Samarkand: On World Cities Day 2025, Kashan has officially been recognized as a creative city of architecture during the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO in Samarkand. The announcement was made by Hassan Fartousi, Secretary-General of the National Commission for UNESCO in Iran, alongside Hossein Simaei-Saraf, Minister of Science, Research, and Technology.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Kashan’s inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) marks a pivotal moment in the sustainable cultural and architectural development of Iranian-Islamic heritage. The city joins the ranks of renowned cities such as Rome, Paris, and Barcelona, celebrated for its sustainable architecture and rich civilizational heritage.
The UCCN aims to enhance the role of creativity in sustainable urban development, bringing together over 300 cities worldwide across various fields, including architecture, crafts, literature, music, and gastronomy. With more than 1,700 historical sites, including 330 nationally registered and one UNESCO World Heritage site, Kashan exemplifies authentic Iranian-Islamic architecture. The city beautifully integrates science, art, and its desert ecosystem, reflected in its traditional architecture.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay designated 58 cities as new members of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) on Friday.