Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi, aka Mowlana or Rumi, remains a global literary and spiritual icon. His profound friendship with Shams encouraged Rumi to create a masterpiece in Persian culture.

Rumi was born to native Persian-speaking parents on the Eastern shores of the then Persian Empire on September 30, 1207, in the city of Balkh which is now part of Afghanistan, and finally settled in the town of Konya, in what is now Turkey.

Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi, universally celebrated as Rumi, is revered not only as a pinnacle of Persian literature but as a preeminent mystic and poet for the entire world.

The 8th of Mehr in the Iranian calendar marks an important cultural occasion for Iranians, honoring the renowned Iranian poet Rumi, whose stature in Persian poetry is universally recognized.

This pivotal relationship inspired Rumi’s vast and enduring body of work. His poetry, often categorized into masterpieces like the “Masnavi” and the “Divan-e Shams-e Tabriz,” explores complex themes of metaphysics, ethics, and divine love. Written in Persian, his verses articulate a universal language for the human soul, securing his title, Mowlana, meaning “our master.”

Rumi, also known as Mowlana, is widely regarded as one of the most significant poets in Persian (Farsi) literature and a prominent poet and mystic internationally. A pivotal moment in Rumi’s life occurred on November 30, 1244, when he met the itinerant dervish and holy man, Shams al-Dīn of Tabriz, in the streets of Konya.

It is possible that he had initially encountered Shams in Syria. Shams-e Tabrizi (1185–1248) became the spiritual guide for Mowlana and is deeply revered throughout Rumi’s poetic works, particularly in the ‘Diwan-e Shams-e Tabrizi’ (‘The Works of Shams of Tabriz’), which is written in Persian.

Mowlana’s poetry is often categorized into several distinct groups: the quatrains (rubaiyat) and odes (ghazals) found in the Divan, the six volumes of the Masnavi, his various discourses and letters, as well as the lesser-known Six Sermons.

Rumi’s most significant work is the “Masnavi,” also known as “Masnavi-ye Manavi” (Spiritual Couplets), which he composed in Persian (Farsi). He is particularly famous for this six-volume masterpiece, regarded by many scholars as one of the greatest achievements in Islamic mysticism.

Another well-known collection of his poetry in Persian is “Divan-e Shams-e Tabriz,” which consists of poems dedicated to Shams of Tabriz.

Rumi’s poetry is characterized by a deeply mystic quality that resonates with the universal language of the human soul.

The “Masnavi” is a comprehensive mystical treatise exploring complex issues in metaphysics, religion, ethics, and mysticism, while also proposing resolutions to these challenges.

His poetry is prominently displayed on the walls of many cities throughout Iran, set to music in Persian songs, and included in educational textbooks.

His words, born from a transformative friendship in 13th-century Konya, now offer wisdom and solace to people around the globe.

His influence pervades diverse artistic expressions, inspiring musicians and visual artists who seek to capture the ecstatic spirit of his verse. His teachings, emphasizing love, tolerance, and inner peace, have found fertile ground in interfaith dialogues and spiritual movements worldwide.

Rumi’s message transcends the limitations of language and culture, inviting all to embark on a journey of self-discovery and divine union.

The essence of Rumi’s teachings lies in the transformative power of love – a love that encompasses both the earthly and the divine.

He encourages his readers to shed their ego, embrace vulnerability, and open their hearts to the boundless ocean of divine grace.

His poetry is replete with metaphors and allegories that illuminate the path to spiritual enlightenment, guiding seekers through the labyrinth of the human condition.

Moreover, Rumi’s legacy is not confined to the realm of poetry and spirituality. His life serves as a testament to the importance of human connection and the transformative potential of friendship.

The bond between Rumi and Shams-e Tabrizi exemplifies the power of mentorship and the profound impact that one individual can have on another’s spiritual journey.

Their relationship, though shrouded in mystery and legend, continues to inspire countless individuals to seek out meaningful connections and cultivate deep, authentic relationships.

