Cameron Posted September 23, 2005 Oneness of Mankind: A precious Persian carpet decorates UN Headquarters in New York New York, Aug 24, IRNA-One of the world's most valuable hand-woven carpets was hung on the wall of New York-based UN Headquarters on Tuesday in the presence of Iran's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mohammad-Javad Zarif. The carpet has been woven by the well-known Iranian carpet weaver Mohammad Seirafian from the city of Isfahan in central Iran in 10 years. One of the special features of the 25-square-meter carpet is that the famous verse from the prominent Iranian poet, Sheikh Musleh-Uddin Sa'di Shirazi (1184-1291 AD), Oneness of Mankind has been woven into it in pure gold. Meanwhile, the English translation of the verse installed next to the carpet attracts the attention of viewers and makes them wonder at the majesty of Iran's culture and civilization as well as the wisdom of Iranians. The verse reads: All men are members of the same body, Created from one essence. If fate brings suffering to one member, The others cannot stay at rest. You who remain indifferent To the burden of pain of others, Do not deserve to be called human." The Iranian carpet is characterized by its unique motifs and design and each centimeter of it contains 200 knots all tied manually. Traditional natural colors have been applied to the carpet, which are resistant to sunshine and become more attractive through time. The carpet was eventually hung on the wall of the UN Headquarters auditorium, while due to lack of space on one hand, and the bulk of requests from various countries for hanging their proposed works in the building, even at a one-meter space, on the other, was almost impossible. According to an old tradition, the world countries normally present gifts to the UN. Thus, during the premiership of the late Mohammad Mossadeq, a precious carpet was presented to the UN by Iran and other gifts followed during the following years. "The significance of hanging Iran's new gift to UN is that it was presented under the condition that almost no space was available for hanging the objects received over the past year. "However, despite such a lack of space, the carpet has been hung at one of the most convenient venues in the UN Headquarters, which is often frequented by various diplomats," he added. Zarif referred to the event as a success for the national art and culture and added that Sa'di's famous verse known as `Oneness of Mankind' was inscribed on a plate and hung above UN Headquarter in New York a few decades ago. "According to the surveys conducted on the issue, the move has been unrivaled over the past three decades. Moreover, the UN basic policy may not actually be worded more optimally by any other concept, except this verse of Sa'di. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thelerner Posted September 26, 2005 That brings to mind the irony that its Iranian w/ an iranian poets quote on the oneness of mankind. Meanwhile Iran is the birthplace of the Bahai religion, a very peaceful one that stresses the oneness of mankind and ofcourse they've been persecuted in there homeland for years. Michael Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cameron Posted September 26, 2005 I went to a Bahai meeting. Intersting and pretty peacful philosophy. I like there archetecture alot. Arabs conquesred Iran like 1000 years ago and forced Islam on it's people .The original Iranians were Zorastrian. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
