Croatians impressed by Iranian culture: Croatian ambassador

TEHRAN, Sept. 18 (MNA) -- Croatian ambassador to Tehran Esad Prohic regards Iran as a major civilization in the world, saying that the people of his country are acquainted with Persian literature and that Khayyam (persian poet)’s poetry is taught at schools for children.

He said that foreign visitors would be surprised if they came to Iran and got to know its rich culture.

However, he said that Persian literature and books are not that well known to the world as compared to its rich culture.

Nowhere else in the world are poets and poetry valued as much asin Iran, where poetry is part of the Persian culture and identity, he added.

Hafez is a poet known to every single Iranian individual and whose identity has been preserved over the centuries, he said.

He said that people of Croatia are much more familiar with Rumi and Hafez, adding that recently a book by contemporary poet Sohrab Sepehri was translated into Croatian.

He also spoke of his opinions about Ferdowsi, saying that Ferdowsi helped save the Persian language although he is not that well known in his country.

The ambassador also noted that the establishment of centers for Persian language and literature in Croatia could help familiarize people with Persian culture, since in order to know a culture, one must first learn the language.

He also said that Iranian artists have so far held several exhibits in his country and that Croatian artists are also willing to display their artworks here in Iran.

Refering to theater, Prohic stated that theater troupes from both countries have engaged in more collaboration, especially in the puppet shows.

Iran’s cultural office in Croatia can be of great help in promotion of cultural ties between the two countries, he concluded.