Ayutthaya and Qum (also spelt Qom) in north-central Iran are now sister cities after officials signed an agreement in February to formalise ties.
A display of art and crafts from Iran and Thailand is being organised in Ayutthaya later this month as part of a four-day festival to mark the newly forged fraternal link between Ayutthaya and the holy city of Qum.
Qum is considered holy by Shia Muslims since it is the site of a shrine to Fatema Mae'sume, sister of a highly revered imam. Located 150km south of Teheran, the city is the largest centre for Shia scholarship in the world and a major destination for pilgrimages.
Ayutthaya is one of the most important cities in Thailand in terms of its contributions to history, the development of traditional culture and the spread of Buddhism.
To celebrate the creation of this significant municipal bond, Ayutthaya province and the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran will be co-hosting a festival in Ayutthaya's Muang district from Friday to Monday. The venue is the grounds in front of the Old City Hall (aka the National Art Centre).
Links between the two countries have endured for more than 400 years, stretching back to the time when Iran was commonly known as Persia. The relationship is traditionally dated from 1602, the year two members of a Persian family, Shia Muslims from Qum, arrived in Ayutthaya, then the capital of the kingdom later known as Siam. Sheikh Ahmad Qumi and his younger brother, Muhammad Said, settled down in Ayutthaya to conduct the trade. Sheikh Ahmad was later appointed to several senior ministerial positions in the government. Both brothers took Siamese wives and their descendants have been living harmoniously with Thai Buddhists ever since.
Various performances to showcase the arts and cultures of the two nations will be staged. The highlight promises to be a multimedia show entitled From Persia To Thailand. There will be craftwork demonstrations, sales of art and craft products and souvenirs directly imported from Qum (such as carpets, glassware, ceramics, ornaments, miniature paintings and desserts) and a display of commemorative stamps issued by Iran to honour Sheikh Ahmad.
Fine examples of indigenous art and local handicrafts will also be on sale.
Activities will be organised from 4pm to 9pm on each of the four days. There is no admission fee.
For more information, call 089-484-9894 or 081-848-1484.
