The Leader of the Islamic Revolution, in a meeting with government officials serving in different parts of Fars province, said on Wednesday that rendering services to the great Iranian nation, especially the talented and understanding people of Fars province is enjoyable and is indicative of divine grace on the officials. He added: "The officials must show their gratitude for this great divine grace through rendering sincere and tireless services and showing reverence for the public."The Leader of the Islamic Revolution, in a meeting with government officials serving in different parts of Fars province, said on Wednesday that rendering services to the great Iranian nation, especially the talented and understanding people of Fars province is enjoyable and is indicative of divine grace on the officials. He added: "The officials must show their gratitude for this great divine grace through rendering sincere and tireless services and showing reverence for the public."
His Eminence also referred to the holy shrine of Ahmad Ibn Musa (a.s.) (known as Shah Cheragh) and a number of other descendants of the Imams (a.s.) as an exceptional merit of Fars province and reiterated: "After Mashhad and Qom, Shiraz is the third city that enjoys the highest number of holy shrines of the members of the Prophet's (s.w.a.) household. Therefore, this prominence and this pivotal importance must be paid due attention to in the media and when allocating various funds so that the enthusiastic hearts inside and outside the country are further attracted towards the importance and sanctity of these important shrines."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution said that the people of Fars province enjoy many virtues and many historical and literary figures. He also described the province as very active, further adding: "Despite the fact that the people of Shiraz enjoy these merits, they have been noble and have always avoided showing off their potentialities. However, through recognizing these potentialities, the officials must make the best of the capabilities of these people in order to help the country progress."
Ayatollah Khamenei described as necessary the establishment of a centre in Shiraz in order to nurture and develop artistic talents of the country and help strengthen the art that is committed and has a religious orientation. "Art is one of the beautiful manifestations of creation, and if it is accompanied by religious spirit and essence, it will turn into one of the most prominent phenomenon in the world," he said.
Further in his statements, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to the need for appropriate plans to boost tourism in Fars province. He also said that the holy shrine of Ahmad Ibn Musa (a.s.), historical sights, and tombs of scientific, artistic and literary luminaries such as Hafiz and Saadi are among the great tourist attractions and capacities of Fars province. He also said that these capacities could be made more effective through appropriate publicity.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to the two different perspectives on the pre-Islamic historical monuments including Persepolis and added: "From one perspective, this monument belongs to the dictators of the Iranian history and hatred against arrogant powers and dictators makes such monuments unattractive to some people, especially those who are faithful. But from a positive point of view, one should never disregard the fact that such monuments are the result of the artistic skills, creative minds, and high-minded views of the Iranian nation as well as their innovation and talent. And these facts put Persepolis and other historical monuments across the country among the Iranian nation's honors and sources of historical pride."
His Eminence referred to the efforts of some countries to create artificial sources of pride and stated: "These genuine sources of pride contribute to our national self-reliance and should be regarded more seriously."
Ayatollah Khamenei later clarified the issue of Iranian talent and artistic skills reaching their peak after Islam and reiterated: "We also take pride in our pre-Islamic luminaries as signs of the Iranian nation's talents, but scientific research and realities show that civilization, artistic skills, culture, and the knowledge which the Iranian nation gained during the 4th and 5th centuries after Islam were unprecedented in the pre-Islamic era and such perfection has been a blessing from Islam."
Ayatollah Khamenei extended his deep and sincere thanks to the people of Shiraz and Fars province for their kindness and hospitality, and described Fars province as a region which enjoys great natural and human resources. His Eminence later expressed hopes that the decisions rendered during his trip would be implemented soon through the determination and persistence of all the officials.