WANA (Nov 03) – Nearly 50 Iranologists from 21 countries — including China, Italy, Lebanon, India, Russia, and Tunisia — will travel to Tehran later this month to attend the International Conference on Iranology, focusing on “Iranology and Tourism.” The event, hosted by the University of Science and Culture, will take place from November 15 to 19, with several sessions also accessible online for international scholars.

 

Mohammad Ali Rabani, Director-General for Scientific and Cultural Cooperation at the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization, described the conference as “a platform for dialogue between Iranian and global cultural scholars.” He noted that “one of the tools used to isolate nations is spreading distorted narratives about them,” emphasizing that Iranology plays a key role in “conveying a truthful image of Iran and facilitating broader cultural, economic, and political understanding.”

 

Rabani highlighted Asia and Africa as key regions for Iran’s cultural and diplomatic engagement and stressed the importance of “training a new generation of Iranologists” through academic programs and university partnerships.

Persepolis, Takht e Jamshid, UNESCO SITE, Shiraz

Persepolis, Located in Iran’s Fars Province. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Specialized sessions will be organized in collaboration with major Iranian universities: the University of Tehran (theoretical studies), Shiraz University (literature and Hafez studies), Allameh Tabataba’i University (Iranology and new technologies), Shahid Beheshti University (intangible heritage and water culture), and the University of Science and Culture (tourism).

 

Mahmoud Jafari Dehghi, President of the Iranian Society for Iranology, underlined the deep historical roots of Iranian civilization, saying, “Iran is a land with thousands of years of history — a legacy rich in philosophy, literature, and technology.” He added that the country’s diverse geography, from vast deserts to mountain ranges, “has always demanded creativity and innovation from its people,” as seen in ancient engineering feats like qanats and wind catchers.

 

Dehghi emphasized that Iranology is not only about studying the past but also about fostering cultural exchange for future generations. “This conference aims to build a network connecting Iranian and international scholars to rediscover and share Iran’s enduring values,” he said.

Iranian women walk at the Tehran Bazaar in Tehran, Iran, September 27, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

A permanent secretariat will continue the work of the conference, ensuring lasting collaboration among Iranology centers worldwide.

 

The International Conference on Iranology is seen as more than an academic gathering — it is an opportunity to deepen cultural understanding, promote people-to-people connections, and present a nuanced picture of contemporary Iran to the global scholarly community.