As Iran welcomes the first day of spring, two significant occasions converge on March 21st: Nowruz, the Persian New Year, and World Poetry Day.

While Nowruz marks the renewal of life and the rebirth of nature, poetry has long been a profound vessel for expressing these very themes—growth, transformation, and the passage of time.

This year, Nowruz also coincides with the sacred Night of Qadr (Laylat al-Qadr), one of the holiest nights in Islamic tradition. This overlap brings a unique atmosphere—a blend of joy and contemplation, where the jubilance of a new year meets deep spiritual reflection.

Nowruz: A celebration of renewal and tradition

Nowruz, meaning “New Day” in Persian, is an ancient festival that has been celebrated for over 3,000 years across Iran, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and parts of the Middle East. The festival begins precisely at the moment of the vernal equinox, when day and night are equal, marking the official arrival of spring.

Nowruz is not just a celebration of time—it is a deeply symbolic ritual of cleansing and renewal. These are some of the most cherished traditions:

1. Khaneh-Tekani (Spring cleaning)

Before Nowruz, families undertake khaneh-tekani, or “shaking the house.” This deep cleaning represents purification—sweeping away misfortune and negativity to make space for a fresh start. Old or broken items are discarded, and new clothes are often purchased to mark the occasion.

2. The Haft-Seen Table: Symbols of prosperity

A key part of Nowruz is setting up the Haft-Seen, a table featuring seven items that start with the Persian letter س (S), each symbolizing different aspects of life and renewal:

Sabzeh (sprouts) – Rebirth and growth

Samanu (sweet pudding) – Strength and power

Senjed (oleaster fruit) – Love and wisdom

Seer (garlic) – Health and protection

Seeb (apple) – Beauty and fertility

Somaq (sumac berries) – The sunrise and patience

Serkeh (vinegar) – Wisdom and aging

Other elements include a mirror (reflection), candles (light), painted eggs (fertility), and a bowl of water with a goldfish (life and movement).

3. Chaharshanbe Suri: The festival of fire

On the last Tuesday night before Nowruz, Iranians celebrate Chaharshanbe Suri, an ancient fire festival. People light bonfires and leap over the flames, chanting:

زردی من از تو، سرخی تو از من

“Take away my sickness, and give me your warmth and energy.”

This ritual symbolizes purification and the shedding of misfortune before the new year begins.

4. Eid visits and Eydi (New year’s gifts)

During Nowruz, families and friends visit one another in a custom called Did-o-Bazdid. Elders often give Eydi, small gifts or money, to younger family members as a blessing for the new year.

The connection between Nowruz and poetry

Throughout history, Persian poets have drawn inspiration from the arrival of spring, the beauty of nature, and the renewal that Nowruz represents. The themes of hope, rebirth, and the fleeting nature of time are woven into some of the most famous verses in Persian literature.

In a way, Nowruz itself is poetic—a rhythmic return to life, a fresh stanza in the ongoing poem of existence. It is no surprise, then, that some of Iran’s greatest poets have immortalized spring and Nowruz in their verses.

Persian poets on Nowruz and spring

Saadi (1210–1291): The poet of humanity

Saadi, in his Bustan and Golestan, frequently uses spring as a metaphor for spiritual and moral awakening. His verses capture the joy and renewal of Nowruz:

برآمد باد صبح و بوی نوروز / به کام دوستان و بخت پیروز

“The morning breeze arrives with Nowruz’s scent, / May fortune shine and bring joy’s ascent.”

Hafez (1315–1390): The master of love and mysticism

Hafez, the greatest master of Persian ghazal, intertwines the beauty of spring with themes of love and destiny. His lines reflect both celebration and contemplation:

ز کوی یار می‌آید نسیم باد نوروزی / از این باد ار مدد خواهی چراغ دل برافروزی

“From the beloved’s lane, the Nowruz breeze flows, / If you seek its aid, your heart’s lamp will glow.”

