Revitalizing Dehdasht: Minister Announces Restoration of Historic Core to Boost Tourism
Iran is set to enhance its tourism appeal through the restoration of the historic texture of Dehdasht in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province. This initiative, led by the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, aims to bolster Iran’s cultural image internationally and attract more visitors to this lesser-known region.
During his recent visit to the province, Salehi-Amiri emphasized the importance of investor participation in the restoration process. He stated, “The revival of this historic zone cannot rely solely on government spending. The participation of investors can turn Dehdasht into a hub for domestic and foreign tourists.”
To facilitate this development, the minister revealed that his office is currently in discussions with investors and relevant associations. He has also granted decision-making authority to provincial governors to expedite the process. Key measures include:
- Approval of infrastructure permits.
- Raising the investment license cap from 800 billion rials (approximately $800,000) to 10 trillion rials (around $10 million).
Salehi-Amiri noted, “This delegation of authority allows provincial managers to make strategic decisions locally, without requiring investors to travel to Tehran.” He expressed a positive evaluation of the provincial administration’s efforts and highlighted the potential for sustainable development to bridge long-standing economic gaps in the region.
Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province Governor Yadollah Rahmani reported that there are currently 42 tourism projects in progress, which are slated for funding by the end of the current Iranian calendar year. He mentioned that 780 sites in Dehdasht are registered as national heritage, with one site recognized internationally.
Rahmani also pointed out that the restoration of Dehdasht’s historic fabric—which encompasses a caravanserai, mosque, marketplace, bathhouse, and citadel—will create significant investment opportunities.
Member of Parliament Seyyed Mohammad Movahed echoed the call for coordinated efforts to enhance tourism, highlighting attractions such as:
- Cheshmeh Belqeys Garden
- Kamar Doogh Waterfall
- Local archaeological remains
The ancient city of Dehdasht, also referred to as Belad Shapur, is a remarkable example of Iranian architecture. Its caravanserai is one of the 54 Iranian caravanserais inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list during the organization’s 45th session held in Riyadh in 2023.
Belad Shapur was established under the command of Shapur I (241–272 CE), the second king of the Sassanid dynasty. Under his reign, the Sassanid Empire extended its reach from Sogdiana and Iberia (modern-day Georgia) in the north to the Mazun region of Arabia in the south, stretching to the Indus River in the east and the upper Tigris and Euphrates valleys in the west.
The Sassanid period is renowned for its revival of Persian art and architecture, showcased by monumental palaces located at Ctesiphon, Firuzabad, and Sarvestan. The era also saw advancements in crafts, with metalwork and gem engraving reaching new levels of refinement. Additionally, the translation of works from both the East and West into Pahlavi, the Sassanid language, significantly contributed to the advancement of scholarship.
Some of the most recognizable features of Sassanid art include rock-carved sculptures and bas-reliefs on limestone cliffs, with notable examples found at:
- Bishapur
- Naqsh-e Rostam
- Naqsh-e Rajab in southern Iran.
In 2018, UNESCO inscribed the “Sassanid Archaeological Landscape of Fars Region” on its World Heritage list, further acknowledging the cultural significance of this area.
Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province is also celebrated for its rich nomadic culture. Visitors have the unique opportunity to:
- Stay with nomadic or rural families.
- Participate in agricultural and daily routines.
- Experience traditional arts and customs.
This initiative not only aims to restore Dehdasht’s historic sites but also to enhance the overall tourism experience in Iran, inviting both domestic and international tourists to explore the beauty and heritage of this remarkable region.
