The opening of Iran's first specialized library on the topic of China in University of Tehran

In the afternoon of Wednesday, 28 August, 2024, the country's first specialized library on the subject of China was opened in the presence of a group of officials and professors of UT in the Faculty of Foreign Languages ​​and Literatures.

Dr. Farideh Alavi, the Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages ​​and Literatures of University of Tehran, while appreciating the Confucius Institute of UT for setting up this library, considered the existence of such a reference collection as an honor for University of Tehran.

While pointing out the importance of the Faculty of Foreign Languages ​​and Literatures as one of the few scientific authorities in the country, which, along with language, has the direct study of the literature of the important countries of the world on its agenda, the establishment of this library is a positive step in the direction of direct knowledge of the Chinese language and culture.

Abdomajid Eskandari, Director General of UT’s Office of International Relations praised the launch of this collection and described the presence of hundreds of volumes of reference books in the original language in University of Tehran as a treasure that will open the way for the studies of scholars in various fields.

The Head of scientific-academic affairs of the Chinese Embassy in Iran, also pointed to the positive activities of the University of Tehran in the direction of China studies and stated: Currently, the University of Tehran is a pioneer in basic studies and research in the field of China, and the international success of its students of The Department of Chinese Language and Literature of Tehran University is a proof of this claim.

Dr. Hamed Vafaei, the Iranian Director of the Confucius Institute of UT and responsible for setting up this library, also introduced the resources in this collection and said: In the shadow of the support of the Faculty of Foreign Languages ​​and Literatures and the Office of Vice President for International Affairs at  University of Tehran , for the first time in Iran, it was successfully set up that we could   become a comprehensive collection of first-hand Chinese works with various topics related to China.

He added: The library collection of the Confucius Institute of UT includes 4,000 volumes of first-hand works in Chinese, which mainly cover the fields of language education, classical and contemporary literature, history, philosophy, geography and politics in China.

Dr. Vafaei continued: The main problem of Chinese studies and research in the fields related to this country in Iran is the lack of first-hand sources.

After the speeches of the invited guests, the ceremony of unveiling the board of the Chinese specialized library was performed in the presence of the guests.

Dr. Mohammadi, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages ​​and Literatures, University of Tehran, Dr. Kivanpanah, International Advisor to the Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Azam Lotfi, Director of the Asia Research Center, University of Tehran, Dr. Seyed Ait Hosseini, Director of the Department of East Asian Languages ​​and Literature, University of Tehran , Dr. Abdullahi, the Administrative and Financial Assistant of the faculty, Dr. Sheikhi, the Deputy of Office of International Students and  Academic Staff , University of  Tehran, Dr. Li Mei, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, Dr. Ju Weiwei, the New Director of the Confucius Institute, Dr. Ma Feng, the full professor of the Confucius Institute of the University of Tehran were among others present at this event.