Published on
September 7, 2025
Iran’s spiritual and cultural centre is Qom, a city located roughly 140 kilometres south of Tehran. The city, which is regarded as a major centre for Shia Islam, welcomes millions of pilgrims and tourists annually who are attracted by its historical sites, hallowed shrines, and deep religious significance. Among these is the well-known Fatima Masumeh Shrine, which draws both pilgrims and tourists, making Qom a major destination for Iranian religious tourism. A recent meeting was held to discuss ways to further strengthen the city’s position as a major religious tourism destination and guarantee the preservation of its distinctive cultural and religious heritage, given its increasing significance.
Seyyed Reza Salehi Amiri, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, was joined on Thursday, September 4, 2025, by Hojatoleslam Qasem Ravanbakhsh, the parliamentary representative of Qom, and Akbar Behnamjoo, the governor of Qom. Grand Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi and the officials met to talk about the preservation of Qom’s rich cultural heritage and the future of religious tourism in the city. This important gathering demonstrated the common goal of preserving and repairing Qom’s historic sites while advancing the city’s standing as a major religious tourism destination worldwide.
Qom’s Significance in Iran’s Religious and Cultural Landscape
Qom has long been a centre for religious scholarship, with its seminaries and religious schools producing some of the most influential scholars in Shia Islam. The city’s spiritual importance is anchored in its status as the burial site of Fatima Masumeh, the sister of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam. The shrine built in her honour is one of the holiest sites for Shia Muslims. Qom is not only a place of religious pilgrimage but also a symbol of Iran’s spiritual and cultural identity.
Beyond religious devotion, Qom is home to an array of historical and cultural landmarks that contribute to its rich heritage. These include the Jameh Mosque of Qom, one of the oldest mosques in the region, and the Jamkaran Mosque, which is also a popular site for pilgrims. These cultural assets play an integral role in defining the city’s identity and its role in shaping Iran’s religious and cultural landscape.
The Purpose of the Meeting: Promoting Religious Tourism and Heritage Preservation
The purpose of the meeting between Minister Seyyed Reza Salehi Amiri, the Governor of Qom, the parliamentary representative, and Grand Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi was to discuss strategies for further promoting religious tourism in Qom while ensuring the protection and restoration of the city’s valuable cultural and religious heritage.
Enhancing Religious Tourism in Qom
Religious tourism has always been a significant aspect of Qom’s economy. The meeting’s primary focus was on finding ways to enhance Qom’s status as a leading religious tourism destination. Efforts are underway to make the city more accessible to pilgrims and tourists, both domestically and internationally. This includes improving the infrastructure, providing more accommodation options, and developing services tailored to religious tourists.
One of the key strategies discussed was the development of better transportation links to and from Qom. With millions of pilgrims visiting the city annually, the need for improved transport infrastructure has become more pressing. Upgrading the roads, expanding airport services, and offering more frequent and convenient transportation options will make Qom more accessible to travellers from across the globe.
Another crucial aspect of promoting religious tourism is increasing international awareness of Qom’s significance. International marketing campaigns, in collaboration with tourism organisations and media outlets, are being explored to ensure that Qom is recognised as a global centre for Shia pilgrimage and religious tourism. By raising awareness of the city’s cultural and spiritual importance, it is hoped that more tourists and scholars will visit Qom, fostering greater cultural exchange and enhancing the city’s international appeal.
Preserving Cultural Heritage for Future Generations
In addition to enhancing religious tourism, the preservation of Qom’s rich cultural heritage was a key point of discussion. Many of Qom’s historical sites, including the Fatima Masumeh Shrine, the Jameh Mosque of Qom, and other significant religious landmarks, require constant care and maintenance to preserve their historical integrity.
The meeting underscored the importance of safeguarding these cultural assets for future generations. The restoration of ancient monuments, the conservation of valuable manuscripts, and the maintenance of shrines were identified as critical components of Qom’s long-term strategy. Cultural preservation experts and historians are being consulted to ensure that restoration efforts respect the authenticity and historical significance of these sites.
Additionally, attention is being given to preserving Qom’s intangible heritage, including religious practices, traditions, and local craftsmanship. These elements contribute to the city’s unique cultural identity and must be safeguarded alongside its physical monuments.
Coordination Between Government and Cultural Bodies
A significant part of the discussion also focused on improving coordination between various governmental, cultural, and religious organisations to ensure the efficient implementation of preservation and tourism promotion strategies. The goal is to create a unified approach to managing both tourism and cultural preservation efforts in the city.
Governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts; local authorities in Qom; and religious institutions will work together to streamline efforts and allocate resources effectively. By fostering collaboration between these groups, the city hopes to create a comprehensive and sustainable model for promoting tourism while ensuring the protection of its cultural and religious heritage.
The Future of Qom: A Balance of Tourism and Preservation
The future of Qom as a preeminent hub for religious tourism depends on a well-rounded strategy that preserves its cultural assets while simultaneously highlighting its religious significance. The goals of the projects that were discussed at the meeting are to maintain the city’s distinctive heritage while ensuring that it remains a popular pilgrimage, educational, and cultural exchange destination worldwide.
Qom is ready to become one of the most significant religious tourism destinations in the world thanks to improved infrastructure, global marketing, and a commitment to cultural preservation. These initiatives will support the local economy as well as the larger objectives of conserving Iran’s rich spiritual and cultural legacy.
[Image Source: Visit Iran Official Website]
link