TEHRAN - An educational event focused on stone carving and cutting will be held on Thursday evening, at the UNESCO-listed Persepolis.

The event, which will feature hands-on workshops, is aimed at teaching traditional stone-working techniques to local communities while promoting the revival of handicrafts in the region.

“The workshop will provide participants with practical knowledge on the intricate craft of stone carving, a tradition deeply embedded in Iran’s historical and cultural legacy,” Mohammad Sabet Eqlidi, the tourism chief of Fars province, said on Wednesday.

“This workshop is one of the preliminary events leading up to the International Multimedia Festival of Cultural Heritage, which will be hosted by Shiraz in the near future,” he said.

“This specialized workshop is organized with the goal of reviving traditional crafts, empowering local artisans, and boosting the local economy through the promotion of handmade products,” the official added.

Persepolis, a masterpiece of stone architecture

Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, stands as one of the greatest architectural achievements of the ancient world and is an iconic example of advanced stone carving and cutting techniques.

Constructed some 2,500 years ago, the site features vast palatial structures, intricate bas-reliefs, and towering stone columns, all of which display the extraordinary skill and craftsmanship of ancient Persian artisans.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, Persepolis remains a testament to the Achaemenid dynasty’s wealth, power, and artistic prowess. The site’s enduring stone monuments are not only significant for their historical value but also for their role in showcasing ancient Persian innovations in stonework. From detailed carvings of soldiers and dignitaries to elaborate decorative motifs, the artistry of Persepolis has inspired generations of artists, architects, and historians.

AM