Parsi News

Iran compiling encyclopedia on Noruz

July 25, 2011

TEHRAN, July 18 (MNA) — ECO Cultural Institute (ECI) in collaboration with the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization (ICRO) are working on compilation of an encyclopedia on Noruz.

“We aim to have part of the encyclopedia ready before the coming Noruz (March 21, 2012) to distribute it to those countries where Noruz is celebrated,” secretary of the Poetry and Literature Department of ECO (Economic Cooperation Organization) Cultural Institute Esmaeil Azar told the Persian service of MNA on Monday.Noruz, the ancient celebration of the Iranian New Year beginning on the first day of spring, was registered on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.

“The encyclopedia, which includes a summary in English and Russian, will be published by Sokhan Publications and probably will be completed in 11 volumes,” he added.

“Cultural and historical experts will be able to search and find all the details on Noruz that were lacking in previous research volumes,” he said.

“Noruz celebration from the viewpoints of foreign orientalogists as well as Noruz and Islamic rituals are among the highlights of the encyclopedia.

“Also included will be a chapter which contains Noruz in Persian literature from 1000 years ago, part of which reviews Noruz in the modern poetry of Iran,” he added.