Khorramabad Valley: A potential UNESCO World Heritage Site
Iranica Desk
Iran has been known as one of the ancient human civilizations, which has led archaeologists and cultural researchers from different eras to focus on it. The presence of rugged mountains, unique nature, and most importantly, water as the source of human life in Lorestan Province has turned this region into one of the most sought-after areas for human habitation before recorded history, leading to the formation of the first human settlements in this area.
Khorramabad Valley, with the ancient city of Shapurkhast at its center, along with natural attractions and historical sites such as the seven caves, is considered significant evidence of human history in this region.
Recently, the process of registering Khorramabad Valley as a World Heritage Site in UNESCO has begun, which, if successful, will play a significant role in attracting tourists and boosting the economy of Lorestan Province.
Ata Hassanpour, the director general of Khorram Abad Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism Organization in Lorestan Province, told ISNA: Some archaeologists and anthropologists believe that after humans left Africa in prehistoric times, they traveled through Asia to Europe and settled in places like the Zagros Mountains, in a valley called Khorramabad, where encounters between Neanderthals and modern humans took place. He added that some, like Professor Marcel Otte, believe that areas in the Zagros Mountains, including Khorramabad Valley, are among the ancient habitats of humanity, providing multiple locations for human habitation.
Hassanpour stated that in this ancient valley there are 17 prehistoric sites, seven of which have been the subject of archaeological excavations, including the Qamari Cave, which is one of the five caves in this valley, making a total of seven with two rock shelters.
He added that in addition to the explored caves, there are 10 rock shelters in the heart of Khorramabad Valley. He noted the presence of scattered stone and pottery chips on the surface of the caves and ancient mounds, emphasizing their significance as a valuable guide for archaeologists. He recommended against moving these chips, as their displacement could potentially mislead researchers and archaeologists.
Hassanpour pointed out the formation of caves, attributing the cavities in the heart of the Zagros Mountains to the weathering of limestone formations in these areas.
Further discussing the Qamari Cave, particularly its western part, he mentioned that cavers had concluded that this cave, spanning 200 meters, was an endless space that had served as a place of human habitation before recorded history.
He emphasized that these sites indicated favorable living conditions for humans in prehistoric times, particularly in the post-Ice Age period. The presence of abundant water from numerous ponds and flowing rivers, along with prehistoric caves, suitable weather, the presence of animals, and abundant fuel from oak forests, collectively rendered this valley a conducive environment for human livelihood, especially after the hunting period and during the agricultural revolution.
He also highlighted the presence of historical houses in Lorestan Province and Khorramabad, dating back to the early Qajar period, up to the first Pahlavi era, as a potential driver for tourism promotion and attracting tourists.
Mohammad Jafari, an economic expert, stated that Lorestan Province has significant potential in the field of tourism, but unfortunately, the historical, ancient, and natural attractions of the region have not been properly introduced to attract visitors.
He emphasized the need for investment in creating suitable accommodations, eco lodges, and improving air, rail, and road transportation infrastructure. According to Jafari, Lorestan is like a paradise in the heart of the Zagros Mountains.
Jafari continued by highlighting that the Zagros Mountains, particularly Khorramabad Valley, was the habitat of early humans, but efforts to introduce this historical significance have been lacking. He stressed the importance of facilitating the process and creating the necessary infrastructure for tourism development.
Referring to the local hospitality in Lorestan Province, Jafari stressed the need for providing up-to-date training to hotel personnel and others in the tourism sector. He also pointed out that the global registration of Khorramabad Valley would attract international and domestic tourists to the region.
Furthermore, he underscored that the capabilities of Lorestan Province, especially Khorramabad Valley, are incomparable to other regions, and the registration of this valley would lead to the development of the regional economy.