The Fourth Festival and Eighth National Conference in Honor of Khayyam was held at the University of Neyshabur

According to the Public Relations Office of the university, the Fourth Festival and Eighth National Conference in Honor of Hakim Omar Khayyam Neyshaburi took place on the 28th of Ordibehesht (May 18), coinciding with the National Day of Hakim Omar Khayyam Neyshaburi. The event was held at the University of Neyshabur with the presence of provincial and national officials, special ministerial guests, a grand reception by students, professors and academic community of Neyshabur.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Dr. Sadeghi Samarjani, the president of the University of Neyshabur, welcomed the guests and participants and expressed gratitude to the scientific and executive secretaries and all those involved in organizing the event.

In his speech, Dr. Sadeghi emphasized the importance of preserving the legacy of this great Iranian scholar and poet, describing the event as a valuable opportunity for the exchange of scientific and literary ideas.

Nثغshabur: The Cradle of Science, Literature, and Culture
Dr. Sadeghi Samarjani, the president of the University of Neyshabur, began his speech by highlighting the city's rich cultural heritage, stating: "Neyshabur is a city that has nurtured great figures of science and literature such as Khayyam, Attar, Kamal-ol-Molk, Fazl ibn Shazan, and many others. The people of this enlightened land, after the arrival of Imam Reza (AS), brought about a great transformation in thought, wisdom, science, and literature by writing the blessed Hadith of the Golden Chain."

Khayyam: A Symbol of Iranian Rationality
He described Khayyam as a representative of Iranian rationality who transcended geographical boundaries and became a global figure. He added: Khayyam was a unique figure who intertwined determinism and free will, mathematics, and poetry. His verses combine philosophy, humanism and bitter irony; they make death dance and celebrate life. His quatrains raise philosophical questions about the universe and humanity’s place in it.

The president also referenced the views of global intellectuals on Khayyam, stating: "Bertrand Russell believed that Khayyam could express complex mathematical concepts in simple poetic language. Additionally, great orientalists regard Khayyam as one of the most renowned figures in the world, in whom the fusion of science and art is clearly evident."

Dr. Sadeghi further mentioned the recent achievements of the University of Neyshabur, noting that its students had secured first place in the National Parvin E'tesami Festival and second place in the Ruyesh Festival among universities with fewer than 5,000 students. He also announced the upcoming Harekat Festival at the university, which will be inaugurated during the closing ceremony of this conference with the presence of Dr. Bagheri, Director General of Cultural and Social Support Affairs at the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology. He expressed hope that such events would contribute to the development of Neyshabur and the progress of the country.

Khayyam National Day: The Day of Iranian Wisdom and Neyshabur as the Birthplace of Rationality
He congratulated the people of Neyshabur on this day as "the Day of Iranian Wisdom" and added: "Neyshabur is the only city that celebrates wisdom by honoring this renowned figure."

Dr. Bagheri, Director General of Cultural and Social Support Affairs at the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology: Universities Must Foster Identity and Hope
Dr. Bagheri, in his speech at the ceremony honoring Hakim Omar Khayyam at the University of Neyshabur, emphasized the central role of culture in Iran's history, stating: "From Damavand to Alvand, from Sabalan to Taftan, from the Aras to the forever Persian Gulf, Iran and Iranians have always been intertwined with culture and literature throughout history."

Praising the University of Neyshabur for organizing this grand event, he said: "We commend the noble spirit and cultural vision of the University of Neyshabur. Holding such an event on this scale is a commendable and highly valuable effort, as guiding students' cultural life is our mission. One way to achieve this is by familiarizing the younger generation with national, Iranian, and Islamic identity through such events."

Universities: Centers of Identity-Building and Responsibility
Dr. Bagheri highlighted the mission of universities, stating: "Universities are the grounds for shaping social identity and responsibility among students and must maintain strong ties with society and the youth." He stressed the need for careful planning for social transformations and strengthening national, Iranian, and Islamic identity, adding: "Honoring luminaries like Khayyam and other Iranian-Islamic figures is crucial in shaping students' social identity, and the Ministry of Science supports such programs."

The Director General conveyed greetings from the Minister of Science, Research, and Technology and Dr. Shalchi, Deputy Minister for Cultural and Social Affairs, to the students and professors of the University of Neyshabur. Addressing Engineer Rostami, Neyshabur’s representative in Parliament, he said: "The University of Neyshabur, having achieved national rankings in the past two months, deserves appreciation, and we will support such capacities while also seeking the support of honorable representatives."

Student-Centered Approach: A Key Strategy of the Ministry of Science
Dr. Bagheri emphasized the centrality of students in university activities, stating: "We must recognize the role of students in associations, clubs, and organizations and make universities student-centered. Students should be at the heart of all university ceremonies and events." He also highlighted the importance of fostering vitality and hope in academic environments and encouraging active student participation.

He concluded by saying: "I am pleased to see the strong connection between the university and the community, evident through the presence of city officials in this ceremony."

The festival and conference continued with scientific lectures by Dr. Mehdi Mahbati, faculty member of the Persian Language and Literature Department at the University of Zanjan, on "The Evergreen Secrets of Khayyam’s Immortality," and Dr. Bahman Namvar Motlagh, faculty member of the Persian Language and Literature Department at Shahid Beheshti University, on "The Myths of Khayyam and the Mythical Khayyams."

It is worth mentioning that the recitation of Khayyam’s quatrains and traditional Khayyam-inspired music performances were among the highlights of the event. Additionally, the eighteenth Harekat Festival was inaugurated at the University of Neyshabur during the closing ceremony, where students exhibited their innovative scientific, research and art projects.