KABUL: Cultural authorities in Iran say a joint bid by Iran and Afghanistan to register traditional windmills as shared indigenous heritage is nearing final approval at UNESCO.
Ali-Reza Izadi, director general of Iran’s office for historical registrations, told ISNA news agency that the nomination submitted jointly by the two countries has reached its final stage after several years of review.
According to Izadi, the project was first proposed six to seven years ago due to the presence of similar windmill structures, known as “Asbads,” in both countries. He noted: “ that from the outset, the goal was to pursue a joint application to expand the scope of the case and strengthen regional cooperation.”
He added that the shared registration of this ancient heritage could also contribute to broader outcomes, including improved diplomatic ties and regional stability.
Officials say the lengthy process was due in part to the need for coordination across multiple sites and regions where the structures exist.
The windmills, with a history of more than a thousand years, are considered among the earliest known industrial machines in human history.