In essence, Rumi’s enduring appeal lies in his ability to articulate the universal longings of the human heart. His poetry offers solace to the weary, guidance to the lost, and inspiration to those seeking a deeper connection with the divine.

As Mowlana, he remains a beacon of light, illuminating the path to spiritual awakening and reminding us of the transformative power of love, compassion, and inner peace.

His message echoes through the corridors of time, inviting all to embrace the beauty and mystery of existence and to embark on a journey of self-discovery that leads to the ultimate union with the divine.

He departed this life on December 17, 1273, in Konya. Centuries after his passing, Rumi’s voice continues to resonate with unwavering power, transcending national and doctrinal boundaries.

From the walls of Iranian cities to the pages of modern translations, the legacy of Mowlana endures not as a relic of the past, but as a living, breathing guide for the human spirit’s eternal quest for meaning and connection with the divine. /MNA/

Reported by Tohid Mahmoudpour

The Iranian short film “Ramy” written and directed by Pouyan Rostami and produced by Kasra Tirsahar won two awards at this season edition of the Best Shorts Competition in California, the U.S.

The film won the Award of Merit for its cinematography by Tirsahar and also an Award of Recognition for the leading actress Houra Pakizehdel, IRNA reported.

“Ramy” marks the professional debut of Rostami as writer and director. It offers a poetic, visually striking exploration of grief and liberation. Salar Saki, Houra Pakizehdel, and Ramin Yahyazadeh perform in the film.

The 10-minute film happens in the heart of a forest, where a group of women carry a coffin on their shoulders, while a grieving woman follows them, wailing and crying out. Unmoved by her cries, the women proceed toward a cemetery.

Established in 2011, Best Shorts Competition is an avant-garde worldwide competition that strives to give talented directors, producers, actors, creative teams, and new media creators the positive exposure they deserve. It discovers and honors the achievements of filmmakers who produce high-quality shorts and new media. The talented award winners have gone on to win Oscars, Emmys, Tellys, and other awards.

T.T/

Iran’s agriculture exports rose by 32 percent in the previous Iranian calendar year (ended in late March), Agriculture Minister Gholamreza Nouri Qezeljeh said on Saturday.

According to the official, the sector grew by 5.6 percentage points last year, rebounding from a negative 2.4 percent contraction to reach positive growth of 3.2 percent.

Speaking at the opening of the National Conference on the New Crop Year, Nouri said the improvement exceeded the 5.5 percent growth target set under Iran’s Seventh National Development Plan.

The trade deficit in agriculture also narrowed by $3.0 billion, improving from minus $11 billion to minus $8.0 billion, he said.

“This is a big step in the economic development of the agricultural sector,” Nouri added, noting that the gains marked a shift in both production and external trade.

The minister credited farmers’ management and resilience during drought conditions, saying no food shortages occurred and domestic demand was met, including during the New Year season without reliance on public funds.

The minister outlined several outcomes in the latest crop year, including a reduction in foreign currency demand for basic imports from $16.4 billion to $8.0 billion, saving $1.0 billion in debt repayments, a 27 percent rise in sugar output moving toward self-sufficiency, a 12 percent increase in fish farming, and a 27 percent expansion in aquaculture.

He said Iran is planning for self-sufficiency in tropical fruits, especially bananas, to reduce import dependency. Distribution of farm inputs in rural and nomadic areas rose by 22 percent, while the penetration of subsidized inputs among villagers increased by 29 percent.

Other achievements included a seven percent increase in raw milk production, a 54 percent rise in tropical fruit output, a 15 percent growth in input production, a 69 percent expansion in insurance coverage, and participation in 230 international events.

Future plans include self-sufficiency in meat production and reducing import reliance, Nouri said, though challenges such as water scarcity remain. He emphasized the use of modern technology to boost efficiency in water use and resource management.

T.T/

Head of Iran’s Space Research Center said the Pars-1 sensing satellite will likely be launched in December, while the Nahid-2 telecom satellite is set for launch before February.

Vahid Yazdanian, head of the Iranian Space Research Center, announced that Iran plans to launch two satellites in the coming months as part of its expanding space program.

