Martyred Leader’s legacy casts cultural heritage as pillar of Iran’s identity
A renewed review of the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei’s remarks during the days leading to his funeral shows his longstanding view that Iran’s cultural heritage, tourism and handicrafts are strategic national assets that strengthen Iranian-Islamic identity, foster economic development and project the country’s civilization to the world.
Across speeches delivered over more than two decades, Ayatollah Khamenei consistently described Iran’s historical legacy as a source of national confidence and a foundation for future progress, CHTN reported.
"Iran deserves a far higher standing than that of a second-rate country," he said in an August 17, 2011 address. "Our history, our cultural heritage, our people's capabilities and our natural potential all dictate that Iran should rank among the world's leading nations."
He repeatedly linked the preservation of historical sites to strengthening national identity, describing cultural heritage as a wellspring of self-confidence for future generations.
Speaking to provincial officials in Fars Province in 2008, Ayatollah Khamenei highlighted tourism as a powerful engine for economic growth, saying that proper planning and promotion could generate enough revenue to make provinces "independent of many other sources of income."
He urged officials to capitalize on the country's religious shrines, literary icons such as Hafez and Sa’adi, and its rich historical landscape, calling tourism "a very important issue" with untapped potential.
Ayatollah Khamenei also advocated presenting Iran's historical achievements more effectively to international audiences. Referring to the rock relief near Kazerun depicting the Roman Emperor Valerian kneeling before the Sassanian king Shapur I, he said the monument should be showcased as evidence of Iran's historical grandeur.
"They show visitors an empty field and say the Persian army was defeated there," he remarked, referring to a visit to Greece recounted by an acquaintance. "Here we have the statue of Valerian, the Roman emperor, kneeling before the King of Iran. Show them this. That answers it."
Discussing ancient sites such as Persepolis, Ayatollah Khamenei said their value extended beyond political history, describing them as masterpieces created by "the Iranian mind" and "the hands of Iranian artists."
"The true creators of these monuments are the Iranian people," he said. "They reflect Iranian ingenuity, creativity and artistic excellence, and that is a source of pride for the nation."
Handicrafts also occupied a prominent place in his vision for national development. During visits to several provinces, he called for greater investment in traditional industries, particularly carpet weaving and other crafts, saying they could improve livelihoods while expanding Iran's presence in global markets.
Ayatollah Khamenei further warned against attempts to diminish nations' historical identity, arguing that cultural and civilizational achievements should be protected and promoted rather than overlooked.