The first-ever “Iranian Culture Days in Ulyanovsk Region” festival has started with a Farsi language workshop. According to the festival’s organizer, Diana Kovela, deputy executive director of the region's Creative Industries Foundation, the initiative for the event came from the local business community.
“This is the first time we’re hosting the ‘Iranian Culture Days in Ulyanovsk Region.’ The idea was proposed about a year ago by the business community, which had established partnerships with their Iranian counterparts. Entrepreneurs realized that in order to foster warmer, more engaging, and meaningful cooperation, it was crucial to fill the gap in their knowledge of Iranian culture,” Kovela told TASS.
Kovela added that another reason for hosting the festival in 2024 was Iran’s accession to the BRICS group of nations. “Iranian representatives have been active participants in events like the BRICS Youth Summit, the 'InterYes' public diplomacy forum, and the BRICS Youth Camp. Iran is one of the most active participants, coming up with ideas and proposing various initiatives. This was also a key factor in organizing the festival, to draw more attention to Iran from our region, as the headquarters of the 'Russia-BRICS' project office is located here in Ulyanovsk,” she explained.
Festival Highlights
The Farsi workshop will introduce participants to Iranian culture through the language’s unique script, Kovela noted. “I’ve been studying Farsi myself for two years now. It’s quite challenging to begin writing from right to left in a script resembling Arabic calligraphy. Every Farsi lesson is also a deep dive into the culture,” she added.
For the festival’s younger participants, a culinary masterclass will teach them how to make traditional Iranian pastries. “We collaborate with a chef during international cultural events. He’s always keen to trace the origins of recipes,” Kovela said.
She also mentioned that sourcing saffron, a key ingredient for the planned baking masterclass, was a challenge in Russia. “I remembered that an Iranian friend had once gifted me a beautifully packaged pinch of saffron—an expensive spice. That gift will now be used so the children can experience the authentic taste of Iranian pastries,” she emphasized.
The “Iranian Culture Days in Ulyanovsk Region” festival is organized by the nonprofit “Center for Innovation and Communication,” in collaboration with the Ulyanovsk Region Creative Industries Foundation, which houses the “Russia-BRICS” project office. The event is supported by the Ulyanovsk regional government, as well as the cultural office of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, according to Kovela.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Razumhak/Creative Commons 3.0
Based on materials from TASS