TEHRAN — The policy of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts is to move towards modern and experiential tourism, seeking to introduce the story of Iranian cuisine, cuisine and tourism to the world.
“Culture is our most important asset, and culture is food, drink, clothing, etc. that are connected to the ancient Iranian literature that our mothers have preserved,” said Deputy Minister of Handicrafts Maryam Jalali Dekordi at the Iranian Table Competition held in Urmia, Western Azarbaijan province on Thursday, ISNA reported.
“Our mothers were loyal not only to their cuisine but also to their culture and environment. In fact, through their cuisine they told stories and passed on the rich Iranian culture to new generations.”
She said: “We have a slogan titled ‘Bread, Onions and Good Temper’ which is about transforming available raw materials into medicines and elements of environmental protection and health.”
She continued: “The tastes we have forgotten are the cultural heritage and intangible heritage of food inherited from our mothers and Iranian women, and we must respect it.”
Mr. Jalali said, “We (Iranians) are connected like a knot in a carpet, and together we have formed the design of the carpet. We have promoted wisdom, culture and health, and how wonderful it is that this culture is introduced to the world through the Iranian table. The table is the gathering place of the Iranian family, and around it unity, health, love and wealth are created.”
Also, Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of West Azerbaijan Morteza Safari said that it is necessary to create tourism motivation throughout the province and strengthen tourism infrastructure in West Azerbaijan in order to attract tourists.
He added that more than 11 festivals were held this year, including Kushchi Almond Festival, Urmia Grape Festival, Sardasht Mirabad Black Grape Festival and Shams and Morana (Rumi) National Conference.
Safari further said that 55 investment projects, including 11 hotels, are being implemented by the private sector at the state level to strengthen tourism infrastructure.
He added that the country’s first oblast specialized tourism website and the application of this website were designed and published in West Azerbaijan with the purpose of introducing the oblast.
Safari said there were 100 booths at the 4th Urmia International Festival and Exhibition of Traditional and Local Foods, an increase of 60 percent compared to last year.
He further added, “With proper planning, strengthening the positive aspects of this event and eliminating its weaknesses, we hope to continue this event for years to come. Because this event is also the tourism and cultural brand of each city and state and plays an important role in tourism development.”
KD