Kashmir was once known as Iran-e-Sagheer, or “Little Iran”. The phrase reflected a deep civilisational connection with Iran that shaped our language, spirituality, craftsmanship, art and way of life.

Today, we find ourselves at a precarious crossroads. Our language is on the wane, our traditional social fabric is changing rapidly and our economy remains vulnerable. What we risk losing is not merely a way of life, but a part of who we are.Centuries ago, when the revered saint Shah-e-Hamadan (RA) came to Kashmir, he brought with him much more than the message of Islam. He brought a civilisation of Sufi traditions, knowledge, craftsmanship and cultural richness that became woven into Kashmiri society. The shawls we cherish, the handicrafts we celebrate, the artistic traditions we inherit and much of the Sufi ethos that defines Kashmir carry the imprint of that historic encounter. In many ways, Iran helped Kashmir discover Kashmir.

I recently had the opportunity to visit Iran for the first time. What struck me was not simply that the country had survived decades of sanctions and immense external pressure. What stayed with me was the cultural confidence with which ordinary people continued to live with their history, language and traditions.I had expected to see a country battered by sanctions and burdened by seemingly endless conflict. Instead, I saw people going about their daily lives. Their language was everywhere. Their culture was not preserved inside museums. It was alive in everyday life. For decades, Iran has endured sanctions that have imposed enormous economic costs. Yet it has adapted by expanding domestic production and developing alternative trade and financial networks. It has undoubtedly paid a heavy price, but it has also demonstrated that external pressure can weaken an economy but can not take away a society’s resolve to adapt. Economic isolation does not necessarily have to become cultural surrender. Iran has retained its Persian language, literature, poetry,........

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