TEHRAN - Recent efforts to preserve and restore Masuleh’s cultural landscape have revitalized 97 cultural and historical elements, a key step towards achieving UNESCO World Heritage status, according to Vali Jahani, Gilan province’s tourism chief.

Masuleh, a historic hillside village in Iran’s Gilan province, is known for its traditional stepped architecture and stunning natural landscape. 

Jahani on Sunday emphasized the village’s significance as an iconic example of traditional Iranian terraced cities, noting that the ongoing projects bring it closer to being recognized as a World Heritage site, IRIB reported. 

The official explained that 52 cultural, historical, and natural landmarks were restored and put back into use over the past year, with the total number now reaching 97. 

“Our recent restorations include key heritage sites such as northern Iran’s oldest mill, several historic natural springs, mosques over 800 years old, ancient mausoleums, and traditional houses and commercial buildings,” Jahani said. 

He added that bilingual signage and revitalized marketplaces have also enhanced the cultural presentation of Masuleh.

Additional projects have included archaeological excavations, the establishment of three museums in Masuleh, the national registration of over 20 historical sites, and the documentation of more than 100 cultural, historical, and natural landmarks within the region. Over 50 cultural and historical properties in Masuleh are currently undergoing the registration process for the national heritage list.

With its thousand-year history and preserved traditional structures, Masuleh’s unique architectural heritage and historical sites are positioning it as a strong candidate for UNESCO recognition, IRIB said. 

Masuleh is famed for its Lego-shaped earthen houses built on another’s rooftop. Surrounded by green valleys, misty forests, and 3,000m peaks, Masouleh is the ultimate trekking destination in Iran, offering several trails that include both day treks and multi-day treks.

Stepped villages

Iran is home to several magnificent stepped villages, of which the most popular ones are Masouleh, Kang, and UNESCO-tagged Uramanat.

Kang in the northeastern province of Khorasan Razavi, which has been recently inscribed on the national heritage list, with an antiquity of more than 3,000 years, is situated at a distance of some 30 km from Mashhad, the provincial capital.

The village, located on the highlands of Mount Binalud, is also adjacent to Neishabur, known for its turquoise handicrafts and mines.

Uramanat in the west of the country is also another stepped village, which is considered a cradle of Kurdish art and culture from the days of yore.
AM