Mashhad has been selected as the cultural capital of the Islamic world in 2017, which is a valuable opportunity for Iran to show its culture and civilization to the world, Ali Jannati, minister of culture and Islamic guidance was quoted as saying by IRNA.
“The opportunity will help further introduce our rich cultural capacities to the world,” said Jannati, noting: “Other cities had held this title earlier, and Islamic organizations together with the Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) will manage the event.”
Isfahan had been selected earlier as the cultural capital in 2006, he said, adding that: “We should use our earlier experience to optimize our cultural capacity.”
The relevant officials will discuss the cultural projects, following which appropriate funds will be allocated by the policymaking council. Arrangements should be done for filming, authoring books and other works in art and cultural activities, “and if need be, the government will contribute to the program,” he said.
The Mashhad Municipality welcomed videos on the Islamic cultural capital, and offered to finance the programs up to 50%, said Mashhad mayor Alireza Rashidian, outlining the necessity of promoting the artistic and cultural heritage of the city, namely theatre, painting and photography.
Regular meetings should be held every two months in Tehran and Mashhad with the participation of the members of the policymaking council, he said.
