TEHRAN – 207 tourism projects, with an estimated value of 369,279 trillion rials (some $738 million), are currently in progress in Mazandaran, the provincial tourism chief said on Tuesday.

The projects have been estimated to generate jobs for 15,395 individuals when inaugurated, Hossein Izadi added.

“Since the beginning of this year (March 21), 135 preliminary approvals for tourism facilities, predicting an investment volume of 126,723 billion rials and employment for 5,889 individuals, have been issued in the province.”

The official said just in the last two months, around 40 preliminary approvals have been granted to investors in tourism areas, foreseeing an investment volume of 4,478 billion rials and the creation of 2,007 job opportunities.

Sandwiched between the towering Alborz mountain range and the Caspian Sea, the picture-perfect province has long been a highly popular destination for domestic travelers. To cite an example, more than 1.8 million domestic travelers, the majority of whom were from Tehran, rushed the province on August 1 and 2. The consecutive days were declared national holidays by the government due to a heat wave that saw temperatures touch record levels across the country.

Its ever-present green landscapes provide a perfect backdrop for hiking, biking, and exploring. Visitors can take a stroll at the stunning Larijan hot springs, one of the most famous natural attractions in the region, and relax after a long day of exploring. Moreover, the varied nature of the province features plains, prairies, forests, and rainforests stretching from the sandy beaches of the Caspian Sea to the rugged and snowcapped Alborz range, including Mount Damavand, one of the highest peaks and volcanos in Asia. More than 800 registered historical and cultural sites, 338 km of shoreline, mineral springs in jungles and mountains, waterfalls, and caves are among the major tourist attractions in the province.

When it comes to local cuisine, the Mazandaran region is a food lover's paradise as well. The region is well-known for its diverse cuisine made with fresh and organic ingredients. Many of its popular dishes have a flavorful mix of white rice, fish, and herbs, cooked with sour orange juice. Its distinctive dishes include: Aghuz Mossama (walnut dish), Tah Chin, Torsh Torshu, Do Pati, Espenasak, pumpkin soup, Esfenaj Marji, Kahi Anar (a dish made from pumpkins), Naz Khatun, Qaliye, Khoresht-e Alu and Aghuznun.

In the early 20th century, by constructing seven new roads and railways, the provinces of Mazandaran and Gilan became known as Shomal by all Iranians (meaning “the North” in Persian).

AFM