Official: Iran’s Role in the Region Remains Decisive

Salehi recalled that the Iran Iraq war revealed Iran’s resilience and sacrifice more than ever before. He also referred to the famous patriotic poem “Ey Iran” by Mahmoud Karimi, which was once performed for the Supreme Leader and recently re sung during Fatimiyyah commemorations, reviving national pride and belonging.

Iran’s Civilizational Continuity

Salehi stressed that Iran’s role in the recent 12 day war further demonstrated its decisive influence in the region. He underlined that Iran’s millennia old civilization has survived repeated invasions, always rebuilding itself and continuing on the path of progress. “The continuity of Iran’s civilization is the result of the perseverance, wisdom, and efforts of successive generations. History shows this civilization has never accepted defeat,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of honoring scholars and luminaries such as Esfarayeni as a way of respecting Iran’s civilizational roots and preserving cultural identity.

The Ministry as a Pillar of Iranian Governance

Salehi noted the unique role of the institution of ministry in Iran’s history, saying that from the Samanid era onward, ministers became essential to the survival of the state, often compensating for rulers’ lack of governance experience.
He emphasized that ministers played a crucial role in preserving the Persian language, which is the identity of every Iranian. Esfarayeni was among the first to restore Persian to administrative use, followed by Ibn Sina, who wrote philosophy in Persian. Later, figures like Khwaja Nizam al Mulk expanded Persian into Anatolia and Central Asia, ensuring its survival through historical upheavals.

Support for Persian Literature

Salehi noted Esfarayeni’s close relationship with Ferdowsi and his support for the compilation of the Shahnameh, which he viewed as a book of Iranian wisdom across the ages. Nizam al Mulk also promoted the Shahnameh, ordering copies to be placed in every school library, thereby cementing its place in Persian and Islamic culture.
Salehi concluded by stressing the need to safeguard Iran’s cultural and historical heritage: “Iran’s current identity is the result of immense efforts by scholars, ministers, scientists, and cultural figures throughout history. This heritage was not easily gained and must be preserved with greater dedication.”
The minister’s one day trip to Esfarayen included participation in the first National Conference on Khorasan e Shomali Luminaries, honoring Abu’l Abbas Esfarayeni, a prominent figure of Iran’s history who served as a Samanid secretary and later as the first minister of the Ghaznavid court. Esfarayeni institutionalized Persian in official administration, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire scholars and admirers of Persian literature.