Iran's Alamut Castle Inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site

Tehran - BORNA - The decision was made during the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee currently underway in Busan, South Korea.

According to Hamideh Choubak, director of the Alamut Castle Cultural Heritage Site, the dossier encompasses seven strategic fortresses. The primary stronghold, Alamut Castle, served as the central seat of power for the Nizari Ismaili state.

Other key components include Lambsar Castle—the largest fortress in the complex, serving as the deputy governor's residence and winter quarters—and Navizar Shah Castle, the highest and most inaccessible fort that stood as the final bastion of resistance against the Mongol invasion. The nomination also integrates the castles of Shams Kelaye, Shirkouh, Eylan, and Qastin Lar, which collectively formed an integrated administrative and defensive network across the Alamut region.

The architectural complex is recognized for its sophisticated engineering, adaptation to mountainous terrain, and advanced water management systems. Alireza Izadi, Director General of Iran's Office for Historical Monuments Registration, noted that the inscription follows more than 20 years of field research, conservation efforts, and documentation.

With the addition of Alamut, Iran now holds 30 UNESCO World Heritage sites, joining notable cultural monuments including Tchogha Zanbil, Persepolis, Meidan Emam in Isfahan, Golestan Palace, and the Cultural Landscape of Hawraman.

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