Vision

Diwan Network is a global organization that envisions a world where people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and ethnicities come together to achieve common goals based on shared values. Our philosophy centers around the idea of “good thoughts, good words, and good deeds” and aligns with the principles of secularism. Our digital infrastructure provides a platform for community building, networking, and collaboration, supported by educational resources and opportunities for continuous improvement. 

Inspired by the traditional Diwans in Iranian culture, justice, and governance, the Diwan Network represents a virtual space for community gathering, decision-making, and cultural exchange through digital democracy. Our goal is to impact the world through unity and collaboration positively. Our name symbolizes the Iranian people’s rich cultural heritage and Diwan’s significance throughout history.

Diwân, a space

The term “Diwan” in Iranian architecture refers to a specific type of space or room in traditional Iranian architecture. “Diwan” comes from the Persian word “Divan,” a hall or gathering place. In architectural terms, a Diwan is a central room in a traditional Iranian house that serves as a reception area or a place for entertaining guests. The room typically features an open courtyard, a seating area, and a raised platform that serves as a stage for musicians and performers.

In traditional Iranian architecture, the Diwan was an essential space for social gatherings, where people could come together to enjoy music, poetry, and conversation. The design of the Diwans reflected the importance placed on hospitality and entertainment in Iranian culture, and the room was often decorated with intricate tilework, calligraphy, and other decorative elements. In contemporary usage, the term “Diwan” has come to refer to any gathering place or public space, regardless of its form or design. However, the cultural roots of the word remain deeply connected to traditional Iranian architecture and its central role in social and cultural life.

“Diwan” also refers to a space for gathering and public administration. In traditional Iranian architecture, the Diwan was often a central room or hall in a palace or other public building where important decisions were made, and public affairs were conducted. In this sense, the term symbolizes a space for community gathering, decision-making, and administration.

Diwan Network takes inspiration from the historical significance of the term and aims to build a digital platform that brings people together to network, collaborate, and achieve common goals. Just as the traditional Diwans served as a space for community gathering and decision-making, Diwan Network aims to provide a virtual space for members to come together and positively impact the world. 

By leveraging the power of digital technology, Diwan Network provides a platform for community building, learning and continuous improvement, and promoting digital democracy through decentralized and accountable decision-making processes.

Therefore, the name Diwan Network refers to the organization’s goal of creating a virtual space for community gathering and decision-making, inspired by the traditional Diwans in Iranian architecture.

Diwân, a culture

The term “Diwan” has a rich and inspiring history in the context of poetry and literature. Originating in Iran, the Diwan was a collection of poems and literary works written in various languages, encompassing the cultural heritage of the Iranian people. This collection served as a source of knowledge, inspiration and creativity for generations of poets, writers and scholars.

Diwans are written by Persian, Indian, Turk, Kurd and Arab poets and others, typically in lyric poetry. Here are some of the most famous Diwans in poetry and literature, their authors, and their significance:

