Iran seeks more UNESCO listings to elevate global heritage profile
Iran aims to strengthen its global cultural standing by securing UNESCO recognition for more historic sites, the cultural heritage minister said on Tuesday.
Reza Salehi Amiri, minister of cultural heritage, tourism and handicrafts, said about 1 million historical sites nationwide and 58 applications awaiting registration, IRNA reported.
He made the remarks at an event titled ‘Iran’ at the Bank Melli Iran Museum in downtown Tehran, where the book ‘Thousands of Years of Iran’, written by Herbert Karim Masihi, was unveiled.
“43,000 sites were registered on Iran’s national heritage list and 30 were on UNESCO’s World Heritage List,” he added.
Salehi Amiri said UNESCO experts were in Masouleh, a historic village in northern Iran, as efforts continued to secure international recognition for the country’s heritage.
He compared Iran to a cypress tree whose branches bend in storms but whose roots remain firm, saying the country had withstood threats over thousands of years.
He described shared culture and civilization as a force that unites Iranians, especially when the country faces threats.
The minister called for Iranian history and culture to be taught in schools and universities.
He said tourism routes connecting the tombs of prominent figures with destinations across the country could help bring Iran’s cultural heritage into greater focus.
He also highlighted the role of corporate social responsibility in cultural preservation, praising what he called Bank Melli’s valuable contribution.
Salehi Amiri expressed confidence that Iran would get through what he called a historic turning point and eventually celebrate victory.