TEHRAN – The inaugural session of the strategic committee for the Hegmataneh site has taken place, marking the beginning of a sustained effort to build on the notion that led to the ancient site’s recent UNESCO World Heritage inscription.

“The inclusion of Hegmataneh [better known as Ecbatana in Western sources] on the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 27 has set the stage for ongoing collaboration among experts,” said the director of the Hegmataneh site, on Sunday.

Hasan Soltani emphasized that the committee will meet regularly to develop both short-term and long-term strategies for the preservation and promotion of this historic treasure.

Soltani expressed his deep gratitude to everyone involved in achieving Hegmataneh’s UNESCO status, highlighting the strategic committee’s role as a vital force in safeguarding the site.

He further noted that the collective efforts of the committee will be essential in ensuring that Hegmataneh continues to be preserved and celebrated as a priceless part of Iran’s cultural heritage.

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.
XF/AM