TEHRAN - A UNESCO assessor has visited several prehistoric caves in Khorramabad’s valley as part of an ongoing evaluation process for the inclusion of “Khorramabad’s Valley and Falak-ol-Aflak Fortress” in UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

The visit aims to assess the historical and cultural significance of these sites for potential recognition by the UN cultural body, ILNA reported on Wednesday.

According to Ata Hassanpour, the tourism chief of Lorestan province, the UNESCO assessor conducted an on-site inspection of several prehistoric caves, including the Gilvaran, Yafteh, and Konji caves, as well as the Gar Arjeneh rock shelter.

“These assessments were carried out to evaluate the archaeological value and preservation status of these ancient sites,” Hassanpour said.

During the visit to the Gilvaran Cave, the assessor examined an archaeological trench, informational panels, excavated artifacts, and the chronological chart associated with the historical site, the official explained.

“The cave, along with others in the valley, is considered significant due to its ancient human habitation and rich archaeological findings.”

Additionally, the UN expert visited other historical landmarks in the area, such as the Pol-e Shekasteh (“Broken Bridge”) among some other historical elements.

Falak-ol-Aflak is an unmissable eight-towered fortress that dominates Khorramabad, the capital of Lorestan province.

Some experts believe that Falak-ol-Aflak along with its associated cultural elements, is comparable with similar works in Naqsh-e Rostam, Naqsh-e Rajab, Tape Chugan, and Firuzabad in the southern Fars province.

AM