Iqbal Chair at Heidelberg University nears restora…
HEIDELBERG: Pakistan’s Ambassador to Germany, Saqlain Syedah, has announced that the restoration of the Allama Iqbal Chair at Heidelberg University is in its final stages, describing it as a major step towards strengthening academic and cultural ties between Pakistan and Germany.
She made the announcement while addressing a literary gathering and mushaira held at Iqbal-Ufer, located on the banks of the River Neckar in the historic German city of Heidelberg. The event brought together members of the Pakistani community, writers, poets, academics and representatives of local organisations.
The ceremony was chaired by renowned poet and community leader Syed Iqbal Haider, while Pakistan’s ambassador attended as the chief guest.
Among the distinguished participants were Heidelberg City Council member Waseem Butt and German professor Hans Herder, whose speech in Urdu received warm appreciation from the audience.
Speaking at the event, Waseem Butt announced that Allama Iqbal’s 150th birth anniversary in 2027 would be celebrated in Heidelberg with special ceremonies and cultural events.
In her address, Ambassador Saqlain Syedah highlighted the importance of literary gatherings in promoting the Urdu language and preserving Pakistan’s cultural heritage abroad. She also spoke about the deep historical and intellectual connection between Allama Muhammad Iqbal and the city of Heidelberg, where the philosopher-poet spent part of his academic life.
The ambassador praised Syed Iqbal Haider for organising the literary event and thanked all participants for keeping Urdu literature and Pakistani cultural traditions alive in Germany.
Syed Iqbal Haider also reflected on Allama Iqbal’s close association with Heidelberg and the River Neckar. He said Iqbal’s message of selfhood, human dignity and intellectual awakening continues to serve as a bridge between Eastern and Western thought.
During the ceremony, the ambassador shared the encouraging news that practical steps to restore the Allama Iqbal Chair at Heidelberg University had reached their final phase. She expressed hope that the initiative would further enhance educational cooperation and cultural exchanges between Pakistan and Germany.
