SHIRAZ - In a speech at the closing ceremony of the 3rd International Multimedia Festival of Cultural Heritage, Iran’s tourism minister Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, announced plans to expand cultural spaces surrounding the 18th-century Karim Khan Citadel complex in Shiraz.

The minister shared a vision to achieve UNESCO World Heritage status for the site, positioning it as a cultural hub larger than Iran’s famed Naqsh-e Jahan Square, which is a UNESCO site in Isfahan.

“Fars province is rich in history and heritage, with more than 3,700 nationally or internationally registered sites,” Salehi-Amiri noted, adding that Shiraz shines as a beacon of Iranian cultural heritage both domestically and globally.

The minister also emphasized that the province’s history and vibrant heritage are integral to the story of Iran itself.

He then highlighted the importance of incorporating Iran’s cultural heritage into educational curricula to ensure that future generations understand and take pride in their nation’s legacy. He remarked on the role of media in promoting these sites internationally, expressing hope that greater visibility could enhance public appreciation.

Salehi-Amiri also spoke of the challenge in adequately conveying the depth of cultural identity embedded in Fars and Shiraz, describing the province as “a wellspring that can enrich people worldwide.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, the minister reflected on the need to address generational gaps in cultural awareness, calling for a more inclusive dialogue with Iran’s youth to foster a stronger sense of national identity.

Noting that over one million cultural and historical artifacts have been identified across Iran, the minister urged that these treasures be preserved as a shared heritage to be passed down to future generations. “Our heritage is our Iran, and if we do not protect it, future generations may hold us accountable,” he said, underscoring the ministry’s commitment to restoration and preservation efforts.

Salehi-Amiri closed his address with a call to action, urging Iran’s cultural authorities to bridge understanding with the younger generation, ensuring that Iran’s rich heritage remains a source of pride and unity for years to come.

AM