Hawzah News Agency- The event brought together high-ranking Iranian and Thai officials, academics, researchers, and cultural enthusiasts to honor his legacy.
Nasseredin Heidari, Iran's ambassador to Thailand, and Mehdi Zare, Iran’s cultural attaché, laid wreaths at Sheikh Ahmad Qomi’s tomb to pay tribute to the scholar who arrived in Siam over 420 years ago.
In his address, Ambassador Heidari highlighted Sheikh Ahmad’s pivotal role in initiating cultural, religious, and people-to-people connections between the ancient civilizations of Iran and Thailand.
He proposed organizing a conference in collaboration with the Thai Embassy in Tehran to mark the 70th anniversary of formal Iran-Thailand diplomatic relations, featuring Sheikh Ahmad’s descendants and scholars from both nations.
Ekratun Jularat, president of the Sheikh Ahmad Qomi Institute and a descendant of Sheikh Ahmad, described him as not only a religious leader but also a key historical figure in cultural, political, and social exchanges between the two nations.
He emphasized Sheikh Ahmad’s influence at the Ayutthaya court and his dedication to promoting human values, portraying him as a model for peaceful coexistence and cultural interaction.
The event featured a documentary on Sheikh Ahmad Qomi's life, showcasing his contributions through historical records and Thai perspectives.
An accompanying exhibition of Iranian handicrafts, including enamelwork, marquetry, and ceramics, highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Iran.
On the sidelines, Ayutthaya's mayor and the president of Ayutthaya University discussed cultural collaboration with Iran’s cultural attaché. Initial agreements were made to expand Persian language education at Ayutthaya University's Persian Language Center and to organize joint cultural programs in the city.
Born in Qom, Iran, Sheikh Ahmad migrated to Siam (modern-day Thailand) in the early 17th century, establishing himself as a respected scholar and advisor at the Ayutthaya royal court. He played a crucial role in fostering cultural exchange and understanding between the two nations.
