The director-general of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Fars province has advocated for integrating artificial intelligence and advanced technologies in the preservation and revitalization of Shiraz’s historic urban district. Speaking at an event commemorating the anniversary of the national registration of Shiraz’s historic district, Behzad Moridi highlighted the importance of digital innovation in heritage management.

Moridi emphasized that the foundation of effective conservation efforts lies in the creation of comprehensive databases and the enhancement of digital infrastructure. These measures, he noted, are crucial for advancing smart tourism within the historic core of Shiraz. "Accurate and scientific data collection should be considered the first step in heritage management," Moridi said, stressing that reliable information systems are essential for informed planning in historic areas.

Building on this framework, he proposed the design of specialized applications and interconnected digital platforms to meet the diverse needs of users and visitors. Such tools, Moridi argued, would facilitate integrated responses and improve interactions with the city's cultural heritage sites.

The Fars heritage official underscored that leveraging new technologies could transform current approaches to the protection and revitalization of historic districts. He suggested that these innovations would enable more efficient and forward-looking strategies, helping to safeguard Shiraz’s cultural legacy for future generations.

Shiraz has long been recognized as a central hub of Persian culture, boasting a history that spans over two millennia. The city, known for its contributions to literature, crafts, and historic architecture, served as Iran’s capital during the Zand dynasty from 1751 to 1794 and was a significant city in the medieval Islamic world.

Among Shiraz’s notable landmarks are its famed Persian gardens such as Eram Garden and Afif-Abad Garden, as well as the tombs of iconic poets Hafez and Sa’di. Other significant sites include the Jameh Mosque of Atigh and the nearby ancient site of Persepolis. The city continues to attract visitors both domestically and internationally, drawn to its rich historic and cultural offerings.