4,000 Visitors Flock to Rey’s Historic Attractions During Nowruz Celebrations!

TEHRAN – The enchanting city of Rey in Tehran province has become a vibrant destination for Nowruz tourists, with over 4,000 visitors exploring its historical attractions from March 15 to April 4. According to Qadir Afrovand, the Director of Rey National Heritage Base, the increased tourist interest is a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage and historical significance.

Among the highlights of this year’s Nowruz celebrations was the Rashkan fortress, which opened its doors to the public for the first time and received an enthusiastic response. The festivities were complemented by various cultural programs, the expertise of seasoned tour guides, and traditional storytelling sessions known as naqqali, which celebrate the epic tales from Ferdowsi’s iconic masterpiece, the Shahnameh.

• Visitor Statistics:
  • Cheshmeh Ali ancient complex: 4,280 visitors
  • Rashkan fortress: 3,350 visitors
  • Tapeh Mil: 1,235 visitors

Afrovand emphasized the importance of having experienced tour guides at each tourist site, which significantly enhanced visitor satisfaction. He encouraged local authorities in Ghaleh Now to improve infrastructure and facilitate access to the ancient complex, highlighting this opportunity for local development.

“In the heart of the ancient city of Rey, known for the Rashkan fortress—the most important attraction here—we hosted several naqqali performances and launched the book “Molk-e Rey” with the participation of historians and cultural enthusiasts,” Afrovand stated. He also mentioned that iftar packages were distributed to visitors during Ramadan, further enriching their experience.

Rey is home to a wealth of cultural tourist attractions beyond the mentioned figures. The Rey National Heritage Base plans to enhance and promote its historical monuments to attract even more tourists for the next Nowruz festival. This year, foreign tourists from countries including Russia, Italy, and China, as well as Iranians residing in the US, Germany, and other European nations, flocked to Rey’s historical sites.

Afrovand previously highlighted that several prominent historical landmarks in the area have been meticulously prepared for tourism. Key sites include:

• Cheshmeh Ali archaeological site: Over 8,000 years of history.
• Rashkan Fortress: Once the center of historic Rey.
• Tapeh Mil: Ruins located in eastern Rey near Ghaleh Now.
• Iraj Fortress: Recognized as the world’s largest ancient fortification.

One of Rey’s unique advantages is its close proximity to Tehran, allowing millions of capital residents to easily explore its historical treasures. Visitors can start their day with a pilgrimage to the sacred shrine of Imamzadeh Shah Abdol Azim and then embark on a cultural and historical journey through the city’s attractions, including the historical bazaar of Rey, Cheshmeh Ali, and the ancient core of the city. This experience offers both spiritual enrichment and a captivating glimpse into Iran’s rich heritage.

This year marks significant enhancements in the historical center of Rey, including:

• Restoration of the last remaining watchtower of the ancient citadel.
• Protected areas with new fencing and lighting installations.
• Extensive renovations at Cheshmeh Ali, involving improved paving and landscaping.

These improvements are aimed at accommodating the increasing number of visitors. Cheshmeh Ali, already popular among locals, has been further enhanced by recent archaeological excavations conducted by researchers from Shahid Beheshti University, generating greater public interest in the site.

In addition, Tapeh Mil has seen significant transformations, including new protective measures, perimeter fencing, and meticulous restoration of its unique stucco decorations. These enhancements, combined with the stunning green plains of Rey in early spring, promise an exceptional experience for travelers this year.

Rey is recognized as one of the oldest cities in the central Iranian plateau, boasting a human settlement history stretching back over 8,000 years. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, Rey is featured in the Avesta—the original document of Zoroastrianism—and has been referenced in biblical texts and by classical authors, underscoring its historical significance.