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Minister denies Pasargadae buffer change, expands Cyrus restoration crew
The minister, who has served in his current role since August 2024, told ILNA following his recent visit to Pasargadae and nearby Persepolis in Fars Province. His comments addressed widespread speculation that Iran might relax construction restrictions around the 6th century BC site containing Cyrus the Great’s tomb.
Salehi Amiri dismissed reports suggesting the government had given a “green light” to modify Pasargadae’s buffer zones. The controversy stems from a recent advisory report recommending construction up to 7.5 meters high outside the site's three-tier protection zones.
“The issue concerns building permits outside Pasargadae’s buffer zones, not changes to the boundaries themselves,” the minister said.
He emphasized that any construction decisions must first pass through Fars Province’s technical council before reaching the national cultural heritage technical council in Tehran.
The minister announced six new restoration specialists will soon join the two-person team currently working at Cyrus's mausoleum, quadrupling the site's restoration capacity. He also ordered the clarification of employment status for contract workers at both Pasargadae and Persepolis.
Salehi Amiri stressed that well-drilling and agricultural expansion remain strictly forbidden within Cyrus’s tomb buffer zone. “During my Pasargadae visit, modifying the tomb's protective boundaries was never discussed,” he said.
The minister insisted that Pasargadae’s local parliamentary representative will participate in all technical council meetings reviewing the 7.5-meter construction proposal. Results from both provincial and national technical assessments will be announced within 24 hours of completion.
Pasargadae, located about 90 kilometers northeast of Shiraz, served as the Achaemenid Empire's first capital under Cyrus the Great. The site gained UNESCO World Heritage status for its palaces, gardens and royal tomb.
During his Fars Province trip, Salehi Amiri addressed longstanding budget shortfalls, staffing issues and security concerns plaguing both Pasargadae and Persepolis. He promised visible improvements at both heritage sites in coming weeks.