Persian language classes in Peshawar from July 1

The Cultural Centre of Islamic Republic of Iran in Peshawar will start the Persian language classes from July 1, 2007. The classes would be conducted at the Imam Khomeini Block of the Khana-e-Farhang-e-Islami Jamhoori Iran, Sir Syed Road, Peshawar Cantt in the evening from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
There would be a total of five classes a week, to be open to both men and women.Continuing with the past practice, apart from the set course that comprises three books of primary, middle and high grades, one class a week would be devoted to the works of the Persian language writers and poets.
A noted literatures, Syed Ghayyur Hussain, who has taught Persian at the Khana-e-Farhang and Department for Persian Studies, University of Peshawar, will take the classes.
It is worth mentioning here that Persian is an important and ancient language. The language is spoken in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and parts of Central Asian states. It has enjoyed the status of the court language of Subcontinent for nearly seven centuries. Persian has played an important role in the spread of Islam on the Subcontinent.
The first translation of the Holy Qura'an was carried out in this part of the world in Persian language. According to the language experts, the national language of Pakistan, Urdu, derives almost 60 percent words from Persian.
Two-thirds of the great pan-Islamist and our national poet, Allama Iqbal's work is in Persian. Out of his 10 poetic collections, six are in Persian, three in Urdu and one in Persian-Urdu combine.
The Iranian Cultural Centres are functioning in various cities of Pakistan with the primary objectives of promoting the literary and cultural activities. The Peshawar centre started working in year 1969.
It regularly holds Persian language, calligraphy and computer classes for both the gender, apart from giving a platform to the literati for promoting their respective languages. The centre has also published books on Urdu, Pashto and Hindko languages.
Headed by Director-General Mr Masood Islami, the Khana-e-Farhang, Peshawar has a well-equipped Adeeb Peshawari Library with a collection of over 15000 Persian, Urdu, Pashto and Hindko books. The membership of the library can be had by paying a nominal fee of Rs 50. There is a 50 percent concession to the students of the University of Peshawar on different courses offered by the centre.