TEHRAN – Deputy Tourism Minister Ali Darabi has revealed plans to stage a prestigious exhibit titled ‘“Glory of Ancient Persia’“ at the UNESCO-registered site of Persepolis.

The exhibition, which has been showcased internationally, including in several Chinese cities, will soon return to its homeland for a special display at the ancient capital of the Achaemenid Empire.

The announcement was made during a coordination session for the upcoming third International Multimedia Festival of Cultural Heritage, set to take place in Shiraz, CHTN reported on Tuesday.

The festival, which emphasizes the use of multimedia to highlight cultural heritage, will be held concurrent with the ’“Glory of Ancient Persia’“ exhibition at Persepolis, further elevating the cultural significance of the event.

Darabi emphasized that the exhibition, which includes a collection of ancient Iranian relics, is part of a broader effort to decentralize cultural events, ensuring that various regions of Fars province benefit from the festival’s activities.

He also highlighted the international dimension of the event, expressing hopes that it will showcase Iran’s rich cultural heritage to the world and boost foreign tourism.

Persepolis, located 60 kilometers northeast of Shiraz, served as the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire from approximately 550 to 330 BC. Its selection as the site for the exhibition underscores the cultural and historical importance of the location, which has been recognized by UNESCO for its profound contribution to world heritage.

Iran, an ancient land steeped in history, boasts one of the world’s oldest continuous major civilizations, with settlements dating back to 4000 BC. It is adorned with a wealth of cultural treasures, including bazaars, museums, mosques, bridges, bathhouses, madrasas, gardens, and diverse natural landscapes, complemented by 28 UNESCO labels.

Viewed through a broader lens, Iranian history unfolds in two distinct eras: Pre-Islamic and Islamic. The rise of the Medes in 625 BC marked the unification of Iran into a nation and empire. However, it was the Islamic conquest of Persia (633–656) that signaled a pivotal moment, bringing an end to the powerful Sassanid Empire (224–651) and reshaping the course of the nation’s history.

AM