Iranshahr, a city in Iran’s southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan Province, is positioning itself as a potential enduring tourism destination by capitalizing on its rich cultural, historical, and natural assets. Once primarily viewed as a transit point, local officials are now emphasizing strategies to transform the city into a place where visitors spend more time engaging with its unique heritage.

Morad Qaderi, head of Iranshahr’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department, highlighted the city’s diverse attractions, including Qajar-era fortresses such as Naseri Castle and Bampur Castle, archaeological sites, palm groves, and traditional Baluchi handicrafts. He noted that these elements form a strong foundation for broadening tourism beyond short stops.

Naseri Castle, constructed during the Qajar period under Naser al-Dowleh’s orders, was a prominent seat of regional authority featuring over 150 rooms and various facilities. Although much of its interior has been damaged over recent decades, the castle’s entrance and walls remain significant historical symbols. Qaderi stressed that preserving and restoring such monuments is not only about conservation but also an opportunity to create jobs, boost tourism, and increase income for local communities.

Bampur Castle, located about 24 kilometers west of Iranshahr, is another key historical site poised to attract visitors. Situated on a hill near the city of Bampur, the fortress’s inclusion in a planned historical tourism route alongside Naseri Castle could encourage longer stays and enhance the local tourism economy.

Qaderi also underscored the importance of leveraging the city’s cultural diversity. Baluchi needlework, traditional clothing, music, culinary traditions, and handicrafts are integral components that complement Iranshahr’s historical and natural attractions. Integrating these cultural experiences aims to offer tourists a deeper connection to Baluchi identity, while fostering economic opportunities through the sale of handicrafts, food services, and eco-tourism accommodations.

The city’s geographic location along key transportation routes across the province presents a strategic advantage for attracting visitors. However, Qaderi emphasized that turning Iranshahr from a mere passageway into a destination requires coordinated efforts to strengthen infrastructure, enhance promotion, expand lodging options, train tour guides, and support local artisans.

He argued that tourism development in Iranshahr should be viewed as a comprehensive effort to connect multiple assets—including historical sites, nature, and culture—in a unified plan. Recent restoration efforts on Naseri Castle, led jointly by the provincial Cultural Heritage Department and the Iranshahr Municipality, are a step toward revitalizing the city’s tourism appeal.

Qaderi concluded that the sustainability of tourism growth depends heavily on involvement from local communities and the private sector. Ensuring that tourism benefits reach residents and businesses is key to fostering a sense of ownership and long-term commitment to the sector’s development.