Exploring Iran’s Villages: Cultural Sustainability and the Global Significance of Rural Heritage
Today marks a significant milestone in the realm of cultural diplomacy as the UN Tourism Organization recognized three Iranian villages—Shafi’ Abad in Kerman, Kandolus in Mazandaran, and Sohaili on Qeshm Island—as among the Best Tourism Villages of the World 2025. This acknowledgment not only highlights the essence of rural life but also serves as a message to the world about the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage.
In an era characterized by rapid globalization and civilizational challenges, there is a renewed global interest in villages—places that embody wisdom, identity, and the harmonious coexistence of humanity with nature. The inclusion of these three villages in a prestigious list underscores Iran’s position among a select group of nations recognized for their cultural richness.
This achievement goes beyond mere recognition; it reflects the creativity and resilience of local communities, showcasing a culture deeply rooted in its land. Here are some key highlights of what makes each village unique:
- Kandolus: This village exemplifies the integration of traditional knowledge with modern creativity. Its Herbal Museum and thriving indigenous medicine culture illustrate a knowledge-based rural economy.
- Shafi’ Abad: Women-led initiatives in handicrafts, qanat restoration, and eco-tourism demonstrate the vital link between cultural heritage and social empowerment.
- Sohaili: The fishermen of Qeshm have turned their livelihoods into a movement for marine conservation, symbolizing human responsibility towards nature.
The selection process by the UN Tourism evaluated over fifty indicators, including cultural and natural resources, social and economic sustainability, innovation, and environmental protection. Iran’s ability to meet these criteria reaffirms its rich heritage and its modern capacity to leverage culture as a dynamic engine for development.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts is set to launch a National Roadmap for the Global Registration of Iranian Villages. This plan will focus on:
- Improving infrastructure
- Providing local training
- Creating multilingual content
The aim is to enhance Iran’s visibility and presence in the global tourism network. With more than 60,000 villages, Iran is not just a geographical entity; it is a vibrant archive of human civilization where history and nature intertwine. Each field, home, and river carries historical significance, embodying a balance between humanity and the earth.
The global recognition of Shafi’ Abad, Kandolus, and Sohaili is a cultural statement—an affirmation from Iran to the world that true development arises from cultural foundations, rather than external forces. It asserts that sustainability begins with remembering our roots and that the future of humanity rests on the wisdom derived from these roots.
With a firm belief in this direction, I am confident that Iran’s name will not only be etched in the annals of UNESCO and UN Tourism but will also remain in the cultural consciousness of humanity. This recognition serves as a beacon of hope, harmony, and meaning, drawn from Iran’s rich and living heritage.