Speaking on Saturday, Yazdanian said that the Pars-1 satellite, designed for remote sensing, is scheduled to be launched in the coming months, likely in December.

He added that the second version of the Nahid-2 satellite, built by the Space Research Center, will also be launched with a domestic launcher before the Ten-Day Dawn national celebrations in February.

Providing technical details, Yazdanian explained that Nahid-2 is a telecommunications satellite with a planned two-year lifespan, weighing 120 kilograms, and set to be placed in a 500-kilometer orbit. The satellite has an orbital inclination of 55 degrees, uses chemical propulsion with one-newton thrust, and an average power capacity of 49 watts. Its frequency bands include KU, X, and UHF.

He concluded that during World Space Week, Iran will try to release “good news” about Nahid-2’s operational stability and KU-band performance. The KU band, he noted, enables satellite-based relay communications and data transmission, which Iran aims to expand in the near future.

MNA/

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said in a televised speech on Tuesday night that the first point is that in the Twelve-Day War of Unity of the Iranian Nation, the unity of the Iranian nation frustrated the enemy.

The speech coincides with Sacred Defense Week, which marks the anniversary of the 1980-1988 Iraqi-imposed war on Iran, as well as the start of the new school year.

He pointed to the recent 12-day war of aggression imposed by the Israeil regime and the United States on the country in June, saying that toppling the Islamic System was the objective of the aggressors.

Ayatollah Khamenei noted that the Iranian unity foiled the enemy’s plot to divide the nation and topple the Islamic System. He noted that the nation continues to keep its unity months after the 12-day war.

As regards the enrichment of uranium, the Leader said that Iran and the other side, namely the Western states, are at odds when it comes to enrichment.

He explained what enrichment is, adding that it is effective and beneficial in people’s lives. He elaborated more that enrichment has applications in different fields such as agriculture, industry, nutrition, environment, and preserving natural resources as well as electricity.

Ayatollah Khamenei said that Iran has the capability to produce highly-enriched uranium, while it has no nuclear weapons on its agenda by any means.

The Leader noted that the bombardment of some Iranian nuclear sites could not hinder Iran’s uranium enrichment because producing it has become an indigenous science. He added that Iran has dozens and even hundreds of experts on enrichment.

“Iran has not given in to pressures, nor will it in the future,” Ayatollah Khamenei underscored.

Talks with the US government will by no means bring any benefits to Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei stressed.

He noted that talks with the US under these circumstances will come with harm to Iran instead.

Ayatollah Khamenei said that the Americans have made excessive demands for the talks, including giving up on enrichment and missiles, which comes as a result of their ignorance of the Islamic Republic.

Ayatollah Khamenei noted that the US government is a liar and hypocritical, which resorts to intimidation and threats to achieve its objectives.

The Leader stressed at the end of his speech that the only solution that Iran has is getting stronger and stronger in the face of threats, with reliance on God. He concluded that when Iran is powerful, no enemy can threaten it. / IRNA/

According to a report by local Iranian media, Iran and China have concluded a contract to produce 7,000 megawatts of solar panels. According to a report by Tehran-based Fars News Agency, Iran is struggling with a power shortage and increasing blackouts, while the development of renewable energy, especially solar energy, could be the key to solving that problem.

In this year’s Iran-China agreement, it is stipulated that 7,000 megawatts of solar panels will be provided, and its financial resources will be supplied by Iran’s National Development Fund.

If the implementation process of the plan proceeds according to plan, by the end of 2026, in addition to reducing the summer peak load in the coming years, a roadmap will be drawn to overcome the electricity shortage crisis.

For Iran today, the smart combination of targeted imports of solar panels and continued support for knowledge-based production is the best solution to overcome the energy crisis and move towards a green economy, said the Fars report elsewhere.

The 7,000-megawatt project with China presents a unique opportunity, provided that policymakers take practical and sustained steps to strengthen the country’s technical potential. Only then can a sustainable and bright future for Iran in the field of renewable energy be looming.

MNA/

Mohammadhadi Saravi ended a four-year wait to regain the title of world champion. He had his share of triumphs in the meantime — a gold at the Paris Olympics, to say the least — just not on this stage.

