TEHRAN - In a congratulatory message, the President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, has hailed the UNESCO World Heritage listing of Ecbatana, vowing to put tourism and heritage preservation on the agenda of his newly established government.

According to IRNA, Pezeshkian’s message, issued on Tuesday, reads: “Iran’s history, culture, and civilization have always shone brightly on the world stage. Today’s global recognition of Hegmataneh (better known as Ecbatana in Western sources) as Iran’s 28th entry on the World Heritage list once again underscores the grandeur of Iranian civilization.”

The statement further noted, “Hamadan is an ancient and enduring city, home to numerous historical and cultural relics from various eras. Historical texts from both within and outside of Iran have highlighted the city’s unique status. The historical events and happenings in Hamadan reflect its high significance. From pre-Islamic times to the present, Hamadan has always been a cradle of science and religion.”

“Hegmataneh is a symbol of the unity of Iranians from the Median period and its expansion and protection in the Achaemenid, Parthian and Sassanid periods,” Pezeshkian pinpointed in the letter.

In his message, Pezeshkian also emphasized, “During the Islamic era, Hamadan has maintained a close connection with Iran’s history, being the site of many significant historical events.”

The message concluded by expressing gratitude to the experts and managers involved in achieving the global recognition of Ecbatana as the country’s 28th UNESCO World Heritage label. The President extended his congratulations to the Iranians, reaffirming the government’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting tourism and handicrafts.

Ecbatana, a treasured ancient city of Iran known for its profound historical and cultural significance, officially inscribed on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), on Saturday.

The UNESCO designation of Ecbatana marks the country's 28th UNESCO World Heritage label. The decision was made during the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, India, where delegates from around the globe convened to review nominations from various countries. The inclusion of Hegmataneh highlights its extraordinary contribution to human civilization and its role in shaping the cultural landscape of the region.

Hegmataneh is universally celebrated as the site where the Median Dynasty was first established. Serving as the capital of the powerful Median Empire, Hegmataneh later became a significant center for the Achaemenid Empire, one of the most influential empires in history.

The city's historical significance is further enriched by its role during subsequent periods, including the Seleucid, Parthian, Sassanid, and Islamic eras. Each era left its indelible mark on Hegmataneh, shaping it into a vibrant tapestry of cultural evolution.Located in the suburban area of modern Hamadan, Hegmataneh spans approximately 50 acres, with its rich archaeological deposits offering a glimpse into millennia of human civilization. Despite its vast historical significance, large portions of the site remain unexplored, promising future discoveries that could further illuminate our understanding of ancient Iran.

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