Tehran – Esfahak village in South Holasan province has been awarded one of UNESCO’s 34 well-known research chairs, marking the achievements of local and national cultural heritage and scientific community.
The announcement was made by Mohammad Arab, director of Tabas County’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Bureau, who confirmed that Esfahak had secured a seat on the UNESCO Research Committee.
This distinction was granted in recognition of the village’s innovative work in global architecture and scientific contributions through the Esfahak Mud Center (EMC), led by architect and researcher Pouya Khazaeli.
One of the best tourist villages in UN tourism, Esfahak has attracted international attention for its sustainable reconstruction and architectural preservation efforts. The Global Awareness nomination document included extensive scientific research conducted by the EMC and played an important role in winning UNESCO research seats.
“The award of this chair is not only a great honor for Esfahak and his people, but also highlights the scientific and cultural potential of the village at a global stage,” the Arab said. “It reflects the dedication of the local community, especially the youth, and will help us to showcase Esfahak’s achievements to more professional tourism audiences and researchers around the world.”
UNESCO Research Chair promotes higher education and collaborative knowledge production around the world in areas such as education, science and culture. Each chair is established within the university or research institution for a renewable four-year term of office and must include prominent academic leaders, researchers, faculty and students who will work with them in their specialties.
The Arabs emphasized that Esfahak’s chairs will focus on sustainable and traditional architectural practices, aiming to function as a model for similar communities around the world, enhancing academic cooperation, knowledge sharing and cultural tourism.
Last year, Esfahak was named one of the best tourist villages by United Nations Tourism in 2024. Additionally, the village won the To Do Award in 2020. The award is announced annually by the German Institute of Tourism Development.
Esfahak, severely damaged by the 1978 earthquake that hit Tabas, was once considered uninhabitable and its residents lived in temporary tents. Later, when they began rebuilding their lives they built a makeshift wooden room known as the Otug e Chobi (wooden room).
Due to their commitment to sustainability and cultural conservation, villagers have reestablished the community over the years, developing eco-lodges and restoring traditional homes using ancient Adobe techniques.
Esfahak’s transformation into a cultural and ecotourism destination attracted attention for its unique architecture and sustainable practices, winning the village’s prestigious Asian Architecture Award. Today, it attracts tourists from all over the world and is drawn to its picturesque Adobe structure and commitment to maintaining its local identity.
Since 2021, the best Tourism Village Initiative aims to promote sustainable tourism in rural areas and focuses on preserving the natural landscape, cultural heritage, and indigenous lifestyles, including gastronomy and local values.
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