The Fourth Round of the “Celebration of the Persian Dari Language and Culture” Held in Vienna

The fourth edition of the joint cultural program of Persian Dari-speaking countries, titled “Celebration of the Persian Language and Culture,” was held on Saturday, 14 September 2025 in Vienna, the capital of Austria. This remarkable event was hosted by the embassies and diplomatic missions of Afghanistan, Iran, and Tajikistan, in cooperation with Society Magazine, an informal network of diplomats.
This program served as a valuable opportunity to highlight and honor the historical, artistic, and literary heritage shared by the three nations. The event drew distinguished participation from ambassadors, diplomats, cultural figures, and representatives of international organizations.
Ms. Manizha Bakhtari, Afghanistan’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to Austria — and the initiator of this program — said in her speech:
“This occasion is not merely a celebration of a language, but a tribute to a civilization. Persian is more than a means of communication; it is a treasury of philosophy, spirituality, and art. This language has transcended borders and generations, connecting diverse peoples within a shared cultural world. From Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, which preserves our collective historical memory, to the mystical poetry of Mawlana Jalaluddin Balkhi that transcends time and place, Persian literature remains one of humanity’s richest intellectual and artistic heritages.”
The ambassadors of Tajikistan and Iran also spoke about the history, cultural significance, and unifying role of the Persian language.
The program featured cultural booths, art exhibitions, and traditional musical performances presented by the three countries, showcasing the deep cultural bonds among the nations. Guests from various countries also had the opportunity to experience aspects of the shared Persian culture, arts, heritage, and traditional cuisines of all three countries.
The first round of the program was proposed in 2022 by Ambassador Manizha Bakhtari to the editors of Society magazine. Following their positive reception, the event was jointly organized with the embassies of Iran and Tajikistan. Now, with its fourth round successfully held, this initiative has become an influential platform for cultural diplomacy and strengthening regional cohesion.