【Guangming International Forum Dialogue】
Assisted by the Chinese Embassy in Iran, co-ordinated by Zhu Zihao, Cultural Counsellor, and translated by Wang Peiyao, International Exchange, Cooperation and Communication Center of Guangming Daily
1. Humanity should unite to protect life and protect its kind
Xiao Lianbing: It has been nearly two years since the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the world. How do you see the impact of the pandemic on human society?
MOTALEG: The COVID-19 pandemic has plunged the world into a sudden crisis and has had an unprecedented impact on various fields such as human society, culture and the arts. Although human beings have experienced infectious diseases such as cholera, plague, tuberculosis, and these diseases have been one of the most important causes of human death for thousands of years, the fate of all mankind today is facing the challenge of the new crown pneumonia epidemic, and human life is plagued and entangled by the epidemic. Humanity must learn from past experiences and lessons to meet this challenge.
Namur Al-Motaleg, President of the Iranian Academy of Arts and Member of the Supreme Cultural Council of Iran
Wang Meng is a contemporary Chinese writer, librarian of the Central Research Museum of Literature and History, and former minister of culture
Xiao Lianbing, Secretary-General of the International Exchange Cooperation and Communication Center of Guangming Daily
Visitors visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt, on May 18, 2021. Located in Tahrir Square in the heart of Cairo, Egypt's capital, the Egyptian Museum houses more than 100,000 historical artifacts from the time of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs to the 6th century AD. Xinhua News Agency
On March 31, 2020, the Freedom Tower, a landmark building in Tehran, the capital of Iran, staged a light show to cheer the world's fight against the new crown pneumonia epidemic. Xinhua News Agency
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that the destinies of humanity in today's world are more intertwined than ever before, which is also a warning to us: we must pay attention to the fate of human society. The pandemic has given us the opportunity to pause and think about the past and the future, a unique experience. Cultural and artistic life has been affected by this crisis, and the artistic activities of society have been severely restricted, such as the closure or suspension of museums, art centers, art galleries and festivals around the world. But believe that art can rescue helpless humanity from the fear of the virus that is now mired in the COVID-19 pandemic, and can connect us to diverse ideas and the world in which they live.
Wang Meng: First of all, I would like to join Mr. Motaleg and Mr. Xiao in mourning the artists and people from all walks of life in various countries around the world who died of COVID-19, and their pain warns us that the world should become better, mankind should become better, and other countries and others should become better and friendlier.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought pain, challenges and tests to the world. At the same time, people are thinking deeper, more solemnly, more in awe, more comprehensively and more grandly. It was originally an industry topic of pathology, medical treatment, prevention and rehabilitation science and career, but at the same time it is serious and universal, hurting hundreds of millions of people, and also attacking the self-righteousness and aggressiveness of some powerful groups and figures, showing that some human life patterns are one or the other, and there is no way to do anything, inducing politicians, businessmen, and interest groups to imagine, calculate, take risks, and wishful thinking, highlighting the cultural differences and ideological similarities and differences and ideological similarities and differences faced by mankind, such as globalization and regionalization, values and beliefs. and the danger of tearing up by unbalanced social development. Humanity should better reflect on how to unite to protect life, to protect our fellow human beings, to avoid stupidity and hatred, to avoid prejudice and barbarism, to reduce the danger and suffering caused by disasters, and to create a better future.
The troubles we face stem from the viruses of nature and from the political viruses of humanity itself. The ambiguity of international politics and world governance, especially the erroneous cognition and hostile behavior of groups with different philosophies, beliefs and values from themselves, have reduced human goodwill and virtue, understanding and tolerance, sobriety and justice, wisdom and civilization, patience and responsibility, and the loss of these spiritual determinations has made us lack the ability and willingness to adapt and adjust, and further aggravated the disaster brought about by the new crown virus on top of the fragility of the respiratory, circulatory and immune systems of the human body.
The common examination question we are facing is: Do human beings have sufficient mental preparation, sufficient moral character and wisdom, sufficient cooperation and goodwill, and unite to deal with the threat of natural viruses and political viruses, cultural prejudices, separatism, hegemonism and other spiritual viruses?