Nowruz and the Night of Qadr: A time for reflection

This year, Nowruz coincides with Laylat al-Qadr, the most sacred night in Islam, believed to be the night the Quran was revealed. It is a time for prayer, seeking forgiveness, and spiritual reflection. While Nowruz is a celebration of earthly renewal, Laylat al-Qadr emphasizes spiritual renewal, making this year’s occasion particularly profound.

The eternal cycle of renewal

Nowruz and Persian poetry remind us that, like nature, human life moves in cycles—of endings and beginnings, joy and sorrow, loss and rebirth. As Hafez beautifully puts it:

هرگز نمیرد آنکه دلش زنده شد به عشق / ثبت است بر جریده عالم دوام ما

“One who awakens their heart with love shall never die, / For our existence is forever inscribed in the book of time.”

This Nowruz, whether celebrating with loved ones, reading timeless verses, or embracing the spiritual depth of the Night of Qadr, let us all find harmony in the renewal that spring brings—both around us and within. /MNA/

Report by Mohaddeseh Pakravan

Iranian athletes grabbed one gold medal, two silvers, and two bronzes at the 2025 Karate 1-Premier League in Hangzhou. Team Melli finished third in the competition, trailing behind Japan and Egypt, according to Tehran Times.

In the Female Kumite -61kg final, Iran’s Atousa Golshadnezhad edged out Germany’s Khamis Reem with a score of 4-3 in a closely contested match. Meanwhile, Fatemeh Saadati faced Japan’s Rina Kodo in the Female Kumite -55kg final, where she lost 4-0.

In the Male Kumite +84kg final, Saleh Abazari was defeated by Georgia’s Merabi Gelashvili with a score of 5-3.

In the bronze medal matches, Bahman Asgari Ghoncheh secured victory over Croatia’s Ivan Martinca 1-0 in the Male Kumite -75kg event, while Mehdi Khodabakhshi triumphed over the Netherlands’ Brian Timmermans 3-0 in the Male Kumite -84kg category.

The tournament featured 381 karate athletes from 68 countries in Hangzhou.

MNA

The 15th edition of the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject 2025 has included 17 Iranian universities in 21 subject entries, compared to 17 Iranian universities in 17 subject entries in 2024.

The recently launched QS World University Rankings by Subject ranks universities for 55 subjects. Academic programs are ranked over five indicators to effectively reflect their performance, taking into account academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations per paper, H-index, and International research network (by broad faculty area).

A total of 1,758 unique institutions have been ranked in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, an increase of seven percent from the 2024 edition.

The QS World University Rankings by Subject are sorted into five broad subject areas, including Arts and humanities, Engineering and technology, Life sciences and medicine, Natural sciences, and Social sciences and management.

Iranian universities are ranked among the top institutions in three faculty areas, including Engineering and Technology; Life sciences and Medicine; and Natural sciences, Mehr news agency reported.

Some 997 institutions have been globally ranked in the Engineering and Technology subject area – 344 of them are new for this year’s edition.

University of Tehran, with a global ranking of 280, is placed first in the country; it ranked 346 globally in 2024.

Sharif University of Technology ranks second in the country, and its global ranking has risen from 410-450 in 2024 to 292 this year.

Amirkabir University of Technology (451-500) and Iran University of Science and Technology (501-550) are placed third and fourth, respectively. They are included in the QS ranking this year.

In Petroleum Engineering, University of Tehran ranks 22 globally, progressing from 32 in 2024 to 22 this year.

Sharif University of Technology global ranking in Petroleum Engineering advanced from 34 to 20 this year.

Amirkabir University of Technology ranks 50-101. Isfahan University of Technology, Shiraz University, and Tabriz University rank 101-150.

In Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Sharif University of Technology and University of Tehran rank 151-200 and 201-250, respectively.

A total of 1,124 institutions are ranked in the Life Sciences and Medicine broad subject.

Tehran University of Medical Sciences is ranked first nationally; its ranking elevated from 358 in 2024 to 309 this year.

Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, and University of Tehran rank 401-450; they ranked 451-500 in 2024.

Iran University of Medical Sciences (451-500), included this year, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (451 – 500), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (501-550), included this year, followed in subsequent positions.

