Unlocking Literary Treasures: Khorasan Razavi’s Untapped Potential for Philosophical Tours, Says Researcher

Iran’s rich literary and philosophical heritage, particularly in the Khorasan Razavi province, presents a unique opportunity for the development of literary and philosophical tourism. According to Mehdi Saghaei, a faculty member at Gorgan’s Hakim Jorjani Institute of Higher Education, this form of tourism is driven by the desire to explore the lives and works of renowned writers, thinkers, and intellectuals.

Literary and philosophical tourism involves journeys motivated by an interest in understanding literary works and the lives of their creators. Saghaei elaborates, “In other words, literary-philosophical tourists are people who, with interest and motivation to learn, travel to destinations where the writer, thinker, or scholar of their choice lived, created his works, or spent a significant part of his life.” This includes visiting places associated with authors, such as their homes, workplaces, and the settings that inspired their writings.

“For example,” Saghaei notes, “if a story is told in a small town, those interested in that story may be motivated to travel to that town and become familiar with the geography of the story and the living environment of the characters.” This concept mirrors film tourism, where popular film locations become tourist destinations. However, the focus of literary and philosophical tourism is primarily on literary figures and their contributions.

With a wealth of literary and philosophical history, Khorasan Razavi is particularly well-suited for such tours. Saghaei highlights, “In the pre-modern period, we face a group of writers, poets, and thinkers, some of whom are known internationally; including Khayyam, Ferdowsi, and other literary greats who have been present in the vastness of Greater Khorasan.” This rich literary backdrop makes it feasible to organize tours that visit significant locations related to these figures.

Despite the presence of contemporary writers who may not attract international tourists, Khorasan Razavi still holds significant appeal for domestic travelers. Those interested in both classical and modern literary figures can explore their lives, writing environments, and even visit their tombs as a form of homage. “For example, those interested in Khayyam, Attar, and Ferdowsi, or those interested in mysticism, can benefit from these opportunities,” he added.

Modern stories often unfold in specific geographical contexts, prompting enthusiasts to seek out the environments that inspired these narratives. Additionally, the traditional and local music of Khorasan Razavi can be showcased through specialized tours within the framework of literary-philosophical tourism. This dual focus on culture can significantly enhance both the cultural and economic dimensions of tourism.

While the current scope of literary-philosophical tourism on an international level is limited, Saghaei believes that merging the offerings of the pre-modern and modern literary eras can create enticing combined tours. This would allow both domestic and foreign tourists to immerse themselves in classical works while discovering contemporary figures.

To achieve this vision, Saghaei emphasizes the importance of creativity and effort from tourism professionals to design and implement appealing travel packages. Furthermore, cultural institutions play a vital role in bolstering these initiatives, though he notes that this sector has not yet garnered sufficient attention.

“Tourism in our society still faces a limited understanding of managers and experts, while its income potential and economic development are very high,” he remarked. The successful tourism models of neighboring countries illustrate that a robust tourism sector can generate substantial income and employment opportunities.

Despite the involvement of over 16 governmental institutions and agencies in tourism, Saghaei points out a lack of responsibility and proactive engagement on their part. “In such circumstances, the private sector and tourism professionals can play a key role in planning and implementing literary-philosophical tours,” he asserts, advocating for a supportive government approach that allows for greater creativity and opportunity in this area.

Finally, Saghaei stresses the need to expand the perspective on tourism, specifically literary-philosophical tourism, beyond traditional confines. This sector has numerous dimensions that can contribute to economic mobility and job creation, placing it as a pivotal area for future growth.

In summary, Khorasan Razavi’s literary and philosophical wealth can be a cornerstone for the flourishing of tourism, offering a unique blend of cultural exploration and economic development. With collaborative efforts and innovative strategies, the potential for literary and philosophical tourism in Iran remains vast and promising.