TEHRAN - A senior environmental official in Fars province has said excessive drilling of wells and the over-extraction of groundwater has led to land subsidence around the UNESCO-listed Persepolis.

Qasem Nahavandi, in an interview with ISNA on Monday, highlighted the significant danger posed to Persepolis and the nearby Naqsh-e Rustam, which are two Achaemenid gems situated in the Marvdasht plain.

‘“The Achaemenids chose the location for Persepolis where no earthquakes had occurred at the time. However, due to the numerous wells drilled and the excessive extraction of groundwater around the Marvdasht plain, we are now witnessing land subsidence in this area.’“

He further explained that the region’s groundwater aquifers cover a wide area, and their depletion also threatens Naqsh-e Rustam.

Studies by Shiraz University indicate that this phenomenon has been occurring in some plains of Fars province, which is a serious warning sign, he added.

‘“Persepolis was built at a specific location, and today we are imposing a ‘silent earthquake’ on it.’“

He pointed to an 80-meter sinkhole in the historic city of Ij, Estahban, attributing it to human interference with nature and the over-extraction of groundwater.

‘“Unfortunately, the lack of proper attention to water consumption patterns in agriculture and industry leads to excessive groundwater extraction, which in turn causes sinkholes and land subsidence.’“

Elsewhere in his remarks, Nahavandi expressed hope that this year’s rainfall would help raise groundwater levels. ‘“We need to use the available water efficiently and correctly, and we must prevent the establishment of water-intensive industrial units and the drilling of deep wells in the plains.’“

He added that watershed and aquifer management projects could positively impact reducing water consumption. ‘“Additionally, using treated wastewater in environmentally suitable areas is another measure worth considering.’“

Nahavandi recommended adopting suitable cropping patterns and preferably using low-water crops in areas with limited water availability. He urged all relevant organizations, the public, and officials to work together to resolve this crisis and prevent further land subsidence in the future.

Located 60 kilometers northeast of Shiraz, Persepolis, with its magnificent ruins resting at the foot of Kuh-e Rahmat (Mountain of Mercy), was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Also known as Takht-e Jamshid, Persepolis is unparalleled among archaeological sites, recognized for its unique architecture, urban planning, construction technology, and art.

The site’s majestic approaches, monumental stairways, throne rooms, and reception halls have made this 13-hectare complex one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures.

Construction of the vast terrace began around 518 BC under Darius the Great, king of the Achaemenid Empire. Successive kings added to this terrace, creating a series of architecturally stunning palatial buildings, including the massive Apadana palace and the Throne Hall, also known as the Hundred-Column Hall.

The terrace is a grand architectural feat, featuring a double flight of access stairs, walls adorned with sculpted friezes at various levels, monumental gateways, and colossal sculpted winged bulls, alongside the remains of large halls.

Through the innovative use of lighter roofs and wooden lintels, Achaemenid architects were able to support open-area roofs with a minimal number of remarkably slender columns. These columns were crowned with intricate capitals, often featuring the iconic double-bull design, where the forequarters of two kneeling bulls, placed back-to-back, extend their coupled necks and twin heads directly beneath the intersections of the ceiling beams.

Historical accounts suggest that Persepolis was burned by Alexander the Great in 330 BC, reportedly as an act of revenge against the Persians. This was likely in response to the Persian King Xerxes’ burning of the Greek city of Athens approximately 150 years earlier.

AM