I greatly appreciate Mr. Motaleg's discussion of the intertwining of human destinies and the role of art in liberating human fears. Art is the power of the spirit, the response of the spirit, and the yearning of the spirit. I visited Iran in 2006 and was able to understand the dedication and exploration, sincerity and ingenuity of the Iranian people in their artistic pursuits, which is the firm belief in spiritual purity and beauty, that is the improvement of human quality and intelligence, and the dedication to heaven and earth. I praise your country's poetry, prose, calligraphy, miniature paintings, architecture, production techniques and beautiful craftsmanship. A literate person or group who loves culture and art, in the face of the epidemic and all disasters, will have more self-confidence and wisdom, will be easier to survive the disasters caused by natural and spiritual viruses, and will have a belief: health will defeat the plague, reason will defeat madness, science will defeat the virus, and goodwill will defeat hatred.
2. People always lift their spirits in literary and artistic classics and new works
Xiao Lianbing: How do you see the role of culture and art in fighting the epidemic and the change in its presentation from offline to online?
MOTALEG: One of the most important changes since the outbreak of COVID-19 has been the formation of new art scenes and new lifestyles. Artists are learning new ways to adapt to the new world, expressing themselves through art under existing conditions. Through connected concerts, as well as the display of artwork on rooftops and terraces, virtual communication and emotional transmission have alleviated the suffering caused by the pandemic. In fact, it is in this context that art develops, in network communication. Art is not a scientific cure for COVID-19, but it can alleviate the soul and spiritual stress caused by fear in today's society. In fact, artists healed the fearful souls of human beings. Iranian artists are also constantly working in this regard. They are working to alleviate the suffering caused by the disease by hosting visual arts exhibitions and online concerts, and producing online music and movies. In fact, artists, together with doctors and nurses, have provided a lot of help and effort to cure COVID-19 patients. Iranian artists also provide emotional and spiritual support to medical staff, and these artists deserve to be recognized in particular.
Wang Meng: Yes, artists are still active, warm and intimate forces. No matter how many deaths have been caused by the epidemic, art still tells us that life is precious and beautiful, life is beautiful and worthwhile, and the world is divided into each other, and there is still a common joy and clarity in the face of art, and there is love and joy in the face of art. In the fight against the epidemic, artists work with hard-working medical staff to save lives and help the injured, help and comfort the people. All elites, leaders, scholars, healers, craftsmen, poets, artists, philanthropists, believers, and laborers who care about the people, love their homeland, and respect the good of heaven are the guardians, cherishers, and rescuers of life, and their existence can reduce suffering and increase firmness, optimism, and confidence.
Due to the resoluteness and action of the fight against the epidemic, although the epidemic has fluctuated in China, in general, it has been effectively controlled and prevented. But we haven't let up. Various cultural and artistic institutions, such as bookstores, galleries, attractions, resorts, parks, concert halls, cinemas, theaters, tourism, catering, museums, stadiums, schools and media activities, are constantly recovering, and the scale and atmosphere of social and cultural life are close to normal. Online literary and art services have made great progress.
Considering my personal experience, I would also like to speak specifically about the art of language – literature. I am sure that we have a common way of thinking about the cognition and understanding of language and language arts. When I visited Almaty, Kazakhstan, in 2003, the wife of the country's former ambassador to China said to me: "We believe in the importance of language, and language can reach the heavens. "The Chinese saying is that language acts on the human soul.
We use words to express our beliefs, our passions, what we know and can be admired, our memories, our nostalgia, our beliefs and our expectations. No matter how rampant the pandemic is, we are still writing and reading poems, reading, telling, and performing novels and plays, reciting classics, and contributing new and exciting works.
In the literary and artistic classics and new works of mankind, people are always lifting their spirits, commemorating the sufferings and tests we have endured, expressing and inspiring themselves with faith and conscience, refusing threats, contempt, deception, throwing pots, hatred and insults, rejecting any form of smear, fraud, division and despair.
