Esfahak of Tabas Gains Global Recognition
WANA (Nov 13) – Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism announced that the village of Esfahak in Tabas County, South Khorasan Province, has received global recognition as one of the “Best Tourism Villages” of 2024 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Minister Seyyed Reza Salehi Amiri stated, “Today, November 13, 2024, the historic village of Esfahak in Dahestak Rural District of Tabas County was officially recognized as one of the UN’s best tourism villages of 2024.”
Amiri highlighted that this recognition marks a pivotal moment in the village’s resilience and revival. Once deemed uninhabitable after the devastating 1978 earthquake, Esfahak’s residents lived in temporary tents and shelters.
Over time, as they began to rebuild, they constructed temporary wooden houses known as “wooden huts.” Amiri noted that with a strong commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation, the villagers restored their community, developed eco-friendly accommodations, and rebuilt traditional homes using ancient mudbrick techniques.
He continued, saying that Esfahak’s transformation into a cultural and ecotourism destination has attracted attention for its unique architecture and sustainable practices, even earning the prestigious Asia Architecture Award.
Today, the village draws visitors from around the world, celebrated for its beautiful mudbrick structures and dedication to preserving local identity.
Since 2021, UNWTO’s Best Tourism Villages initiative has promoted sustainable tourism in rural areas, with a focus on preserving natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and indigenous lifestyles, including local gastronomy and values.
Amiri emphasized that Esfahak’s inclusion in this global list is a testament to the villagers’ dedication to reviving their heritage, transforming it into a hub of sustainable tourism that honors the past while embracing a prosperous future.
South Khorasan Province has nine other globally registered heritage sites across six categories, and Esfahak now represents the tenth in this international lineup.
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