As part of a working visit, the Rector of Tajik State Pedagogical University named after Sadriddin Ayni, Ibadullozoda Ahliddin, together with his delegation, visited the National Museum of Korea.

During the visit, the university representatives became closely acquainted with the history, civilization, and cultural values of the Korean people and also received detailed information about the activities of the museum. It should be noted that the National Museum of Korea, as the principal center of Korean history and art, has been conducting scientific research in the fields of archaeology, history, and art since 1945 and annually organizes various exhibitions and educational programs.

Particularly noteworthy was the delegation’s visit to the halls displaying artifacts related to the history of the Tajik people. The representatives of the university observed replicas of the Afrasiab murals, findings from the Kushan period, samples of Sasanian stucco art, examples of glassmaking and copper craftsmanship from the 9th–10th centuries resembling the Samanid era, as well as 14th–15th century miniatures and other rare historical artifacts.

Special attention was drawn to rare copies of the Shahnameh by Abulqasim Ferdowsi, considered among the oldest surviving manuscripts of this immortal masterpiece of Persian literature. One manuscript page vividly depicts the flight of Darius I after the battle with Alexander the Great in the distinctive artistic style of the Ilkhanid period. Bright colors, dynamic composition, and the combination of Mongolian and Persian painting traditions were recognized as important characteristics of this remarkable work.

The delegation also examined a page from a royal copy of the “Shahnameh,” decorated with the intricate “shamsa” ornament. This harmonious circular symbol in Islamic culture represents celestial order and divinely granted kingship. In the center of the gilded blue ornament is a royal panegyric text, while the page itself served as the introductory section of the royal manuscript.

The university representatives also showed special interest in the famous copy of the Shahnameh prepared by the order of Shah Tahmasp I during the Safavid era. This manuscript is recognized as one of the finest examples of Persian book art in the world and consists of 759 pages and 258 illustrations. One of its scenes portrays Burzuy, the royal physician of the Sasanian court, presenting his translated book to the king, symbolizing wise leadership and the high value placed on knowledge in Eastern civilization.

During the continuation of the visit, the delegation became acquainted with a rare manuscript of the Divan by the renowned Persian-Tajik poet and thinker Abdurrahman Jami. This manuscript, consisting of 440 pages and decorated with gold embellishments, ornamental margins, and rare Safavid-style miniatures, is regarded as one of the museum’s most valuable exhibits.

During the visit, it was emphasized that such historical and cultural artifacts reflect the contribution of Persian-Tajik civilization to the development of world culture, and that their study and promotion are of great importance for present and future generations.