In Agricultural and Forestry, University of Tehran ranks 101-150, and University of Tabriz ranks 251-300. Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Isfahan University of Technology, and Shiraz University are included this year, they rank 351-400.

In Anatomy and Physiology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, and Tehran University of Medical Sciences rank 51-100 and 101-170, respectively.

In Nursing, Iran University of Medical Sciences and Tehran University of Medical Sciences rank 151-225, jointly.

In Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences is ranked 201-250.
Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, University of Tehran rank 251-300.

Some 925 institutions are ranked in the Natural Sciences broad subject area. 347 are new institutions.

University of Tehran and Sharif University of Technology experienced a ranking increase from 401-450 and 501-550 in 2024 to 344 and 390 in 2025, respectively.

In Chemistry, University of Tehran ranks 301-350, and Sharif University of Technology 351-400.

University of Tehran ranks 351-400 in Physics and Astronomy, and University of Tehran ranks 451-500.

University of Tehran is the only University ranked in Environmental Sciences, and Geophysics (201-250).

In Mathematics, Sharif University of Technology and University of Tehran rank 301-350. Iran University of Science and Technology, Amirkabir University of Technology, and Islamic Azad University have a global ranking of 401-450.

In Material Sciences, Sharif University of Technology, and University of Tehran rank 251-300, and 351-400, respectively. Amirkabir University of Technology and Iran University of Science and Technology rank 401-550, jointly.

Recent rankings

The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings (WUR) by international outlook 2025 has ranked 85 Iranian universities among the top universities in the world.

Sharif University of Technology (with a global ranking of 301- 350) tops the universities of the country.

Amirkabir University of Technology and Iran University of Science and Technology, both with a global ranking of 351–400, are placed second.

Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, and the University of Tehran, with a global ranking of 401-500, rank third.

Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz University of Technology, and Babol Noshirvani University of Technology rank 501-600 globally.

THE World University Rankings 2025 has placed 81 Iranian universities among the top universities in the world in 10 out of 11 subject areas, compared to 73 universities in 2024.
Iran’s best rankings are in Computer Science, and Engineering.

University of Tehran (401-500), Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, and Shahid Beheshti University (501-600), Allameh Tabatabaei University and University of Isfahan (601), are ranked first to third in Art and Humanities.

University of Tehran (201-250), Sharif University of Technology (301-400), Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and Iran University of Science and Technology (401-500), are the top four institutions in Business and Economics.

Sharif University of Technology (151-175), University of Tehran (201 -250), Amirkabir University of Technology (251-300) are placed first to third in Computer Science, respectively.

Sharif University of Technology (151-175), University of Tehran (201-250), and Iran University of Science and Technology (251-300) are ranked first to third in Engineering, respectively.

In Life Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, and University of Tehran ranked first nationally; they rank 401-500 globally.

Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences and Tehran University of Medical Sciences jointly rank first (301-400), Qazvin University of Medical Sciences and Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences rank second (401-500) in Medical and Health.

Iran University of Science and Technology, Sharif University of Technology, and University of Tehran ranked first (301-400 globally) in Physical Science.

In Psychology, University of Tehran (401-500) is placed first. Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Kharazmi University, Shahid Beheshti University, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences are placed next, with a global ranking of 501-600.

The top three universities in Social Science are University of Tehran (301-400), University of Tabriz (401-500), Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, and Shiraz University (501-600). / T.T/

The documentary “Habibullah” by Adnan Zandi from Iran has won an award at the 28th International Film Festival Zoom- Zblizenia in Poland.

The film won the Best Documentary Award among 29 documentaries competing in the festival last week, ILNA reported.

Made in 2023, the 24-minute movie depicts the life of a veteran folk singer from the Leylax region in Dehgolan City, Kurdestan Province. As he ages, he faces new challenges and doubts.

The titular character is an 80-year-old Kurdish folk singer and poet, Habibullah Zandi. For decades, he has been a beacon of joy in his village, performing at weddings and gatherings and entertaining people with his songs about love. Currently, though, his passion faces opposition when some radical figures demand he cease singing, accusing him of promoting immorality.

