The commemoration ceremony of Hakim Abolqasem Ferdowsi, the eminent Persian epic poet, was held on May 18, 2025 (28 Ordibehesht 1404) through the efforts and hosting of the Daneshvaran Sadad Iranian Institute and the Ariana Foundation, with the support of the ECO Cultural Institute (ECI).
The event commenced with a welcoming address by Dr. Saad Khan, the esteemed President of the ECO Cultural Institute, and continued with speeches delivered by Professor Hassan Amin, Dr. Shahriar Shafiei, Dr. Hooman Daneshvar, Dr. Ghiamati, Dr. Tishehyar, and Dr. Abbasi.
A highlight of the program was the unveiling of the Spanish translation of the Shahnameh, presented by Dr. Beatriz Salas. The ceremony also featured a theatrical performance based on the story of Esfandiyar and a traditional recitation (Naqqāli) of the Shahnameh, adding a dramatic and cultural flair to the event.
Within the history of the ECO Cultural Institute, this cultural event—titled The Honorable Cypress of Speech – A Tribute to Hakim Abolqasem Ferdowsi—held special significance as it honored the legacy of Ferdowsi, a poet whose monumental work, the Shahnameh, not only shaped Iranian identity but also encompasses historical and cultural narratives of 22 nations, including the ECO member states.
As a shared cultural heritage, the Shahnameh strengthens regional ties and collective memory. The Spanish translation of this masterpiece marks a significant step toward promoting Persian literature on the global stage. It aligns with ECI’s mission to foster regional cultural dialogue and to celebrate literary heritage as a unifying force across diverse societies.
News editor / Maryam Shayegan
