Nowruz, extending beyond a national tradition, is a global cultural heritage that is cherished and celebrated across a vast expanse of regions worldwide, including Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Persian Gulf countries, the Indian subcontinent, and parts of Europe and Africa.
But what is the secret behind Nowruz's global standing and cultural reach? The answer can be sought in key concepts such as the "Iranian World" and the theories of "cultural diffusion" and "cultural regionalism."
To be able to analyze the role of Nowruz in creating and strengthening a shared identity and cultural convergence, and to find strategies for leveraging the capacities of this valuable tradition, it is necessary to first specify the theoretical foundations of the discussion. To this end, we will subsequently define the concept of the "Iranian World" and explain the two theories of "cultural diffusion" and "cultural regionalism" as the basis for our analysis.
Nowruz within the Frameworks of Cultural Diffusion and Cultural Regionalism Theories
The theory of cultural diffusion, rooted in cultural anthropology, explains how cultural elements spread among different societies. In this framework, Nowruz, as an ancient tradition, has been accepted and perpetuated among the various nations of the Iranian World through historical, linguistic, and cultural connections. According to this theory, Nowruz has become prevalent and accepted in different lands and among various generations without the intervention of political coercion or governmental interference, but rather through its inherent appeal and historical and cultural ties. In other words, the transmission of this rite has occurred consciously, voluntarily, and through established cultural and civilizational interactions.
On the other hand, the paradigm of cultural regionalism, which is discussed in international relations studies and regional studies, emphasizes that cultural commonalities can serve as the foundation for creating convergence and regionalism. This theory shows how shared cultural elements, such as the tradition of Nowruz, can help foster a sense of solidarity and unity among nations and contribute to the formation of regional convergence and alliances. In fact, shared cultural values not only strengthen national identity but can also lead to regional cooperation in political and economic spheres at a higher level. Based on this, Nowruz can serve as a platform for the formation of regional cooperation and, beyond that, the strengthening of diplomatic and economic relations among the countries within the Iranian civilizational sphere, or in other words, the Iranian World.
The Concept of the Iranian World and the Place of Nowruz within It
In this analysis, we define the Iranian World not as a political entity based on purely nationalistic interpretations, but rather as a civilizational sphere. This sphere is shaped by deep cultural, linguistic, artistic, and traditional commonalities, including Nowruz.
In other words, the Iranian World transcends political borders and is recognized as a civilization with distinct and extensive cultural characteristics.
To better understand the vastness of this cultural geography, it can be superimposed on present territorial boundaries. In this case, we are faced with an area whose borders extend from the western provinces of China to West Asia and the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Given such a vast territorial expanse, referring to it as a "World" does not seem an exaggeration at all.
At the heart of this Iranian World, Nowruz, as one of the most important shared traditions, plays a vital role. This ancient rite is not only a complete mirror of the rich historical and cultural values of this civilizational sphere but, beyond that, acts as a bridge that connects the nations across this vast cultural expanse based on their shared heritage.
Global Registration of Nowruz and Its Effects on Cultural Diplomacy
The registration of Nowruz as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009, with the participation of Iran, India, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, and the final registration of the Nowruz file with the accession of Iraq, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Kyrgyzstan, marked a turning point in elevating the international status and importance of Nowruz.
This global registration elevated Nowruz from a national celebration to a transnational level and provided the necessary groundwork for utilizing its cultural capacities towards developing regional and international cooperation. The United Nations resolution in support of Nowruz also emphasized the role of this tradition in fostering peace and solidarity among nations.
Nowruz Diplomacy and the Process of Holding International Nowruz Celebrations
Nowruz diplomacy began in 2009 as a tool for cultural interactions and regional convergence. Before the global registration of Nowruz, Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan held joint celebrations, but with the registration of this heritage in UNESCO, the first International Nowruz Celebration was held in Tehran in 2010. With the presence of the heads of member states and the approval of the first Nowruz statement, the official process of cultural cooperation in this regard commenced. In subsequent years, international Nowruz celebrations were held in various countries, including Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan, and multilateral meetings were formed to strengthen cultural and economic cooperation. However, after 2014, the holding of these celebrations at the head-of-state level stopped due to various challenges, and the commemoration of Nowruz primarily continued in the form of exchanging Nowruz messages, expert meetings, or cultural events.
The continuous holding of international Nowruz events and ceremonies is a clear testament to the ongoing role and importance of this ancient tradition in cultural diplomacy. This role is significant for both the Islamic Republic of Iran and the other countries that have registered this global heritage.
