Cultural heritage serves as Iran’s ‘soft power’ shaping national identity: Minister
Reza Salehi Amiri, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, underscored the significance of cultural heritage as a form of soft power that plays a vital role in shaping the nation’s identity.
Speaking at the seventh national specialized meeting of commanders, deputies, and officials of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, held on December 14, at the Niavaran Cultural-Historical Complex, Salehi Amiri stated, “The protection unit is the guardian of the nation’s identity.”
Highlighting the geographical and cultural wealth of Iran, Salehi Amiri noted that both tangible and intangible heritage represent the country’s soft power, IRNA reported.
He emphasized that society thrives on this soft power while being safeguarded by hard power. “The protection unit safeguards the identity of a nation, a job that is both valuable and commendable,” he added.
Salehi Amiri pointed out that sites such as Jiroft, Hegmataneh, Shahr-e Sukhteh (Burnt City), Marvdasht, Estakhr, Firuzabad, and Naqsh-e Jahan are integral to the historical identity of Iran.
He affirmed, “Iranian heritage stands as an unparalleled cultural and historical asset among United Nations member states. No other country possesses the diverse historical and civilizational capacities that Iran has.”
The minister also remarked on the community’s intelligence and self-organization among cultural and religious components, emphasizing that religious elements have never opposed the national identity. “Iranian identity and Islam are two wings of our identity, and there is no conflict between them,” he stated.
Salehi Amiri acknowledged the shortcomings in preserving historical artifacts due to limited resources and facilities.
He stressed the importance of developing and safeguarding the country’s cultural heritage, particularly in light of the younger generation’s passion for recognizing and protecting it. “We can organize complementary efforts with the protection unit and utilize local forces, organizations, and associations for more effective heritage preservation,” he suggested.
Furthermore, the minister highlighted the need for joint and effective collaborations to enhance the capabilities, equipment, and human resources of the protection unit.