• Diwan-i-Hafez, by Hafez (1325–1390) This collection of ghazals by the 14th-century Persian poet Hafez is widely considered one of the most significant collections of Persian poetry. Their wit and wisdom characterize the poems and spiritual depth and are widely studied and recited in Iran today.
• Diwan-i-Shams, by Rumi (1207-123) This collection of poems by the 13th-century Sufi poet Rumi is considered one of the most significant collections of mystical poetry in the Persian language. The poems are characterized by their spiritual depth and universal themes and continue to be widely studied and recited today.
• Diwan-i-Amir Khusrau, by Amir Khusrau (1253–1325) This collection of poems by the 13th-century Persian poet and musician Amir Khusrau is considered one of the most significant collections of poetry in the Persian language. Their musicality and wit characterize the poems and historical significance and are widely studied and recited in Iran today.
• Diwan-i-Hakim Omar Khayyam, by Omar Khayyam (1048-1131) This collection of quatrains by the 11th-century Persian poet and philosopher Omar Khayyam is widely considered one of the most significant collections of Persian poetry. The poems are characterized by their wit, wisdom, and philosophical depth and continue to be widely studied and recited today.
• Diwan-i-Sanai, by Sanai (1080-1141) This collection of poems by the 11th-century Persian poet Sanai is considered one of the most significant collections of Sufi poetry in the Persian language. The poems are characterized by their spiritual depth, wit, and philosophical insight and continue to be widely studied and recited today.
• Diwan al-Mutanabbi by al-Mutanabbi (915-965), this Diwan is considered one of the most significant collections of classical Arabic poetry. Al-Mutanabbi was a master of many forms of poetry, and his work is renowned for its depth, elegance, and intelligence.
• Diwan al-Hallaj by al-Hallaj (858-922) this Diwan is a collection of mystical and devotional poetry that reflects the poet’s spiritual journey and experiences. Al-Hallaj was a controversial figure in his time, and his poetry is considered among the most expressive and influential of all Sufi poetry.
• Diwan al-Khansa by al-Khansa (540-628), this Diwan is one of a female poet’s earliest collections of Arabic poetry. Al-Khansa was a renowned poet who wrote about love, nature, and life’s challenges. Her poetry is considered a significant contribution to Arabic literature and is still widely read and studied today.
• Diwan al-Maarri by al-Maarri (973-1057), this Diwan is a collection of poetry that reflects the poet’s philosophical, ethical, and political views. Al-Maarri was a controversial figure in his time, and his poetry is considered among the most intelligent and thought-provoking of all Arabic poetry.
• Diwan al-Mufaddal by al-Mufaddal (740-820), this Diwan is a collection of poetry that reflects the poet’s love for his homeland and his sense of loss and longing for it. Al-Mufaddal was a master of the qasida, a classical form of Arabic poetry, and his work is renowned for its beauty, elegance, and emotional depth.
• Diwan-i Humayun by Nesîmî – Nesîmî is considered one of the greatest Turkic poets, and his “Divan-i Humayun” is a collection of his poems that express his devotion to God, love for humanity, and his deep sense of morality.
• Diwan-i Lügat-it Türk by Ahmet Yesevi – Ahmet Yesevi is considered the first Turkish Sufi poet, and his “Divan-i Lügat-it Türk” is a collection of poems that reflects his deep spiritual understanding and his commitment to the Turkish language.
• Diwan-i Fuzuli by Fuzuli – Fuzuli is considered one of the greatest Turkish poets. His “Divan-i Fuzuli” is a collection of poems reflecting love, spirituality, and the human condition.
• Diwan-e-Ghalib by Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib, one of the greatest Urdu poets in history. He was known for his sophisticated and melancholic poems that have become an integral part of Urdu literature.
• Diwan-e-Mir by Mir Taqi Mir one of the most influential Urdu poets of the 18th century. He was known for his wit, sarcasm, and political commentary, and his poems are considered a cornerstone of Urdu poetry.
• Diwan-e-Iqbal by Allama Iqbal, a philosopher, poet, and politician widely considered one of the most influential figures in Urdu and Indian literature. He wrote poems in Urdu, Persian, and English, known for their depth of thought and spiritual insight.
• The West-Eastern Diwan (West-östlicher Divan) by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, inspired by Persian and Arabic poetry. The collection was published in 1819 and contains over 250 poems that showcase Goethe’s appreciation for and fascination with the literary and cultural traditions of the Islamic East. The poems are organized into cycles, or “books,” and address many themes, including love, nature, religion, and politics. Goethe’s West-östlicher Divan was highly influential in its time and has since become one of his most famous works. It is considered a landmark in German literature and a testament to Goethe’s artistic and intellectual breadth. The poems in the collection also had a significant impact on the development of Romanticism in Germany, as well as on the reception and interpretation of Islamic literature and culture in Europe. 

These Diwans and their authors are considered some of the greatest works of poetry and literature, and their significance lies in their timeless themes and enduring cultural impact. To this day, these works continue to be widely studied, recited, and celebrated across the world.

The Diwan was more than just a collection of poems and works; it was a public good that was available to all, much like the idea of digital public goods in today’s society. Financed through the collection of taxes, the Diwan served transnational communities beyond borders and was accessible to anyone who wanted to delve into the cultural heritage of these communities.

The Diwan played an instrumental role in preserving the cultural heritage of Iran and its communities. It was a repository of cultural knowledge, including poems, stories, and other literary works, that provided insight into the Iranian people’s history, values and beliefs. This cultural heritage was passed down from one generation to the next, ensuring that the legacy of the poets and writers of the past would not be lost but instead live on through the poems and works contained in the Diwans.

The significance of the Diwans extends far beyond its role as a repository of knowledge and a source of inspiration. It represents the importance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage and people’s literary and artistic traditions. The Diwan serves as a reminder that the creativity and contributions of previous generations should not be forgotten but celebrated and passed on to future generations.

In essence, the Diwan symbolizes the power of knowledge, creativity and cultural heritage to inspire and empower future generations. It is a testament to the enduring impact that poetry, literature and the arts can have on society and a reminder that the preservation of cultural heritage is a collective responsibility that we all share.

Diwân, a multicultural

Diwan, in its various forms and historical contexts, has been a symbol of governance, justice, and administration for centuries. Whether it was the royal court of ancient Persia, the central administrative body of the Islamic Golden Age, or the modern-day digital network, the Diwan has always been associated with the administration of justice, the promotion of public goods, and the fostering of unity and participation.