3) A country that does not retain its cultural identity is dangerous
Xiao Lianbing: In the fight against the new crown pneumonia epidemic, some ancient civilizations are continuing to protect cultural heritage, such as the opening of egypt's newly built national museum. Please share your views on cultural identity.
Motaleg: Cultural identity is linked to past history. People who have lost their cultural identity also lose their own history, and vice versa. Iran has always been proud of its glorious past, with countless works of art preserved today in prestigious museums in Iran and around the world. Ancient Iran and the post-Islamic era witnessed the greatness of Iranian civilization. During the Achaemenid and Sassanid dynasties and the rich Golden Age of Islam, the burned city and the legacy of the Girovt civilization bear witness to the glory of Iranian art. The protection of historical works and artistic heritage is the responsibility of all States. In Iran, cultural heritage organizations use existing facilities to involve archaeologists, researchers, traditional and indigenous artists, using the latest methods, in an effort to preserve and preserve Iran's cultural and artistic heritage.
Wang Meng: Like the Persian culture that is "older than history" (which is a slogan that is everywhere in Iran), Chinese culture has a long history, great influence, fascinating charm, and rich experience of suffering hardships and setbacks. After the humiliation of modern times, through the arduous people's revolution, and through reform and opening up, the construction and development of socialism with Chinese characteristics has made achievements that have attracted worldwide attention. This is the result of carrying forward the enthusiasm, benevolence, truth-seeking, civilization and reverence for the excellent traditional Chinese culture, and advancing with the times, and it is also the dialectical result of absorbing and digesting and developing the advanced culture of mankind; it is the result of inheriting and carrying forward, and realizing creative transformation and innovative development, facing modernization, the future, and the world, and taking its own road.
The epidemic has not hindered the development of science and education, culture and art, book publishing, film and television dissemination, tourism and entertainment, cultural relics development and protection, and various awards and commemorative activities in China. In the past two years, China's cultural life has been steaming, active and colorful.
Xiao Lianbing: Why is cultural identity so important for the survival and development of a country?
Motaleg: An individual's social identity is formed based on the cultural identity of the society. Cultural identity creates a sense of collective belonging and empathy. Economic, military and political identity also shapes the image of a nation, bringing prosperity, stability and vitality. But what makes a country alive is cultural identity. Today, a country that does not retain its cultural identity is dangerous. Cultural identity is really a memory of history and experience, especially a shared feeling and attitude towards the world around us, which brings cohesion, social harmony and national feelings to a country. Human society needs cultural identity even more in the fight against major epidemics.
Wang Meng: The culture recognized by the people is the flower and treasure of itself and the world, the proud heritage and spiritual resources of the history of the universe, the history of the earth, and the history of mankind.
I have a deep respect for the cultures of all nations and regions of humanity, and I have had the privilege of coming into contact with and admiring Iranian Persian culture, and one of my happiest experiences was reciting in Chinese and Uzbek the collection of Robayet by the Persian 11th-century poet Umar Hayam:
We are the expectations and fruits of the world,
We are the black eyes for the purpose of wisdom,
If you think of the universe as a ring,
We are gems set on it!
I am certainly more familiar with the culture of my home country. Chinese culture has a kind of calm and calm, righteousness and firmness, and there is a kind of thinking of pushing oneself and others, which is reasonable and reasonable. What we emphasize is that we do not do to others what we do not want; it is the heart of self-desire to stand up for others, and it is what we want to achieve; it is to see the wise and think together, to see the unwise and introspect inward; it is the heart of compassion that everyone has; the heart of respect (shame), which everyone has; the heart of resignation, which everyone has; the heart of right and wrong, which everyone has. If there is such a consensus among all mankind, our planet will become more peaceful and happy. Traditional Chinese culture is not a resistance to modernization, but a driving force, a resource, and a nutrition. Traditional Chinese culture pays attention to keeping up with the times, making it new every day, making it new every day, and paying attention to the change of poverty, the generalization of change, and the generality of long-term. Traditional Chinese culture has promoted our inheritance and adherence, and also promoted the development and modernization of reform, opening up. I firmly believe that the value of culture lies in the fact that it leads to peace and happiness, friendship and goodness, nobility and sincerity, not to strife and hegemony, suffering and despair, hatred and exclusivity, meanness and deception. If we have successes, we may have setbacks, mistakes, and shortcomings, but we firmly believe in our own path. We must combine the advanced culture of mankind with our long-standing traditional culture, realize the sinicization of advanced culture of mankind and the popularization of the times, promote the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind, and let the Chinese nation make due contributions to human civilization.
