Tehran: The Persian language is the foundational root of the nation’s enduring and independent voice in the world, says Iran’s minister of culture. In a message on Thursday marking Persian Language Day, which also commemorates the renowned poet Ferdowsi, Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Abbas Salehi emphasized Persian’s deep civilizational role throughout history.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Persian is one of the most magnificent manifestations of Iran’s historical and cultural continuity. The minister stated that it is a language that for centuries has carried wisdom, poetry, mysticism, knowledge, and the shared narrative of a people who have preserved their identity amid the turbulence of history.

Salehi further remarked that if Iran today, despite all its historical ups and downs, still possesses an independent voice and a deep-rooted culture in the world, then undoubtedly one of the most important pillars of this endurance is the Persian language.

Ordibehesht 25 (May 14) is regis
tered as the day for commemorating Ferdowsi and celebrating the Persian language. Ferdowsi was born in 940 CE in a small village in today’s Razavi Khorasan Province, northeastern Iran. He is best known for Shahnameh (Book of the Kings), the world’s longest epic poem created by a single poet.