The Iranian Journal of International Affairs.-1999,Vol.XI, №1,P.80-96

Dialogue and culturel Coexistence:International Peace Through Tourism

By Terence Duffy

ABSTRACT

This paper explores the growing potential for dialogue and cultural coexistence exhibited by the impact of international tourism, one of the most potent forces for world peace of the twentieth century and for the new millennium.

The author congratulates the Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS) in selecting 'dialogue and cultural coexistence' as one of the themes for the 9th Persian Gulf Seminar. This is a truly vital theme. The World Tourism Organization and the International Institute for Peace through Tourism have shown the remarkable strength of 'citizen diplomacy' based on the fostering of economic, social and tourist contacts.

Such initiatives offer great possibilities in contributing to international understanding. A good example of this potential is shown by the experience of the 'Silk Road' initiatives launched in 1994, by the WTO and UNESCO. The 'Silk Road' aims to revitalise through tourism the ancient highways used by Marco Polo and those who came after him. It stretches 12,000 km from Asia to Europe. Sixteen Silk Road countries have joined forces for this project of which Iran has been an active participant.

Efforts of this kind can eventually help melt the 'walls of mistrust' that may exist at a diplomatic level Moreover, at precisely this level, the esteemed Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, has been the 'champion' of 'dialogue between civilizations' and a promoter of friendship between Iran and its global neighbours.

In March 1998 Dr. Seyyed Ataollah Mohajerani, Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in noting the great achievements of UNESCO could say with confidence that Iran has been the pioneer of dialogue among Eastern and Western civilizations, and in making their relationships and coexistence more peaceful, and fruitful. This cultural openness has created a striking richness in various branches of arts, literature and sciences. In modern times cinema has been one of the outstanding example of Iran's ability to receive and embrace new cultural elements.

A good example is the award by UNESCO of the Fellini Golden Medal to the Iranian film-maker, Kiya Rostaml Another fine example is the esteem brought by Majid Majidi's moving portrayal of Iranian life, 'Children of Heaven'.

This paper will explore some of the dynamics that might contribute to dialogue and cultural coexistence and the potential of tourism and 'cultural sharing' to contribute to that process in Iran, and in other countries.

A Dialogue of "Civilizations and Cultures"

On the now famous interview with Iranian President, H.E. Mr. Mohammad Khatami, on 7th January, 1998, CNN senior staff reporter Christiana Amanpour encouraged President Khatami, widely respected as the champion of 'dialogue between civilizations', to reflect on the direction of Iran's relations with the west. In a

remarkable speech, President Khatami emphasized the importance of dialogue and coexistence:

'We are at the close of the 20th century, leaving behind a century full of inequality, violence, and conflict. We pray to the Almighty to enable us to begin a new century of humanity, understanding, and durable peace, so that all humanity would enjoy the blessings of life... Over the past two centuries, the Iranian nation has striven to establish liberty, independence and a noble way of life ... In terms of the dialogue of civilizations, we intend to benefit from the achievements and experiences of all civilizations, Western and non—western, and to hold dialogue with them... '

His speech also drew world sympathy to the reality that the international media can so easily distort or offer a highly simplified or inaccurate picture of countries, their beliefs or indeed of historical events. President Khatami therefore referred to the need to correct the negative presentation of both Iran and of Islam which is offered by so much of the international media:

‘I should refer to the struggles of the Iranian people over the last two centuries which culminated in the quest for independence during the Islamic Revolution launched by Imam Khomeini When Imam Khomeini launched the revolution, Iran was in a terrible condition... the Iranian nation had been humiliated and its fate was decided by others... The image of Islam which has been presented... has been an erroneous one. Islam is a religion which calls all humanity, irrespective of religion or belief, to rationality and logic. Islam invites followers of all divine religions to unite around God worship and all Muslims to fraternity. The Islam which we ... practice and founded our revolution on, recognised the right of all human beings to determine their own destiny. It declares that relations among nations must be based on logic and mutual respect. Such Islam is enemy to no nation ... (or) religion. It seeks dialogue, understanding and peace with all nations ... nothing should prevent dialogue and understanding between two nations, especially between their scholars and thinkers...

