Sefer Gilani; Narrative of linking indigenous knowledge, food heritage and cultural diplomacy

Sepideh Ashfetapour Lilakohi, Director of Public Relations and Cultural Affairs of the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Gilan Province wrote in a note: The arrival of World Food Day provides a strategic opportunity to review the concept of food; An element that goes beyond the level of a biological action in the ecosystem of Gilan and plays a role as a fundamental component of the intangible cultural heritage in strengthening the local identity and driving the local economy. The placement of Rasht in the network of UNESCO creative cities in the field of gastronomy is a clear manifestation of the ancient link between local wisdom and ecological knowledge of agriculture.

In the contemporary discourse of tourism, gastronomy is considered a kind of intercultural language and soft diplomacy. Meanwhile, the food culture of Gilan is a reflection of cultural ecology; An approach in which humans, the natural environment and the food system are defined in a dynamic and sustainable interaction. The unique diversity of local edible flora (such as Chuchag, Khaliwash, Anarijeh and Warangbo), the connection with rice fields and traditional fishing, and the use of clay dishes such as "Gamaj", which speaks of the longevity of cooking technology, depicts the coexistence of local knowledge with environmental compatibility.

The bearers of the heritage and treasure of 43 national dishes of Gilan

The food culture in Gilan is the result of centuries of trial and error of the people of this country, especially rural women who have played a role as the main bearers and narrators of this intangible heritage. Every local condiment and dish draws the biological and climatic map of the region. Taking advantage of plant benefits, ancient food preservation techniques (including smoking, salting, and pickling) and paying attention to medicinal properties have made Gilani table a balanced model for health and sustainability of biodiversity.

In this regard, the registration of traditional cooking skills of 43 food ingredients in the list of intangible heritage of the country is a clear document of the authenticity and scope of this treasure. A national capital whose protection is considered equivalent to protecting the cultural identity card of this land.

Food creative cities network; Re-creation of Rasht city branding

The joining of Rasht to UNESCO's network of creative culinary cities in 2015 marked a turning point in the transition from traditional attitudes to territorial branding. This international achievement has created not a ceremonial title, but a policy platform in the direction of creating a sustainable value chain. Food creative city reproduces the link between farm to table and uses food tourism in the path of economic prosperity of small businesses, the dynamics of the rural supply chain and the flourishing of women and youth entrepreneurship.

Challenges Ahead: Homogenization of tastes and threats to indigenous diversity

At the intersection of tradition and modernity, authentic food culture is facing serious damages. The change in the use of fertile lands, the decline of the habitat of edible plant species due to the destruction of pastures, the influx of modern consumption patterns and the assimilation of the tastes of the new generation, threaten the authenticity of this heritage. Therefore, the preservation of the Gilani table requires basic measures: documentation and national registration of food elements: from processing methods to seasonal cooking rituals;

Promotion of specialized training in the hotel and catering system: adherence to authentic cooking standards with local raw materials without reducing quality in the commercialization process;

Strengthening multidisciplinary researches: Synergy of experts in rural planning, cultural heritage, environment and tourism economy for continuous monitoring of sustainability indicators.

Based on this, the World Food Day is a reminder of the fundamental fact that the realization of sustainable food security is not possible without relying on local wisdom and subcultures. The Gilani table is a living museum of the respectful coexistence of man and nature; A treasure of mana that, if guarded with scientific planning and integrated planning, while protecting the historical identity of this country, will turn Rasht and Gilan into an unrivaled destination for experiential tourism in the world.