Some 700 young Quran reciters and memorizers from Iran and other countries are attending the event, according to Irna.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Heidar Ali Kamyab Kalantari, secretary of international programs related to the OIC Muslim Youth Capital 2017, described the participation of the youths from Iran and elsewhere and the presence of Turkey’s grand Mufti as an opportunity for promoting the culture of peace and friendship.

The opening ceremony was held at the mausoleum of Shah Cheragh (AS).

He further said the three-day forum is aimed at fostering cultural dialogue by the Quranic youths of the Muslim world.

Shiraz was chosen as the OIC Muslim Youth Capital 2017 in a meeting of the OIC minsters in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2016.

The city hosts various cultural, arts, sports, religious and Quranic programs during the year 2017.