Revitalizing the ancient city of Bishapur
Bishapur, a Sassanid city, is one of the ancient cities of Iran, with its remnants located in the center of Kazerun, Fars Province. Recent projects by the cultural heritage authorities promise good news for the preservation and better organization of this ancient heritage.
According to an IRNA, ancient Bishapur was registered a decade ago as part of the Sassanid Archaeological Landscape in Firuzabad and Sarvestan on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Over the past decade, there have been many actions taken and not taken, leading to numerous discussions.
Bishapur was built in 266 CE by the order of Shapur I, the Sassanid king. After Shapur’s victory over the Roman Emperor Valerian, he ordered the construction of a city in a pleasant area along the road from Persepolis to Ctesiphon. This road during the Achaemenid era connected the cities of Persepolis and Istakhr to Susa; Shapur named the city after himself.
The failure to protect valuable parts of the remnants of Bishapur in past years has surprised the officials and heritage experts of Fars Province. However, according to an official from Fars Province’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, development in the area have begun, since about a year ago, when the Sassanid serial property in Fars Province was placed under unified management as Sassanid Archaeological Landscape.
According to a report presented by the manager of the site in Fars Province, during a specialized meeting attended by the media, 18 programs and plans have been initiated in Bishapur in the past year, with four programs completed, six programs currently underway, and eight more to be implemented soon upon final approval of the plans.
Bishapur, renowned for its striking architecture and intricate bas-reliefs depicting historical scenes, served as an important cultural and political center during the Sassanid dynasty. Its impressive ruins continue to attract researchers and tourists alike, highlighting the significance of preserving this invaluable heritage site for future generations.