Historic revival plan unveiled for Kerman’s old quarter
Governor General of Kerman Province announced plans to establish a provincial historic district council aimed at removing investment barriers and accelerating the restoration of historic houses in the old quarter of the city of Kerman.
Speaking during a field visit to the city’s historic fabric, Mohammad Ali Talebi said several sections of the district with strong investment potential had been reviewed and a number of restored houses are expected to begin operating soon as officially licensed accommodation centers, according to ISNA.
Highlighting the area’s tourism and cultural potential, he noted that, in addition to the accommodation projects already underway, the district offers numerous opportunities for the expansion of tourism and cultural activities. Coordination meetings with relevant agencies will also be held to address regulatory and investment-related obstacles, he said.
He stated that the newly planned historic district council would support the restoration of old houses, facilitate urban revitalization efforts, and improve coordination among executive bodies.
According to Talebi, many of the historic homes in Kerman’s old quarter could be repurposed as eco-lodges, innovation hubs, and creative spaces, allowing the district to serve both residents and domestic and international tourists through sustainable and culturally appropriate uses.
He also announced provincial support measures for investors, including financial facilities for restoration, renovation, and equipping historic properties. Licensing procedures for eco-lodges and other community-oriented projects will also be expedited, he added.
During the visit, cultural heritage and urban development experts outlined the historical and investment potential of the Atashkadeh area. Experts said one of the city’s most significant historic blocks is located there and has undergone minimal structural changes over the past century, preserving much of its original character.
The district covers approximately 12 hectares, with around six hectares designated as a target zone for revitalization and investment projects. The presence of historic homes, large land parcels, and adaptable spaces has created favorable conditions for tourism, cultural, and hospitality developments.
Experts also pointed to the district’s narrow and dense alleyways, saying they could be transformed into pedestrian tourism routes and open-air museum corridors — a concept increasingly adopted in historic cities around the world.