Iran–Italy relations
 |
|
 Iran |
 Italy |
Iranian–Italian relations refers to the diplomatic relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Italian Republic.
Contents |
History [edit]
Classical era [edit]
The relations between the Parthians and Rome, followed by Sassanid and Byzantium, were often intense and adversial in antiquity. However, moments of cordial bondship existed, such as during the Battle of Firaz against the common Muslim Arab conquest. This era lasted for several centuries until the Islamic Conquest of Persia transferred the power in Persia to Arab muslims for the next 200 years.
Medieval era [edit]
Relations between Iran and Italy have existed ever since Marco Polo traversed Iran on his way to China during the late 13th century.
Pope Innocent IV also sent religious missionaries into Iran in an attempt to win over the Ilkhanate rulers of Iran. Lombard Ascelino for example, met an Ilkhanid commander near Tbilisi, and Giovanni da Pian del Carpine met Güyük Khan while many Venetian ambassadors visited Aq Qoyunlu courts, with increasing visitors up through the Safavid era.[1]
Iranian Revolution and Iran–Iraq War [edit]
Unfortunately however, Italo-Iranian relations would also take a turn for the worse. Bilateral relations were strategically damaged in the 1980s when Iran distanced itself from all, if not most Western countries following the Islamic Revolution, and when Italy supplied Iran's enemy with economic and naval assistance throughout the Iran–Iraq War. Relations were normalized following the conflict's end in 1988.
Modern era and current relations [edit]
Iran-Italy trade stood at $US 2.7 Billion in 2001 [2] and 3.852 Billion Euros in 2003.[3] In 2005, Italy was the third largest trading partner of Iran with 7.5% of all exports to Iran.[4] Italy was the top trading partner of Iran in the European Union in early 2006.[5] Commercial exchanges hit 6 billion euros in 2008.[6]
Although Italy harbors a large population of members of the MKO as do many European Union states, Italy officially considers the group a terrorist organization.[7]
Cultural relations [edit]
In recent years, some soccer players from Iran's Team melli have been absorbed by Italian Serie A clubs. Rahman Rezai (currently of A.S. Livorno Calcio) and Ali Samereh (formerly of Perugia Calcio) are some notable examples.
The movie "Soraya", directed by Lodovico Gasparini,[8] was released in 2004, depicting the story of Soraya Esfandiary Bakhtiari. Former Miss Italy Anna Valle [5] played the leading role of the Persian Princess who was forced to divorce from the Shah of Iran (played by German actor Erol Sander) after failing to give him an heir to the Peacock Throne. French actor Claude Brasseur plays the role of Prime Minister Mossadegh. The film was released in Italy on Rai Uno.[9]
In 2004, Italian experts were also reportedly working on plans to expand the National Museum of Iran beyond its current capacity.[10][11] Notwithstanding the proliferation of economic and cultural connections, diplomatic relations between Italy and Iran have often been disrupted seeing as the former, which is a member of the European Union supports all sanctions against Iran and is quite critical of the current leadership of Anti-Western-oriented President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.[12]
See also [edit]
References [edit]
- ^ Patrick Clawson. Eternal Iran. Palgrave 2005 ISBN 1-4039-6276-6, p.25
- ^ "Iran-Italy trade hits dlrs 2.7 bn in 1st 11 months". Payvand.com. Retrieved 2010-05-02.
- ^ [1][dead link]
- ^ "The Cost of Economic Sanctions on Major Exporters to Iran". Payvand.com. Retrieved 2010-05-02.
- ^ Italy remains top trading partner of Iran in EU
- ^ [2][dead link]
- ^ "International Viewpoint". Irandidban.com. Retrieved 2010-05-02.
- ^ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0348076/
- ^ "Historical pictures". The Iranian. 2003-03-20. Retrieved 2010-05-02.
- ^ "Italian Experts to Develop Iran’s National Museum". Payvand.com. Retrieved 2010-05-02.
- ^ [3][dead link]
- ^ [4][dead link]
External links [edit]
- REALITE-EU Italy´s Relations with Iran
- Vanderbilt Television News Archive: Iran-Italy relations during president Khatami's presidency
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
