UNESCO Honors Al-Tabataba’i and Al-Bastami Among World’s Celebrated Thinkers

UNESCO Honors Al-Tabataba’i and Al-Bastami Among World’s Celebrated Thinkers
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UNESCO has announced the inclusion of Allameh Muhammad Hussein Al-Tabataba’i and Bayazid Al-Bastami in its 2026–2027 list of globally celebrated intellectual and spiritual figures. The recognition follows a proposal by the National Commission for UNESCO and the approval of the organization’s General Conference, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Al-Tabataba’i was honored on the centenary of his philosophical and scholarly contributions, particularly for his seminal work “Principles of Philosophy and the Realistic Method.” The nomination was jointly supported by Iraq, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan. UNESCO’s committee described him as one of the most prominent Islamic philosophers and Quranic interpreters of the 20th century.

The committee noted that Al-Tabataba’i’s writings bridged Islamic and Western philosophical thought, fostering intellectual dialogue and cultural understanding between East and West. His well-known discussions with French philosopher Henry Corbin were cited as examples of his commitment to philosophical exchange and inter-civilizational dialogue.

Bayazid Al-Bastami, revered as the “King of Mystics,” was recognized on the 1,150th anniversary of his passing, with support from Armenia, Tajikistan, and Turkey. UNESCO highlighted his teachings on human love, respect for nature, and spiritual tolerance—values it said align closely with the organization’s principles of peace and sustainable development.