Iran compiling encyclopedia on Nowruz

“We aim to have part of the encyclopedia ready before the coming Nowruz (March 21, 2012) to distribute it to those countries where Nowruz is celebrated,” secretary of the Poetry and Literature Department of ECO (Economic Cooperation Organization) Cultural Institute Esmaeil Azar told the Persian service of MNA on Monday.

Nowruz, the ancient celebration of the Iranian New Year beginning on the first day of spring, was registered on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.

“The encyclopedia, which includes a summary in English and Russian, will be published by Sokhan Publications and probably will be completed in 11 volumes,” he added.

“Cultural and historical experts will be able to search and find all the details on Nowruz that were lacking in previous research volumes,” he said.

“Nowruz celebration from the viewpoints of foreign orientalogists as well as Nowruz and Islamic rituals are among the highlights of the encyclopedia.

“Also included will be a chapter which contains Nowruz in Persian literature from 1000 years ago, part of which reviews Nowruz in the modern poetry of Iran,” he added.