Mehrabad Mosque of Bonab among 40 UNESCO nomination candidates
Bonab Kebab; key cultural asset of city
Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Ali Darabi, announced during an official visit to Mehrabad Mosque of Bonab, in East Azarbaijan Province, that the ancient structure is among 40 mosques across 15 Iranian provinces nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status.
During his tour, Darabi also visited the Red Mosque, Ali Qapu Square, the historical villages of Savar and Tutah Khaneh, and the traditional bazaar of Bonab. In addition, he inspected a series of development, restoration, and infrastructure projects related to tourism in the region. These site visits aim to evaluate the progress of ongoing heritage and tourism projects, identify new tourism capacities, and accelerate the completion of development plans. Local authorities continue to emphasize infrastructure enhancement as a key strategy for strengthening the cultural and economic vitality of Bonab, according to IRNA.
Darabi was accompanied by several local and provincial officials as they toured major heritage sites and reviewed restoration efforts throughout the county.
A meeting held later at the Bonab Governor’s Office focused on upgrading tourism infrastructure, expediting restoration projects, and addressing financial requirements. During the session, Mohammad Bagheri Bonabi, Bonab’s representative in the Parliament, stressed the importance of seeking global registration for Bonab Kebab and Mehrabad Mosque, while also highlighting the need to further develop tourism infrastructure — particularly in the villages of Savar and Tutah Khaneh.
Darabi stated that Bonab Kebab, Mehrabad Mosque, and the historic village of Sur are all moving toward international recognition. He expressed hope that next year’s Bonab Kebab Festival — expected to host ambassadors from several countries — will help pave the way for achieving global listing for the city’s famous culinary tradition.
Meanwhile, Mohammad-Hossein Qale’hei, the Governor of Bonab, emphasized the importance of nationally registering “Bonab Kebab” and preparing the necessary groundwork to elevate the annual festival to an international event. Citing the economic significance of the dish, he noted that nearly 370 kebab establishments currently operate in the city, providing substantial employment and underscoring the major economic impact of Bonab Kebab on the region.
Qale’hei added that national registration and the expansion of the festival would further promote Bonab’s culinary identity and tourism potential, contributing to economic growth and sustainable employment.