TEHRAN – More historical and cultural venues in Fars province have been equipped to host significant national and international events, a local official noted.

On Saturday, during a visit to Saadi mausoleum, the provincial tourism chief, Mohammad Sabet-Eqlidi, publicized the province's readiness to host further cultural events.

Citing an example, the official said: “Last week, the grand finale of Iran’s Family Chorus League was held at the Saadi Cultural Complex, receiving an exceptional public response.”

Event tourism, the director-general highlighted, is one of the most crucial branches of tourism, widely utilized by leading countries in the industry.

Currently, Fars province’s historical and cultural sites have become hubs for national events, he added.

“Apart from the cultural and artistic events held throughout the week, particularly at Hafez and Saadi’s tombs,” Sabet-Eqlidi noted. “We are also hosting national events at these historical sites.”

Moreover, he announced that upcoming summer tourism, cultural, and religious events would soon be introduced and implemented.

The aim of these events, the official underscored, is to familiarize tourists and the target audience with the capacities, capabilities, and potentials of the Fars tourism sector.

Sabet-Eqlidi also mentioned an upcoming concert at Persepolis, ensuring that all aspects of organizing such an event in a historical complex have been meticulously reviewed and supervised by cultural heritage and tourism experts of the province.

“Hosting events at historical and cultural sites offers a golden opportunity to attract more tourists and extend their visit duration,” he pinpointed. “Currently, Fars province has become the center of such events, which undoubtedly significantly impacts the development and economy of the province’s tourism sector.”

Additionally, the official referred to the upcoming International Multimedia Cultural Heritage Festival. “According to our plans, this festival, one of the most significant international events in the country, will be hosted in Shiraz this autumn,” he continued. “It will undoubtedly play a crucial role in showcasing the historical, cultural, and tourism potential within the province.”

Fars province, located in southwestern Iran, is a region steeped in history and culture, renowned for its rich heritage and numerous historical sites. Often considered the cultural heartland of Iran, Fars is home to ancient cities, monumental ruins, and architectural masterpieces that reflect its illustrious past.

One of the most iconic sites in Fars is Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Darius the Great in 518 BC. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases the grandeur of ancient Persian architecture with its impressive palaces, reliefs, and staircases.

Another significant landmark is Pasargadae, the tomb of Cyrus the Great, which is a testament to the early Persian Empire’s architectural ingenuity. This site also holds a UNESCO designation and is revered for its historical and cultural importance.

Shiraz, the provincial capital, is a city renowned for its poetry, gardens, and historical monuments. The tombs of famous Persian poets Hafez and Saadi are located there, attracting numerous visitors who come to pay homage to these literary giants.

The city also features the exquisite Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, known for its stunning stained-glass windows, and the Eram Garden, a beautiful example of Persian garden design.

Fars province’s historical sites are not just relics of the past but vibrant venues for cultural events and tourism. They play a crucial role in preserving Iran’s heritage and showcasing the architectural and artistic achievements of ancient Persian civilizations, attracting enthusiasts from around the world.

XF/AM