Iran Participates at the 6th Nairobi International Cultural Festival
Cultural Council of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran > News > Articles > Iran Participates at the 6th Nairobi International Cultural Festival

The 6th Nairobi International Cultural Festival was held on Saturday 12th May 2018 at the National Museum of Kenya in Nairobi.

Twelve countries participated in the event: Thailand, Mexico, Botswana, Japan, Republic of Korea, Somali, Switzerland, Iran, Germany, Turkey, Sudan and China. They set up booths to display their home cultural products.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Mahmoud Majlesain the Cultural Counselor of the Embassy of Iran said the Iranian culture and civilization has been one of the oldest and deep-rooted cultures and civilizations in the world. Iran is recognized in the world by its culture, poetry, art and architecture.

The Iranian culture, better known as the Persian culture has for centuries influenced many other cultures in the World including Kenya.

Many might not know about this, but Iran has a strong connection with Kenya especially the coastal region that dates back to the 14th century.

The Iranians were involved in trade with the east African coast. The trade between Bandar Abbas in the South of Iran and the coastal town of Lamuand Mombasa was very successful for many centuries.

There are also the Shirazi and Baluchi communities in the Kenyan coastal region who originated from Shiraz in Iran.

The Persian language also contributedto the enrichment of Swahili language. There are many Persian words in swahili, for exampleTable -Mez in Persian and Meza in Swahili, Port – Bandar in Persian and Bandari in Swahili, Ice -Barf in Persian and Barafu in Swahili and Pelpel in Persian and Pili Pili in Swahili

Since ancient times, Iranians have appreciated cultural diversity, and they have peacefully coexisted with people practicing different religions for thousands of years.

The Cultural Council of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Nairobi is working for the promotion of mutual understanding and cultural co-operation among peoples in Kenya and Iran in line with the principles of cultural heritage.

Other speakers included the Ambassadors from Mexico, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Argentina, Sudan, and Spain