and its enduring role in shaping "our shared cultural heritage".

As we reflect on the deeper meaning of our shared cultural heritage, and on the role of the ECO Cultural Institute within it, I am reminded of the timeless words of Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi:

ما برای وصل کردن آمدیم
نی برای فصل کردن آمدیم

(We have come to unite, not to divide.)

Thank you for your presence, your engagement, and your commitment to cultural understanding.

I wish this series every success and look forward to the meaningful conversations it will inspire across the ECO region.  

Thank you for your attention.