TEHRAN – A selection of seven sites and elements in the northern Gilan province have recently been added to Iran’s national list for natural heritage.

This recognition comes as a testament to the diverse and ecologically significant landscapes that characterize Gilan, a province known for its greenery, captivating waterfalls, and ancient trees, a local official said on Wednesday.

Among the newly registered sites are the waterfalls of Daryabon, Zomorod and Loshki, along with some long-lived trees, the official added.

These sites, with their ecological importance and cultural significance, now join the prestigious roster of national heritage.

The process involved a meticulous review of the documentation during follow-up sessions held at the Tourism Ministry’s Office for National Heritage Registration. The collaborative effort of experts ensured the accurate assessment of each site's historical and ecological value, leading to their formal inclusion in the national heritage list.

Gilan, with its rich history and diverse ecosystems, has long been a treasure trove of cultural and natural heritage. This recent acknowledgment brings the total number of registered natural heritage sites in the province to ten in the current solar year.

So far, over 1,200 historical sites in Gilan are listed as national heritage, and more than 500 of these are classified as natural heritage, emphasizing the province's commitment to preserving its unique identity.

Gilan is known for its tourist attractions and warm-hearted and hospitable people. The people of Gilan from different ethnic groups, including Gilak, Talesh, and Tat, have come together and formed a very rich and diverse culture and customs.

The northern region was within the sphere of influence of the successive Achaemenian, Seleucid, Parthian, and Sasanian empires that ruled Iran until the 7th century CE. The subsequent Arab conquest of Iran led to the rise of many local dynasties, and Gilan acquired an independent status that continued until 1567.

Besides, its sophisticated capital city of Rasht has long been a weekend escape for residents of Tehran who are looking to sample the famous local cuisine and hoping for some pluvial action–it's the largest and wettest town in the northern region. Gilan is divided into a coastal plain, including the large delta of Sefid Rud and adjacent parts of the Alborz range.

AM