Things get worse when one of his performances is recorded and posted on TikTok, mostly by youths who mock his performances, bringing his son to also criticize his continuing performances. Tensions rise, but so does his defiance. The film mirrors its protagonist – it is quietly self-assured, joyful, and with a deep love for the beauty of this world.

Adnan Zandi, 39, holds a Master’s degree in cinema. He has directed several documentary films and won awards at numerous festivals. He is the founder and director of the Riga Student Film Festival.

The International Film Festival Zoom-Zblizenia is one of the largest and most important independent cinema festivals in Poland. It seeks to present the author’s cinema, ambitious, high artistic value, moving independent and original subject matter, as well as promotion of independent film art.

In addition to the international film contests, the festival includes non-competition screenings and open meetings with famous filmmakers. /T.T/

The Isfahan Museum of Contemporary Art, considered the home for visual arts in Iran, reopened during an impressive ceremony on Saturday in the presence of top dignitaries.

The majestic museum building, managed by the Cultural and Recreational Organization of Isfahan Municipality, dates back to the Safavid era (1501-1736).

The building underwent extensive renovation during the Qajar period (1794-1925). Masoud Mirza, the then-governor of Isfahan, used it as his residence and administrative office.

Due to his profound passion for hunting, Mirza stored his hunting trophies in this building, which led to its nickname, “Hall of Antlers,” according to museum officials.

To honor artists and their contributions, Isfahan Municipality started restoration work on the building a few years ago.

During the reopening ceremony on Saturday, Saeed Mohammadi-Panah, the director of the Isfahan Museum of Contemporary Art, announced that the museum, which serves as the city’s specialized center for visual arts, had reopened after four years of restoration and necessary renovations.

Visitors at the Isfahan Museum of Contemporary Art during its reopening ceremony on Saturday. (Photo b y IRIB News)
The museum will be open to artists, art lovers, and local and foreign tourists during the upcoming Persian New Year holidays, starting March 21.

A city in central Iran, Isfahan is known for its stunning Persian architecture and historic buildings dating back to the Safavid era, which are thronged by millions of local and foreign tourists every year.

The mayor of Isfahan inaugurated two exhibitions alongside the museum’s reopening ceremony, inviting visitors to explore “30 Years of Museum Posters” and “30 Years of Museum Images.”

Referring to the historical background of the building, Mohammadi-Panah told visitors that it dates back to the Safavid era and is one of Isfahan’s valuable historical structures.

Situated near Chehel Sotoun Palace, it saw various changes in function over the years. Ultimately, in 1994, it was officially named the Isfahan Museum of Contemporary Art.

Visitors inspecting art works at the Isfahan Museum of Contemporary Art during its reopening ceremony on Saturday. (Photo b y IRIB News)
According to Mohammadi-Panah, the museum has served as a dynamic hub for the arts in Isfahan for 30 years, serving as a home for national and international artists, visual arts students, and researchers.

Its proximity to Isfahan University of Art, which nurtures the next generation of artists, has further enhanced its significance.

He added that the museum features four large galleries with distinctive architecture. Over the past three decades, it has hosted works by renowned artists from Iran and abroad, including masterpieces by noted Iranian artist Master Farshchian and German artist Günther Uecker.

The director of the Specialized Office for Visual Arts emphasized that art is deeply interwoven with the city’s identity and added that the museum holds a rich collection of over 700 valuable visual artworks, which will soon be displayed in Gallery No. 4 for visitors. / Press tv/

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili has emphasized the need to enhance cooperation with Iran to foster sustainable development in the tourism industry.

In a letter to Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Reza Salehi-Amiri, Pololikashvili highlighted the country’s pivotal role in the global tourism system, according to a press release issued by the Ministry on Monday.

Pololikashvili lauded the organizational quality and high level of participation at the 18th Tehran International Tourism Exhibition held last month in the Iranian capital. He described the event as a distinguished platform that showcases innovative frameworks for international tourism interactions, effectively bridging public and private sector initiatives.