4. The world wants dialogue among civilizations, not a clash of civilizations
Xiao Lianbing: In Western countries, the "clash of civilizations" theory is the cognition of some people. What do you think about that?
Motaleg: This theory has existed in the Western world for a long time, and it is quite marketable. Throughout history, Westerners have always had a sense of self-worth. On this earth today, there is no room for tension and conflict, and hegemonism that can no longer seek to override others, and a consensus must be formed on a global scale. For the sake of the fate of all people on earth, there is no alternative to dialogue between cultures, civilizations and nations. On this basis, humanity can achieve global balance and harmony and achieve a better future. Iran has always advocated exchanges between countries based on mutual respect and human values. Dialogue, exchange and interaction between Governments, States and cultures should therefore be pursued in every area of the world in order to create and achieve world peace.
Iran was one of the first countries in the world to put forward the "theory of dialogue among civilizations". In contrast to the "clash of civilizations" theory put forward by some people in the United States, Iran is one of the countries that elevates the dialogue and interaction between different cultures to theory. The Iranian people welcome dialogue, they welcome bilateral dialogue, not domination of others. For a better future, we need the "dialogue among civilizations", that is, dialogue and interaction among civilizations, which is a dialogue of reciprocity and win-win, a dialogue of mutual respect and protection of cultural identity and cultural diversity. If the "theory of dialogue among civilizations" is put into practice, we will see a world of peace and prosperity presented in the future of humanity.
Wang Meng: I greatly appreciate the Initiative of the Iranian leader to carry out dialogue among civilizations. The United Nations has designated 2001 as the Year of Dialogue among Civilizations in the World, and the Chinese National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) organized a seminar on this theme, which I participated in and made a speech. We firmly believe that different and diverse cultures are the brilliant and magnificent expression of human culture, and it is absurd and stupid to treat heterogeneous cultures with an exclusive attitude. Different cultures can be discussed and evaluated equally and in good faith. For all foreign cultural achievements, a mature rich and thick culture will have enough selection ability and digestion ability, and it is completely possible to learn the achievements of others and make it an organic part of this culture. As for the similarities and differences of certain specific cultural choices, it is even more eclectic, such as Chinese food, French food, Iranian food, Thai food, Indian food, Mexican food, all of which are my favorite, and I can fully express my feelings about different meals.
Cultures can be appreciated, learned from, absorbed from, and transformed and adjusted. Mutual hostility is precisely a manifestation of uncultured, uncivilized, barbaric and vicious. The beauty of culture lies not only in the fact that it can be admired and intoxicated, but also in its effectiveness, that is, its effect on improving and enhancing the quality of life of those who accept it. On cultural issues, all nation-states and regional groups have full rights to choose or not to choose, change or insist, discuss or observe, but do not have the power to use strength to combat and eliminate heterogeneous cultures.
Xiao Lianbing: One of the purposes of exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations is to promote dialogue on an equal footing among all countries. What are your thoughts on this?
Motaleg: After the revolution, Iran, especially in accordance with the views and opinions of the Supreme Leader, is fully prepared for dialogue with the Eastern world. Before the revolution, we were only talking to the West; but today we are not only talking to the West, we are particularly focused on dialogue with the East. Because we are closer to the East, our history, our vision, our spirit, are closer to the East. Learn from others and give to others; in other words, benefit yourself and benefit the other person. This relationship must be reciprocal at all levels. The problem for Westerners is that the countries that have concluded the agreement are not adhering to the principle of mutual benefit in bilateral relations, which is why countries like the United States are losing their place in the world. In bilateral relations, the two countries should establish a balanced and interactive relationship that can absorb the opinions of the government and the people, so that it is possible to establish a lasting relationship, a balanced relationship, and win the hearts and minds of the people.
