TEHRAN- Head of East Azarbaijan Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department Ahmad Hamzehzadeh in a meeting with representative of Turkey’s Sanli Urfa pointed to the deep cultural and historical ties between Iran and Turkey. 

He emphasized that East Azarbaijan province welcomes smart promotion of tourism ties with Turkey, CHTN reported.

Hamzehzadeh emphasized the importance of tourism diplomacy in Iran-Turkey ties. “Promoting tourism collaborations between two nations can prepare the grounds for enhancing social communications and play an important role in proximity of nations.”

He said that promotion of tourism is promotion of peace, adding that tourism is dialogue of people with each other. This dialogue increases mutual understanding and promotes friendship between the nations, he pointed out.

Pointing to the ongoing programs for promoting tourism communications between Iranian and Turkish provinces, he said that East Azarbaijan has hosted many tourists from Turkey in recent years.

Hamzehzadeh announced that a delegation from Trabzon will travel to East Azarbaijan province next week, adding that another delegation from Istanbul will visit East Azarbaijan province in May. 

He said that these trips aim to introduce East Azarbaijan tourism potentials, hold talks with travel agencies and economic activists of both countries, and study the ways for joint cooperation. 

Pointing to some obstacles in tourism and handicrafts sectors at borders, he said that all of these issues have been considered and will be made available to the Turkish part by representatives of East Azarbaijan province in Iranian Parliament to handle them quickly. 

Hamzehzadeh referred to the unique capacities of East Azarbaijan province, adding that the province has over 4,800 identified historical monuments, of which 2025 have been registered on the National Heritage List. 

In addition, Tabriz Bazaar, Saint Stepanos Church and ancient caravanserais of East Azarbaijan province have registered on UNESCO World Heritage List, he mentioned.

Also, Kandovan villages  has been registered on the World Best Tourism Villages list , he said.

Pointing to Tabriz’ magnificent history, he said that Tabriz used to be the capital city of Iran for over 500 years. Therefore, there are many historical and cultural monuments in this ancient city, he added.  “Tukey is also an ancient nation with valuable monuments. Therefore, promotion of  tourism ties between two nations  within the framework of cultural commonalities can pave the grounds for long-run and sustainable cooperation.”

KD