TEHRAN - The recent World Heritage registration of the Hegmataneh has sparked a tourism boom, with visitor numbers to the ancient site’s Museum doubling in the very last month of the summer compared to previous year.

“The number of visits to Hegmataneh doubled after its inclusion on the World Heritage list,” said province’s museum affairs director speaking to reporters on Saturday. “While the Avicenna Mausoleum-Museum retained its status as the most visited site in the province.”

Amirhossein Fariba referred to data from the first half of Shahrivar (August 23 to September 6) last year, when 6,734 people visited Hegmataneh, adding that in the first 15 days of Shahriver this year, the number of visitors rose to 13,405, reflecting a 100% increase.

The director also reported a 17% overall growth in visitors to museums and cultural heritage sites in Hamadan, with 428,347 visitors this year, compared to 365,665 during the same period last year. “The Avicenna Mausoleum-Museum topped the list with 172,130 visitors,” Fariba underscored.

“According to the official data, Hamadan was among the busiest cities in Iran in terms of visitor numbers, with 98% of the province’s official accommodations fully booked during the recent holidays,” the director winded up.

Hamadan province is home to 21 museums, eight of which are directly managed by the Cultural Heritage Organization, while 13 are operated in partnership with other entities. The province boasts 1,752 historical, cultural, and natural sites, 1,004 of which are listed as national heritage sites in Iran, solidifying its special place in the country’s tourism industry.

Hegmataneh, also known as Ecbatana, is an ancient archaeological site located in Hamadan, Iran. Historically significant, it was once the capital of the ancient Median Empire and later the summer residence of the Achaemenid kings. The site is renowned for its historical layers, including remnants from the Median, Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sassanian periods.

Hegmataneh’s most notable features include its well-preserved ancient walls, which showcase the impressive architectural style of its time. The site also includes remnants of palatial structures, fortifications, and a significant number of artifacts, providing crucial insights into the region’s historical and cultural development.

The site’s importance was further recognized when it was designated a World Heritage site this July, highlighting its global significance and enhancing its appeal as a key destination for historians, archaeologists, and tourists alike.
XF