Karim Khan Citadel in Shiraz to Achieve World Heritage Status

Shiraz – The Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts announced that Shiraz’s Karim Khan Citadel is set to be registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an achievement expected to bring joy and pride to the people of Shiraz.

According to Mehr News Agency, Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri stated at the closing ceremony of the Multimedia Cultural Heritage Festival on Friday night, “Fars Province is a land full of mysteries, with Shiraz shining brightly both in Iran and around the world. It is impossible to discuss cultural heritage without mentioning Fars.” He further shared his experience of visiting the Sassanid civilization site in Firuzabad, expressing a desire for national media to showcase such cultural heritage regularly to inspire pride among Iranians. He added that if schools and universities integrated this heritage into their curricula, it would help young Iranians take pride in their country’s rich legacy.

The Minister emphasized, “We are facing an identity gap because we haven’t introduced Iranian identity to the public as fully and deservedly as this generation needs. This festival aims to reconnect people with their heritage, demonstrating that Iranians cherish their cultural and artistic heritage. Our youth, writers, and scholars are national treasures who must not remain unrecognized.”

Salehi Amiri highlighted that the festival transcended divisions, uniting all Iranians as part of a shared heritage. He urged for effective communication with the younger generation, emphasizing the importance of bridging generational divides by embracing contemporary forms of culture, such as cinema, poetry, and music, which resonate with youth.

“We have identified a million historical artifacts in this country,” he said, “and we must entrust these treasures to the younger generation for preservation. Our heritage is our identity, and Iran is a radiant land that must be safeguarded in a way that reflects its true value to the Iranian people.” He assured that he and his colleagues are committed to restoring and maintaining historical sites, reinforcing Iran’s enduring legacy.

Salehi Amiri concluded by noting that with the planned developments for Karim Khan Citadel, it is progressing towards UNESCO World Heritage registration. He envisions a large square around the citadel, one even more stunning than Naqsh-e Jahan Square, which will instill greater pride and joy in the people of Shiraz.