Afghan Voice Agency (AVA)_Kabul: On the occasion of the passing of Professor Saleh Mohammad Khaliq, the head of the Balkh Writers' Association, a ceremony was held yesterday (Thursday, August 8) at the Ferdowsi Public Library in Mazar-e-Sharif with the presence of poets, writers, and enthusiasts of Persian-Dari literature and culture.

 

At this meeting, which was also attended by a group of members of the Rumi House Literary Association, the Balkh Writers Association, and the Ferdowsi Public Library, Dr. Seyed Ruhollah Hosseini, the Cultural Advisor of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Kabul, while honoring the memory of Professor Khaliq, explained the dimensions of his scientific, literary, and cultural personality.

 

Referring to the breadth of Professor Khaliq's works in the fields of research, translation, historiography, and the press, Hosseini considered him a prominent figure in the cultural system of Greater Khorasan and listed his personality traits as extensive knowledge of history and literature, a spirit of discipleship, patriotism, a deep interest in the Persian language, tireless perseverance, support for young poets and writers, and flexibility in the face of cultural changes.

 

He described Professor Khaliq as "a cultural institution and a multifaceted phenomenon" who thrived in the heart of literary traditions, but thought and wrote in today's language. According to him, Khaliq was the heir to the historical consciousness of Balkh and pursued his love for the Persian language not merely as an emotion, but as a responsibility to preserve and continue the culture and literature of this language.

 

Dr. Seyed Ruhollah Hosseini, the Cultural Advisor of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Kabul, also referred to Master Khaliq’s Shahnameh recitations in public gatherings and described them as “a cultural statement to preserve the Persian language, promote heroic manners, and remember the roots.” He added: “Despite his advanced age, the Master neither withdrew nor remained silent; he was a man of the field and shone in writing, speaking, encouraging the youth, and holding enlightening cultural meetings.”

 

At the end of his speech, Dr. Seyed Ruhollah Hosseini asked the audience to keep the light he lit burning by referring to the works and thoughts of Master Khaliq and to continue the concern for promoting culture, preserving the language, and intellectual awakening of society.

 

At the end of the ceremony, Dr. Hosseini honored Professor Khaliq's students by presenting them with cultural packages.