Tabriz named as exemplary tourism city for 2018

With the decision of member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Tabriz was named as the exemplary tourism city in the Islamic world in 2018. The ceremony was held with Iran’s President, Hassan Rouhani, in attendance.

Organization of Islamic Cooperation OIC approved a plan in 2015 under the title of introducing the exemplary city of Islamic countries. According to the plan, every year one of the cities in the Islamic countries is introduced as the exemplary tourism city. The 5000-year-old city of Tabriz was chosen as the exemplary city at the 9^th summit of OIC senior experts and tourism ministers which was held in Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic, on December 22, 2015. Tabriz has been selected as the capital of Islamic countries in 2018 among the rivals such as Thaling in Malaysia, Pulca and Sild in Bangladesh, Mardin in Turkey and Medina in Arabia. This selection is based on the rich cultural, historical and social facilities of this city. Choosing Tabriz as the capital of tourism in the Islamic countries is because there are a lot of tourist attractions such as two works from the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, rich and authentic museums, beautiful nature, numerous historical sites, the naming of Tabriz as the global carpet city and the large number of domestic and foreign tourists present in the city and its neighborhoods.

After the event was announced by the OIC Secretariat to East Azarbaijan Cultural Heritage and Governorate, the 2018 policy-making council and Tabriz secretariat opened in the city. This transnational issue was approved in April, 2017, the national headquarters of Tabriz 2018 was shaped, and national credits were allocated for the implementation of defined projects. Hence, all executive agencies of the provincial and national policy-making council and all citizens of Tabriz Metropolitan Area were prepared for this transnational event. Also, tens of projects and executive plans were adopted in 23 offices at the national policy-making and planning and administration Headquarters of Tabriz 2018.

Regarding the measures taken to achieve the goals of Tabriz 2018, one can refer to the publicity and advertisements made for tourist attractions of Tabriz and East Azarbaijan Province by travel agencies, including all flights operated by Turkish Airlines, facilitating conversion of traditional homes to indigenous units and traditional hotels, and increasing of furniture and urban elements.

Together with these actions, the preparation ceremony for Tabriz 2018 event was held in January 2018. Then on April 25, 2018, the official inaugural ceremony of Tabriz 2018 was held at Tabriz international conferences center with the presence of President Rouhani, ministers, vice-presidents and tourist ministers of Islamic countries, ambassadors of foreign countries and other domestic and foreign guests. Thus, Tabriz Tourist Festival kicked off.

In his speech, Rouhani considered tourism development as a way of constructive interaction with the world, stating: Tourism will make the nations truly understand the world and the history, provide the human connection with the past and make it possible to understand the present and future situation of the world.

The president pointed out that Tabriz as the tourism capital of the Islamic world, not only is attractive for Iran but will remain attractive throughout history for forever. He added: This area is always the gateway to connect Iran to the west and the world and is the main route of the Silk Road. This region connects the east to the west and this loop of connection will remain forever.

Rouhani considered Tabriz as the center of regional trade, saying: there are skillful industrialists and tradesmen in Tabriz and anyone who travels to this city can learn this. 

The secretary general of Economic Cooperation Organization ECO expressed content of selecting Tabriz as the capital of tourism of the Islamic world in 2018 and said: This historical and beautiful city can be the pole of tourism of the neighboring countries and regions including Turkey and Caucasus.

Khalil Ibrahim Akca considered religious, historical and cultural commonalities among important elements in development of tourism industry among various countries and stated: in view of the powerful religious and historical links of Iran with Caucasus, Turkey and Azerbaijan Republic, development of tourism between Tabriz and these regions can take place very soon by launching diversified publicity on this metropolitan area. Akca described the presence of many tourists sharing the same or similar languages in the regions as important and at the same time comfortable, adding: The officials of Tabriz can make different encouraging policies in this regard.

Congratulating the designation of Tabriz as cultural city of 2018, secretary general of Economic Cooperation Organization ECO expressed hope that it would be an opportunity for the prosperity and development of tourism industry in this region and all over Iran.

He referred to Tabriz as a beautiful and clean city whose people have deep interest in trade and economy. Akca added: The merchants of Tabriz are very good-tempered and behave tourists of foreign countries with dignity and like a brother. These are effective for the development of tourism industry.

Emphasizing that the regional organization has been seriously involved with tourism, ECO secretary general said: Our main goal of tourism development among 10 member states is to create solidarity and proximity between the nationals of these countries. Hence, Tabriz has been designated as a tourist destination and we will work on it. 

The executive director of Bangladesh national tourism organization Naser-oddin described Tabriz 2018 as an auspicious event for all Islamic states and, stating that this important opportunity should be used at the best level, said: We are interested in expanding cooperation to the sector of tourism with Iran and its different cities especially Tabriz. He described Tabriz as a city with respectable culture that enjoys an old history and has numerous historical works.

The executive director of Bangladesh national tourism organization expressed amicability and good temper as prominent characteristics of Tabriz people which can be effective in developing tourism industry in this region.

Now, let's have a look at tourist attractions of Eastern Azarbaijan province.

As a matter of fact, this province is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Iran. It is considered one of the exciting and spectacular capacities of the Iranian tourism industry with picturesque nature, diverse historical and rural tourist attractions.

Tabriz, the capital of the province is one of the most important commercial hubs in Iran and has long been considered by domestic and foreign merchants. Enjoying a special geographical location, staying on the Silk Road, neighboring Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan, enjoying natural resources and favorable climate and fertile soil, various industries, transit networks, railways and airfields and commercial centers have created a good base for investment in different parts of the city and surrounding areas. The historic city of Tabriz, which used to be the capital of Iran for centuries, is located on the international transit route dating back to the Iron Age. It is the land of heroism and martyrdom with amazing natural and historical attractions and you need to see it very closely to enjoy these divine gifts.

The Constitutional Museum House, the largest roofed market in the world, the Kabud Mosque, Rab'-e Rashidi Complex, Maqbarat al-Shuara (the site housing the tombs of great poets such as Qatran, Khaqani, Shahriar and 400 famous mystics of the past), old houses and historic castles, variegated handicrafts, unique handmade carpets and delicious foods are only part of these attractions. Meeting with very kind and hospitable people of Azarbaijan and visiting the unique sceneries of the cities and towns, tourists will certainly be pleased with an enjoyable trip to East Azarbaijan province.

Undoubtedly, with the cooperation of relevant officials and sincere collaboration of people of Tabriz, the Tabriz 2018 event will become a valuable experience and useful model for other cities in Iran. We hope to see the implementation of the creative idea of "tourist city" as an ideal example to cater for domestic and foreign tourists throughout our country.

FK/RM/ME