Moreover, Pololikashvili referred to a report by Ian Wilko, the director of affiliated members and public-private partnerships at UN Tourism, which further highlighted the strategic importance of Tehran’s tourism exhibition. He noted that the event has firmly established itself as one of the most significant international forums for exchanging experiences, facilitating policy dialogue, and uncovering new investment opportunities in the tourism sector.

Looking ahead, the secretary-general proposed two key initiatives for future cooperation between Iran and UN Tourism.

The first initiative involves planning and organizing the forthcoming Urban Tourism Conference in Tehran, which he believes will bolster Iran’s role in shaping global urban tourism strategies. The second calls for enhanced engagement between Iran and the network of UN Tourism’s affiliated members, aimed at strengthening scientific, technical, and investment ties within the Iranian tourism industry.

Pololikashvili concluded his letter by reaffirming UN Tourism’s commitment to continuing constructive dialogue with Iran. He emphasized the importance of mutual capacities for sustainable tourism development, deepening tourism diplomacy, and increasing international synergy in the sector.

The Islamic Republic expects to reap a bonanza from its numerous tourist spots such as bazaars, museums, mosques, bridges, bathhouses, madrasas, mausoleums, churches, towers, and mansions, of which 28 are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. /T.T/

Iranian film “In the Shadow of Cypress” has bagged the 2025 Oscar for Best Animated Short Film, beating other contenders.

The 20-minute short film won the award during the Oscar ceremony on Sunday evening.

The short film was made by Iranian directors Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani and was a production of the Iranian Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults.

In the Shadow of Cypress uses geometric 2D animation to chronicle the relationship between a father and daughter as the former suffers from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

It delves into the kind of mental and physical challenges the captain and his daughter face while living at sea, isolated from the world.

This Academy Award win makes history as it is the first time that Iranian filmmakers have bagged a prestigious award in this category.

The two Iranian directors were not expected to attend the Oscars but they managed to obtain a last-minute visa and and only arrived in Los Angeles three hours before the ceremony.

Earlier, In the Shadow of Cypress earned major accolades at the LA Shorts International Film Festival, Lebu International Film Festival and Tribeca Film Festival.

It also left quite the impression by bagging multiple nominations at the Venice International Film Festival, Annie Awards, Anency International Animation Film Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival and Clermond Ferrand International Film Festival. /MNA/

Iranian-made Sina robots supplied to hospitals in Indonesia for surgery purposes have surprised medical professionals in the country, according to a report published in the Iranian media.

The surgeons working with Sina Surgical System in Indonesian hospitals are satisfied with the performance of the robots used in the system, Press TV reported.

The report said some 100 new Indonesian surgeons have applied to attend training courses on how to use Sina in robot-assisted telesurgery operations. That comes on top of 112 surgeons that have been attending the courses since the system was supplied to Indonesia two years ago.

Indonesia hopes that once approved, Sina can help expand the country’s Robotic Telesurgery Center to connect its western and eastern islands at a distance of 3,500 kilometers.

Designed and manufactured by an Iranian robotics company, Sina uses robots to mimic the movements of the hands of a surgeon during an operation.

The system applies a minimally invasive approach to surgical operations by cutting a 5-millimeter incision to the body area where the operation is needed. That significantly reduces the recovery time of the patients after their operation and allows for doing more precise stitches to close the wounds.

The robots copy every one centimeter in movement of the surgeon’s hands with a one-millimeter move on the body of the patient. That allows the surgeon to sew the wound back together in a larger dimension on the system console while robots are copying the stitch to the body at one-tenth of the size.

Sina is a product of some 20 years of research work at Tehran’s University of Medical Sciences. People behind the project say the device is a purely Iranian system that has been built using the expertise and technology developed by Iranian engineers and scientists.

The robot has won 10 patents in the United States and other countries, while researchers have studied the system in more than 70 papers in major international scientific journals.

Reports have indicated that agencies related to the Russian government have also expressed interest in the device. /MNA/