TEHRAN - The Director-General of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts for Ardabil Province has announced the registration of eight historical sites located at Nir County on the national heritage list.

During an interview with IRNA on Tuesday, Hasan Mohammadi Adib revealed, "In the recent session of the National Intangible Heritage Registration Council, eight historical sites from Ardabil Province were officially added to the national heritage list."

Further elaborating, the Director-General added, "These sites in Nir County underwent identification, study, and preparation for national registration by the experts at the Cultural Heritage Department of the province."

Highlighting the historical significance, he noted, "Some of these mentioned sites have a history dating back up to 3,500 years."

Emphasizing the ongoing effort to safeguard cultural treasures, Mohammadi Adib stated, "The Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department of Ardabil province consistently identifies valuable historical and cultural sites for national registration, aiming to protect them."

Nir County, situated 30 kilometers southwest of Ardabil, is renowned for its abundance of ancient artifacts and historical landmarks, strategically positioned along the transit route of Ardabil and Sarab.

Ardabil province, located in northwest Iran with a population of 1.28 million and comprising 12 counties, is considered a significant destination for domestic and international tourists due to its natural, historical, religious, and economic attractions.

Situated on a high, windswept plateau, Ardabil is well known for having abundant natural beauty, hospitable people, and its silk and carpet trade tradition. It is also home to UNESCO-registered Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and the Shrine Ensemble. 

The province is freezing in winter and mild in summer, attracting thousands every year. The capital city of Ardabil is usually recorded as one of the coldest cities in the country in winter.