TEHRAN – The head of  Kashan's Cultural Heritage, Tourism​, and Handicrafts Department has said 30 long-lived trees have so far been identified across​ Kashan and its nearby villages, of which five are registered on Iran’s list for natural heritage. ​

Alireza Abdollahzadeh on Monday emphasized the importance of long-lived trees as one of the most significant genetic resources, saying: “Protecting these trees is a responsibility shared by all citizens, especially those entrusted with their care.”

​Abdollahzadeh, in an interview with ISNA, stated that so far, 30 ancient trees have been identified in Kashan county. Of these, five trees have been registered as national natural heritage.

​He added that precise examination and identification of ancient trees in Kashan county, pursuing their registration, preparing identification documents, installing introduction boards with QR codes, and creating a database containing tree specifications, living conditions, and risk factors are among the key programs of the Kashan Cultural Heritage Department.

Abdollahzadeh further explained that defining the scope and boundaries of these ancient trees to prevent risks and construction interventions, periodic monitoring, providing actionable solutions for their rehabilitation and revitalization, and raising public awareness about the importance of preserving these trees are other crucial initiatives.

He noted that the historic Fin Garden of Kashan, along with eight other gardens, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011, highlighting the increased importance of its protection and care.

The official also mentioned that the first brainstorming session on the ancient trees of the Kashan region was held with the presence of village officials, representatives from the municipalities of Barzok, Qamsar, and Niassar, natural resource activists, the head of the Faculty of Natural Resources at Tehran University, the head of Kashan Meteorological Department, and a member of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage's Ancient Trees Registration Committee.

Kashan is situated on a route that connects Tehran to the giant destinations of Isfahan, Shiraz, and Yazd. Moreover, the ancient town is a gateway to many sights, stories, and surrounding attractive villages to discover. Amongst the highlights of the city are the lavishly decorated houses of Brujerdi, Tabatabai, Ameri, and Abbasi, as well as the UNESCO-listed Fin Garden to name a few.

Iran has a diverse range of long-lived trees that have endured the test of time for hundreds and even thousands of years. The oldest tree in the country is the Abarkouh cedar  (aka Sarv-e Abarkuh), which is thought to be 4000 years old. Sharestank, Abarsij, and Serani Juniper are thought to be 2700–2800 years old, respectively. Furthermore, it is thought that the Estand and Esfad cypress trees are 990 to 1040 years old. A legend claims that Zoroaster planted the Abarkouh cedar tree in its original location.

AM