Sixteenth International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities

Abstract

As an ancient and long-rooted tradition, the Norouz ritual not only constitutes natural rebirth and order as part of the psychological-mythic needs of human beings for many centuries, but has also laid a powerful base for peace and friendship between nations and ethnic groups that participate in this ritual. It acts as the context for peace and friendship on two levels, one between humans (people) and nature and second among humans. That is why these meanings continue the Norouz from the outset of Iranian life which made social solidarity and mental integrities among them that could spill over generations and would be diffused among other nations as well. Norouz has not been confined by national borders as the vanguard of peace and friendship. In fact, Norouz is a shared heritage between countries in which this ancient ritual has been held. When this ritual was registered by UNESCO, as part of its convention on intangible culture (ratified in 2002) in 2005, twelve countries were documented as celebrating Norouz. Now, this ritual should be known as a notable example of inter-cultural heritage that integrates people from different national and ethnic backgrounds, such as Iranian, Afghan, Tajik, Arab, Turkish, etc. This paper opens a new field of discussion in the conceptualization of cultural infrastructure and the foundations of peace. Finally, this paper sets forth the concept of inter-cultural heritage as an achievement and how it can help increase the closeness between countries in this region.