The 16th RUC Area Studies Forum Language of Iranian Language and China’s Border

The 16th RUC Area Studies Forum: Language of Iranian Language and China’s Border was held online via Zoom from 3:00 to 4:30 pm on April 28, 2023, supported by the School of Philosophy, Renmin University of China, organized by the National Academy of Development and Strategy, Renmin University of China, and undertaken by the Eurasian Research Institute of RUC.

The lecture was delivered by Ali Shahidi, Professor at the Faculty of Humanities and Director of the Department of Ancient Iranian Language and Culture and Iranian Studies at the University of Tehran. Professor Shahidi reviewed the evolution of the Iranian language and its influence and distribution in the entire Central Asia region and Xinjiang, China. He discussed the integration between ancient and modern cultures from the perspectives of linguistics and history and pointed out that Iran has a profound connection with China since ancient times. The Ancient Silk Road facilitated the exchange and mutual learning between Chinese and Iranian civilizations, which contributed to the splendid history of inter-civilizational interaction.

The event was moderated by Wang Yujie, Vice Dean and Professor of the School of Philosophy, Renmin University of China and Vice Dean of Eurasian Research Institute, RUC. Mu Hongyan, Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at the School of Asian Studies of Beijing Foreign Studies University,and Researcher Fellow at Research Center of Eastern Literature, Peking University, Shen Yiming, Lecturer of Persian Language and Culture at the Department of West Asian Studies, School of Languages, Peking University, and Xu Qinhua, Vice Dean of the National Academy of Development and Strategy, Renmin University of China, Executive Dean of Eurasian Research Institute, RUC, and Professor of the School of International Relations of Renmin University of China, participated in the interactive discussion. Huang Jingyi, a doctoral student at the School of Philosophy of Renmin University of China, who is engaged in the research of Iranian thought and culture, and other students also participated in the lecture and discussion.

During the lecture, Professor Ali Shahidi and the attending guests had in-depth academic discussions. Both parties agreed that in ancient times, Chinese civilization and Iranian civilization had the most profound and far-reaching influence on East Asia and West Asia, respectively. The Iranian cultural sphere extended its influence to Xinjiang, China, which was known as the Western Regions in ancient times, while the Chinese cultural sphere expanded towards Central Asia. Central Asia and Xinjiang are regions where these two major cultural spheres intersect and overlap, which is of great academic significance for research.

Professor Ali Shahidi proposed at the end of the lecture that the common cultural heritage of China and Iran should be valued, and the relevant cultural heritage of the exchange and mutual learning between Chinese and Iranian civilizations should be considered for inclusion in the World Heritage List. He also suggested strengthening exchanges between the two countries in politics, economy, culture, and other aspects, and continuing to promote friendly exchanges between the two countries in the context of the “Belt and Road” initiative and the new era, which has profound significance for mutual learning between the two countries and world civilizations.

The overall pace of the event was lively and the atmosphere was warm. Professor Ali Shahidi and the attending guests had a pleasant conversation, and deepened their understanding of the related issues through communication. The event was especially grateful for the support from the School of Philosophy of Renmin University of China.

Brief introduction of the guest speaker:

Ali Shahidi is a Professor and doctoral supervisor at the Faculty of Humanities and Director of the Department of Ancient Iranian Language and Culture and Iranian Studies at the University of Tehran. He is also an international affairs advisor at the Faculty of Humanities of the University of Tehran, vice dean of the Delhuda Persian Dictionary Research Institute and International Persian Language Education Center, and an international affairs advisor. Professor Shahidi is an authoritative figure in the field of Iranian culture and Iranian studies. He has participated in the compilation of important dictionaries at the Tehran Islamic Encyclopedia Center and the Persian Literature Society, and has published numerous papers in academic journals such as “SPEKTRUM IRAN”. He has also guided many graduate students, including Chinese students, to complete papers in the fields of ancient language research, modern Iranian culture, and the historical and cultural exchanges between China and Iran. He is also the editor and founder of the monthly journal “Sarzmin-e Man” on Iranian human geography research.

Interpreter: Zhou Shiyan

Proofreader: Pan Yuxi