Six Iranian cities advance to second stage of religious capital selection

Six cities in Iran have reached the second stage of a competition to be designated as the national capitals for the Quran, Nahj al-Balagha, and Sahifa Sajjadiya. The shortlisted cities include Mashhad, Qom, Zahedan, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Tabriz. Some of these cities have applied for more than one title.

Saeed Najafi, Director General of the Promotion Office of the Supreme Center for Quran and Itrat under the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, stated that the first stage was based on submitted documentation and files. The second stage will involve field evaluations to assess local capacities and proposed programs.

Key evaluation criteria include the level of cooperation from municipal and provincial managers, the feasibility of implementation, and existing scientific, artistic, and public capacities. Final results are expected to be announced in December.