Minister Calls for Revitalization of Arak Bazaar in Anticipation of UNESCO Review

Minister Calls for Revitalization of Arak Bazaar in Anticipation of UNESCO Review

TEHRAN – Iran’s tourism minister recently emphasized the urgent need for restoration work on the historical bazaar of Arak. This initiative comes as the government aims for the bazaar’s potential inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The Arak bazaar, with its rich history and cultural significance, is poised to become a key attraction for both locals and tourists alike.

Significance of Arak’s Historical Bazaar

Tourism Minister Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri shared insights during his visit to this centuries-old bazaar, which features:

  • Over 1,700 shops
  • 22 caravanserais
  • Timchehs, which are short, wide, and covered markets

This makes the Arak bazaar one of the largest traditional commercial complexes in Iran.

UNESCO Nomination Progress

Salehi-Amiri noted that the bazaar is already included in the country’s nomination list for UNESCO. He mentioned that preliminary assessments have been conducted on-site. The purpose of his latest visit was to:

  • Review the current condition of the bazaar
  • Coordinate restoration plans with the Markazi provincial government
  • Engage with the Arak municipality and the provincial cultural heritage office

Preserving Heritage Value

During his visit, Salehi-Amiri stressed the importance of protecting the site’s heritage value and preventing any new alterations. He stated, “The bazaar’s capacities are exceptional and it must receive greater financial and conservation support.” He urged merchants to refrain from any interventions that could negatively impact the UNESCO nomination process.

The Cultural Asset Potential

If successfully inscribed, Salehi-Amiri believes that the Arak bazaar could become a major cultural asset for Markazi province. However, he cautioned that the process of nomination and evaluation is both complex and time-consuming. He added that UNESCO experts can only be invited for further inspections once essential structural and physical repairs are completed.

Current Condition and Future Plans

Minister Salehi-Amiri highlighted that now is not an appropriate time for a UNESCO visit due to the current condition of the bazaar. He expressed that the government plans to summarize its proposed cultural heritage actions for Markazi province at the conclusion of his visit during a meeting of the provincial administrative council.

Historical Background of Arak’s Bazaar

The historical bazaar of Arak is situated in the heart of the city and was constructed during the early Qajar period by Mohammad Yousef Khan Gorji Sepahdari. The complex is a blend of:

  • Commercial corridors
  • Timchehs
  • Mosques
  • Baths
  • Cisterns
  • Caravanserais
  • The Sepahdari School

Architecturally, the bazaar is renowned for its domed passages, brick facades, and decorative rasmi-bandi patterns. Notably, major intersections within the bazaar are distinguished by two large Chahar-souqs, which serve as critical crossroads where two significant bazaar corridors meet.

Conclusion

The revitalization of the Arak historical bazaar is pivotal not only for preserving Iran’s cultural heritage but also for enhancing the tourism sector in Markazi province. By ensuring comprehensive restoration efforts and adhering to UNESCO’s guidelines, the bazaar can secure its place as a World Heritage site, drawing attention from around the globe.

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