Magnificent northern railway: A Journey through Iranian history and heritage
Iran’s northern railway is an enchanting and unparalleled route, showcasing a diverse blend of history and heritage. It spans over 1,000 kilometers, forming an integral part of the trans-Iranian railway and earning its esteemed status as a global heritage site. The launch of the first provincial department of Trans-Iranian Railway’s World Heritage Site in Mazandaran Province promises to begin a modern chapter of exploration and experience.
It’s hard to find someone who hasn’t laid eyes on the captivating and unique part of the railway route of Mazandaran Province, with the length of 331-kilometers, or experienced a journey along this route without being mesmerized by its natural, historical, and architectural beauty, IRNA wrote.
The operation of the northern railway, as a part of trans-Iranian railway, commenced in 1937, and quickly became a prominent symbol of modernity in the lives of the local people. This architectural and industrial marvel, coupled with its profound integration into the social, economic, and industrial fabric of Mazandaran, has transformed the railway into an inseparable and vibrant component of everyday life.
This charming and fascinating element of modernity, which is in its ninth decade of operation, with all its infrastructure components and surrounding social issues, has become an attractive destination for cultural heritage lovers. It is so appealing that two years ago, as part of Iran’s national railway, it was registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The most beautiful and unique part of this 1,400-kilometer historical and world-renowned route, which extends from Bandar-e Torkaman, in Golestan Province, to Imam Khomeini Port, passes through Mazandaran Province and the heart of the Alborz Mountains.
The head of the newly-established provincial department of the Trans-Iranian Railway World Heritage Site in Mazandaran Province has stated that their main objectives are documenting and updating the architectural, natural, and historical features within the vicinity of the railway fleet located in northern Iran.
Abolfazl Nikubayan also emphasized the continuous monitoring and preservation measures.
“Efforts are underway to establish the first railway museum in the region. Promoting railway tourism and attracting foreign visitors are also among the primary goals of this department,” he said.
While appreciating the efforts of the experts and managers of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railway Company and the Northern Railway Department for the finalization of the global registration dossier, he stated: Undoubtedly, without these efforts, this dossier would not have reached fruition. Since the preparation and compilation of the dossier, the experienced railway experts, along with a team from the World Heritage Registration Department of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization, had extensive collaborations, including cultural liaison with UNESCO.
“Now, with the establishment of the provincial department of the Trans-Iranian Railway World Heritage Site in Mazandaran Province, we still need the same collaboration and concern,” he noted.