TEHRAN – An Iranian heritage official said on Monday that a permanent, safe venue will be designated for cultural events at Persepolis after a concert by the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra at the ancient site sparked concern among cultural heritage advocates and archaeologists.

The orchestra performed on Sept. 6 at the UNESCO World Heritage site near Shiraz to mark its 100th anniversary, following an invitation from Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts. The event drew praise from officials as a symbol of cultural ties but also criticism from some archaeologists and conservationists who warned of potential harm to the 2,500-year-old ruins.

“The comprehensive plan under preparation will establish a permanent, safe and culturally appropriate space at Persepolis for artistic and cultural events,” said Farhad Azizi, director general of Iran’s national and world heritage sites at the ministry, in a statement carried by ISNA news agency.

He said the stage and audience area were relocated farther from the main terrace and monuments compared to a previous event, and sound systems were adjusted to direct vibrations away from the ruins.

Concerns over concerts at Persepolis have been raised since Iranian vocalist Alireza Ghorbani’s performance at the site in 2024, the first of its kind. That event was held under supervision of heritage experts but prompted debate that resurfaced after the Armenian orchestra’s appearance.

Armenia’s Minister of Culture, Education and Sport, Zhanna Andreasyan, who attended the concert, acknowledged the concerns. “We fully understand the importance of preserving historic monuments, and with expert measures, damage can be avoided,” she said in a meeting with Iran’s heritage minister, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri.

Days before the Armenian concert, Salehi-Amiri said the ministry had established regulations for cultural programs at historic venues. “We already hold concerts in Niavaran and ceremonies at Sa’adabad palace complex,” he said, citing international examples such as performances at the Giza pyramids and the Acropolis.

Persepolis, known in Persian as Takht-e Jamshid, was built under Darius the Great in the 6th century BCE as the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It was among the first Iranian sites inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, but faces ongoing threats including erosion, structural decay, and land subsidence.

Critics of concerts at the site believe that sound vibrations, foot traffic, and lack of infrastructure could put the fragile ruins at further risk.

AM