Development of religious tourism in Zanjan Province is essential
Tourism is presently known as an important industry across the world, and religious tourism is considered one of the oldest and most income-producing type, especially in Iran.
Religious tourism is traveling for religious or spiritual purposes, for example, visiting the holy shrines of Imams and Imamzadehs, religious monuments and mosques, as well as attending religious ceremonies and rituals, IRNA reported.
Zanjan Province, hosting the holy shrines of several Imamzadehs, has significant potential for development of religious tourism.
Experts believe that creating infrastructures, attracting investors, and providing funds required for implementation of related projects would help develop religious tourism in the province.
Deputy Head of the province’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization said that this type of tourism not only brings economic benefits but also has great spiritual value.
He said that when Muhrram (the first month of the lunar calendar) arrives, local people hold various traditional religious ceremonies relating to the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (PBUH) and his companions.
He noted that a large number of the true lovers of Imam Hussein travel to Zanjan Province from across Iran and the world in the month of Muharram to participate in mourning ceremonies held in the region.
Abyan said that there are about 2,200 beds for tourists to stay in the province, adding that considering the unofficial accommodation centers the figure could reach 12,000.
The official said that projects to establish a number of hotels and traditional accommodations are underway in the province.
“Permissions have been issued for the establishment of a number of eco lodges in the villages.”
“A tourist, of any type, brings economic prosperity to the region. We aim to introduce the tourism attractions of the province and prepare the conditions for all residents of the province to benefit from it,” he noted.
Director General of Zanjan Province’s Endowments and Charity Affairs Organization Mokhtar Karami referred to the holy shrines of Imamzadehs and Hosseinieh Azam Mosque, which is very popular in the country, as the important religious sites of the province.
He said that many people make pilgrimages to the religious sites every year. Hosseinieh Azam Mosque is prepared to host religious tourists traveling to the province during Muharram to participate in the mourning ceremonies held for the martyrdom of Imam Hussein.
Hosseinieh Azam is one of the most important religious tourist attractions in Iran in the month of Muharram. It is located in the south of the provincial capital city of Zanjan, on Ferdowsi Street. The mourning ceremony held in the Hosseinieh on the eighth day of Muharram is very famous in the country.
The great Hosseinieh is one of the most influential cultural and religious centers of Zanjan Province. Extending in an area of 12,000 square meters, this complex has various cultural, religious and medical facilities.