Ankara: Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Abbas Salehi has emphasized the significant role of the Persian language within Islamic civilization. Salehi, who is currently visiting Turkey, stated that his visit to Ankara is connected to the cultural year between the two countries. Discussions with his Turkish counterpart have resulted in an agreement to continue joint cultural programs in the coming months and through 2026.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Salehi highlighted that nearly 40,000 people have studied the Persian language in Turkey over recent decades, showcasing the strong potential for further deepening cultural relations. To provide a comprehensive overview of Iran’s contemporary cultural scene, Salehi mentioned that Iran produces between 80 and 100 feature films annually, along with dozens of television series. An Iranian short animated film has also won an Academy Award, demonstrating the country’s achievements in cinema.

In the realm of performing arts, the minister noted that over 100 theatrical performances are staged nightly in Tehran alone, with about 5,600 receiving performance licenses nationwide each year. He added that over 7,500 music performance permits were issued last year, highlighting the vibrancy of Iran’s music scene.

The visual arts sector is equally active, with over 4,500 exhibitions in calligraphy, graphic design, and painting being held annually. Salehi further emphasized Iran’s publishing industry, which releases around 110,000 book titles each year. The Tehran International Book Fair (TIBF) is recognized as one of the world’s largest, underscoring the country’s commitment to literature.

Completing the overview of Iran’s media landscape, Salehi pointed out that the country has over 5,000 print media outlets and about 30 active news agencies, indicating a robust media presence.