Cultural Relations
Between The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Poland
The history of cultural relations between Iran and Poland, as in bilateral political relations, dates back to the 15th century. In fact, cultural cooperation between the two countries began simultaneously with the establishment of bilateral political relations. Persian carpets and handicrafts decorated in the Royal Court of Poland is a good indication of cultural communication and exchange between Iran and Poland. Such cultural contact, parallel to bilateral political relations, has continued throughout different historical periods to the contemporary era.
One of the important cultural measures has been the establishment of a Persian language learning center in Jagiellonian University in Kraków in 1820. Later in 1919, a faculty of Persian studies was established to study the Persian language and culture. Persian language is now also being taught at the University of Warsaw and the Adam Mickiewicz University.
Iran-Poland cultural cooperation was brought into the limelight in 1942 when 120,000 Polish refugees of the Second World War were admitted to Iran and hosted by the noble Iranian nation. Such presence of the Polish people paved the way for more cultural intercommunication between the two nations. Polish cemeteries in major Iranian cities of Tehran, Mashhad and Isfahan, as well as interracial marriages are examples of cultural links between Iran and Poland.
Cultural relations between the two countries were strengthened officially in 1968 when they signed the first cultural cooperation agreement as the cornerstone of bilateral cultural relations. It was later renewed and consolidated in accordance with the cultural needs of the two countries. A cultural and scientific action plan was also prepared and signed between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Poland. The fourth such action plan was signed in 2010 when the then deputy minister of foreign affairs of Iran, H.E. Mr. Ali Ahani visited Poland.
Most important areas of cooperation in culture and science between the two countries include the exchange of scholars, sabbaticals, tourism, holding film and photo festivals and cultural exhibitions and events.
There are also a remarkable number of Iranian students in Polish universities. The Iranian community in Poland, alongside other small Muslim communities such as the Tatar Muslims, is another symbol of cultural links between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Poland.