Iran – the land of ancient wonders

Photo. The Apanada palace. Persepolis in Iran.

So far five of the ancient wonders in Iran has been listed on the UNESCO-list (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), the international organisation for protecting and preserving heritage wonders of the world.

The history of Iran (Persia) tell about an ancient country with a civilisation that dates back to prehistoric times. Fortunateley has much of Iran`s unique heritage of wonders and culture survived throughout thousand of years.

Iran`s (Islamic Republic of Iran) wonders on the UNESCO World Heritage List are (UNESCO World Heritage Centre - http://whc.unesco.org):

Tchogha Zanbil (1979):

The ruins of the holy city of the Kingdom of Elam, surrounded by three huge concentric walls, are found at Tchogha Zanbil. Founded c. 1250 B.C., the city remained unfinished after it was invaded by Ashurbanipal, as shown by the thousands of unused bricks.  

Persepolis (1979):

Founded by Darius I in 518 B.C., Persepolis was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It was built on an immense half-artificial, half-natural terrace, where the king of kings created an impressive palace complex inspired by Mesopotamian models. The importance and quality of the monumental ruins make it a unique archaeological site.

Meidan Emam, Esfahan (1979):  

Built by Shah Abbas I the Great at the beginning of the 17th century, and bordered on all sides by monumental buildings linked by a series of two-storeyed arcades, the site is known for the Royal Mosque, the Mosque of Sheykh Lotfollah, the magnificent Portico of Qaysariyyeh and the 15th-century Timurid palace. They are an impressive testimony to the level of social and cultural life in Persia during the Safavid era.

Takht-e Soleyman (2003):

The archaeological site of Takht-e Soleyman, in north-western Iran, is situated in a valley set in a volcanic mountain region. The site includes the principal Zoroastrian sanctuary partly rebuilt in the Ilkhanid (Mongol) period (13th century) as well as a temple of the Sasanian period (6th and 7th centuries) dedicated to Anahita. The site has important symbolic significance. The designs of the fire temple, the palace and the general layout have strongly influenced the development of Islamic architecture.

Bam and its Cultural Landscape (2004):

The rich archaeological remains of the Iranian city of Bam, where 26,000 lost their lives in the earthquake of 26 December2003, has recently been inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Pasargadae (2004):

Pasargadae was the first dynastic capital of the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus II, the Great, in Pars, homeland of the Persians, in the 6th century BC. Its palaces, gardens, and the mausoleum of Cyrus are outstanding examples of the first phase of royal Achaemenid art and architecture and exceptional testimonies of Persian civilization.

Photo. The tomb of Cyrus.   This tomb is located in the Pasargadae and locally known as the Tomb of the Mother of Solomon.

Particularly noteworthy vestiges in the 160-ha site include: the Mausoleum of Cyrus II; Tall-e Takht, a fortified terrace; and a royal ensemble of gatehouse, audience hall, residential palace, and gardens. Pasaragadae was the capital of the first great multicultural empire in Western Asia. Spanning the Eastern Mediterranean and Egypt to the Hindus River, it is considered to be the first empire that respected the cultural diversity of its different peoples. This was reflected in Achaemenid architecture, a synthetic representation of different cultures.

What will the future bring?

It expected that more great discoveries will be done in the nearest future in Iran. It depends on time and money. Iran has more than enough wonders to attract tourists, and it has already a big challenge to protect and preserve the already known ancient sites. In some places in rural areas ancient sites (especially tombs) have been exposed for looting. In a museum in Shiraz it was recently a armed robbery of a museum.

In areas as Estakhr city near Persepolis and Goor city in Firozobad are examples interesting places for exploration.

Photos. An unexcaved ancient site near Estakhr city and not so far from Persepolis.

This site is probably older than Persepolis. Straight through the area it goes a motorway. It felt strange walking around on so old historical ground. Could this be the "new" craddle of civilisation?

After Alexander the Great invaded and occupied the Persia (Iran), little is kno wn about the history for a longer period (Alexander the Great or Alexander III, 356—323, king of Macedon, conqueror of much of Asia). Two things are for sure: their will we added more information to Iran`s history, and some parts of the already k nown history will also be rewritten.

Travel Explorations will in the coming months publish a serial of articles about ancient wonders in Iran based on our own travelling in the country.

Stein Morten Lund, 22 July 2004

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