Exhibition “Water and Mirage” Held in Sari Aimed at Propaganda Against Religious Minorities
An exhibition entitled “Water and Mirage” aimed at propaganda against religious minorities was held in Sari.
According to reports published on social media, starting from Saturday, October 12th, an exhibition titled “Water and Mirage” aimed at propaganda against religious minorities has been held for one week. This exhibition was organized in cooperation with the Institute of Islamic Sects and Religions Research, the Department of Culture and Islamic Guidance of Mazandaran, and the Sari Municipality in Velayat Park in Sari city.
The organizers of this exhibition described its theme as “familiarizing with the thoughts and deviations” of religious minorities in Iran. Ehsan Ahangar, the director general of the Department of Culture and Islamic Guidance of Mazandaran, warned during a press conference on Wednesday, October 9th, while unveiling the poster of this exhibition, about the propaganda activities of followers of the Bahai faith. He claimed that followers of the Bahai religion in Iran commit the most violations and are identified and punished by the relevant authorities, yet they are always portrayed as victimized in society.
Additionally, government media outlets published news in recent weeks about holding virtual courses titled “Sinister Shadows” starting from November of the current year, and the Islamic Propaganda Office of Qom Seminary announced that the purpose of holding these virtual courses is to train preachers to examine and critique what they call “deviant sects.” According to published reports, these courses are intended to focus on critiquing the Bahai faith, Sufism, missionary Christianity, Yamanism, Iranian ancient-ism, and Wahhabism.
It is worth noting that the holding of this exhibition has also provoked reactions, as this exhibition is criticized not only from a moral and social perspective, but is also inconsistent with the principles of peaceful coexistence in a diverse and multicultural society. Many have stated that instead of promoting mutual understanding and dialogue, this action fuels religious tensions and creates the ground for increased discrimination and violence against minorities.
