200 historical buildings handed over to private investors for restoration
The deputy minister of cultural heritage, tourism and handicrafts said 200 historical buildings have been handed over to private-sector investors in the Iranian provinces through a fund tasked with preserving and revitalizing historic structures.
Anoushirvan Mohseni Bandpey made the remarks at a ceremony marking the opening of the first phase of the Khadem Bashi House in Ardabil, emphasizing that the restoration of historic buildings can strengthen the link between cultural heritage and tourism, according to IRNA.
He said the Khadem Bashi House was among the historic structures that could have been reduced to ruins if left unattended. Through the efforts of relevant organizations and private-sector investment, he added, conditions were created for the restoration and renewed use of the valuable property.
He said cultural heritage is a broad and valuable concept encompassing knowledge, traditions and ways of life, resulting in the cultural, historical and social heritage of a community.
He described the Khadem Bashi House as an example of tangible cultural heritage and stressed that the historic property is part of the country's valuable heritage and can, through restoration and revitalization, once again become part of social and economic life.
Mohseni Bandpey said the Ministry's Facilities Committee is seeking to create incentives and support projects aimed at restoring historic buildings so that the values embodied in properties such as the Khadem Bashi and Sadeghi houses, along with their related stories and narratives, can be introduced to the public and tourists.
He also identified new technologies and virtual reality as important tools for introducing such heritage sites, saying that modern technologies can be used to present the historical narratives of these buildings in more engaging ways to younger generations and tourists.
Referring to the conversion of the first phase of the Khadem Bashi Historic House into a traditional restaurant and the restoration of the remaining spaces for accommodation, he said such historic properties can create a link between cultural heritage and the tourism industry.
Mohseni Bandpey explained that when visitors enter the chambers of the historic house, which have now been restored for use as a traditional restaurant, they can see how spaces that have retained their historical identity have also generated economic activity, foreign-exchange earnings and sustainable employment.
The official described Ardabil as a province with a rich history, culture and civilization, saying it has a unique position in the country and a valuable historical and cultural heritage that should be properly utilized to develop tourism.
He noted that nine historic buildings in Ardabil Province have been handed over to the private sector through the Fund for the Preservation and Revitalization of Historic Buildings, following efforts by the provincial Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization. He expressed hope that once their restoration and revitalization are completed, the properties will be made available to the public and tourists.
Mohseni Bandpey stressed that achieving this goal requires serious attention to the country's culture, history and civilization, as well as continued support for the restoration and use of historic buildings.
The historic house covers 3,900 square meters of land and built-up area, including 1,900 square meters of building.
Attending the Second International Conference on Museums at Mohaghegh Ardabili University, opening the first cultural, tourism and handicrafts event in Sareyn, visiting tourism projects and facilities, and meeting with tourism professional associations and investors in the province were among the other programs during the deputy tourism minister's two-day visit to Ardabil Province.