Restoration efforts underway for Parthian soldier relief in Fars Province
The relief of the Parthian soldier, intricately carved on a nearly cubic stone situated between the cities of Qir and Firuzabad, has suffered from both natural and human damage, raising significant concerns among enthusiasts of Iran’s ancient heritage. According to officials from Fars Province’s Cultural Heritage Organization, the preservation and restoration plan for this important historical artifact is currently in its final stages.
Reza Norouzi, a faculty member at the Cultural Heritage Research Institute, informed IRNA that, based on studies conducted, the relief depicted on a solitary stone positioned along the route linking the cities of Qir and Karzin to Firuzabad is known as the Parthian soldier. He explained that, through comparisons with other artifacts from the same era, the image of this archer soldier has been attributed to the Parthian period, IRNA wrote.
Norouzi further noted that although little Parthian heritage remains in Fars Province, the fact that the foundations of the ancient city of Gur, located in modern Firuzabad, were established during the Parthian era lends credence to the possibility that the relief of the archer soldier along the Firuzabad route also dates back to that period.
He emphasized that the ancient artifact has sustained damage primarily due to its roadside location, which has made it vulnerable to both natural elements and human activity.
Mohsen Ziyai, the deputy head of Fars Province’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Organization, confirmed that a comprehensive plan has been developed for the organization, protection, and restoration of the Parthian soldier relief and that this plan is in its final stages.
Ziyai elaborated that the project encompasses not only the restoration of the damaged sections but also the implementation of a protective covering and reinforcement for the artifact to ensure its longevity. He affirmed a strong commitment to the protection and restoration of this significant relief, attributed to the Parthian period, assuring that the necessary funding to support this initiative will be secured.
This notable relief is located three kilometers from the cities of Qir and Karzin and approximately 215 kilometers from Shiraz. It was officially registered on Iran’s National Heritage List in 1975, highlighting its importance to the country’s cultural legacy.