Tributes were paid to the great Persian poet Sa’di in a ceremony at his tomb in Shiraz, Fars Province on April 20, observed as National Sa’di Day across the country.
Mohammad Bagher Nobakht, vice-president and head of the Management and Planning Organization, Ayatollah Asadollah Imani, the Supreme Leader’s representative for Fars Province, Hossein Noushabadi, deputy culture minister, Mohammad Ali Afshani, provincial governor general and Kourosh Kamali-Sarvestani, head of the provincial National Library and Archives Organization were present, Mehr News Agency reported.
Nobakht pointed to the necessity of seeking inspiration from the salient characteristics of the outstanding poet in today’s modern life: “Exploring the works and moral teachings of Sa’di helps rejuvenate the rich Iranian culture.”
He also said the projects of all organizations, cultural centers, institutions and foundations would be given support if they helped contribute to introducing and extending ancient Iranian culture.
Noushabadi said Sa’di’s moral and social messages that underline his poems, should be put into practice by social scientists, politicians and policymakers.
“Furthermore, Iranians can go back to their roots by aspiring for the spiritual ideas and instructions presented by the poet,” he added.
The ceremony wrapped up with several performances by Persian classical vocalist, Alireza Qorbani. The commemoration ceremony also covered literary and scientific conferences on the works of Sa’di.
The National Library of Tajikistan also hosted a veneration ceremony for the renowned Persian poet in the Tajik capital Dushanbe.
A number of Iranian and Tajik cultural faces gathered at a conference, co-organized by the Iranian Embassy and the national library.
Poetry reading session, musical performance and literary critique discussions were among the programs.
Sa’di of Shiraz was one of the major Persian poets and literary men of the medieval period. His best known works are Bustan (The Orchard) completed in 1257 and Gulistan (The Rose Garden) in 1258. Bustan is entirely in verse. It consists of stories aptly illustrating the standard virtues recommended to Muslims (justice, liberality, modesty, and contentment).
The poet is also known worldwide for one of his aphorisms, ‘Human beings are members of a whole, in creation of one essence and soul’ which adorns the entrance to the Hall of Nations of the United Nations building in New York.