Wang Meng: Countries should not only be equal when discussing cultural issues, but also should be equal when discussing other issues. But we also say, "Weak countries have no diplomacy". Since the second half of the 19th century, we have accumulated bitter experience in this regard. We are an ancient power, but at the same time an emerging developing power. Peace and development are the central issues of today's world. The community of human destiny is a pluralistic community, and without pluralism, there is no historical topic of building a community of destiny. Government and non-governmental, intercultural and economic and trade, exchanges and mutual learning, mutual learning, respect for differences, harmony and differences, the pursuit of common interests and common goals, is the premise of all human well-being.
5. Ancient culture has its own profound charm and forward momentum
Xiao Lianbing: How do you view the role of the Belt and Road Initiative in promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations?
Motaleg: The "Belt and Road" is reminiscent of the "Silk Road", which has historically brought benefits to countries along the route and become a mythical road that people talk about. Now, we live in a new era, and we may not be able to retain the physical form of that road, but the spirit of this road and the mutually beneficial links it brings to all countries in the world can be inherited and carried forward through the "Belt and Road". The Belt and Road Initiative needs to rely on some influential countries to achieve it. How to build the "Belt and Road" and how to establish ties between countries, especially between eastern countries, requires us to think deeply, which is very useful and necessary for our times. The "dialogue among civilizations" and the "exchange and mutual learning among civilizations" advocate a very important role in promoting mutual understanding among countries along the "Belt and Road", which has been widely recognized.
Wang Meng: I have had the privilege of visiting and traveling to many Belt and Road countries, such as Iran, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, etc. I believe that cultural exchanges between us are successful and without obstacles.
In 2019, the complete collection of 23 volumes of the "Chinese Translation of Persian Classics Library", which includes the representative works of the "Four Pillars" of Persian literature, was released, which is a grand event of cultural exchange. The works of giants of poetry such as Sadie, Ferdosi, Hayyam, Hafez, and Rudaki have been loved by Chinese poets and readers.
The story of Nassertin or Avanti is shared by many Belt and Road countries. The fame of the poet Navai was also popularized in Xinjiang and Central Asia. Including naan, pilaf, skewers, ramen, thin-skinned buns and other foods, it is not only shared by many ethnic groups in the "Belt and Road" countries, but also has its own distinctive characteristics, you have me, I have you, more than one, one in many, different, and colorful. This is the way of friends, the way of cultural development, the way of getting along with neighbors, the way of world peace, and the way of competition in decent competition. According to traditional Chinese culture, this is the way of heaven, the way of light, the way of happiness, and the way of brotherhood in all corners of the world.
Xiao Lianbing: What are your expectations for cultural exchanges between China and Iran?
MOTALEG: Fortunately, the current situation has created very good conditions for the development of cultural relations between the two countries, especially between Iran and China, two great asian civilizations. At present, the economic, trade and political relations between the two countries are good, and the cultural and artistic relations need to be further strengthened. We hope that the national art institutions of Iran and China will create conditions for more interaction between the two countries. We have a lot to say to each other. Iranian movies, for example, have a lot to share. Similarly, China has a lot to learn from. For example, we are very interested in China's ideas and experiences in digital art. In order to realize these ideas, I believe that conditions should be created for dialogue between artists from relevant institutions on both sides, such as providing a "dialogue zone" for exchanges between artists between Iran and China, establishing an Iranian-Chinese art town, carrying out artistic cooperation, and holding joint exhibitions.
Wang Meng: I have already talked about many beautiful progress in cultural exchanges between China and Iran. I must also mention that it has become fashionable to watch Iranian films in China today. I agree with Mr. Motaleg that there is a lot of room for cultural exchanges between China and Iran, two ancient civilizations of the East, to advance and expand. The ancient culture has its own profound charm and forward momentum, and the ancient culture is giving new life and achieving one after another rapid achievements.
Guangming Daily (2022.01.10 12th edition)