German artist grants Goethe's bust to Hafez’s tomb

German artist Knut Reinhart has granted the bust of internationally-recognized poet and philosopher Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe to the tomb of renowned Iranian poet Hafez on the occasion of Shiraz Day.

The 15th day of Ordibehesht in the Persian calendar, which fell on May 05 this year, has been designated as the National Day of Shiraz due to the city’s historical and cultural importance, as well as its unique beauty.   

Every year on the occasion, special programs are held across the country. The Shiraz Municipality also holds different programs such as traditional concerts where local musicians sing traditional folk songs, which are forgotten nowadays. Women from rural areas also wearing special costumes serve visitors traditional foods and homemade bread.

In the ceremony of donating the bust this year, Reinhart said, “I have tried to make a sculpture of Goethe and create a symbolic trip to connect Hafez and Goethe, because the travel never happened during their life time, while the German poet admired his Iranian counterpart obviously.”

As to the importance of Iran in the eyes of German people, Reinhart also added that he visited different parts of Iran, and in these trips, he has got familiar with the Persian culture, and that he has found Iranians as well-educated people, and Europeans can learn some traditional and cultural issues such as hospitality from the great nation.”

According to the provincial officials, a museum of fame and regional museum in vicinity of Hafez’s mausoleum has been constructed.

The Iranian official added that the provincial office plans to install statues of national and international prominent figures in the museum of fame.  

Shiraz, as the city of prominent Iranian poets Saadi and Hafez, has a special place among Iranians.

Hafez Shirazi's poems have been translated into many languages, and the name of this Iranian poet has been heard in the Western world as well.

Experts believe that Johann Wolfgang von Goethe would not have written the prestigious West-Eastern Divan without being inspired by Hafez. The book is in fact a collection of poems in Persian style with inspirations from Hafez.

“Goethe came across a translation of Hafez when he was about 65 years old, which changed his life. Hafez, as the biggest Iranian poet, had a great impact on Goethe's life,” according to Anke Bosse, professor of Universität Klagenfurt, Austria.

The tomb of Hafez, located in Shiraz city in Hafezieh, is a place full of fragrance mixed with a passion for poetry. The Tomb of Hafez is one of the most important tourist attractions in Shiraz.

Also read:

Iran marks National Day of Shiraz

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