A cultural and educational event took place in Jiroft, drawing the attention of younger generations to the five-thousand-year-old civilization of the Khalil Rud valley through children's and family tourism, while also raising awareness about the importance of preserving archaeological heritage.
The program, titled 'Ancient Jiroft: Children's and Family Tourism,' was held at the Payandan tourist farm in southeastern Iran during Iran Tourism Week. The event brought together children, families, representatives of cultural heritage protection bodies, as well as activists in tourism and child development.
Organizers used interactive and game-based methods to familiarize children with the region's cultural and archaeological heritage. One of the central activities was a simulation of archaeological excavations, designed to teach children the value of protecting archaeological sites and reinforce the ban on unauthorized digging.
Other activities included pottery workshops inspired by motifs found on ancient Jiroft vessels, painting on recreated archaeological artifacts, stories about the region's history, and a photo exhibition showcasing lesser-known local attractions.
Children also presented the Konar Sandal archaeological site in English, which served as an educational exercise aimed at preparing them to present their region's heritage to international visitors.
Zeyaddin Kamali, head of the Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Crafts in Jiroft, emphasized that education is the foundation for heritage protection. He stated that preserving this vast heritage is impossible without the conscious participation of future generations, noting that cultural heritage must transition from books into daily life, especially into the minds of children.
Kamali added that learning through excavation simulations can help prevent illegal digging in the future, as children will understand that archaeological objects are part of their identity. He also highlighted the potential of combining agriculture and tourism in Jiroft, citing the Payandan farm as an example of integrating agricultural activity with tourism.
According to Kamali, Jiroft needs to transform from a place focused solely on archaeology and museums into a living experience where families can enjoy nature and local produce while studying history and getting acquainted with traditional crafts.
Jiroft's archaeological landscape attracted international attention after floods along the Khalil Rud River in the early 2000s, which exposed previously unknown burials with artifacts from the Early Bronze Age. These findings demonstrated evidence of a developed civilization in the region, dating back to the end of the third millennium BCE.
Konar Sandal, one of the key archaeological monuments, includes two main hills—Konar Sandal A and B—which rise approximately 13 and 21 meters above the surrounding plain. Excavations have uncovered an impressive two-story citadel and tablets with undeciphered script, further attesting to the region's cultural complexity.