Pezeshkian Highlights Islamic Unity to Counter Division at Turkmenistan Cultural Event

He made the remarks at an international conference in Ashgabat commemorating the 300th anniversary of Turkmen poet Makhtumquli Faraghi.

Speaking at the " Interconnection of Times and Civilizations – the Basis of Peace and Development " conference held on Friday in Ashgabat, October 20th, President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed gratitude to Turkmenistan's President and National Leader for inviting him and hosting the event in honor of Makhtumquli Faraghi.

“In the vast political and cultural domain where Iran and Turkmenistan now stand at the center, people have lived in peace and harmony despite their ethnic and linguistic diversity, sharing a common civilizational heritage,” Pezeshkian said.

He referred to the region, whose historical borders extended from the Amu Darya to the Euphrates, as being culturally unified across centuries.

The President emphasized that the friendship between Iran and Turkmenistan, as neighboring nations with shared borders, has always been based on mutual interests. He noted the close historical, cultural, and linguistic ties between Iran and Central Asia, which have contributed to a rich shared civilization.

Pezeshkian highlighted the role of Islamic teachings and the spread of Islam from Iran into Central Asia, which strengthened these cultural bonds. He pointed out that these connections transcend the control of governments and that literary figures like Ferdowsi, Saadi, and Rudaki played crucial roles in preserving the culture of the region.

Makhtumquli Faraghi, according to Pezeshkian, stands as a prominent figure in this civilizational process, greatly contributing to the Turkmen language and culture through his poetry.

Pezeshkian also warned of the growing threat of extremism, stressing that such movements thrive on divisions within the Islamic community. “

When great figures like Makhtumquli speak of Islamic unity, they understand the pain caused by division,” he stated, referencing the Quranic verse, "Hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided."

He called for solidarity not only within the Islamic world but also on the global stage, where he noted that unilateralism continues to disrupt international peace. Pezeshkian also cited the issue of Palestine as an example of unilateralism, highlighting the ongoing Gaza crisis and the unequal conflict in Lebanon.

Concluding his remarks, Pezeshkian thanked the Turkmen government for hosting the event and expressed hope that continued cultural cooperation would help preserve and promote shared literary and cultural treasures.