President Khatami had a very practical programme to propose by which to initiate this dialogue, of which important conferences of this kind, might form a key component. He stressed the role of international exchanges of academics, scholars and of tourists. He argued that the results of these exchanges at every level, could only produce a sense of mutual understanding between Iran and her neighbours, but added the caveat that this dialogue was quite separate from the idea of political dialogue:

'/ recommend the exchange of professors, writers, scholars, artists, journalists, and tourists. A large number of educated and noble Iranians now reside in the US as representatives of the Iranian nation. This shows that there is no hostility between the two nations. But the dialogue between civilizations and nations is different from political relations. In regard to political relations, we have to consider the factors which lead to the severance of relations. If some day another situation is to emerge, we must definitely consider the roots and relevant factors and try to eliminate them... When I speak of dialogue, I intend dialogue between civilizations and cultures. Such discourse should be centered around thinkers and intellectuals. I believe that all doors should now be opened for such dialogue and understanding and possibilities for contact... a better future for both countries and nations may be forged...

The Importance of Cultural Coexistence

The Iranian government has frequently stressed the importance of dialogue and cultural coexistence. This has been a key-note feature of several official Iranian government statements and has been mentioned by several senior Iranian Ministers.

This paper will quote at some length from the stimulating speech of Dr. Seyyed Ataollah Mohajerani, Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, delivered to the Stockholm Conference, 30 March-2 April, 1998 and subsequently published in the Iranian Press:

I would also like to express my government's appreciation to UNESCO and, especially to Dr. Federico Mayor for the role played by UNESCO in initiating cultural policy—making and its impact on the processes of development. I believe that UNESCO's holding of a separate gathering for the youth in this conference is especialy praiseworthy. My country, seventy percent of its population being under thirty years of age, is in full recognition of the importance of this considerable force in shaping its future. The massive participation of the youth in our last presidential election showed how prominent their role is in shaping the social and political life of the country... I would like to express my appreciation for UNESCO's interests to introduce the cultural values and achievements of this multi—dimensional civilization. It is on the basis of this background that at the outset of the coming millennium, my country is the pioneer of the dialogue among Eastern and Western civilizations, tomake their relationships and coexistence more peaceful,amicable and fruitful...

With a youthful population, Iran has embraced cinema, arts and popular culture with enormous enthusiasm. The Iranian population is extremely open to new innovations and educational and cultural ideas. The Minister was able to refer with some detail to the many efforts made by Iran to embrace the influences of cultural modernization and the creative arts:

'Iranian people had the capacity of welcoming cultural currents into their social life and, retaining at the same time their own special characteristics and national identity. This cultural openness has given them richness in various branches of arts, literature and sciences. In modem times cinema has been one of the outstanding example of this ability to receive new cultural elements. We have taken this media from the West, but we have not been simple imitators, rather, we have conveyed our cultural messages to the Western world through hundreds of films that we have made during the last decades, and have had our share in evolution of this very important branch of art. I take this occasion to thank UNESCO for donating the Fellini Golden Medal to the Iranian filmmaker, Kiya Rostami.. '

The Minister also noted the respect which Iranian people and the Iranian state have shown for the concept of cultural diversity and the interest which the Iranian government have shown in promoting international cooperation and exchange of information in this field. This had also been shown in the respect for cultural heritage and of its preservation by the government departments in Iran. Dr. Mohajerani also reflected on the importance of human values and ideals. As the Minister noted at the Stockholm conference:

'We believe that human historical achievements are enriched through cultural interactions, and it is our conviction that cultural diversity has been the creative source of development and prosperity for human societies and ancient, as well as modern civilizations. Mr. Perez de Cuellar's remarks about 'our creative diversity' and 'Power of Culture' have been inspiring and illuminating... There is no center for the world. Every point, every locality where human creativity is working and producing can be the center of the world in its own right. Protection of historical legacies — material and non—material is today more than any other time in need of national as well as international support. The human values and ideals inherent in these legacies have been almost totally neglected and endangered from various directions ... My government is seriously concerned about these dangers, and seeks international cooperation and guidance from related centers of scientific information....'

Iran has long held a commitment to the promotion of common understanding among nations. The minister demonstrated that the Iranian government was committed towards the concept of inter-cultural dialogue and the friendship between peoples that such dialogue would inevitably produce:

'Inter—cultural dialogue, which the Islamic Republic of Iran has initiated w directed towards common understanding among different nations, and seeks international support and sympathy. Cultures are the products of human mental and spiritual life and, basically, cannot be conflicting. They enrich and promote one another. Dr. Federico Mayor's confirmation of our President, Mr. Khatami's view on dialogues between civilizations ... has been a source of encouragement for us ... Mr. Mayor's interest in the realization of this view through implementing the declaration of the Tehran Summit, of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), and also of UNESCO's cooperation with this issue, are clear signs of our mutual endeavours in this respect. Following his interest in initiating a fruitful and constructive dialogue between civilizations, we dclare our desire to contribute ... effectively to this end.. '⁷

