TEHRAN – Shiraz University on Saturday began playing host to an international conference, which spotlights Iran-Italy cultural and archeological ties over the past couple of decades, CHTN reported.

Several experts, archaeologists and historians from both nationals are scheduled to attend the event running through September 22.

Titled “From Past to Future: Cultural Heritage as an Instrument for a Sustainable Development”, the event also pays tribute to Pietro della Valle (1586 – 1652), an Italian composer, musicologist, and author who traveled throughout Asia during the Renaissance period.

The two countries have conducted various joint studies across Fars province particularly across Persepolis archaeology area, which is the main center for the Achaemenid Empire (6th-4th century BC), acknowledged as UNESCO World Heritage site.

The conference has been organized in collaboration with the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (CHHTO) and the Research Institute for Cultural Heritage and Tourism.

AFM/PA