Another example is the translations done by the late Abdulrahman Sharafkandi - known as Hazhar - which was pointed out by the friends in this meeting. He has really carried out a great task. The translation of the book "Canon of Medicine", written by Avicenna, is really a complex and valuable task. This book - which was written in Arabic by an Iranian personality and which was used in great medical universities throughout the world for many centuries - had not been translated for a thousand years.
I was aware that until a few years ago - perhaps until hundred years ago - "The Canon of Medicine" was a reference book in medical schools of European countries and that it had been translated in several European languages. But Persian-speakers were deprived of knowing "The Canon". In the middle years of my presidential term, I realized that the book "The Canon of Medicine" had not been translated. Therefore, I called on a group of people and I said to them that they should make an effort to translate "The Canon". An edict was issued and they pursued this matter. Well, such tasks require love. They cannot be carried out by issuing edicts and commands. In the meanwhile, I was informed that this book had already been translated.
I think that it had about eight volumes. They brought me the late Hazhar's translation. When I read the book - I should add that we do not know much about medicine, nor did we try to compare it with the Arabic text - I saw that whoever reads the book bows down in respect before the cohesion and consistency of this beautiful prose. Well, this translation has been done. Of course, I did not know Mr. Hazhar. When I asked about him, they said that he was a Kurd. Later on, I was informed that he had passed away.
Leader's speech in a meeting with outstanding personalities of Kurdistan province on May 14, 2009
