Germany and Iran have been connected since long before either country looked like it does today. At first, their ties were mostly cultural; only later were official diplomatic relations established. Here is a brief look at that shared history. Goethe's enthusiasm for Persian poetry In 1814, at age 65, German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe  read a translation of the "Divan of Hafez"— a collection of poems by the Persian poet and mystic Hafez. He was captivated, writing: "And even if the whole world were to sink, Hafez, with you, with you alone do I wish to compete!" Born around 1315, Hafez's real name was Mohammed Schemseddin. "Hafez" is an honorary title given to those who have memorized all 114 surahs (chapters) of the Quran. In Iran, Hafez remains a national poet, and many households still own a copy of his "Divan." Goethe saw a kindred spirit in Hafez.…