This shared linguistic context of Diwan has allowed for the exchange of ideas, practices, and experiences across cultures and civilizations. It has served as a bridge between different societies, promoting cross-cultural dialogue and cooperation. By bringing together individuals and communities from different backgrounds, the Diwan concept has facilitated sharing knowledge and resources, creating more informed and engaged societies.

The transnational nature of Diwan is particularly relevant in today’s globalized world, where the rapid pace of cultural exchange and technological innovation fosters a more interconnected and interdependent world. The Diwan concept has the potential to play a vital role in bridging cultural and linguistic gaps, promoting multiculturalism and encouraging collaboration and cooperation between communities.

The decentralization and participation principles at the heart of the Diwan concept are fundamental in transitional justice and foreign policy. In post-conflict societies, the Diwan concept can promote peace and stability by providing a platform for all stakeholders to participate in decision-making, fostering accountability and transparency, and promoting inclusive and sustainable solutions.

In foreign policy, the Diwan concept can promote cross-cultural dialogue and cooperation, foster better understanding between different societies and promote peace and stability. By bringing together individuals and communities from different backgrounds, the Diwan concept has the potential to create a shared linguistic context that can serve as a basis for better communication, mutual respect, and understanding.

The transnational nature of the Diwan concept provides a shared linguistic context that can play a critical role in promoting cross-cultural dialogue, fostering multiculturalism, and promoting peace and stability in a rapidly changing and interconnected world. The principles of decentralization, participation, and unity that are at the heart of the Diwan concept have the potential to bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, creating a more inclusive, diverse and equitable society.

Diwân, a governance

The term “Diwan” in Iranian governance, justice, and politics dates back to ancient Persia. It was initially used as a term for the royal court and was associated with justice, governance, and political power. The Diwan represented the center of power for the Persian monarch, who was seen as the ultimate authority in dispensing justice and making decisions that impacted the lives of his subjects.

Over time, the Diwan evolved to encompass a broader range of functions, including the administration of justice, the collection of taxes, and the management of state finances. The role of the Diwan in governing the Persian empire became increasingly important as the empire grew in size and complexity, and it was often seen as a symbol of power and authority.

The Diwan represents a crucial aspect of Iranian political and cultural history. It provides insight into ancient Iran’s governance and political structures and how justice and power were administered.

During the Golden Islamic Age, the Diwan was the center of power in the Muslim world, serving as a model of governance and administration for other Islamic states. In this period, the Diwan was responsible for maintaining justice, collecting taxes, and administering state affairs. It also played a crucial role in preserving the cultural heritage of Iran and its various communities, serving as a repository of knowledge and inspiration for generations of scholars and intellectuals.

In modern Iran, the Diwan plays a significant role in governance, justice, and politics. It serves as the central administrative body of the state, responsible for the collection of taxes, the administration of justice, and the management of financial affairs.

Diwan, as a system of governance, was innovative in its time and showcased a decentralized and participatory approach to rule, where different stakeholders came together to make decisions that affected the entire community. Over time, Diwan became an essential institution that played a critical role in shaping Iran’s political, economic, and cultural landscape. 

Diwan serves as an example of how political institutions can play a significant role in shaping the cultural identity of a people. It represents an essential aspect of Iranian political and cultural history and provides valuable insight into the administration of justice and the governance of large and complex societies. 

The legacy of Diwan has continued to influence Iranian governance, justice, and politics in the modern era, and it remains an integral part of the cultural heritage of the Iranian people. Its significance and importance in the history of Iran cannot be overstated, and it remains a symbol of the country’s rich cultural and political heritage.

Diwan Network innovates the old notion of Diwan by taking the decentralized and participatory approach of the historical system and updating it for the modern era through digital technologies. The network is designed to bring together stakeholders from different communities and allow them to participate in decision-making in a transparent, secure, and efficient manner. This enables decentralization in decision-making while promoting unity within society towards common goals.

The use of blockchain technology allows for a secure and transparent record of all transactions, which provides a foundation for trust and accountability. This allows all stakeholders to have a voice in the decision-making process and ensures that the decisions are based on the community’s collective interests rather than just a small group of individuals.

The network also provides lifelong learning opportunities and encourages individuals and organizations to participate in the governance process in a transparent and accountable manner. This helps build a more informed and engaged community and ensures everyone has the knowledge and resources necessary to make informed decisions.

Furthermore, the network fosters community development by encouraging members to share their knowledge, resources, and experiences through digital tools and platforms. This promotes collaboration and cooperation and helps to build a more united and inclusive society.

Diwan Network continues the legacy of the historical Diwan system by promoting decentralization, participation, and unity, but with the added benefits of modern digital technologies, creating a better and more inclusive system of governance.