COEXISTENCE AMONG RELIGIONS IN ISFAHAN PROVES FREEDOM OF RELIGION IN IRAN

Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran
Nov 28 2006

Isfahan Governor General Seyed Morteza Bakhtiari here Tuesday said
that peaceful coexistence of Muslims and believers of other religions
in Isfahan is one of the prominent features of the city’s residents,
as is evident in all aspects of their lives and marks freedom of
religion in Iran.

He made the remark in a meeting with foreign guests from 15 countries
visiting Isfahan to attend the International Conference dubbed ‘The
Cultural Heritage Support in the Islamic World and Islamic Civilization
Role in Human Civilization’ (November 27-29).

"Despite unfair propaganda about lack of freedom of religion in Iran,
the Armenians residing in the city of Isfahan observe their religious
rites with full freedom.

"Many Isfahani Armenians were martyred during the Sacred Defense era
(1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war) and they are even represented in Majlis,"
he added.

Turning to the historical features and scientific background of the
city, the governor general noted that great scientists have been
raised in Isfahan and their works are being taught in universities
throughout the world.

"Besides, there are many prominent artists in Isfahan and the city
is considered as Iran’s hub of tourism on account of these artists,"
he added.

Head of Islamic Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization
(ISESCO) regional office in Tehran, Abbas Sadri, said that Isfahan has
a high capacity for cultural programs and that several international
conferences were held in the city in recent weeks.

"ISESCO programs marking the city’s designation as the cultural
capital of the world of Islam were conducted successfully and Isfahan
is expected to host more conferences in the coming months," he added.

The International Conference dubbed ‘The Cultural Heritage Support in
the Islamic World and Islamic Civilization Role in Human Civilization’
(November 27-29) opened at Isfahan’s Abbasi Hotel on Monday.

The event is attended by intellectuals from 18 countries. It has
been organized jointly by ISESCO and Iran’s Islamic Culture and
Communications Organization.

The three-day international conference aims to assess the current
status of cultural heritage in the world of Islam and predict the
prospect of cultural, economic and social development of Islamic
civilization.