Golestan Aims for UNESCO Recognition: Discover the Great Wall Among 1,000+ Nationally-Registered Treasures!
The Golestan province in Iran is rich in historical, cultural, and natural heritage, with over 1,000 sites officially recognized on the national heritage list. This significant achievement highlights the region’s commitment to preserving its diverse heritage for future generations.
According to Fereydoun Fa’ali, the provincial director of the Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department, a total of 1,039 sites have been registered in Golestan. The breakdown of these sites includes:
- 654 archaeological areas
- 170 historical buildings
- 49 natural sites
- 113 intangible cultural items
- 53 movable artifacts
This national registration is a crucial step towards legal protection, restoration, and sustainable use of the province’s heritage assets. Fa’ali emphasized the importance of this process, stating, “Once listed, sites are placed under legal protection, and any form of alteration or destruction is considered a criminal act.”
In addition to the existing sites, Fa’ali mentioned that 16 more sites are currently awaiting national registration. These include:
- The historical fabric of Cheli village
- Several monuments within the old district of Gorgan (formerly Astarabad)
- A number of archaeological sites across the province
Despite these advancements, the lack of a comprehensive map detailing the distribution of historical sites poses a significant challenge. In response, the department has initiated the creation of an archaeological atlas to document and map the province’s cultural, historical, and natural resources effectively.
One of the most notable sites in Golestan is the Gonbad-e Qabus, a remarkable 53-meter-high brick tomb tower constructed in 1006 CE for the Ziyarid ruler Qabus Ibn Voshmgir. This monumental structure is located near the ruins of ancient Jorjan and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Additionally, sections of the Hyrcanian Forests and the Trans-Iranian Railway, both inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, also traverse through Golestan province.
Fa’ali also indicated that one of the department’s new priorities is to seek UNESCO World Heritage recognition for the Great Wall of Gorgan, locally known as the “Red Snake.” This ancient defensive wall, built between the 5th and 6th centuries CE during the Sassanian Empire, stretches nearly 200 kilometers and is lined with 38 forts.
He stated, “The Great Wall of Gorgan has been placed on the priority list for submission to UNESCO.” Although the global nomination process for Iran is currently closed for the next three years, efforts to prepare and support the dossier are ongoing in collaboration with the Ministry of Cultural Heritage.
This wall, erected during the Sassanian dynasty’s northern frontier conflicts with the Hephthalites and later the Turks, is considered the longest fort-lined ancient barrier between Central Europe and China, surpassing both the Hadrian’s and Antonine walls combined.
In conclusion, Golestan’s rich tapestry of heritage sites not only showcases its historical significance but also underscores the importance of preserving these treasures for future generations. As more sites await recognition and new initiatives are launched, the province is poised to enhance its reputation as a hub of cultural heritage in Iran.
