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Iran seeks to strengthen cultural ties with Uzbekistan through initiatives like joint museum exhibitions, UNESCO World Heritage registrations, and historical restoration projects. This commitment was emphasized in a meeting between Iran’s Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, Ali Darabi, and Uzbekistan’s Cultural Heritage Agency Deputy Director, Tursunali Kuziev. Darabi highlighted the deep cultural connections between the two nations, proposing collaborative efforts to showcase Iranian heritage in Uzbekistan. Both officials expressed enthusiasm for sharing expertise in restoration and training. The meeting marks a significant step towards enhancing cooperation and preserving the shared cultural heritage of Iran and Uzbekistan.
Iran aims to generate €6 billion annually from medical tourism, as per a government-approved policy. Alireza Jahangiri, president of the Iranian Health Tourism Services Association, emphasized this initiative as a strategic move to enhance Iran’s global healthcare standing, leveraging its skilled professionals and advanced medical capabilities. Jahangiri noted that international patients contribute significantly to the economy, averaging $2,500 each. Despite Iran’s reputation for high-quality services, including stem cell therapy and organ transplants, he stressed the need for improved investment in medical tourism infrastructure. This initiative is expected to create jobs and enhance foreign exchange earnings, positioning Iran as a regional leader in healthcare.
Recent excavations at the Bardeh Mar archaeological site in Iran’s Hawraman region reveal insights into the seasonal lifestyles of ancient pastoralists during the Islamic period. Conducted before the Daryan Dam’s reservoir filling, the site showed use during the Middle (12th-13th centuries) and Late Islamic periods (18th-19th centuries). Archaeologists unearthed circular dry-stone structures, tools, and over 4,300 pottery fragments, indicating a mobile herding economy primarily focused on sheep, goats, and cattle. The findings highlight cultural continuity in pastoral practices and provide valuable data on rural economies in western Iran, now submerged under the dam.
Sarein, located in Iran’s Ardabil province, is set to become a leading smart and health tourism city. Provincial governor Masoud Emami-Yeganeh announced plans to enhance accommodation, hotels, and eco-tourism services to international standards. Key initiatives include creating traffic-free tourism spaces, developing a long-term strategy, training skilled personnel, and encouraging private investment. Ongoing projects, including a new tourism complex and infrastructure improvements, aim to boost local employment and visitor satisfaction. Additionally, plans for a water park and educational infrastructure are underway. The collaboration between government, investors, and local communities is crucial for Sarein’s tourism development.
In September, I traveled to Yunnan, China, for the 2025 Media Cooperation Forum on Belt and Road, hosted by People’s Daily. Yunnan’s rich history and stunning landscapes provided a unique backdrop for the event. The forum featured visits to Dianchi Lake, the vibrant Flower Market, and Changan Automobile, showcasing innovation and tradition. My journey continued to Chongqing, where ancient and modern elements coexist. Along the way, I connected with journalists globally, discovering shared cultural ties through food and poetry. This trip emphasized the Belt and Road Initiative’s true essence: fostering human connections and cultural exchanges across nations.
A new geotourism documentary series, “Face of Iran,” was launched by the Iranology Foundation in Tehran to highlight the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Head of the foundation, Ali Akbar Salehi, emphasized the importance of preserving Iran’s cultural identity amid negative global perceptions. The series aims to explore lesser-known aspects of various provinces, starting with Lorestan, showcasing stunning landscapes and unique traditions. Media adviser Kambiz Mahdizadeh noted that the initiative promotes sustainable tourism as a potential economic driver beyond oil. The recent UNESCO recognition of Khorramabad Valley’s prehistoric sites further underscores Iran’s significant cultural heritage.