In that meeting, Minister Salehi remarked that, “The language of culture has always served as a stable bridge for relations between nations.”

He emphasized the historical depth and breadth of Iran-Turkey relations, noting, “Throughout history, there has been a thread connecting our two peoples.”

Salehi expressed optimism that the cultural and literary background of the ambassador could foster a special opportunity for advancing cultural relations.
Looking ahead, Salehi pointed out that 2025 has been designated as the cultural year for both Iran and Turkey.

He stated, “This presents an opportunity to initiate positive developments in our cultural ties.” The minister assured that the ministry, along with other cultural institutions, is prepared to take necessary actions to realize this goal. He further highlighted the unique bond between the two nations, which have enjoyed centuries of neighborly relations without strife. “There are significant political, economic, and cultural commonalities that can assure both peoples of the continuity of our relationships.”

Salehi argued that literary diplomacy could open new avenues for collaboration, particularly in developing literary ties into literary tourism. Salehi added, “Both nations boast respected literary figures. While Konya holds allure for Iranians, there are places in Iran that are equally valued by the Turkish people.”

He mentioned that Iran hosts various literary events and book fairs, stating, “We must explore how to provide new opportunities for literary diplomacy.”
The minister also discussed the ongoing Fajr festivals, which could pave the way for further cultural cooperation.

Culture Minister said that substantial opportunities exist in the realm of artistic diplomacy and media relations, suggesting that closer media ties could strengthen the bond between the two nations.

Salehi stressed the importance of religious diplomacy as well, noting the shared religious interests between Iran and Turkey. “They are recognized by all Muslim nations, and their cooperation can help promote rational and compassionate interpretations of Islam, countering extremist narratives,” he explained.
The official also mentioned shared challenges such as family and environmental issues, which could serve as topics for mutual understanding.

He concluded by stating that the various facets of cultural diplomacy—including literary, media, artistic, and religious dimensions—can generate numerous opportunities. “Both Turkey and Iran possess vibrant cultural organizations, which can enhance cultural interactions,” he said, urging for new avenues to be explored in all these areas.

Ambassador Kırlanıçı echoed the minister’s sentiments, stating, “The two nations are very close, yet unfortunately, this closeness is not well known.”

He highlighted the similarities in customs, traditions, and history, despite the differences in language. “While Persian and Turkish belong to different language families, their structures share significant similarities,” he noted, attributing this to the longstanding relations between the two cultures.

The ambassador emphasized that Persian has profoundly influenced Turkish, particularly in religious terminology. He said, “We have learned many religious terms from Persian, and our prominent religious figures, like Imam Ghazali, hailed from the greater Khorasan region.”

He acknowledged the impact of Persian literature, citing figures like Saadi, Hafez, Rumi, and Ferdowsi as formative influences on Turkish culture. Kırlanıçı called for enhanced collaboration, especially in archaeology, and highlighted the importance of religious and mystical tourism for Turkish citizens.