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Iranian traditions and religious rituals have attracted dozens of visitors at the 2009 Parliament of the World's Religions in Melbourne. |
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Visitors can also get access to religious books and posters introducing Iran's religious tourism sites. Over the centuries, Iran has developed a reputation for its respect toward religious minorities. The ancient Persian King Cyrus the Great ordered his people to respect other religions and cultures in what has became to be known as the First Charter of Human Rights. Followers of different religions are treated equally by the country's constitution and Iranian Muslims, Zoroastrians, Jews and Christians enjoy the right of self-administration and elect their own representative to the 290-seat Majlis (Parliament). Persian handicrafts and traditional outfits are also part of the Iranian pavilion where visitors can drink tea and try traditional sweets. First held in Chicago in 1893, the Parliament of the World's Religions brings together the world's religious and spiritual communities, leaders and followers to discuss peace, diversity and sustainability in the context of interreligious understanding and cooperation. The Parliament of the World's Religions is held every five years in a major international city, where participants try to find answers for various international issues such as indigenous reconciliation, global poverty, environmental care and challenges of social disengagement. Sponsored by the Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions, the 2009 Parliament will run for seven days holding seminars, conferences, debates, performances, concerts and exhibitions. The Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions was established in an effort to create harmony among the international religious and spiritual communities to achieve a just, peaceful and sustainable world. /106 |
