50 historic buildings set for auction to boost cultural tourism
Around 50 historic buildings are expected to be offered to private investors through at least two auctions by mid-March, as part of efforts to accelerate the restoration and reuse of the country’s cultural heritage sites.
Announcing the above, Mojtaba Shokri, head of the Fund for the Development of Handcrafts and Handmade Carpets and Revitalization and Utilization of Historical and Cultural Places, told IRNA that reducing the number of deteriorating historic buildings and bringing them into the auction process were among the fund’s key performance indicators.
He said the objective could only be achieved if the properties were awarded to qualified applicants and the successful bidders completed restoration work and brought the buildings into operation within the specified deadlines.
Shokri said the fund’s responsibilities extended beyond the transfer of historic properties. Under its charter, it is also mandated to support and identify markets for handicrafts and handwoven carpets, develop digital marketplaces and explore opportunities in financial markets.
He identified capital market instruments as a potential means of attracting small-scale investment, particularly from Iranians living abroad who wish to contribute to the preservation of the country’s cultural heritage but cannot afford investments worth several billion tomans.
Expanding access to small-scale investment, he added, could encourage wider public participation in the restoration and preservation of historic buildings while strengthening links between cultural heritage, handicrafts and local economies.
The recent war imposed on Iran has also taken a toll on the country’s tourism industry, affecting a number of properties managed by the fund. A decline in tourist arrivals, coupled with rising wages in the hospitality sector, has placed additional financial pressure on the operation of these sites.
The fund typically holds auctions for historic properties every two to three months. However, no auctions have taken place over the past two months because of the wartime situation. Preparations are now under way to resume the process in the near future.
Shokri said 25 historic properties had been prepared for auction, with seven more earmarked specifically for handicraft-related activities. Calls for applications for the properties are currently being issued in the provinces.
He also announced that several restored historic sites were expected to open in the coming weeks. They include Aminian House in Kerman, the grounds of Mofakham House in Bojnurd, Iran Hotel in Rasht and Shotor Galu Mansion in Mahan.
Following restoration, the properties are ready to begin operations, with a focus on tourism and handicraft-related activities.
Shokri expressed hope that their reopening would help boost tourism, create sustainable employment and expand access to cultural spaces in their respective cities.