TEHRAN—Ardabil, which is the subsequent cultural capital for the Economic Cooperation Organization in 2023, seeks to hold cultural nights in several provinces across Iran.

Ardabil is planning to hold cultural nights in the provinces of Tehran, Khorasan Razavi, Fars, and Mazandaran as well as on the Kish Island in the Persian Gulf, Ardabil’s deputy tourism chief said on Monday.

“The cultural nights are expected to promote Ardabil’s capacities in terms of tourism and cultural heritage on the eve of the ECO event,” Yahya Najjarqabel said.

The events include live performances, handicraft sale exhibits, photo exhibits, and various contests, the official added.

Earlier this year, tourism minister Ezzatollah Zarghami said the international event would be a great opportunity to promote Ardabil on an international scale. “As‘Ardabil 2023’approaches, it is necessary to make the most of the opportunity to introduce the province internationally and to build infrastructure in the province,” Zarghami said.

Ardabil province is rich in cultural heritage and tourism, but suffers from a lack of investment and infrastructure, the minister added.

In 2019, Ardabil along with Sari, the capital of Mazandaran province, were selected as the cultural capitals of the Economic Cooperation Organization for 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Last April, the tourism authorities of the province announced that they had developed extensive plans to draw more tourists during the winter to the province and make it the winter tourism hub of the country.

Sprawling on a high, windswept plateau, Ardabil is well known for having abundant natural beauty, hospitable people, and its silk and carpet trade tradition. It is also home to the UNESCO-registered Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and the Shrine Ensemble.

AM