Nestled in the heart of Iran, the ancient city of Yazd is embarking on a transformative journey. Known for centuries as a hub for tile and ceramic production, Yazd is now embracing a new chapter in its story—a chapter focused on sustainable tourism. This shift, known as the “New Yazd” strategy, is driven by a pressing need to address environmental concerns linked to traditional industries. The city’s historical legacy of tile and ceramic production has come at a cost, impacting water consumption and pollution, leading to a growing urgency to find a more sustainable path.
The decision to prioritize green tourism is not only environmentally motivated but also economically driven. Yazd, a city with a population of over 250,000, has witnessed an influx of people from surrounding areas, particularly Ardakan, seeking employment in the tile and ceramic sector. This influx has profoundly impacted the local culture and environment. The New Yazd strategy recognizes the potential of tourism as a source of economic growth and cultural preservation. It aligns seamlessly with Yazd’s unique ecosystem, situated at the edge of the desert, and its rich historical and cultural context.
Yazd has already gained recognition as a prime tourism destination. It was named the 2024 Tourism Capital of the Asian Dialogue Forum (ACD), signifying its diverse cultural and environmental offerings. In 2017, the historical heart of Yazd was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, further bolstering its appeal to international tourists. The upcoming ACD tourism ministers’ summit, scheduled for next month in Yazd, is viewed as a critical opportunity for the local tourism sector to showcase its potential. Universities and students are actively encouraged to participate, ensuring academic insights contribute to shaping a sustainable tourism future for the region.
Yazd’s historical core, a UNESCO-recognized treasure, is a captivating tapestry of architectural wonders and cultural richness. The city’s traditional mudbrick houses, ingenious wind catchers, atmospheric alleys, and a variety of Islamic and Iranian monuments create a distinctive urban landscape. Cultural heritage specialists praise Yazd as a model of ingenuity in a desert setting. The city’s remarkable water supply system, a testament to ancient engineering, is a crucial element of its sustainability. Known as the qanat, this intricate network of underground channels carries water from snow-fed streams flowing down the surrounding mountains. This system has provided essential water for agriculture and habitation for millennia, with the earliest water supply to Yazd believed to date back to the Sassanid era.
The city’s architecture is a masterful adaptation to the desert climate. Vaulted roofs, domed structures, and below-ground courtyards create cool living spaces, while wind catchers and thick earthen walls work together to maintain a pleasant microclimate. Yazd’s historical core is a vibrant hub of activity, brimming with mudbrick houses, bustling bazaars, public bathhouses, water cisterns, mosques, synagogues, Zoroastrian temples, and ancient gardens. It is a remarkable testament to the peaceful coexistence of three major religions: Islam, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism.
Through its commitment to sustainable tourism, Yazd aims to preserve its invaluable cultural heritage, promote economic development, and ensure environmental stewardship. This ambitious plan will not only safeguard the city’s unique identity but also pave the way for a vibrant future for this extraordinary desert city.
