Message of Congratulations from the Secretary-General of Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO on the Inscription of “Alamut Castle and its Associated Fortifications” on the UNESCO World Heritage List
The 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, held in Busan, Republic of Korea, approved the inscription of “Alamut Castle and its Associated Fortifications” as Iran’s 30th tangible cultural heritage property on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The serial property comprises seven historic castles and fortifications—Alamut, Lambesar, Navizar Shah, Shams-Kalaye, Qastinlar, Shirkuh and Ilan—located in the valleys of Eastern and Western Alamut and along the southern slopes of the Alborz mountain range. |
Following this achievement, Dr. Hassan Fartousi, Secretary-General of Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO, issued a message congratulating the people of Iran, particularly the people of Qazvin Province and the culture-loving communities of Alamut, on the inscription of “Alamut Castle and its Associated Fortifications” on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The full text of the message is as follows:
In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
The inscription of “Alamut Castle and its Associated Fortifications” as Iran’s 30th tangible cultural heritage property on the UNESCO World Heritage List is a great honour for our country and welcome news for all those who cherish Iran’s culture and civilization.
Fortunately, the nomination was inscribed by consensus of the members of the World Heritage Committee, with no objections. This achievement reflects the scientific and technical strength of the nomination dossier, the Outstanding Universal Value of this historic complex, and the dedication of Iran’s cultural heritage authorities and experts. Demonstrating the importance attached to this matter, Dr. Seyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, personally led the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran at this session.
The property comprises a group of seven historic castles which, owing to their authenticity, architectural and engineering features, connections with Iran’s history and culture, and Outstanding Universal Value, were deemed worthy of inscription on the World Heritage List.
Undoubtedly, this inscription does not mark the end of a journey; rather, it ushers in a greater commitment for the Islamic Republic of Iran, its officials, experts and all citizens to ensure the proper conservation, presentation and use of this valuable heritage, thereby unlocking its full potential. This achievement can undoubtedly play an effective role in developing cultural and historical tourism and boosting the region’s economy.
Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO extends its congratulations on this great achievement, first and foremost, to the people of Alamut, the people of Qazvin Province and the entire Iranian nation, and shares this success with all those around the world who cherish cultural heritage. Particularly at a time when our beloved country has been going through difficult days, the inscription of this valuable property offers a precious opportunity to honour Iran’s cultural heritage and historical identity, and serves as a source of hope and pride for all Iranians.
It is hoped that this valuable achievement will pave the way for even better protection of this World Heritage property and for presenting Iran’s culture and civilization to the world in an even more fitting manner.
Dr. Hassan Fartousi
Secretary-General of Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO
