The South Korean Ambassador to Iran announced on Monday that the recent inclusion of the Alamut castle and its associated fortifications in the UNESCO World Heritage List has drawn international attention to this historical region and may help attract more foreign tourists.
Kim Joonpyo made these statements during the celebration ceremony of Kazvin Day, which took place at the Chehel Sotoun historical complex in Kazvin, once the capital of Persia during the Safavid era. Kim recalled his first visit to the province, noting that Kazvin was the first provincial point he visited after beginning his mission in Iran.
He mentioned that his visit to Alamut earlier this year allowed him to better understand the region's geography, the physical characteristics of the historic fortress, as well as the factors that made Alamut historically difficult to conquer. The ambassador also highly praised the researchers and heritage specialists who have spent years studying, protecting, and popularizing Alamut among the public.
According to Kim, the work of these specialists demonstrates that preserving Alamut goes beyond merely maintaining an old structure; it is crucial to understand its history and pass these stories on to future generations. The Korean envoy noted his particular interest in Alamut's international inclusion after the issue was discussed in Busan, some time after his initial visit to the site.
He added that this inclusion was especially significant to him due to his personal experience visiting Alamut. According to Kim, the value of Alamut's heritage existed long before it received UNESCO status, and the inclusion itself did not change the essence of the site. However, it undoubtedly changed the international community's view of the region and amplified global attention to its significance.
Kim emphasized that the status means Alamut should be viewed not just as the heritage of a specific region or country, but as part of humanity's common heritage, making its protection a responsibility that extends beyond national borders. He expressed hope that the UNESCO recognition would promote tourism in Alamut and encourage more international visitors. He wished that more tourists from South Korea and other countries would have the opportunity to visit Alamut and personally learn about the history, culture, and stories surrounding this historic fortress. Last month, the Alamut Castle and its associated fortifications were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming the 30th object of Iran's tangible cultural heritage to receive such recognition.