Farhad Azizi, Director General of National and World Heritage Sites, stated on the sidelines of a meeting reviewing the “Special Plan for the Historic City of Hamedan” that the session aimed to draft a comprehensive strategic document to safeguard the UNESCO-listed heritage of Hegmataneh, revive the city’s historical identity, and enhance urban living quality.
He added that the Hamedan Special Plan is being prepared as a key document under the Law on Protection and Restoration of Historical Fabrics, in collaboration with the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, and the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development.
Azizi emphasized that the plan is not merely about physical restoration, but represents a new approach to regenerating historic neighborhoods, improving urban services, strengthening cultural identity, and facilitating public and investor participation in the preservation of Hamedan’s ancient fabric.
He stressed a balanced approach: protecting historical and cultural values while meeting contemporary urban needs, noting that sustainable urban development requires a smart integration of heritage preservation and development.
The plan will include clear implementation mechanisms, supportive incentives, and a balance between property rights and public interests to ensure practical execution within the city’s social and economic context.
Given Hegmataneh’s global heritage status, Azizi noted that implementing the plan could mark a turning point in positioning Hamedan as a leading international tourism destination—offering unparalleled historical heritage alongside modernized infrastructure and improved quality of life.
The final version of the plan, incorporating proposed amendments, will be submitted for approval at the senior levels of the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development and the Supreme Council of Architecture and Urban Planning.
Azizi concluded that the Hamedan Special Strategic Plan serves not only as a roadmap for protecting heritage resources but also as a platform for sustainable development, urban quality enhancement, and securing the city’s historic prominence nationally and internationally—paving the way for a dynamic and prosperous future for Hamedan and its residents.
