TEHRAN - In an appreciable endeavor, more than hundred foreign students studying at various Zanjan universities embarked on visits to explore the historical treasures nestled in the famed Soltaneyeh county.

This cultural visit, attended by 120 international students, comprised stops at the UNESCO-designated Soltaneiyeh Dome, Soltaniyeh Museum and the Chalabi Oghlou Complex.

During the visit which happened on February 17th, students received enlightening narratives from expert guides, unraveling the precious history of the county.

Parvaneh Asgari, Head of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of Soltaniyeh county pinpointed that beyond passive observation, the participants engaged actively in workshops dedicated to the meticulous preservation of historical artifacts. This hands-on experience aimed to foster a deeper appreciation for the significance of cultural heritage.

She also emphasized that the excursion was meticulously crafted to blend recreation with education.

“Its primary goal was to augment the international students’ awareness of Soltaniyeh’s rich historical and architectural marvels,” Asgari noted.

What lends a profound significance to this exploration is Soltaniyeh’s standing as a repository of cultural wealth recognized by UNESCO. The Soltaniyeh Dome, an architectural gem, and the Soltaniyeh Museum, housing a trove of historical artifacts, stand proudly on UNESCO’s list of protected heritage sites. This acknowledgment by UNESCO adds an extra layer of prestige to the county’s commitment to preserving and sharing its cultural legacy.

A World Heritage site in the northwestern province of Zanjan, the mausoleum of Oljaytu at Soltaniyeh is topped by one of the world’s largest domes.

The monument located in the capital city of the Mongols’ Ilkhanid Dynasty is a mausoleum for Il-khan Oljeitu, the Ilkhanid’s eighth ruler. Though much of the structure’s exterior coloring and tiles have faded through the centuries, the intricate brickwork, tilework, and vibrant designs inside the mausoleum have remained largely unscathed.

The unique double-shelled structure of the Soltaniyeh Dome is also believed to have influenced the design of India’s Taj Mahal mausoleum.

The UNESCO-registered sites served as a backdrop to an enriching experience, ensuring that these international students carry a piece of Soltaniyeh’s cultural legacy with them on their academic journey.