Iran Prepares 50 Sites for UNESCO World Heritage Nomination –

WANA (Sep 23) – Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts has announced that 50 of the country’s historical, natural, and cultural sites have been added to UNESCO’s Tentative List, paving the way for their potential future inclusion as official World Heritage sites.

Farhad Azizi, Director-General of Iran’s National and World Heritage Sites Department, stated on Tuesday that these dossiers are being gradually prepared according to UNESCO’s criteria, the unique characteristics of each site, and the development of necessary research and conservation infrastructure.

“Each case is being readied step by step and will be submitted to UNESCO once fully prepared,” Azizi said. “This includes ensuring proper protective measures, scholarly research, and necessary infrastructure are in place.”

Azizi emphasised that, beyond cultural and historical significance, proper site management is essential for UNESCO inscription. This includes developing research, preservation, and tourism infrastructure to accommodate and protect the sites.

Among the priority files under preparation, Azizi mentioned the “Alamut” region and the “Collection of Iranian Mosques”, which are in the final stages of documentation. He noted that whichever file is completed first will be submitted for World Heritage status consideration.

He also highlighted ongoing discussions in Ilam Province, where efforts are underway to nominate a heritage site with the highest potential for World Heritage inscription. “We expect to finalize the selected dossier in one to two months with the help of experts and UNESCO consultations,” Azizi added.

Iranian Caravanserais in Line for UNESCO Listing. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Role of Local Communities Highlighted

Azizi reiterated UNESCO’s emphasis on the critical role of local communities in protecting heritage sites.

“UNESCO’s value-based management system considers community support and involvement as key to success,” he said. “The local population, as the true custodians of these sites, must be actively involved in the decision-making and planning processes.”

He called on local communities not only to help protect these assets but also to facilitate sustainable tourism. Azizi stressed the importance of attracting both local and out-of-province investors and ensuring the private sector is engaged.

Ilam’s Archaeological Riches

Ilam Province, with its unique geography and ancient history, is considered one of the most important archaeological regions in western Iran. In recent years, numerous artefacts from the prehistoric to Islamic periods have been discovered in counties like Dehloran, Darreh Shahr, and Ilam.

Findings include clay jars, ancient caves, burial grounds, and valuable relics—evidence of the region’s multi-millennia-old legacy and its role in shaping the early civilisations of the Iranian plateau.

Active participation by local communities and timely interventions by Ilam’s Cultural Heritage Office have helped ensure the preservation of these important sites, maintaining the province as a focal point for researchers and history enthusiasts alike.

Azizi concluded by underscoring Iran’s immense cultural and tourism potential.

“If infrastructure and services are properly developed, Iran can become a leading global tourism destination,” he said. “With responsible management, community support, and investor engagement, Iran’s natural and cultural attractions can evolve into valuable destinations for both domestic and international tourists.”

Iran’s Qeshm Island UNESCO Global Geopark. Social media/ WANA News Agency