Southern Kerman in need of comprehensive cultural heritage planning
The southern region of Kerman Province is resounding with voices of discontent as critics lament the perceived neglect of its rich cultural heritage. Despite boasting a remarkable historical and cultural legacy, this area has allegedly received inadequate attention from Ministry of Cultural Heritage officials.
In response, these officials argue that the area’s resources are relatively limited and maintain that they have strived to achieve a balanced provision of services throughout southern Kerman, according to IRNA.
Kerman Province spans vast expanses and encompasses eight world-renowned monuments, over 700 national landmarks, and countless historical and natural attractions. Many of these treasures are concentrated in the southern regions, each holding significant value in their own right while contributing to the broader tapestry of human civilization.
Notably, Jiroft stands out as an epicenter for ancient civilizations dating back several millennia. The Halil River Civilization found in Jiroft has yielded numerous artifacts that shed light on West Asian history and open new horizons for archaeological exploration.
Amongst the prominent tourist sites within southern regions of Kerman Province are the historic cities of Daqyanoos and Jiroft, historically significant structures like the Jiroft Mosque, ancient hills of Konar Sandal village, Manujan and Kahnuj castles and Delfard and Faryab waterfalls.
Despite its rich climatic, geographical, and cultural background, the southern regions of Kerman struggle with negligence by authorities responsible for preserving its cultural heritage. Concerns have been raised regarding neglected sites such as Konar Sandal hills in Jiroft which reportedly suffered from insufficient post-excavation care resulting in potential destruction.
Jiroft Governor Ahmad Bolandnazar has recently expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Cultural Heritage lack of sufficient attention to the region during a recent meeting with the provincial director of the Ministry. He emphasized that the cultural heritage of Jiroft was limited to mere representation, lacking a clear administrative structure and mechanism.
He further added that no significant events related to cultural heritage had taken place in the city for years, acknowledging people’s valid complaints regarding their performance in this domain. Urgent restoration is needed for historical sites such as Konar Sandal hills and the old city of Jiroft to prevent further degradation.
Other officials, media outlets, and cultural activists have also voiced concerns about the exclusion of southern Kerman from the travel plans of the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts during his visits to Kerman province over recent years.
Zabihollah Azami, representative of Jiroft and Anbarabad in the parliament, proclaimed his unawareness regarding the visit of the Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage. He particularly highlighted the slow progress in constructing the Jiroft Museum due to lack of funding, arguing that the minister should shoulder responsibility for addressing this issue promptly.
However, the Director General of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Kerman Province addressed concerns regarding the lack of attention given to the cultural heritage area in southern regions of Kerman.
He emphasized the need for a balanced approach in providing services related to cultural heritage, tourism, and handicrafts across both the north and south regions of the province. The official stated that they have developed promising projects for investment in tourism specifically targeted towards enhancing development in southern Kerman.
Fereidoun Af’aali further revealed that around $1 million had been allocated recently for Kerman Province. Out of this allocation, half were designated for a project located in southern Kerman.
He also mentioned that there was a necessity to review and phase out the construction project of Jiroft Museum after several years of suspension. This review has already taken place, resulting in an additional allocation of $700 thousand during a recent visit by Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage to Kerman province. It was deemed as one among country’s priority museums.
Af’aali then stated that efforts have been made to revive and activate Jiroft Museum’s restoration workshop. As per current expectations, completion of the first phase of the construction is anticipated within three years’ time.