Examples of these events include the International Nowruz Celebration at Golestan Palace in 2017, the Niavaran Complex in 2022, as well as various conferences and gatherings similar to the one held in March 2025 at Azadi Square in Tehran, and the international conference titled "The Nowruz Crescent in the Gem of Historical Shiraz; The Holy Shrine of Hazrat Shahcheragh (AS)."
As previously mentioned, Nowruz, as an ancient celebration, regardless of its function in the revival of nature and the beginning of the new year, is a powerful factor for unity among the nations of the Iranian civilizational sphere. This rite, by creating a conducive environment for interaction and dialogue, plays an important role in reducing political and economic tensions and strengthening regional cooperation.
For the Islamic Republic of Iran, which possesses a rich cultural and historical background, leveraging the capacities of Nowruz is an effective tool for advancing cultural diplomacy and a suitable platform for strengthening friendly and constructive relations with neighbors.
Suggestions for Leveraging the Capacity of Nowruz in Strengthening Regional Cooperation
- Establishment of an Institutional Framework for Nowruz Cooperation The member countries of the global Nowruz registration file can coordinate cultural, economic, and tourism activities related to Nowruz by forming a joint regional entity. The Islamic Republic of Iran, owing to its historical standing and pioneering role in the registration of Nowruz, can assume the leadership of this entity and utilize this capacity to strengthen regional cooperation.
- Strengthening Nowruz Diplomacy Holding annual cultural and political meetings can create a platform for multilateral dialogues. Suggestions such as providing special consular facilities during Nowruz, particularly in the area of consular and judicial support, establishing joint consular and economic commissions to examine common challenges, and temporarily reducing or eliminating customs tariffs on goods and services related to Nowruz, can help strengthen communications and economic cooperation within the framework of Nowruz diplomacy.
- Utilizing Nowruz Tourism Capacity Nowruz can be introduced as a regional tourism brand. Developing tourism infrastructure, designing special Nowruz tours, and implementing reciprocal visa waivers among member countries can lead to an increase in tourism and economic exchanges between these countries. Examples such as Tajikistan's tourism policies in leveraging Nowruz demonstrate the high potential of this tradition for promoting the tourism industry, which can serve as a model for other member countries of the Nowruz file, including the Islamic Republic of Iran.
- Expansion of Educational and Research Programs Establishing research and educational centers focused on Nowruz and the shared culture of the region, exchanging students, and conducting scientific research in this field can increase future generations' awareness of the importance of this tradition. These centers can play a significant role in strengthening the research literature in the field of cultural convergence.
- Reducing Bureaucracy and Increasing Public Participation Eliminating bureaucratic obstacles and formal procedures, and increasing public participation in Nowruz celebrations, especially through cultural gatherings, art festivals, and sports competitions in the form of Nowruz leagues, can strengthen cultural cohesion and pave the way for broader cultural interaction among the nations of the Nowruz civilizational sphere.
These suggestions can help strengthen cultural diplomacy and regional convergence by reducing formal barriers, increasing regional interactions, and utilizing Nowruz as a platform for sustainable cooperation.
Conclusion
Nowruz, far beyond a simple traditional rite, is a civilizational phenomenon with a history spanning over three thousand years, cherished among the various nations within its cultural sphere.
One of the prominent characteristics of this celebration is its widespread nature without political imposition or coercion. In fact, Nowruz has taken root and spread among communities solely through deep historical and cultural ties.
This mode of diffusion has transformed Nowruz into an excellent example of cultural diffusion. This rite, therefore, plays an important role in shaping and strengthening a shared identity among the nations of the Iranian civilizational sphere.
In the present era, with the shift in the international system's approach from military confrontation towards cultural and economic interactions, Nowruz has emerged as a potentially powerful tool for strengthening regional convergence and diplomatic cooperation. This capability stems from the deep cultural, historical, and social commonalities of this rite, which have provided a suitable ground for creating sustainable interactions among the countries within the Nowruz civilizational sphere.
The global registration of Nowruz by UNESCO and the holding of international celebrations have provided new opportunities for expanding these cultural, political, and economic interactions. Despite these opportunities, fully leveraging the capacities of Nowruz requires more serious efforts by the member countries. These countries must take steps towards institutionalizing joint programs, creating coordinating structures, and removing bureaucratic obstacles.
Ultimately, the development of cooperation, particularly in the cultural, economic, and tourism spheres under the umbrella of Nowruz, can not only strengthen historical ties among nations but also pave the way for the formation of stable regional alliances and the reinforcement of relations among aligned countries.
Mina Hadiyan, Expert at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the IPIS)