TEHRAN–Two historical properties in the southern Fars province and the north-central province of Semnan will be temporarily ceded to the private sector to receive further care and maintenance.

Qajar-era (1789-1925) Atrvash Mansion in Shiraz, as well as Cheshmeh Ali, a popular tourist destination that was once the Qajar king Fath Ali Shah’s promenade, in Damghan, will be handed over to private investors through tender process, CHTN reported on Monday.

Both properties have been inscribed on the national heritage list, the report added.

Over the past couple of years, tens of historical places and monuments have been temporarily ceded to the private sector under the supervision of the Revitalization and Utilization Fund for Historical Places.

Affiliated with the tourism ministry, the Fund is in charge of concession with the aim of historical sites receiving better maintenance by repurposing them into thriving boutique hotels, eco-lodges, traditional restaurants, or other profitable niches.

The country boasts hundreds of historical sites such as bazaars, museums, mosques, bridges, bathhouses, madrasas, mausoleums, churches, towers, and mansions, of which 26 are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

ABU/AM