The Ashna Cultural Foundation, a familiar name for freedom-loving Iranians around the world, has for more than a quarter century kept the banner of culture, awareness, and hope raised high in the heart of Munich. It is an institution rooted in the enduring culture, history, and identity of Iran, one that did not allow the light of enlightenment to be extinguished during years when many had sunk into the darkness of despair and disillusionment. It has always sought to bring Iranians together around thought, wisdom, freedom, and love for the homeland.

Ashna is not merely a cultural foundation; it is part of the cultural and political memory of Iranians abroad. It is a name recognized not only in Germany and Europe, but also in many countries with Iranian communities and among Persian speakers as one associated with credibility, trust, and a distinguished record. Even today, it stands at the forefront of organizing gatherings, marches, and public movements to carry the voice of the oppressed people of Iran to the world and to support Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi.

But Ashna's identity goes far beyond the present.

In the years when Munich hosted some of the most magnificent cultural events of the Iranian community, Ashna established memorable and exceptional programs that still live on in the memory of many. One of the brightest of these was the historic memorial for the late Fereydoun Farrokhzad at the Museum Five Continents in Munich — a remarkable evening attended by figures such as Esmail Khoi, Iraj Janatie Ataei, and a number of friends, colleagues, and prominent personalities from Iran's cultural and artistic sphere, all gathered with us to keep Fereydoun's memory alive.

The monthly magazine "Ashna" also became, during its years of publication, one of the enduring voices of the Iranian diaspora community; a publication that was not merely a magazine, but a platform for thought, culture, freedom-seeking, and the preservation of Iranian identity. Alongside it, interview programs with prominent political, cultural, and artistic figures, as well as the production of programs broadcast toward Iran through various networks and television channels, formed part of Ashna's continuous efforts to raise awareness and keep alive the spirit of hope and resistance among Iranians.

It is only natural that an institution with such a history, influence, and popularity would continually become the target of attacks, smear campaigns, and hostility. Over the years, agents and affiliates of the Islamic Republic have repeatedly tried to harm Ashna and those behind it through pressure, threats, sabotage, rumor-spreading, and attempts to create division — and those efforts continue to this day. But Ashna's history is a history of resilience, because every blow intended to silence this voice has only made Ashna more deeply rooted, more steadfast, and stronger than before.

For millions of Iranians around the world, Ashna is a known, respected, and trusted name; an institution that has succeeded in organizing major gatherings and large-scale events with thousands of participants in Munich and in bringing Iranians together, despite all differences, for a sacred and shared goal: a free, prosperous, and proud Iran.

Ashna will continue to stand firmly and unwaveringly beside the people of Iran and their rightful demands, because we believe that Iran, through the culture and solidarity of its sons and daughters, will shine once again.

The date of the upcoming public meeting of the Ashna Cultural Foundation in Munich will soon be announced. Visit the Ashna website in three languages.