UNESCO nomination process for Bonab Kebab moves forward
Ahmad Hamzehzadeh, Director-General of the East Azarbaijan Province Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization, has highlighted the significance of Bonab Kebab in the cultural identity and tourism appeal of Bonab and the wider region, stating that its inscription on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List could play a key role in promoting the tourism potential of both Bonab and the province.
Hamzehzadeh noted that Bonab Kebab has already been registered on Iran’s National Heritage List and is among more than 70 Iranian culinary traditions under consideration for international recognition, according to chtn.ir.
He said that, following special efforts by the Governor-General of East Azarbaijan Province and a directive from the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, the process of preparing the nomination dossier has entered the implementation stage. In this regard, a contract has been signed with the national consultant responsible for preparing UNESCO nomination dossiers.
Referring to Iran’s ongoing UNESCO nomination dossier for historic mosques, Hamzehzadeh said that the historic Mehrabad Mosque of Bonab has also been included among the proposed sites. He added that the inclusion of the mosque could further showcase the city’s rich historical heritage.
Hamzehzadeh also commented on the latest developments concerning the Qareh Qoshun Tourism Zone, describing it as one of the country’s designated tourism development areas approved by the government. He said a memorandum of understanding has been signed between the provincial Cultural Heritage Department and Bonab Municipality to advance the project.
According to the official, the zone’s master plan has been completed and finalized, while the Investment Commission of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts has issued the required preliminary approval.
An investor has now been introduced by the municipality, and executive agencies are expected to expedite administrative procedures to facilitate the launch of the tourism development project.