Repurposing historical structures, if done properly, can help the tourism industry prosper, said head of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Department in North Khorasan Province, Mohammad Savidanlouei.
He told Mehr News Agency about a plan to change the function of a number of historical sites and monuments, and put them into new use through investment.
“The plan aims to revive historical textures through a change in function that can help tourism development,” he said.
North Khorasan has numerous cultural and historical tourist attractions that can be used to attract more tourists.
The department has so far renovated and changed the functions of five historical sites in the region, including historical bathhouses in the counties of Faruj, Jajarm and Rouein rural district in Esfarayen County, Mofakham Mirror House in Bojnourd and Jalaleddin Castle in Garmeh.
In addition, a caravanserai in Robat Qarabil Village has been chosen for repurposing. The private sector is helping with the renovation of the structure, which is expected to finish in three years.
Savidanlouei said 550 million rials ($17,000) have been allocated to the renovation of the historical bathhouse of Rouein. The project started in April and is about 70% complete. Some 300 million rials ($9,000) are to be spent on restoration of the bath’s interior. The operation will begin in the near future, said Savidanlouei.
