Iranian Cultural Attaché: Saleh-Mohammad Khaliq Was Part of Balkh’s Cultural Memory.
Seyed Ruhollah Hosseini, Cultural Attaché of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Afghanistan, paid tribute to the cultural and scholarly stature of Saleh-Mohammad Khaliq, the Balkh-born poet, writer, and researcher, at a ceremony marking the first anniversary of his death.
Hosseini said that Saleh-Mohammad Khaliq was an important part of Balkh’s cultural memory and that his works and research were deeply connected to the history, literature, and cultural identity of the city. He added: “Saleh-Mohammad Khaliq was a man who lived Balkh, sang Balkh, and wrote Balkh.”
The Iranian Cultural Attaché said that Khaliq viewed Balkh as more than merely a geographical location; he regarded it as part of the region’s cultural, historical, and civilizational heritage. According to Hosseini, Khaliq worked to document, introduce, and preserve this heritage through a range of literary and scholarly endeavors.
Referring to the book History of the Literature of Balkh, Hosseini said that Khaliq’s research had played a role in documenting part of the cultural identity of the region. He also highlighted Khaliq’s efforts to safeguard the Persian language and literature as an important aspect of his scholarly and cultural activities.
He emphasized that commemorating Saleh-Mohammad Khaliq should not be limited to holding an annual ceremony. According to Hosseini, the researcher’s works, documents, bibliography, and scholarly biography should be collected and digitized so that future generations can also have access to this heritage.
The Iranian Cultural Attaché also proposed establishing a literary and research award or festival in Saleh-Mohammad Khaliq’s name. He said the purpose of the proposal was to create an environment for the continuation of scholarly and literary activities and to encourage a new generation of researchers and writers.
During another part of the ceremony, a number of poets paid tribute to Saleh-Mohammad Khaliq by reciting poetry in his memory. The gathering concluded with the recitation of the Fatiha and prayers marking the first anniversary of the death of the Balkh-born poet and researcher.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
