TEHRAN - In an effort to dispel outdated stereotypes and promote cultural understanding, the Iranian Cultural Attaché in Armenia, advocates for increased inbound tourism to Iran.

In a recent interview with Mehr, Mohammad Asadi-Movahedi highlighted the significant role of cultural diplomacy in transforming international perceptions of Iran.

Mentioning his experience in various countries, Asadi-Movahedi emphasized that both elites and ordinary people should visit Iran for any reason, as traveling is the best way to counteract negative propaganda against the country.
“We’ve recently facilitated a visit for seven of Armenian top bloggers to prominent Iranian cities including Kish, Isfahan, Kashan and Tehran,” the cultural attaché explained. “This move was part of our broader duty to engage in tourism advocacy.”

Highlighting the significant impact of media and social networks in shaping perceptions, Asadi-Movahedi underscored the ongoing challenge of countering efforts by some countries to depict Iran as an unsafe destination.
He stressed the importance of cultural and academic exchanges, including student exchanges and art groups, as well as promoting Iranian films and cultural products as effective strategies against the spread of misinformation about Iran.
The attaché further outlined that with a shared cultural heritage on family values and lifestyle, Iran and Armenia have enjoyed increased interactions among their elites and academic institutions.

“A recent symposium on written heritage featuring several Iranian scholars exemplifies these closer ties,” he added.
Asadi Mouhedi also mentioned Armenia's untapped potential for cultural and academic activities, despite its small population of less than three million.

He praised the country's capacity for cultural engagements, such as promoting Iranian handicrafts.
Looking ahead, the cultural attaché pointed to the arranged plans to organize multiple cultural weeks in Armenia with an eye toward showcasing different Iranian provinces, following the success of last year’s Hamadan cultural week.

“Upcoming events will feature Khorasan Razavi, East and West Azarbaijan, Kordestan and Mazandaran,” Asadi-Movahedi winded up. “Aiming to deepen cultural exchanges and understanding between the two nations.”