Kashan named UNESCO Creative City of Architecture
Iran’s ancient city of Kashan was admitted to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of architecture, marking a new milestone for Iranian-Islamic cultural and architectural heritage.
The designation was announced on October 31 during the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, IRNA reported.
Hassan Fartousi, Secretary-General of Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO, confirmed the membership in the presence of Science Minister Hossein Simaei-Sarraf, calling the move “a step toward reinforcing Iran’s cultural diplomacy and architectural identity on the world stage.”
The announcement coincided with World Cities Day 2025, when UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay named 58 new members of the Creative Cities Network, which now brings together more than 300 cities across fields including architecture, crafts, literature, music, and gastronomy. The program promotes the role of creativity as a driver of sustainable urban development.
Kashan joins the ranks of cities such as Rome, Paris, and Barcelona, recognized for “sustainable architecture and rich civilizational heritage.”
Officials described the city’s inclusion as a “turning point” in advancing sustainable cultural growth rooted in Iranian-Islamic design traditions.
With more than 1,700 historical sites, including around 330 nationally registered monuments and the UNESCO-listed Fin Garden, Kashan stands as a living museum of traditional architecture adapted to its desert environment. Its vaulted houses, windcatchers, and underground spaces reflect a refined integration of art, science, and ecology that has inspired architects for generations.
According to Fartousi, the successful nomination followed months of coordination with UNESCO experts. “Kashan’s creative potential and its authentic architectural character made it a strong candidate,” he said, emphasizing that the recognition “opens doors for international cooperation and cultural exchange.”