Divandarreh worthy to be became tourism hub, professional says

Tehran – The city of Divandarreh in the western province of Kordestan could develop into one of the country’s most important tourism centers, said the province’s tourism chief.

Given the city’s historical sites and natural attractions, as well as tourism projects currently being carried out across the city, the tourism industry may be improved in the near future, CHTN Yaqub Guylian quoted Tuesday as saying.

The old Karaftu Cave, which is one of the main attractions in the area, could also be better advertised to attract more tourists and nature lovers, the official added.

However, to achieve these goals, the city’s tourism infrastructures need to be upgraded and the private sector is expected to work together in this area, he said.

As early as February, the Deputy Tourism Minister Vali Teymouri announced that the province of Kordestan has the potential to be a dynamic center for nature tourism due to its beautiful and unspoilt landscape. However, the province needs better support in the areas of nature tourism and cultural tourism, he added.

Baneh, Marivan and the provincial capital Sanandaj are among the most popular tourist and travel destinations that require further in-depth introduction, the official said.

Kordestan can play an important role in attracting foreign tourists given its shared border with neighboring Iraq, the official said.

The name Kordestan refers to the main inhabitants of the region. After the Turkish invasion of Iran in the 11th century AD (Seljuk period), the name Kurdistan was applied to the region with the northwestern Zagros Mountains. During the reign of Abbas I, great of the Safavid dynasty of Iran (1501–1736), the Kurds became famous after Abbas I hired them to curb attacks by marauding Uzbeks from the east in the early 17th century .

ABU / AFM