Overview of the Workshop
Attending the workshop were Associate Professor, Dr. Dao Thanh Truong (Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities), Mr. Ali Akbar Nazari (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Vietnam, attending online), Mr. Amir Fatemisadr (Second Secretary, Embassy of Iran to Vietnam), Associate Professor, Dr. Le Phuoc Minh (Director of the Institute of African and Middle Eastern Studies); representatives of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, the Department of Cooperation and Development, the Department of Scientific Research Management of VNU-USSH, and a large number of students, trainees, and postgraduates in the University.
The workshop attracted the attention and participation of many experts and scientists from Tehran University (Iran), University of Social Sciences and Humanities, and research institutes in Hanoi.
Speaking at the opening of the conference, Vice President Dao Thanh Truong expressed his gratitude to the Iranian Embassy in Vietnam for accompanying and cooperating effectively with the University in training, scientific research, scholarship funding, and student support. Today's international conference is not only of great scientific and practical significance, but also a clear demonstration of the close cooperation between the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and universities and educational institutions of Iran through the connection and support of the Iranian Embassy in Vietnam. The event is also a practical activity to strengthen the friendly diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Iran.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Thanh Truong delivered the opening speech at the Workshop.
On behalf of the Iranian Embassy in Vietnam, Mr. Ali Akbar also expressed his sincere thanks to the leaders of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, the Faculty of Oriental Studies and scientists for their support and close coordination with the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to organize this conference. He affirmed: “The coordination between the University of Tehran and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Hanoi to organize this conference is a unique and meaningful idea, aiming to promote cooperation between the elites and scholars of Iran and Vietnam through research on the important contributions of Persian civilization to humanity. The Iran-Vietnam relationship is a typical example of a close and friendly relationship for the development and consolidation of world peace. And today's international conference is not only a scientific event but also has great significance in affirming and strengthening that friendly relationship”.
Mr. Ali Akbar (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Vietnam) spoke highly of the significance of the Workshop.
Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Tran Tien (Deputy Head of Oriental Studies Department) and Associate Professor, Dr. Do Thu Ha (former Deputy Head of Oriental Studies Department) chaired the presentation and discussion section.
The theme of the Conference attracted the participation of 12 scientists with 12 valuable studies on different aspects around the topic: the value and contribution of Persian civilization to human civilization from the past to the present; at the same time, it comprehensively mentioned the issues: economy, culture, religion, politics, education, art, and health of the current Islamic country of Iran in comparison with the value of civilization in the past.
Research has confirmed that from the ancient empires of Persia to modern Iran, this land has been the cradle of culture, science and knowledge. The Persian civilization, with its roots stretching back thousands of years, has made lasting contributions to various fields of knowledge, from science and medicine to mathematics, astronomy, art and philosophy. It is thanks to the insights and advances of Persian scholars that we have a deeper understanding of the world around us.
In addition, Persian astronomers, such as Omar Khayyam and Al-Biruni, made significant contributions to the study of celestial bodies, the measurement of time, and the development of astronomical instruments. They advanced our understanding of the universe, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire and guide astronomers to this day.
Today, Iran is a regional and middle power, with a strategic geopolitical position in the Asian continent, a founding member of the United Nations, several ECO, OIC and OPEC organizations. The country's rich cultural heritage is partly reflected by 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Iranians inherit the values of Persian civilization, continuing to contribute to the world's scientific and technological advances. Iranian scientists and researchers are actively involved in various fields, including medicine, nanotechnology, renewable energy and space exploration.
The presentation of Mr. Amir Fatemisadr (Second Secretary, Embassy of Iran in Vietnam) showed a comprehensive picture of the outstanding contributions of Persian civilization to human history: state institutions (the birthplace of the first empire in history); construction (the ancient Suez Canal, the Qunat (Kariz) aqueduct); science (invention of the world's first "refrigerator", industrial alcohol and sulfuric acid); medicine (distinguishing measles and smallpox, etc.), architecture (great and unique architectural works); art (painting, sculpture, etc.), etc. The scientific inventions and unique architectural works with a history of thousands of years of Persian civilization still retain their value today.
Mr. Amir Fatemisadr (Second Secretary, Embassy of Iran in Vietnam) presented a paper at the Workshop.
Dr. Phung Thi Thao (Head of the Department of Indology, Faculty of Oriental Studies) in her presentation presented evidence showing that the world-famous architectural works of the Mughal Islamic Empire (India) were greatly influenced by Persian civilization.
Associate Professor, Dr. Do Thu Ha (Faculty of Oriental Studies) presented a paper at the Conference
Dr. Pham Thi Thanh Huyen (Faculty of Oriental Studies) in her presentation, through a very specific analysis of the world famous film "The Wind Will Carry Us Away" by Director Abbas Kiarostami, highlighted the unique features of Iranian cinema: Minimalist style, but very poetic in contemporary Iranian cinema.
Postgraduate student Nguyen Manh Cuong (Faculty of Political Science) presented a paper at the Workshop.
Postgraduate student Vu Thi Thanh (Institute of African and Middle Eastern Studies) presented research results on the relationship between education and religion in Iran from the 19th century to the present, as well as the process of Islamization of the education system.
Associate Professor, Dr. Le Phuoc Minh (Director of the Institute of African and Middle East Studies) discussed at the Workshop
Postgraduate student Pham Ngoc Thuy (Faculty of Political Science) with her paper "Religion and Iranian Nationalism" analyzes the history and main characteristics of modern Iranian nationalism.
Also at the Workshop, Vice President Dao Thanh Truong and Mr. Hamid Mosadeghi (Chargé d'Affaires, Embassy of Iran in Vietnam) awarded Certificates of Completion of the Persian Language Elementary Course to students representing more than 20 students participating in the course. The course "Persian Language and Culture" within the framework of cooperation between the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and the Embassy of Iran in Vietnam was held from the end of October 2022, including classes on "Persian Language and Culture". After 3 months of study, the elementary students became familiar with the Persian language and learned about the rich and long-standing cultural heritage of Iran.
Students of the Faculty of Oriental Studies who received certificates of completion of the Elementary Course confidently performed the song Ey Iran in Persian.
Summing up the Workshop, Associate Professor, Dr. Do Thu Ha emphasized: On behalf of the leaders of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, I would like to once again thank the Iranian Embassy in Vietnam for their support and attention throughout the preparation and organization of the Workshop. The large participation and lively exchanges of scholars, researchers, graduate students, trainees and students during the entire day of the Workshop showed the appeal of this brilliant civilization. Through these academic exchanges, many Vietnamese people will better understand the value and contributions of Persian civilization to humanity, while connecting to spread Vietnamese culture to friends around the world. In the coming time, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Oriental Studies hopes to continue to receive close cooperation and coordination from the Iranian Embassy in Vietnam to be able to carry out more meaningful activities.
Vice Principal Dao Thanh Truong presented a souvenir gift as a thank you to the Embassy of Iran in Vietnam
Some pictures from the workshop