Dr. Mohajerani also pointed to the respect which Iran had shown for the 'power of culture' and the understanding of the importance and integrity of this concept at the expense of sedentary issues of power or monetary wealth. In so doing, he was effectively celebrating the cultural treasures of Iran:

'The Islamic Republic of Iran is looking forwardgreat hopes to the fruits that this conference will bear at the threshold of the 21st Century. We hope that in this new era the diversity of the world cultures will give rise to new creations and will open new vistas to the nations of the world, and that the "Power of Culture" will rise above the powers of wealth and politics. *

International Tirade and International Cooperation

Invariably cultural dialogue may well be accompanied by economic and other varieties of cooperation between Iran and her neighbours. Certainly tremendous progress has already been made to harness links of trade and international cooperation. In January 1999 The Irish Foreign minister, David Andrews visited Iran for a three-day state mission aimed at expanding economic relations and economic agreements.⁹ On 16 February 1999, the BBC World Service reported that the Iranian government had concluded a major oil deal with an Anglo-Canadian consortium. The goal would be to develop oil fields in the Balal region of the (Persian) Gulf in cooperation with the Canadian firm, Bow Valley Energy, and the British organisation, Premier Oil. This is the latest in a series of recent agreements struck between the Iranian authorities and foreign oil firms. Various US diplomatic overtures have been made but one suspects that the 'walls of mistrust' in Iran may remain 'high' until the US substantially alters its policy-especially with regard to sanctions. However, there exist a variety of ways to build mutual confidence, and much progress might be made, even in US-Iranian relations, at the level of 'citizen contacts'- sometimes termed 'citizen diplomacy'. With more cooperation through business and tourism, diplomatic changes may follow. Iran returned to the 1998 World Cup, their second appearance after a 20-year absence from the games, and the Iran versus US match was undoubtedly good for continuing the influence of dialogue. Contacts of this sort do, in some ways, contribute to a spirit of dialogue and coexistence.

Tourism and Its Potential for World Peace

The World Tourism Organization is the leading international organization in the field of travel and tourism. Having its headquarters in Madrid. WTO aims to stimulate economic growth, provide incentives for protecting the environment and

heritage destinations, and promote peace and understanding. WTO's mission is to promote and develop tourism as a significant means of fostering international peace and understanding, economic development, and international trade. Tourism is the world's largest growth industry with no signs of slowing down in the 21st century. WTO is in a unique position to carry out special projects that promote tourism to a group of member countries such as the Silk Road Program which is being implemented in cooperation with the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Launched in 1994, the Silk Road project aims to revitalize through tourism, the ancient highways used by Marco Polo and the caravan traders who came after him. The Silk Road stretches 12,000 km from Asia to Europe. Sixteen Silk Road countries have joined forces for this project: Japan, Republic of Korea, DPR Korea, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Georgia, Greece and Egypt.

The WTO recognizes that dialogue and coexistence are integral features of tourism's significant contribution to world peace. At the International Conference on Heritage, Multicultural Attractions and Tourism held in Istanbul from 25-27 August, 1998 - the WTO Tourism: 2020 Vision, concluded that cultural tourism would be one of the five key market segments in the future and represent an increasing challenge in managing visitor flows to cultural sites including the WTO/UNESCO sponsored heritage route such as the Silk Road. For centuries, the Silk Road was travelled by conquerors, traders, missionaries, geographers and, more recently, by tourists. Since 1991, coinciding with the independence of the five central Asian republics, there has been a revival of the Silk Road interests. Encouraged by this development, the WTO decided at its General Assembly in Indonesia in 1993 to create a long term project that would promote a special Silk Road tourism concept. As a historical landmark, the Samarkand Declaration on Silk Road Tourism was adopted in 1994 by nineteen participating countries. Iran, along with China, India, Pakistan and Turkey, is among those countries who have already opened up their sites of the Silk Road and have gained experience with this tourism product.

