UNESCO experts to visit Siraf for world heritage evaluation
UNESCO experts are scheduled to visit Bushehr Province in September and October this year to evaluate the historic port of Siraf for possible inscription on the World Heritage List, the director general of Bushehr Province’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization said.
Nasrollah Ebrahimi said that the nomination dossier of Siraf has already been selected as Iran’s official candidate for 2026, adding that the assessment will proceed despite ongoing wartime conditions, ISNA wrote.
He highlighted Bushehr’s significant potential in maritime and coastal tourism, noting that multiple projects are currently underway. These include tourism development on Harku Island, restoration of the traditional Lenj (Ship) Graveyard, construction of a marine aquarium, expansion of recreational piers, and the development of hotels and tourism complexes in cities such as Asaluyeh, Deylam, Ab Pakhsh, Bushehr, and Delvar.
He further stated that new tourism initiatives have begun across the province, including the issuance of the first preliminary permit for a five-star hotel in Deylam — an important step toward strengthening tourism infrastructure in northern Bushehr.
Ebrahimi described the submission of Siraf’s dossier to UNESCO last February as the province’s most significant recent cultural heritage achievement. Competing with other candidates such as Tous, Siraf was ultimately selected to represent Iran for inscription on the World Heritage List in 2026.
Despite challenges posed by the war, he noted that preparatory measures — such as infrastructure improvements and the installation of signage — are ongoing, with UNESCO’s official evaluation expected in early autumn.
On research activities, Ebrahimi reported that more than ten archaeological programs have been conducted in recent years, including studies along the Persian Gulf coastline, excavations in Siraf, surveys of prehistoric sites in Dayyer, and boundary assessments for several historical locations.
He also pointed to the organization of scientific events such as the National Conference on the History and Culture of the Persian Gulf, specialized archaeology meetings, and World Museum Day programs.
Regarding restoration efforts, more than 40 restoration workshops are currently active across the province. In Bushehr’s historic district, projects such as the paving the passageway of Sheikh Sa’doun Mosque and the Fadak clinic have been completed.
Ebrahimi announced that the Shahid Raisali Delvari Museum has been fully equipped and is ready for inauguration. Restoration work has also been completed on several historic structures, including the Dalaki Caravanserai, Moshir al-Molk Caravanserai, and more than 20 other valuable heritage sites.
He added that 34 elements of intangible cultural heritage from Bushehr were registered nationally last year, bringing the total number of registered heritage items in the province to over 450.
In terms of museum development, several institutions — including Jam Museum, Siraf Museum, Printing Science Museum, and the Iranian Museum — are currently under construction or nearing completion. Additionally, a private ethnographic museum has been established in Chah Mobarak.
Ebrahimi also noted that, under Iran’s Seventh Development Plan, a number of historic buildings—including Golshan Mansion, Najafi Mansion, Azin Mansion, Haj Rais Mansion, Moshir al-Molk Caravanserai, and the Siraf Nasouri Castle — have been handed over to the private sector.
Highlighting achievements in handicrafts, he said that 126 provincial works have received the National Seal of Excellence, while three have earned international recognition. Last year alone, 230 individuals were trained in the sector, and 219 handicraft licenses were issued.