Mithra Foundation Statement on the Criticism of Mehregan Celebrations in the Netherlands

Iranian culture is alive, even in the darkest days of our homeland

Since its founding, Mithra Foundation has regarded the preservation of Iran’s culture, history and national identity as one of its most fundamental missions. In this spirit, celebrating and honouring ancient Iranian traditions has always held a special place in the Foundation’s work, because we believe that preserving Iranian culture and identity is an inseparable part of standing up to a regime that has spent decades trying to weaken and marginalise this ancient heritage.

Following recent criticism of Mehregan celebrations in the Netherlands, Mithra Foundation considers it necessary to state its position clearly.

Although Mithra Foundation has not planned a Mehregan celebration this year, it continues, as it always has, to support all individuals, groups and organisations working to preserve Iranian culture and identity and to stand with the Lion and Sun National Revolution.

We believe that celebrating life, joy and Iranian culture is neither disrespectful to the blood of those who gave their lives for our homeland, nor a sign that we have forgotten the suffering of the families seeking justice.

For decades, the Islamic Republic has tried to sow grief, fear, despair and darkness in the lives of Iranians. What has stood firm against this darkness are the deep roots of our culture, history and national identity; roots that no regime has been able to destroy, and none ever will.

We will never forget the loss of our loved ones who sacrificed their lives for Iran’s freedom. The pain of the families of the fallen is a pain we all share, and seeking justice for them is a responsibility that will remain on our shoulders until justice is done.

And yet, did not many of these same grieving families dance, sing and stand tall against repression at the graves of their loved ones?

Through that defiance, they sent us a clear message:

We cannot be broken.

We will not bow to oppression.

We will never surrender.

Joy in such circumstances is not necessarily a sign of forgetting; at times it is itself a form of resistance. Celebrating Mehregan, Nowruz, Tirgan and other ancient Iranian festivals is a reminder of the truth that a nation’s identity cannot be destroyed by repression, imprisonment and killing.

Today, more than ever, we need to keep hope, solidarity and our national spirit alive. We must not allow the grief forced upon us to silence our culture or make us forget our roots.

Moreover, Iranian cultural festivals and events are not merely an opportunity for Iranians to come together; they are also a valuable platform for introducing the civilisation, history and aspirations of the Iranian nation to our host society and to international public opinion.

We must use this opportunity to build human, cultural and social bonds with citizens, civil society organisations and influential figures in our host countries. Such connections can help the international community gain a deeper understanding of the people of Iran, their demands and their struggle for freedom, and can lay the groundwork for broader support for the aspirations of the Iranian nation in the future.

To win the support of the international community, we must not only speak of the suffering of the Iranian people, but also show the splendour of our culture, our history and our aspirations for freedom.

With deep respect for the families seeking justice and for all our grieving compatriots, Mithra Foundation emphasises that differences of opinion about holding cultural celebrations must not lead to division among those who love their homeland. What binds us together is a shared love for Iran and the hope for its freedom and prosperity.

We are fighting for an Iran where joy is not a crime, where freedom is not a dream, and where no mother has to mourn her child.

We will not forget our fallen, we will not bury our culture, and we will not bow to the darkness.

Long live Iran

Mithra Foundation