The Role of Cultural Diplomacy of the Organization of Islamic Culture and Communication in the Foreign Policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Aware of the importance of soft power in the era of interdependence, the Islamic Republic of Iran uses tools such as knowledge, culture and ideology to exercise power over regional countries. One of these tools is the Organization of Islamic Culture and Communication. In this article, using the library and descriptive-analysis method, we seek to answer the question: Has the cultural diplomacy of the Organization of Islamic Culture and Communication been effective and successful in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran or not? The results show that the cultural activities of this organization have been more effective, especially in countries where the followers of the Shiite religion have a strong presence. One of the effective factors and success of cultural diplomacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is our cultural and religious commonalities with most countries in the region. These commonalities include Islam and Shiism, historical, civilizational and cultural commonalities such as the ancient Nowruz, the celebration of Yalda night and the celebration of poets and scientists common among most countries in the region, especially Turkey and Azerbaijan and Central Asia and Afghanistan. But in European countries, this organization tries to spread Persian language and literature by creating Persian language chairs in prestigious universities and holding exhibitions, antiquities and culture of Iranian ethnic groups and holding conferences and seminars in honor of Iranian poets and thinkers to the set goals. Achieve yourself.