A literary meeting and a “Shahnameh” reading competition were held at the Makhtumkuli State University of Turkmenistan. The events were dedicated to the Day of Protection of the Persian Language and the memory of Abul-Qasim Ferdowsi, which is observed on May 15. This was reported by IIC.
The Cultural Center of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Turkmenistan acted as the organizer.
The jury included the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Turkmenistan Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani, cultural counselor Abdolreza Abbasi, lecturer Yadollah Mohammadi, and representatives of the Makhtumkuli Institute of Language, Literature and National Manuscripts.
Before the start, participants were introduced to an exhibition featuring books about Ferdowsi and the Persian language, handicrafts, and thematic materials.
Welcoming speeches were delivered by the rector of Makhtumkuli State University Orazgeldi Ovezsakhedov, Iranian Ambassador Ali Mojtaba Rouzbehani, and cultural counselor Abdolreza Abbasi. They highlighted the cultural ties between Turkmenistan and Iran and shared literary traditions.
The competition was held in three stages. Participants recited passages from the “Shahnameh” by heart, then explained their content in Persian, and answered questions about the life and work of Ferdowsi.
The winner was Turkmen State University student Irada Guseynova. Second place went to Selbi Orazova from the Turkmen National Institute of World Languages named after Döwletmämmet Azadi, and third place was awarded to Turkmen State University student Myakhri Gurbanova. Winners received diplomas, gifts, and cash prizes.
The cultural program included performances by creative groups and students. Musical and dance performances were presented in both Turkmen and Persian languages.