TEHRAN – The Director of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Isfahan Province announced plans to strengthen tourism cooperation between Isfahan and several countries on the African continent.
Amir Karamzadeh met with ambassadors and diplomats from Ivory Coast, Niger and Guinea on Monday on the sidelines of the 2025 Kish Expo, which is currently being held on Iran’s tourist island in the Persian Gulf, Mehr reported.
During the meeting, Karamzadeh emphasized the historical and cultural importance of Iran’s central plateau, which boasts over 10,000 years of written history and over 6,000 years of civilizational heritage. He further highlighted the potential for cultural and tourism cooperation between Isfahan and the African continent.
Karamzadeh explained that Iran’s ancient plateau and African countries have long-standing trade and cultural connections through the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Indian Ocean. He also pointed to the rich historical interactions between Iran and North African countries in ancient times, especially during the Islamic period.
He further added that Iran and African countries share a history of resistance to colonialism, and that these cultural and economic commonalities create great opportunities to expand cultural and tourism ties, especially between Isfahan and Africa. He pointed out that
“Public commitments are now being made not only in Isfahan but across the country to promote tourism connectivity,” Karamzadeh added. “We see this exhibition as a great opportunity to invite government officials from countries such as Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Guinea to Isfahan to explore its tourist attractions and pave the way for expanding tourist exchanges. I’m thinking.”
At the end of the meeting, it was agreed that the ambassadors of the three countries would visit Isfahan soon, following Mr. Kelmzadeh’s invitation.
The ancient city of Isfahan, which also serves as the provincial capital, is located at the crossroads of Iran’s north-south and east-west trade routes. It reached its peak from the 9th century to the 18th century. During the Safavid period, it became the capital of Iran under the rule of Shah Abbas the Great.
Once the crossroads of Iran’s international trade and diplomacy, Isfahan is now one of Iran’s top tourist destinations, and for good reason. It is filled with many architectural wonders, including unparalleled Islamic architecture, bazaars, museums, Persian gardens, and tree-lined avenues. This is a city for walking, getting lost in enchanting bazaars, snoozing in beautiful gardens, and meeting people.
The Persian proverb “Isfahan Nesf-e-Jahan Ast” (Isfahan is half the world) reflects the city’s cultural and historical excellence.
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