TEHRAN- The first phase of restoration work has been completed on the historical Chehel Sotun Mosque in the ancient town of Belad Shapur in the southwestern Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province. 

This phase of the restoration involved replacing worn-out materials and repairing the damaged parts, the provincial tourism chief explained on Monday. 

A budget of 10 billion rials ($20,000) was allocated to the project, Saeid Talebipour said. 

The restoration of this historical structure plays a crucial role in expanding religious tourism in the region, he added. 

Despite all the destruction that took place in the historical city of Belad Shapur in different eras, with an area of more than 45 hectares, it is currently considered as one of the largest historical structures in the country in terms of size and number of historical buildings. Inscribed on the National Heritage list in 1985, the ancient city of Belad Shapur is one of the top tourist sites of the province.

Belad Shapur, known by its current name Dehdasht, was built at the time of Shapur I, also known as Shapur the Great, (reigned 241 CE–272), the second king of the Sassanid Dynasty. Under his leadership, the empire stretched from Sogdiana and Iberia (Georgia) in the north to the Mazun region of Arabia in the south; in the east, it extended to the Indus River and in the west to the upper Tigris and Euphrates river valleys.

Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province is known for its nomads and nomadic life. Sightseers may live with a nomadic or rural family for a while or enjoy an independent stay and assist them with day-to-day life. It also opens up an opportunity to feel rustic routines, their agriculture, traditions, arts, and culture.

SAB/