Persian Literature, Saadi and the Cultural Relations between Vietnam and Iran

Saadi was born between 1203 and 1208 in Shiraz, Iran. He was a medieval Persian poet and thinker, whose poems and aphorisms became a popular trend in ancient Persian literature. His major works includeOrchard- Bostan (1256) andRose Garden – Gulistan(1257), two large volumes of didactic poetry, two life textbooks that during his lifetime brought him fame not only in Persia but also in the Eastern world in general, making him one of the great poets of humanity.

In his speech, Mr. Hossein Alvadi Behineh emphasized: “Introducing Iranian cultural celebrities, a world-famous family, is extremely important in expanding cultural relations and people-to-people exchanges between Iran and Vietnam. Introducing Saadi in the March 2015 Special Issue of the Journal of Literary Studies, Vietnam Institute of Literature is one of the recent activities carried out between the Iranian Embassy and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.” He hoped that “this special issue of the Journal will encourage more research by Vietnamese researchers and literature lovers about Saadi in particular and Persian literature in general, and this will also contribute to increasing understanding between the two great nations of Iran and Vietnam as well as the intellectual communities of both sides.”

Iranian Ambassador delivers opening remarks at the seminar (Photo: Tran Minh)

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Kim expressed his sincere thanks to the Iranian Embassy for providing scholarships to the University's students, organizing cultural and educational exchange activities as well as upgrading the University's Iran Studies room. The Vice President said that these activities have brought good results such as helping to promote awareness of Iran's diverse and interesting culture and society. Today's presentation is also a meaningful activity because Saadi is a new topic but he is a famous poet in the world.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Kim introduces the Special Issue Commemorating the Great Poet Saadi Shizazi (Photo: Tran Minh)

Next, Associate Professor Dr. Do Thu Ha (Head of the Department of Indology, Faculty of Oriental Studies) introduced the Special Issue Commemorating the Great Poet Saadi Shizazi. The content of the special issue on the great poet Saadi covers four main topics: Overview of the era, life and career of Saadi - Values ​​of humanistic ideology in Saadi's works - System of artistic symbols of Saadi's poetry - Saadi's heritage in the world and in Vietnam.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Kim took a photo with the Iranian Ambassador and staff and lecturers of the Faculty of Oriental Studies.