Tehran – The ancient village of Hasanru in northwestern Iran is approaching completion of relevant documents for the inscription as one of the finest tourist villages, an honorable label given by UN tourism.
Hasanlu is one of eight Iranian villages appointed to the 2025 accreditation list for UN tourism, a senior official from the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts said on Monday.
During a recent visit to the village, Mostafa Fatemi’s Seyed, the province’s Director of the National Tourism Bureau, described Hasanlu as “a mirror that reflects the full range of historic tourist attractions.”
Officials highlighted the rich consolidation of the village’s cultural heritage, tourism potential and the production of handicrafts.
To date, only two villages in Iran, Khandban in East Azabaijan and Esfahak in South Khorasan have been recognized as the best rural tourism destinations by UN tourism.
“Hasanlu has outstanding capabilities in cultural heritage, ecotourism and nature-based attractions,” says Fatemi. “The existence of the ancient Hasanru Hill, one of the oldest known civilizations, has greatly enhanced the village’s historical status.”
He also noted the village’s diverse offerings, including locally made handicrafts, nearby wetlands that serve as bird watching shelters, and the growing number of tourist facilities. These will strengthen Hasanlu’s appeal against both national and international travelers, he said.
Fatemi further highlighted the village’s strengths in sustainable development, citing economic, social, environmental stability, and the preservation of cultural and historical assets.
The world’s nomination documents will be finalized within one week. “We are trying to resolve the remaining gaps and procedures and submit the complete file to UN tourism immediately,” concluded Fatemi.
If successful, the inscription can greatly increase tourism and international interest in Hasanru, and place it as an important destination for Iran’s rural tourist landscape.
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