Minister: Heritage Listings Celebrate Shared Culture, Not Ownership

TEHRAN -- In a world where culture travels more freely than borders allow, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Seyyed Reza Salehi Amiri is calling for a more expansive, generous view of shared heritage—one that celebrates connection over competition.

Speaking at the 26th Meeting of the Strategic Council of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicraftsa here Monday, Salehi Amiri emphasized that UNESCO’s recognition of intangible cultural heritage is not about exclusivity. 
“When one country registers an intangible heritage,” he noted, “it does not erase another’s identity.” UNESCO, after all, seeks harmony and shared understanding, encouraging nations to recognize their common cultural threads rather than dispute them.
Take Nowruz, the Persian New Year, as a shining example. Rooted deeply in Iranian history yet celebrated across borders, Nowruz is jointly registered by 12 countries—a cultural mosaic that reflects centuries of shared traditions. “Why should we argue,” the minister asked, “when we can celebrate together?”
Iran’s cultural footprint extends far beyond its geography. Nearly three-quarters of Persian manuscripts—around 500,000 works—are preserved outside the country. For Salehi Amiri, this is not a loss, but a triumph: proof that Persian culture lives and breathes across the globe. “Cultural values belong to humanity,” he said, “not to politics.”
This philosophy of openness is shaping Iran’s tourism diplomacy. Recent trips to China and Greece signal a shift from conversation to concrete collaboration.
In China—a nation Salehi Amiri describes as rapidly becoming the world’s leading power—the minister witnessed remarkable advances in urban development, electric vehicles, and technology. But it was tourism and heritage that formed the heart of discussions. 
With 160 million domestic tourists and millions traveling abroad, China presents immense opportunities. Plans are now underway to host Iranian handicrafts and Persian carpets exhibitions in China, while also exploring cooperation in archaeology and heritage restoration.
Crucially, Iran is looking beyond capital cities. Provincial partnerships—such as direct cooperation between Chinese provinces and Iran’s coastal Bushehr Province—are being encouraged to foster real economic and cultural exchange.
In Athens, cultural ties found fresh expression. Agreements were reached to host handicraft exhibitions and to exchange travel influencers—digital storytellers who will showcase Iran’s and Greece’s landscapes, history, and everyday beauty to global audiences.
Back home, attention is turning to Siraf, the ancient port city along the Persian Gulf. Once a vibrant hub of maritime trade, Siraf is now poised for potential UNESCO World Heritage status. Local officials highlight its archaeological richness, Sassanian-era heritage, and enduring seafaring culture.
Bushehr Province itself is emerging as a travel destination where maritime tourism, palm groves, traditional music, and Persian Gulf culture converge. From date orchards that power nearly a third of Iran’s date exports to soulful coastal music and celebrations like the National Persian Gulf Day, the region offers travelers an experience that is both deeply local and unmistakably global.