Iranian Cultural Festival opens in Beirut

TEHRAN,July 4(MNA) – The first Iranian Cultural Festival was inaugurated at the UNESCO Palace in Beirut on July 2, highlighting Persian art and culture. Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Mohammad Hosseini and Lebanese Culture Minister Gaby Layoun as well as Iranian ambassador in Beirut Ghazanfar Roknabadi were among the participants at the opening ceremony. A variety of programs are arranged to be held during the festival including film screenings and live music performances. Several pavilions are also set up offering Persian artworks, Persian handicrafts, and Persian carpets, the report added. Exhibitions of photos introducing Iranian historical monuments such as Persepolis in Shiraz, Amir Chakhmaq Square in Yazd, and Chehel-Sotun Palace in Isfahan are also arranged for the festival. Making a brief speech at the opening ceremony, Lebanese minister said that his country is ready to host a cultural festival in Iran in the future. Gaby Layoun also said that it is important for his country to collaborate in cultural activities with Iran, which has supported Lebanon in fighting against the Zionist regime. Hosseini next said that Arabic translations of Persian poetry by Hafez, Sadi and Khayyam prove the interest of Lebanese in Persian poetry. He also added a great number of Lebanese books have been rendered into Persian indicating the interest of both countries. The ceremony was brought to an end paying visits to different exhibitions. The festival will be running until July 6.