The International Institute for Peace Through Tourism

The International Institute for Peace Through Tourism (IIPT) is a nonprofit organization based in Vermont, USA and works in cooperation with the WTO. The IIPT is dedicated to fostering tourism initiatives which contribute to international understanding and coopreration, the preservation of the environment and heritage, and through these initiatives, help bring about a peaceful and sustainable world. Its First Global Conference, 'Tourism - A Vital Force for Peace' (Vancouver 1988) included more than two hunderd presentations on tourism and peace. The Institute has compiled a guide covering four hundred 'Peace Parks' dedicated across Canada, each one of them a living legacy of Canada's commitment to world peace and a healthy environment. Its Second Global Conference, "Building a Sustainable World Through Tourism' (Montreal 1994) brought eight hundred participants from over two hundred countries. Its Third Global Conference, 'Building Bridges of Peace, Culture and Prosperity through Sustainable Tourism', will be held in Glasgow, Scotland October 17-21, 1999. Particular emphasis will be placed on building two-way bridges among developed, developing and emerging economies of the world. Many of the developed, developing and emerging economies of the world. Many of the programmes of the IIPT contribute significantly to the goal of 'dialogue and cultural coexistence' and are thus highly relevant to this conference.

The Silk Road: Roads of Dialogue and Coexistence

The WTO and UNESCO have placed considerable priority on the "Silk Road" as a trans-continental concept requiring cooperation and collaboration beyond

individual country borders. At the Silk Road Forum held in Xi'an, China in June 1996, tourism officials, tour operators, scholars and journalists from twenty—five nations as well as representatives from UNESCO and UNDP attended. It was the first time that WTO was able to help Silk Road countries to establish new business links in a substantive way with the tour operators from major generating markets. Encouraged by the success of the Xi'an Forum, WTO organised a second Silk Road Travel Forum in the historical city of Nara, Japan in January 1997 in collaboration with UNESCO and the Asia-Pacific Tourism Exchange Centre (APTEC). The Forum brought together senior officials from nineteen nations.

More recently, the International Meeting on the Silk Road was held in Tehran in April 1997, Also supported by UNESCO, the meeting brought national tourism administrations, international organisations, tour operators and journalists representing twenty-nine nations with the common goal of reviving the legendary Silk Road through tourism. The primary aims of the meeting were to broaden international understanding and expand cultural exchanges, both within the Silk Road region, and between individual Silk Road countries and the rest of the world through sustainable tourism development. The meeting recommended, among other developments, the establishment of a Silk Road website on the Internet, an annual Silk Road Tourism Day and Motor Rally, and the adoption of the Silk Road official anthem.

The recently concluded Silk Road meeting held within the framework of the WTO General Assembly in Istanbul, Turkey from 17-24 October 1997, resulted in two new initiatives- to develop an action plan to link the Silk Road handicrafts centres drawing on the experience of a UNDP project in Uzbekistan; and to support a proposal by a New Zealand media group to prepare a major television travel series on the Silk Road attractions.

Iranian Cultural Life and Cultural Coexistence

Winner of the Montreal World Film Festival Grand Prix of the Americas Award and the Air Canada People's Award, the "children of Heaven' is a sensitive, memorable film from Majid Majidi. Set in Majidi's native Tehran, 'Children of Heaven' follows the relationship between an impoverished brother and sister, AH and Zahra, who are thrust into a difficult circumstance. What follows is a tender, moving, tale of compassion, determination and deep family love. It is not surprising therefore that Argentinean film producer Nicolas Sarqvis recently told the Tehran Times that, 'Poeple all over the world can comprehend Iranian films.' Sarqvis participated in the 17th International Fajr Film Festival as a foreign guest. Sarqvis's wife, Christina was also enthusiastic about Iranian film, commenting that Iranian women have achieved their real status in society,...they enjoy respect and admiration...'

At the Fajr Music Festival a Ukrainian music group used Ukrainian basic musical instruments to perform popular melodies and folk music from all over the world including Iran, Greece, France, Mexico Ukraine. Speaking on the title chosen for this year's festival, "Peace and Dialogue", the leader of the group, Anatoliy Dlibyna said, "when we are performing the music of different nations, we are committed to the thoughts of civilizations. Music is never the indicator of war. The world of music is the world of peace'. The Fajr Music Festival with its enthusiastic emphasis on youth, paves the way for cultural exchange among different nations. Seyed Mohammadian, the singer and leader of Mardan—e Khoda Group (Men of God) commented aptly, 'Music is a bridge which links various races, tribes and nations...'

The Importance of Iran's Role in the Muslim World

Iran has a central role in the Muslim world. The sixth OIC summit is undoubtedly regarded as a turning point in the history of Iran's presence in the organization. In the summit, for the first time since the victory of the Islamic Revolution, the president of Iran took part and delivered a lengthy speech which was warmly welcomed by the authorities of other participating countries. It was agreed at this meeting that Iran would host the 8th OIC sumit. It was an enormous success. During its recent gathering in Jakarta, Indonesia, the Organization of the Islamic Conference issued a resolution to voice its support for Iran and Libya against the 'unfair' d'Amato act.

