The main goal of this article is to explain the principles and frameworks of cultural governance in the thirteenth government led by the late Martyr Ayatollah Raisi, based on the "Cultural Gardening" theory. It explores how this government rebuilt the cultural governance structure and resolved historic challenges like the gap between policymaking and execution by creating cohesion and unity.



The study shows that the government adopted a coherent approach, restored the Ministry of Culture’s authority, and clearly divided responsibilities between the state and civil institutions. The state’s intrinsic roles of support, regulation, and supervision were emphasized, while direct management gradually shifted to people and professional bodies.



Key achievements include substantial budget increases, enhanced cultural infrastructures, growth in cinema, theater, music, and publishing, and renewed cultural diplomacy efforts.



This output-driven governance, grounded in rational and diligent management, countered Westernization and cultural submission, embedding preservation of Iranian-Islamic cultural identity as a core policy pillar.



Ultimately, the article sees Martyr Raisi’s government as pivotal in elevating Iran’s civilizational status culturally and strengthening the Islamic Republic’s soft power, presenting this doctrine as foundational for Iran’s rise as a cultural global power.