Kermanshah named Cultural Capital of Asian Cities for 2025
Iran’s Kermanshah was designated as the Cultural Capital of Asian Cities for the year 2025 by the Secretariat of the Asian Mayors’ Council.
This announcement was made by Kermanshah’s Mayor Nader Noroozi during a press conference held on February 11 at the tourism exhibition in Tehran, IRNA reported.
Noroozi explained that Kermanshah’s selection was largely due to its active participation in various cultural events throughout 2021.
He added that approximately 100 cities are part of the Asian Mayors’ Council, with 11 members from Iran, while the remaining 89 cities hail from other Asian nations, including China and Turkey.
“The aim of the Asian Cities Council is to facilitate the exchange of information among cities throughout Asia,” Noroozi stated.
He emphasized Kermanshah’s rich historical heritage, diverse ecosystems, and ethnic variety as key factors in its recognition as a cultural hub. “We can showcase our city on the Asian continent,” he added, highlighting the region’s culinary diversity and its status as a creative city. Urban diplomacy, according to Noroozi, plays a crucial role in fostering social and economic development.
He pointed out that Kermanshah has successfully positioned itself among cities known for their culinary creativity, boasting an impressive array of 100 traditional dishes. As the largest city in western Iran, Kermanshah is also a significant cultural center, with over 4,000 registered historical sites.
Hassan Fartousi, Secretary-General of the National Commission for UNESCO in Iran, underlined the importance of global networks, including the Creative Cities initiative, which encompasses domains such as film, tourism, and cuisine.
He highlighted that Iran is home to two creative food cities: Rasht and Kermanshah.
“Kermanshah is now not only active among UNESCO cities regionally and internationally but has also emerged as a cultural focal point among Asian cities,” Fartousi added, commending the city for effectively presenting itself on global platforms.
He expressed gratitude for the efforts of the municipal authorities in promoting cultural initiatives, stating that the commitment of Kermanshah’s leaders and the concerns of its cultural advocates have culminated in this prestigious recognition.
Before the press conference, attendees enjoyed a traditional Kurdish program accompanied by local music. Following this, both the UNESCO Secretary-General and the Kermanshah Mayor unveiled various cultural initiatives, including a certification for restaurants that offer at least 50% traditional Iranian dishes, and a promotional video on local cuisine.
Hashem Darvishi, the head of Kermanshah’s City Council, also praised the media for their role in promoting the region’s tourist attractions. He attributed Kermanshah’s selection to its historical caves, the presence of the ancient Kurdish ethnic group, and the growing cultural ties with Kurdish, Lur, and Lor communities abroad.
Darvishi elaborated on Kermanshah’s rich artistic heritage, music, and linguistic diversity. “When viewed through a social and anthropological lens, both Shia and Sunni communities coexist harmoniously here,” he noted, referencing the city’s historical significance as a connector between Asia and Europe along the Silk Road.