Obstacles to global registration of Hegmataneh must be removed
Hegmataneh, also known as Ecbatana, is a symbol of the rich history, culture and civilization of ancient Iran. A glance at historical developments of Iran brings the grandeur and immense value of this archeological site to light.
Hegmataneh Complex is located on a vast hill in the western city of Hamedan, which has also been called Hegmataneh Hill. Hamedan is the provincial capital of Hamedan Province.
Hegmataneh dates back to the reign of the first Iranian kings, the Medes. Archaeologists have discovered palaces, mansions, and other historical monuments there which are related to the Median and Achaemenid periods. A Greek historian has said the Medes used Hegmataneh as a royal complex of mansions and palaces in approximately 800 B.C.
Global registration
The incumbent Iranian government has placed plans on the agenda to include Hegmataneh, which was once one of the greatest ancient greatest cities in the world, on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Hegmataneh has been registered on the country’s National Heritage List.
The head of Management and Planning Organization of Hamedan Province said that during last year’s trip of President Ebrahim Raeisi to Hamedan, the government approved a proposal to organize Hegmataneh Hill, according to IRNA.
Tooraj Alvanian said the government approved nearly $3 million for a project in this regard, around $900,000 of which has been allocated.
The dossier to have the ancient site registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage List was submitted earlier this year.
Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Ali Darabi has said the file that was submitted to UNESCO includes the ancient site of Hegmataneh, Hamedan’s historical bazaar, the mausoleum of Bu-Ali Sina (Avicenna), and some historical streets.
Alireza Qassemi, the provincial governor of Hamedan has also said the ancient site could be registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage List this summer.
The head of Hegmataneh National Heritage Site said preparations should be made before UNESCO officials travel to Hamedan for the inclusion of the ancient site.
Mohammad Mansoorian said cars should be banned from plying the streets in Hegmataneh. He said the fruit and vegetable market and bakeries should also be relocated.
The official called for attracting foreign tourists to help develop Hamedan’s economy. He said foreign tourists can directly affect people’s livelihood.
Qassemi said efforts made to have Hegmataneh registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage List are aimed at luring foreign tourists and bringing economic prosperity to the city.
Overcoming hurdles
The director general of the Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department of Hamedan Province has also called for banning cars from passing through the ancient Hegmataneh site.
Mohsen Massoumzadeh said that coordination and synergy between responsible bodies of the province and cooperation of people from all walks of life are essential to help remove obstacles to the registration of Hegmataneh on the UNESCO list.
The global recognition of Hegmataneh will definitely have a positive impact on Hamedan’s economic, cultural and tourism sectors, he said. The mayor of Hamedan said the global registration of Hegmataneh is among the priorities of the municipality.
Massoud Hosseini said the municipality has plans to allocate over $1 million in this regard.