Saravi ended the drought by scoring an early takedown and going on to defeat Artur Sargsyan (UWW) 3-1 in the 97kg final at the World Championships in Zagreb Saturday night, when three Greco titles were decided.

“In my opinion, this tournament wasn’t easy at all; it was one of the most exciting and diverse competitions I’ve ever been part of,” Saravi said. “There were new opponents, and some wrestlers reached the finals and repechage rounds that I honestly hadn’t expected. The level was much higher than I thought it would be.”

After winning the world gold in Oslo in 2021, Saravi had to settle for bronze medals at the 2022 and 2023 worlds in Belgrade, falling in the semifinals both times.

But he righted the ship for the Paris Olympics, where he defeated long-time rival Artur Aleksanyan (ARM) in the final to add the gold to the Olympic bronze he won at Tokyo in 2021. And from 2023 to this year, he three-peated as Asian champion, UWW.com reported.

In Zagreb, while Aleksanyan and Gabriel Rosillo (CUB), who defeated Saravi in the 2023 world semifinals, fell by the wayside, Saravi marched into the final without pomp or drama, winning his matches by such scores as 4-0, 1-1 and 3-1.

“In this weight class, the champions are among the greats of wrestling: Artur Aleksanyan, the Cuban Rosillo, and of course, my final opponent, Artur Sargsian, who is a very well-known and skillful wrestler,” Saravi said. “But with my preparation, I was able to execute my plans and win.”

His meeting with Sargsian in the final was a rematch of their first-round match at the 2021 World Championships, which Saravi won 6-4 en route to his first world gold. Sargsian took a bronze.

“As we had planned with my coaches, even though some of my expected rivals didn’t make it to the later rounds, with the analysis we had done we were able to plan well and make it to the final,” Saravi said.

“I had wrestled [Sargsian] twice before, and with the strategies we had, I managed to beat him. Thankfully, this time, too, I was able to execute my plans perfectly on the mat and win the match.”

Saravi reflected on coming up short at the two previous World Championships.

“I think in the two World Championships where I won bronze, I had some technical weaknesses,” Saravi said. “I was able to fix those before the Olympics and keep that level through this year’s worlds.

“I hope I can keep improving for the upcoming tournaments and continue winning big medals.” / T.T/

With one day remaining, Iran’s Greco-Roman team claimed the title at the 2025 World Wrestling Championships. Greco-Roman wrestlers have already secured two gold medals, Gholamreza Farrokhi at 82 kg and Amin Mirzazadeh at 130 kgand one silver medal at 55 kg by Payam Ahmadi.

Mohammadhadi Saravi, the 2024 Olympic champion, will have a chance to add Iran’s third gold in the 97 kg category Saturday night.

Iran’s Greco-Roman squad has previously won the World Championship five times, in 1961, 1965, 1998, 2002, and 2013.

Earlier, Iran’s freestyle team claimed the title after a 12-year wait, marking a historic milestone for Greco-Roman wrestling as well.

The freestyle team have won the World Championship title nine times—in 1971, 1973, 1995, 2006, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2022, and 2023. Overall, Team Melli have also earned a silver and a bronze medal as well on fourteen occasions. /T.T/

Iran’s steel industry recorded nearly $3 billion in exports during the first five months of the year, a 10 percent increase from the same period last year, the Iranian Steel Producers Association said.

The volume of iron and steel exports rose 17 percent, equal to 796,000 tons, reversing a decline seen in the first quarter.

Exports of iron ore concentrate jumped 80 percent year-on-year, raising concerns among steelmakers over reduced domestic supply.

In contrast, exports of long steel products continued to fall sharply. Rebar, which accounted for more than 85 percent of long product exports last year, dropped 31 percent over the five-month period.

Meanwhile, a stronger export strategy by Mobarakeh Steel Group companies, including the main plant and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Automotive Sheet, boosted foreign currency revenues by $122 million from flat steel products. Their total exports reached $216 million in the same period. /  T.T/