Maku Free Trade Zone Organization has signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization to safeguard the historical and cultural features of the region with an eye toward inscribing the city’s cultural landscape on the World Heritage List.
Hossein Forouzan, director general of the organization, pledged to “use all resources at our disposal to develop not only tourism, but also other sectors”, Saabta.ir, the official website of the Restoration and Revitalization Fund for Historical Places, reported.
One of the key articles in the MoU obliges both sides to make arrangements and prepare a dossier to inscribe “Maku’s cultural landscape” on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2021.
Restoration and protection of historical sites and implementation of high-priority tourism projects are among other points outlined in the agreement.
Maku is a city in West Azarbaijan Province around 22 kilometers from the Turkish border in a mountain gorge. In August 2010, it was declared a free trade-industrial zone.
It is an ancient city dating back to the Sassanid period (224-651) believed to be originally inhabited by herdsmen.
The city boasts multiple tourist attractions, including historical, religious and natural sites.
Baghche Jooq Palace, Kolah Farangi Mansion and Panah Kandi Dam as well as many ancient bridges, churches, mosques and bathrooms are among the historical attractions.
Saint Thaddeus Monastery (a world heritage site) and the Chapel of Dzordzor have been suggested by users on TripAdvisor as must-see sites for those traveling to Maku.
The region also enjoys a spectacular countryside around the rivers of Zangmar and Aras, and in mountain valleys that provide a peaceful environment for a camping holiday.
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