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| Iran Calligraphers Association |
The Iran Calligraphers Association has apologized to the Turkish community for an offensive text that was chosen for use in a nationwide exam.
The text, which was sent to various branches of the Calligraphers Association in different provinces for use in the exam, contained derogatory words and phrases directed at Seljuk Turks. The text sparked strong reactions from Turkish artists and media members in Iranian Azerbaijan and other regions.
Semi-official news agencies such as ISNA, Fars, and Mehr reported on the association’s apology.
“The mistakes made in selecting the sample text for the final exams caused concern and dissatisfaction among our Turkish compatriots. The Iran Calligraphers Association, the evaluation board, the board of directors, and the president of the board extend their sincere apologies and hope for forgiveness,” read the association's statement.
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| An exam question published by the Iran Calligraphers Association, containing insulting language towards the Seljuk Turks, which sparked severe criticism and objections from the Turkish community of Azerbaijan and other parts of Iran, including artists and media. |
The statement also emphasized, “Iranian society holds great respect for prominent Turkish figures and highly values their dignity and contributions. Al-Khwarizmi, Farabi, Suhrawardi, Allama Tabatabai, Allama Jafari, Parvin E'tesami, Sattar Khan, Bagher Khan, and the thousands of martyrs of the Sacred Defense period (the Iran-Iraq War) have been a source of pride for our beloved homeland, and their names and memories will forever be engraved in Iran's rich culture and the Islamic world.”
The statement also mentioned that the exam in question had been canceled, and the date for a new exam would be announced later.
According to information circulating on social media, the Tabriz branch of the association had previously announced the cancellation of the exam in protest.
Link to the original text in Turkish on the Azerbaijani section of Voice of America:
İran Xəttatlar Dərnəyi “təhqiredici mətn”ə görə türk icmasından üzr istəyib