In recent months it has become clear that there is increasing Libyan—Iranian unity on the subject of sanctions. In the past few days, Iran's Foreign Minister, H.E. Kamal Kharrazi has said that his country and Libya hope to join efforts to confront what he called an 'economic siege' imposed by the United States on both their countries. Speaking shortly after his arrival from a three—day visit to Libya, Mr. Kharrazi said the United States cannot impose its laws on others. He expressed hope for achieving a unified Iranian-Libyan stand to confront US embargoes imposed on both states and delivered a letter from President Khatami to the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and said the good political relations between the two countries would help foster cooperation in various fields. Mr. Kharrazi underlined the need for coordination among oil—producing countries given falling oil prices.

Iranian—European Cooperation: Current Trends

Seyyed Mohammad Sajjadpour in an interesting article in The Iranian Journal of Foreign Policy, assesses the US policy of containing Iran and identifies it as a new approach adopted by the Clinton administration. Certainly the policy of containing Iran has gone beyond classic trade and economic sanctions and is pursuing goals of obstructionism. In contrast, increased Iranian-European cooperation has been emphasised in the 2 June 1998 statement of Morteza Sarmadi, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Europe and the Americas. In an interview with the daily Ettela'at, Mr. Sarmadi argues that the policy of working with Iran has always been on Europe's agenda and this hasbeen as a result of Iran's geopolitical importance, its position in the Islamic world, its economic capacity, the presidential election (May 23, 1997) and its presidency of the OIC. He stressed Iran's serious willingness to improve the relations with Europe and said: 'Certainly we can take steps in this course if the mutual political will of Iran and Europe for cooperation with each other ... The basis of work is mutual respect and equal relations and if the destructive forces are not permitted to influence the relations.' He continued:

'Among the European countries we are witnessing this more positive approach on the part of Italy, France, Spain and Greece. Those countries are trying to present a more friendly and suitable performance. Naturally, if the other European countries adopt a realistic course and a view based on mutual respect Iran does not see any obstacle to cooperation with them.

About the relations between Iran and Britain, Mr. Sarmadi said: 'Our relations with Britain have always had ups and downs since the victory of the revolution. But since last year it seems that London is trying to present more creative policies than in the past'. About the developments in connection with the Caspian Sea, Mr. Sarmadi concluded, 'If we accept that this sea must be one of concourse, peace and development with a collective and joint move, we must try to arrive at some common instances and achieve a legal regime which is satisfactory to everyone...'

CONCLUSION

Dialogue and Cultural Coexistence:

The Contribution of Tourism to World Peace

This paper has explored the growing potential for dialogue and cultural coexistence exhibited by the impact of international tourism. The Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS) is to be congratulated for selecting 'dialogue and cultural coexistence' as one of the themes for the 9th Persian Gulf Seminar. The World Tourism Organization (WTO) and the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) have shown the remarkable strength of 'citizen diplomacy' based on the fostering of economic, social and tourist contacts. Such initiatives offer very real and substantial possiblities in contributing to international understanding. We have seen the great success of the 'Silk Road' initiative launched in 1994, by the WTO and UNESCO.

The esteemed President Khatami, has been the 'champion' of 'dialogue between civilizations' and a promoter of friendship between Iran and its global neighbours; and Dr. Mohajerani, Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidane, has shown how in various branches of arts, literature and sciences, Iran has contributed to a creative dialogue of nations. In this vital goal, one should not underestimate the remarkable potential of tourism and 'cultural sharing' to contribute to a process of mutual understanding. Such relationships offer both cultural and economic potential in Iran, and in other countries. Tourism is one of the most creative influences in fostering a common understanding and creating the appropriate climate in order to build 'a culture of peace'. This will certainly be founded on trust, understanding and mutual respect.

Professor Mayor, Director General of UNESCO, has said of the progress in the world towards achieving such a common understanding, 'not only is a culture of peace both feasible and indispensable... it is already in progress'.

The IPIS, its organizers and delegates at this conference are to be congratulated for the very real contribution the hosting of this event has made to that vital process. One arrives in Iran a tourist and departs for ever a friend. One will not easily forget the cultural richness of Tehran or Esfahan, and one will never forget the friendship of the Iranian people. That is the spirit of dialogue that one will always cherish.