TEHRAN - Tajikistan’s ambassador to Iran, Nizamuddin Zahedi, has said the cultural, linguistic, and historical commonalities between the two nations present valuable opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation.

During his visit to Tabriz on Wednesday, where he was invited to attend the city’s 11th National Handicrafts Exhibition and the 3rd International Tourism Exhibition, Zahedi emphasized the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, CHTN reported.

The ambassador’s visit included a tour of the Kamel Garden and the mausoleum of the famed poet Kamal Khujandi (1320-1400), who is celebrated in both Iranian and Tajik literary traditions.

Speaking to reporters, Zahedi underlined “enduring cultural and literary connections between the people of Tajikistan and Iran” as a strong foundation for enhancing collaboration in various fields.

“Our nations share rich literary, linguistic, religious, and cultural bonds, and these commonalities offer a unique opportunity to strengthen our bilateral ties,” the envoy said.

“Throughout history, scholars and poets like Kamal Khujandi have forged an inseparable link between our two countries.”

The Tajik ambassador also pointed to recent economic developments, stating that “the volume of trade between Iran and Tajikistan has increased fivefold in recent years.” He expressed optimism that this positive trend would continue, with further expansion in both economic and cultural cooperation.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Zahedi praised the Tabriz exhibitions, calling them a “positive step” towards bolstering ties between the two countries. “These exhibitions provide an ideal platform for showcasing the cultural and economic potential of both Iran and Tajikistan and can pave the way for even greater collaboration,” he said.

Soaked in history and dotted with splendid vibrant historical sites, Tabriz has countless attractions such as Azarbaijan Museum, Arg-e Tabriz, Poets’ Mausoleum, Elgoli Park, Shahriyar House Museum, Municipal Hall, St Mary's Church, Qajar Museum, Constitution House, Khaqani Park, and Sarkis Church.

In addition, the ancient city has long been a place of cultural exchange since antiquity. Its UNESCO-registered bazaar complex gives reference to the city’s glorious past when it was a peak commercial center on the Silk Road. It is also famous for having a rich Azeri culture, hospitable people, ubiquitous carpet shops, abundant public places, and an efficient transport system.

For centuries, the ancient city acted as a buffer between regional powers, the Persian and Ottoman empires in particular. It became the capital of the Mongol Il-Khan Mahmud Gazan (1295–1304) and his successor. Timur (Tamerlane), a Turkic conqueror, took it in 1392. Some decades later, the Kara Koyunlu Turkmen made it their capital. It was when the famous Blue Mosque was built in Tabriz. Tabriz retained its administrative status under the Safavid dynasty until 1548, when Shah Tahmasp I relocated his capital westward to Qazvin.

During the next two centuries, Tabriz changed hands several times between Persia and the Ottoman Empire. During World War I, the city was temporarily occupied by Turkish and then Soviet troops.

AM