Acceptance of an Article by Ardabil Artist Navid Achgan at the 9th International Research Conference on Humanities and the 6th International Congress on Civil Engineering, Architecture, and Urban Development of Asia in Thailand

The 9th International Research Conference on Humanities and the 6th International Congress on Civil Engineering, Architecture, and Urban Development of Asia, focusing on the promotion and development of a culture of research, will be held at Kasem Bundit University in Bangkok, Thailand.

An article by the Ardabil artist Navid Achgan, entitled “The Ritual of Mithraism and Ancient Iranian Sports,” has been fully accepted for presentation at this conference.

In an interview with Nasim Ardabil News Agency, Achgan spoke about Iranian culture and heroic sports, saying:

“In Iranian culture, both before and after Islam, the tradition of heroism has always played a powerful role. Iranians have always admired their heroes. The Iranian heroic sport, which dates back to ancient times, is considered one of the oldest traditional sports, and in the Mithraic ritual, it holds a highly valuable position.”

Speaking about Zurkhaneh (the traditional Iranian gym), Achgan added:

“Without a doubt, anyone who hears the name ‘Zurkhaneh sport’ immediately recognizes that it belongs to ancient Iran. The Mithraic rituals in Iran’s traditional sports emerged from religious, mystical, and chivalric values rooted in the figure of Mithra. In Iran, this ancient sport has always been regarded with great reverence and sanctity. What distinguishes it most from other sports are its customs and manners—especially the emphasis on ethics, respect for elders, and the values of equality and brotherhood.”

The Ardabil researcher further emphasized the moral aspects of traditional sports, noting:

“Those who practiced ancient Iranian sports possessed special moral and spiritual qualities. Alongside their spirit of sacrifice, perseverance, and bravery, they were devoted to ethics based on the sacred triad of Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds. In this way, ancient Iranian sports embodied a collection of moral and artistic values.”

Navid Achgan is a member of the Iranian Graphic Designers Association, the Iranian Scientific Association, and the Institute of Contemporary Visual Arts of Iran. He holds a Master’s degree in Art Research, and serves as the graphic designer for the Office of the Supreme Leader’s Representative and Friday Imam of Ardabil Province.

Over the years, Achgan has been active in the fields of graphic design and media, serving as:

• Art Secretary of the 9th Basij Visual Arts Biennial “HonarNegar”

• Scientific Secretary of the 11th University “Harkat” Festival

• Secretary of the Poster Festival “The Best of Nations”

• Executive Secretary of the Painting Exhibition of Caucasus Scholars

• Secretary of the National Campaign “Menim Qehremanım” (I Am My Hero)

• Secretary and Jury Member of the Logo Design Competition for the National Congress Honoring 3,400 Martyrs of Ardabil Province

• Executive Secretary of the National Calligraphy Festival “Iran Del”

• Executive Secretary of the Calligraphy Workshop “Mowlaye Mehr”

He has also held two solo exhibitions, participated in numerous group exhibitions, and published several academic research papers.