ORUMIYEH, 30 September (BelTA - IRNA). - The opening ceremony of the 8th International Conference of Shams and Mowlana was held in Khoy County, northwest Iran, on September 29 with the participation of cultural figures.
A cultural official at the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Ali-Reza Delkhosh, spoke at the ceremony while describing Iran's Shams and Mowlana as invaluable cultural reserves for the world.
These cultural figures can help well introduce the Islamic-Iranian civilization worldwide, and make a cultural link with other nations, the official noted.
Born in northwest Iran, Shams-i Tabrizi or Shams-e Tabrizi (1186-1248) was a spiritual instructor of Jaleleddin Mohammad Balkhi or Mowlana- the great Iranian poet (13th century) also known as Rumi.
Mowlana is the creator of Masnavi which is one of the greatest works in Persian literature.
Also, Divan-e Shams-e Tabrizi is Mowlana's another prominent work written in honor of his instructor or master.
The 8th International Conference of Shams and Mowlana lasts for two days.
September 28 is named Shams Day in the Iranian calendar commemorating the celebrated thinker Shams Tabrizi.
Known as the spiritual instructor and mentor of the Persian poet Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi (1207-1273), Shams (1185–around1248) was born in Tabriz.
Tradition holds that Shams taught Rumi in seclusion in Konya for a period of forty days, before disappearing.
To commemorate Shams and Rumi in Iran, numerous events, including festivals, conferences, seminars, as well as webinars are held annually.
