Masuleh, Gisum moving toward UNESCO status
Governor General of Gilan Province, Hadi Haghshenas, has expressed optimism that the historic town of Masuleh and the Gisum village will achieve UNESCO World Heritage status by 2027, highlighting Masuleh’s thousands of years of history and its position as one of Iran’s most significant cultural and historical treasures.
Speaking at a meeting convened to review the progress of the UNESCO nomination process for the historic town of Masuleh and the village of Gisum, attended by provincial officials as well as Parliament representatives from Fuman and Talesh, Haghshenas said that Masuleh, as a valuable civilizational and cultural landmark, has been on the path toward international recognition for several years. He described the site as a unique testament to Iran’s rich heritage and emphasized its importance as a symbol of the country’s historical identity, IRNA reported.
The governor noted that the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, in close coordination with provincial authorities, is actively pursuing the finalization of the nomination dossier. He said ongoing efforts are focused on meeting all necessary requirements and ensuring that the groundwork is in place for the successful inscription of the site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Referring to the nomination of Gisum, Haghshenas stated that out of 100 villages selected nationwide, only eight have advanced to the final stage of consideration for international recognition. Gisum, he noted, represents Gilan Province on this shortlist and is steadily progressing through the process toward global recognition. He described the area as one of the province’s most valuable natural and tourism assets, with considerable potential to attract visitors from around the world.
The governor stressed the importance of close cooperation among all relevant government agencies in fulfilling the requirements of the nomination process. According to Haghshenas, organizations including the Natural Resources Department, the Department of Environment, the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, municipalities, and local administrations have been instructed to take all necessary measures to accelerate the completion of the required documentation and infrastructure-related obligations.
Haghshenas emphasized that there are no financial or budgetary obstacles hindering Gisum’s nomination and pledged that all available provincial resources would be mobilized to complete the dossier. He added that authorities remain committed to promoting the region as an internationally recognized tourism destination and ensuring that it receives the attention it deserves on the global stage.
Describing the prospective inscription of Masuleh and Gisum as a major opportunity for the development of tourism in Gilan Province, the governor said that UNESCO recognition would undoubtedly attract greater interest from both domestic and international travelers. He noted that such recognition would not only enhance the visibility of the province’s historical and cultural heritage but would also contribute to economic growth, cultural exchange, and the expansion of tourism-related opportunities throughout the region.
The governor also ordered the establishment of a special committee tasked with overseeing the UNESCO nomination efforts for both sites and monitoring the implementation of decisions adopted during the meeting. He expressed hope that existing challenges and administrative obstacles would be resolved before the next review session, enabling officials to report positive developments and meaningful progress to the people of Gilan.
Highlighting the province’s broader tourism and historical potential, Haghshenas pointed to recent improvements in transportation infrastructure, noting that Rasht’s Sardar Jangal International Airport has reached a satisfactory level of development in the field of air transportation. He said that the number of weekly flights operating through the airport has increased to 80, reflecting growing demand and improved connectivity.
The governor further stated that the airport currently handles an average of 11 to 12 flights per day. He noted that a direct flight route between Rasht and Baghdad was launched last week, while direct flights to Istanbul are scheduled to commence on June 10. According to Haghshenas, the new Istanbul service has already generated considerable public interest and is expected to strengthen the province’s international connections.
Haghshenas underscored the importance of transportation infrastructure in supporting sustainable tourism growth. He said that the expansion of air travel routes and improved accessibility can play a crucial role in showcasing Gilan’s historical, cultural, and natural attractions to a wider international audience, while also contributing to the province’s long-term economic and tourism development goals.