Aras UNESCO Global Geopark inaugurated

21 June, 2023

A ceremony on celebrating the designation of Aras Geopark in UNESCO Global Geoparks Network (GGN) was held on 21 June, 2023 in Aras Free Zone (AFZ). A host of Iranian officials, parliament members, foreign ambassadors and envoys, cultural heritage experts and media personnel attended the ceremony. Archbishop Grigor Chiftchian, Prelate of Armenian Atrpatakan Diocese, Ara Shaverdian Iranian-Armenian MP in Majles attended the ceremony as well.

Later the guests visited Hoviv (choopan, shepherd) Chapel and were received by the Armenian Archbishop in St. Stepanos Monastery, both situated in the geopark area.

UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development․

Aras UNESCO Global Geopark is situated in the northwest of Iran. The Aras River forms the northern boundary of the geopark, serving as the dividing line between Iran, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. The area's conservation efforts are significantly influenced by its rich wildlife variety and the existence of endangered species like the Caucasian Black Grouse, Red Deer, Armenian Ram and Leopard.

In addition to the wealth of an intangible heritage that includes local traditions, the property is home to several notable cultural treasures. These include the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Armenian St. Stepanos Monastery, which testifies to the region's historical and religious importance.

https://www.arasfz.ir/news/ID/12828/%D9%86%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%AF%D9%86%DB%8C%D8%A7-%D8%A8%D9%87-%DA%98%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%BE%D8%A7%D8%B1%DA%A9-%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B3-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA-%D9%86%DA%AF%D9%87%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1%DB%8C-%D9%88-%D8%AA%D8%AC%D9%87%DB%8C%D8%B2-%DA%98%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%B3%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%AA-%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%8C-%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%85

https://alikonline.ir/news/community/azerbaijan-provinces/item/83847-%D5%A1%D5%BF%D6%80%D5%BA%D5%A1%D5%BF%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%AB-%D5%B0%D5%A1%D5%B5%D5%B8%D6%81-%D5%A9%D5%A5%D5%B4%D5%AB-%D5%A1%D5%BC%D5%A1%D5%BB%D5%B6%D5%B8%D6%80%D5%A4%D5%A8-%D5%BD-%D5%BD%D5%BF%D5%A5%D6%83%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%B8%D5%BD%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B4-%D5%A8%D5%B6%D5%A4%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B6%D5%A5%D6%81-%D5%AB%D5%AB%D5%B0-%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B4-%D5%B0%D5%A1%D6%82%D5%A1%D5%BF%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%B4%D5%A1%D5%A3%D6%80%D6%82%D5%A1%D5%AE-%D5%A4%D5%A5%D5%BD%D5%BA%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%B6%D5%A5%D6%80%D5%AB-%D5%A5%D6%82-%D5%BA%D5%A5%D5%BF%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%B6-%D5%BA%D5%A1%D5%BF%D5%A1%D5%BD%D5%AD%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%A1%D5%BF%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B6%D5%A5%D6%80%D5%AB-%D5%A1%D5%B5%D6%81%D5%A8

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/486084/Iran-celebrates-Aras-as-new-UNESCO-Global-Geopark

https://www.unesco.org/en/iggp/geoparks/aras

MFA RA
official website

Dual citizenship

Electronic visa

Visa applications