The closing ceremony of Tabriz Cultural Week in Tehran took an unexpected turn when Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was interrupted while reciting a poem in Turkish. The incident, captured in videos circulating on social media, has sparked widespread discussion.

Axar.az reports that Pezeshkian was delivering a speech at the event when he began reciting a poem in Turkish, his mother tongue. However, an individual approached him mid-speech and handed him a piece of paper, preventing him from continuing in Turkish. In response, the President reacted by saying, "Reciting just two lines of Turkish poetry does not cause any problems."

The incident quickly gained traction on social media, with many users criticizing the disruption. Some expressed concerns over what they perceive as an "unwritten ban" on native languages in Iran, arguing that even the country's highest official is not exempt from such restrictions.

Critics noted that the event highlights broader linguistic and cultural rights issues faced by millions of people.
The debate surrounding the use of minority languages in Iran has long been a contentious issue, with activists advocating for greater linguistic freedoms and recognition. The interruption of President Pezeshkian’s speech has now reignited discussions on this topic, bringing it to the forefront of public discourse.

As reactions continue to pour in, the event underscores the ongoing tensions regarding language rights and cultural expression in the country.