Spektrum Iran

Abstrakt Many efforts have been made for closeness, reconciliation and understanding between Eastern and Western cultures. But in modern times, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is perhaps the first person to take a major step in this direction, opening a warm embrace of friendship to the East. Goethe’s particular interpretation of Hafez can be a major pivot for a deep intercultural dialogue between the East and the West. Goethe took an important step in moving the West towards this common culture. Goethe's interpretation of Hafez paved the way to this common world culture in the East as well. Perhaps this common culture can be called a „global culture”. This global culture must have two important elements, one from the West and one from the East. It is evident that this culture must be the result and combination of both culture types. „Individuality” (fardiyyat) and „unity of being” (vahdat-e wojoud) are these two elements, which don’t seem to get straight to the point. It seems that Goethe’s interpretation of Hafez is not an interpretation far removed from Hafez’s meanings and intentions, and is deeply correlated with ancient Iranian wisdom.