Alborz plans new steps to promote tourism, handicrafts
The director general of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization of Alborz Province said introducing Iran’s archaeological sites is an important way of showcasing the country’s historical identity and cultural heritage to both domestic and international audiences.
Speaking about the province’s archaeological potential, Nader Zeynali said Ozbaki Hill in Nazarabad is among the sites being developed, with efforts to organize and enhance the site having begun last year, according to chtn.ir.
“We aim to establish Ozbaki Hill as an archaeological site and research center,” he said. “At the same time, a tourism route has been planned for the site to create a balance between preservation, research and public access.”
Zeynali said much of the necessary infrastructure has already been put in place, while work on the remaining components is scheduled for completion this year. The goal, he added, is to provide better facilities and conditions for tourists and visitors.
He also said that placing a historic site on World Heritage List requires specific legal requirements and procedures, adding that preparations are underway to pursue the necessary process for Ozbaki Hill.
Turning to the province’s handicraft sector, Zeynali said Alborz has significant potential, with about 85 of the country’s roughly 290 recognized handicraft fields currently practiced in the province.
Pottery, he said, is one of Alborz’s most prominent handicrafts, supported by the province’s abundant and high-quality clay resources. A significant share of the raw clay used by pottery producers in other provinces is also supplied from Alborz.
“This natural resource, combined with the skills and capabilities of local artisans, can provide a strong foundation for further development of the handicraft sector,” he said.
Zeynali said most pottery artisans in the province are based in the Golestanak area of Karaj. Provincial authorities are seeking to introduce Golestanak as a center for handicrafts and as a craft city, he added.
He said the initiative requires a series of legal and administrative procedures, which are currently being pursued.
Zeynali also highlighted the tourism potential of Taleqan, describing the area as home to a combination of natural, historical and cultural attractions, including scenic landscapes, shrines and historic sites.
Among these attractions is the house of Ayatollah Taleqani, which he said could be developed into a cultural destination.
“Working with Ayatollah Taleqani’s family, we launched a project last year to turn the Taleqani House into a museum,” Zeynali said.
He added that the long-term vision is to make the house the starting point of a cultural route linking Taleqan’s various historical, cultural and tourism attractions.
“The route would begin at the Taleqani House and extend to other cultural and tourist destinations across Taleqan,” he said.