In an article published in Ettelaat<\/em> newspaper, Dr. Hassan Fartousi, Secretary-General of Iran\u2019s National Commission for UNESCO, describes the inscription of \u201cAlamut Castle and its Associated Fortifications\u201d on the UNESCO World Heritage List not merely as a national achievement, but as the starting point of a renewed responsibility for protection, sustainable management, and harnessing the potential of cultural diplomacy. Outlining the scientific and strategic dimensions of this achievement, he emphasizes that the inscription offers an opportunity to strengthen national identity, promote sustainable development, and present Iranian civilization as a heritage rooted in peace, wisdom, and dialogue.<\/strong><\/p><\/p>\n\n The full text of the article follows:<\/p>\n\n During the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, Republic of Korea, a moment unfolded in the Committee\u2019s plenary hall that made the heart of every Iranian beat with pride.<\/p>\n\n Following the Committee\u2019s official announcement, the serial nomination of \u201cAlamut Castle and its Associated Fortifications\u201d was formally inscribed as Iran\u2019s 30th property on the UNESCO World Heritage List, while representatives of various countries awaited the Committee\u2019s decisions in the hope that their own nominations would be approved. The approval of Iran\u2019s nomination drew attention to the Iranian delegation, demonstrating that the dossier\u2019s scientific rigour and Outstanding Universal Value had enabled it to emerge successfully from a challenging competition.<\/p> The presence and support of the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts at this important session were also a source of reassurance and reflected the Government\u2019s firm commitment to safeguarding the country\u2019s ancient heritage.<\/p><\/p>\n\n More Than a Fortress<\/strong><\/p><\/p>\n\n The nomination, which yesterday succeeded in winning the approval of the most exacting evaluators in Busan, is about far more than a rugged rocky outcrop. Alamut is an interconnected serial complex comprising the historic Alamut Castle, the imposing Lambesar Fortress, Nabizar Shah, and other prominent defensive fortifications scattered across this mountainous region.<\/p>\n\n This complex is a remarkable example of humanity\u2019s ingenious adaptation to a harsh climate, advanced structural engineering, and masterful water resource management and passive defense systems in the Middle Ages\u2014achievements whose sophistication has earned the admiration of the modern world.<\/p>\n\n Behind the Scenes of a Success<\/strong><\/p><\/p>\n\n Inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List is an exceptionally demanding technical process that requires years of scientific work. Yesterday\u2019s success for Alamut was the culmination of more than two decades of archaeological exploration, meticulous restoration, and the preparation of a thoroughly researched nomination dossier by renowned experts and cultural heritage authorities in the country.<\/p>\n\n The rigorous defense of the property\u2019s authenticity and integrity before ICOMOS evaluators was the result of countless hours of sustained effort at both national and international levels. This cross-sectoral endeavor, supported by the presence of the Minister of Cultural Heritage, along with cultural heritage officials and experts at the session, and the cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Iran\u2019s National Commission for UNESCO, ultimately came to fruition. After centuries, the words engraved on one of the castle\u2019s ancient inscriptions\u2014\u201cA Happy Ending at Last\u201d\u2014had finally taken on a new meaning.<\/p>\n\n Why Is Pursuing World Heritage Inscription a Strategic Necessity?<\/strong><\/p><\/p>\n\n Some mistakenly believe that World Heritage inscription is merely an honorary title. From the perspective of cultural diplomacy, however, it offers numerous strategic advantages, including the potential to serve as an international protective umbrella for the property. In essence, inscription on a UNESCO list helps safeguard a property against the adverse impacts of harmful development projects and ensures that its conservation is guided by international standards.
\n<\/p>\n\n Another advantage is that World Heritage inscription can serve as a driving force for the local economy. With Alamut now inscribed on the World Heritage List, it gains greater visibility on the global tourism map, paving the way for the growth of eco-tourism and sustainable employment opportunities for local communities. It also helps strengthen national identity, as the inscription of heritage properties serves as international recognition of the historical and cultural authenticity of this land.
\n<\/p>\n\n Looking Ahead: Our Greater Responsibility<\/strong><\/p><\/p>\n\n Today, Alamut has become a World Heritage property, but this is only the beginning of a much greater journey. The most important phase starts now. Global experience has shown that World Heritage inscription, without sustained planning for conservation and management, cannot guarantee the preservation of a property’s values over time.
\n<\/p>\n\n UNESCO expects Member States to periodically monitor and report on the state of conservation of inscribed properties and to remain committed to implementing their management plans. Accordingly, implementing the management plan for the Alamut complex across short-, medium- and long-term horizons; protecting its buffer zones and cultural landscape; controlling incompatible construction; developing sustainable infrastructure; and ensuring the participation of local communities will be among the key requirements for safeguarding the property\u2019s World Heritage status.<\/p> The inscription of \u201cAlamut Castle and its Associated Fortifications\u201d as Iran\u2019s 30th property on the UNESCO World Heritage List is a great honour for the country. However, the true value of this achievement will become evident when it is transformed into an opportunity to strengthen a culture of conservation, promote sustainable development in the surrounding areas, and deepen the relationship between communities and their cultural heritage.<\/p> Alamut\u2019s presence on the UNESCO World Heritage List conveys a powerful message: Iranian civilization is rooted in peace, wisdom, dialogue and respect for the shared heritage of humanity. This heritage can serve as a bridge between nations, rather than a wall separating them.<\/p> From Busan, Republic of Korea, I once again extend my congratulations on this great achievement to all those dedicated to safeguarding heritage, to researchers, and to the people of Iran. Alamut has once again demonstrated that the cultural roots of this land are enduring and imperishable.<\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Alamut\u2019s World Heritage Inscription: The Beginning of a Greater Responsibility to Safeguard Humanity\u2019s Heritage In an article published in Ettelaat newspaper, Dr. Hassan Fartousi, Secretary-General of Iran\u2019s National Commission for UNESCO, describes the inscription of \u201cAlamut Castle and its Associated Fortifications\u201d on the UNESCO World Heritage List not merely as a national achievement, but as […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":49841,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"postBodyCss":"","postBodyMargin":[],"postBodyPadding":[],"postBodyBackground":{"backgroundType":"classic","gradient":""},"_uet_extra_title":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2735,2729,2730,2740,2907,3033],"tags":[3857,3858,3856,3859,3370],"class_list":["post-49842","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-culture-news","category-home-page-news","category-main-slider","category-secretary-general","category-secretary-generals-speeches-and-interviews","category-unesco","tag-alamut","tag-alamut-castle-and-its-associated-fortifications","tag-ettelaat-newspaper","tag-irans-30th-world-heritage-property","tag-world-registration"],"blocksy_meta":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/unesco.ir\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG_1982-712x1024.jpg\")
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