Iran will celebrate Tourism Week from September 27 to October 3, 2023, featuring 400 festivals and events focused on tourism and sustainable development, as announced by Mostafa Fatemi, director-general of the Domestic Tourism Development Office. Aligning with the World Tourism Organization’s theme, activities include ceremonies for exemplary hoteliers, educational workshops, and specialized training for women in tourism. Each day highlights different aspects of tourism, from local culture to economic sustainability. The initiative aims to boost tourism across the country, engage communities, and promote Iran’s rich heritage while emphasizing sustainable practices for future growth.
Restoration efforts have begun for the historic Zangoleh Dome in Damghan, Semnan province, to preserve its cultural heritage and combat erosion. Mojtaba Akbarpour, head of the Damghan Cultural Heritage and Tourism Department, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the dome, which dates back to the 7th century AH. The restoration will involve removing deteriorated layers, preparing surfaces, and applying a new thatch coating for insulation against weather changes. This initiative aims to maintain the dome’s structural integrity and celebrate Damghan’s rich history. The Zangoleh Dome is officially registered on Iran’s National Heritage List, highlighting its cultural significance.
Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage has launched an online training program focused on tourism marketing to attract Chinese visitors, supported by the UN World Tourism Organization. Spanning six hours over three days, the course aims to enhance knowledge among stakeholders from various sectors. Approximately 50 participants will learn marketing methods, promotional tools, innovative approaches, and insights into Chinese tourist preferences. Recognizing China as a key market due to its large outbound tourism, Iran is taking steps to strengthen ties, including calls for visa removals. This initiative reflects Iran’s commitment to boosting tourism and fostering cultural exchanges with China.
Iran has been recognized as the world’s oldest country by sovereignty, according to a recent ranking by the World Population Review, dating its organized governance back to 3200 BC. This acknowledgment highlights Iran’s historical significance, surpassing ancient civilizations like Egypt and Vietnam. The ranking is based on comprehensive historical analyses of state formation, emphasizing Iran’s enduring legacy as a cradle of civilization. Notable ancient civilizations in Iran include the Elamites, Jiroft, and empires like the Achaemenids and Sassanids. This recognition underscores Iran’s continuous national identity and its enduring cultural and political influence throughout history.
The traditional Guati music of the Baluch people was recently showcased at a ceremony in Makran, Chabahar, emphasizing its cultural significance. Organized by Adnan Hosseini, the event attracted tourists, locals, and cultural officials in a historic venue. Guati music, characterized by melodic tunes and spiritual dhikrs, was performed by local artists and is noted for its therapeutic benefits. Chabahar, known for its stunning landscapes and historical sites, is being promoted as a tourist destination. Events like the Guati ceremony play a pivotal role in preserving and celebrating the region’s unique cultural heritage while appealing to travelers.
In Mazandaran province, experts are dedicated to restoring historical artifacts in a specialized lab within a Sari museum. Recently, 130 restored items, including bronze daggers, bracelets, and ritual totems, were unveiled during Nowruz holidays. Abolfazl Nikoubayan, a cultural heritage expert, emphasized the importance of preserving artifacts from excavations and confiscations. Each item underwent thorough documentation, damage assessment, and restoration, which involved cleaning and analyzing corrosion. The unveiling offered visitors insight into the meticulous preservation efforts. Mazandaran, known for its natural beauty, continues to attract attention while showcasing its rich cultural heritage through these initiatives.