KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 (Bernama) -- Commonly used Malay words such as dewan, bandar, pahlawan, gandum and anggur are among those derived from Persian, reflecting centuries of shared linguistic elements and cultural familiarity between the Persian and Malay worlds.
Cultural Counsellor of Iran Embassy in Malaysia, Dr Habibreza Arzani said the National Day of Abul-Qasem Ferdowsi and the Persian Language, observed annually on May 15 in Iran, provides an opportunity to appreciate the literary tradition that contributed to cultural exchanges across Asia through trade, scholarship and maritime interaction.
He said the Persian language historically functioned not only as a medium of literature and learning, but also as a bridge connecting diverse societies along the Silk Road and the maritime networks of the Indian Ocean.
“Through these interactions, elements of Persian culture found resonance in the Malay Archipelago, contributing to a rich and mutually enriching civilisational dialogue,” he said in a statement.
He said one of the most significant periods of Persian-Malay interaction took place during the era of the Melaka Sultanate in the 15th century, when Melaka emerged as a thriving centre of commerce and diplomacy.
“Melaka welcomed merchants, scholars and travellers from many regions, including Persia. These exchanges facilitated the circulation of ideas related to governance, literature, trade and urban culture. The historical relationship also left a lasting imprint on the Malay language,” Arzani added.
Arzani said beyond commerce and governance, Persian literary and spiritual traditions also influenced classical Malay intellectual culture such as celebrated scholar and poet Hamzah Fansuri, who drew inspiration from major Persian literary figures such as Jalal al-Din Rumi and Farid Ud-Din Attar.
“Through adaptation and reinterpretation, Persian poetic forms and ethical literature contributed to the development of Malay literary traditions, including the flourishing of the syair genre,” he said.
He added that translation activities also played a meaningful role in transmitting ethical and philosophical ideas across regions.
“Texts inspired by Persian traditions of governance and moral philosophy were localised within the Malay cultural context, enriching discussions on leadership, justice and ethics,” he said.
Arzani said today, the historical connections between Iran and Malaysia have continued through academic cooperation, literary translation, cultural exhibitions and artistic engagement involving institutions such as Malaysian Institute of Translation & Books (ITBM), Universiti Malaya, and International Islamic University Malaysia.
“In an increasingly interconnected world, revisiting these historical ties can serve as a reminder of the value of cultural understanding and mutual respect.
“By supporting continued exchanges in literature, education, and the arts, both nations can further strengthen a relationship rooted in centuries of shared intellectual and cultural engagement,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
