TEHRAN – In commemoration of International Museum Day [MAY 18], a number of exhibitions, showcasing rarely-seen relics borrowed from the National Museum of Iran, have raised the curtains on across the country.

On Saturday morning, the very first day of National Cultural Heritage Week coinciding with International Museum Day, in the presence of the cultural heritage deputy chief, Ali Darabi, 14 exhibitions were inaugurated simultaneously via a video conference.

According to the event organizers, more than a hundred lesser-known relics which are loaned from National Museum of Iran, are being displayed in 14 exhibitions countrywide.

During the video conference, where priorities on the cultural heritage agenda were discussed, some provincial governors shared insights into necessary initiatives which could lead to apt exploitation of capacities lie within the country.

Pointing to the exhibitions as narratives revealing Iran’s vicissitudinous history, Esmaeel Zarei-Kousha, the Kordestan’s governor, highlighted that six showcased objects are uncovered from the Ziwiye hoard, a treasure hoard containing gold, silver, and ivory objects in 1947.

Kordestan province, he continued, is considered as an ancient human settlement inhabited by respected Iranian ethnics.

Mentioning cultural heritage, tourism and handicrafts as the cornerstones of provincial development, Zarei-Kousha expressed hope toward underway initiatives, demanding to extend the duration of the exhibitions with an eye toward attracting more enthusiasts.

Moreover, the Kerman’s governor, Mohammad-Mahdi Fadakar, pinpointed the remarkable capacities lie across the province.

“Boasting ten UNESCO-listed properties, Kerman is home to a third of national world recognized sites,” the governor further brought to light.

He also revealed that some excavated elements from Jiroft, which were being held in foreign countries, have recently brought back to Iran, and measures are in place to unveil them in a near future.

Winding up the event, Ali Darabi highlighted that as the slogan “Museums for Education and Research” has been set by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) for this year, all related organizations are expected to ramp up efforts aiming to promote museums’ position within the country.

XF/AM