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Ayatollah al-uzma Seyyed Ali Sistani is not only a central character in political and religious affairs but also an expert with a wide range of studies on cultural issues; therefore, he is a multi-dimensional figure. This became clear to me during my recent trip to Iraq (in February 2022).

It was as early as the middle of the first century AH that an Arab high-ranking general and ruler of Kufa said to an Iranian: Your language is Arabic, yet you have Iranian intellect.

Much has been said and written about the late Dr. Azartash Azarnoush in these few days. Despite the fact that for 36 years I have benefited from the intellectual companionship of this unique scientist, who was one of the elders of CGIE, writing something not repetitive, worthy, and proper for this cultured character, was difficult for me.

This verse is part of the song “O, Aras!” (Ārāz in the pronunciation of the Azerbaijanis), which is attributed to Yahya Sheida, the Azerbaijani poet. Its theme is the longing for the separated land of the northern Aras from Iran that became annexed to Russia after the Turkmenchay treaty. Ever since, this theme has become common in the works of poets like Sheida...