Hasanlu village is national, global treasure
The historic village of Hasanlu is not just a settlement, but a valuable treasure trove of history, culture, and nature whose importance extends beyond the borders of West Azarbaijan Province, said governor of Naqadeh.
Amir Abbas Jafari, in reference to the latest actions taken for the process of registering Hasanlu village as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stated, the historic village is not just a settlement, but a valuable treasure trove of history, culture, and nature that is of importance beyond the geographical boundaries of the county and province, according chtn.ir.
Emphasizing the need to preserve and introduce this precious heritage, he referred to the economic potential and job creation resulting from tourism development in Hasanlu, adding, active participation of the local people is the key to success in the path to registering this village as a World Heritage Site.
He considered the ancient Hassanlu Hill as a testament to Iranian civilizations and the surrounding wetlands as rich habitats, stating: Hasanlu’s unique potentials further justify the village’s eligibility for inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Jafari, referring to the economic capabilities and job creation potential of Hasanlu village, noted, the village’s thriving tourism can serve as a driving force for economic development and sustainable employment for the region’s residents. Additionally, developing infrastructure, promoting handicrafts and agricultural products, and hosting cultural festivals can create an environment conducive to attracting investments and job opportunities.
He emphasized that leveraging the potential of the Construction Basij in implementing infrastructure projects with limited resources is an efficient strategy, adding “We support active participation of the private sector in the development projects”.
Regarding the role of local people and sustainable development in the path to the global registration of Hasanlu he said that active participation of the people is the foundation for success in this matter.
Establishing ecolodges, supporting handicraft artists, and holding festivals, will attract and strengthen people’s participation and significantly contribute to preserving the authenticity and identity of the village as well as its sustainable development.
Jafari referred to the challenges ahead and said, “The shortage of suitable accommodation units, the need for more support for handicraft artists, and the necessity of holding more cultural and tourism events, are among the issues that should be given serious attention. In this regard, by drafting a comprehensive operational plan, coordinating between executive agencies, and actively involving the local community, these challenges can be overcome and effective steps can be taken towards the global registration of this valuable heritage.”
Hasanlu village is one of the historical villages in Naqadeh, located 84 kilometers from Urmia. This village boasts lush nature, and one of its unique historical attractions, which draws both domestic and foreign tourists each year, is the “Hasanlu Hill.” This site dates back several thousand years and reflects the rich history of the village.
The historical site is a significant tourism destination with an impressive history, considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the country, with approximately eight thousand years of history. Thousands of precious cultural and historical artifacts, such as pottery, bronze and copper objects, jewelry, weapons, and decorative items, have been discovered through excavations at this site.
The Hasanlu Hill is circular in shape, with a diameter of 280 meters, situated in the Hasanlu village and surrounded by many other mounds. According to archaeological studies, this mound has been inhabited during ten different periods, with the oldest period of settlement dating back to the 6th to 3rd millennium BCE. Approximately 14 archaeological hills have been identified around the Hasanlu Hill, indicating prosperity, a suitable climate, and the cultural development of ancient peoples in this region. Additionally, the Hasanlu National Heritage Site was established in 2013 near the historical hill.
The early inhabitants of the Hasanlu Hill were likely a group known as the Mannaea, who left behind a vast and brilliant civilization, with their settlement located in the southern lands of Lake Urmia. The Hasanlu Castle is another unique monument of this historic village; it is one of the most famous castles, dating back to the 1st millennium BCE, and was used for protection. However, much of it collapsed during that same millennium due to enemy invasions and a fire. Many bodies of the castle’s inhabitants were later found by archaeologists, leading to various stories about their fate.
This castle consists of a two-story building that combines religious and military architecture and was built robustly on the Hasanlu Hill. Excavations were conducted before the Islamic Revolution, during which various parts of the castle were uncovered. The different sections of the Hasanlu Castle include numerous rooms, a hall, defensive walls, and other areas. The castle was established in the fourth century as a residential fortress and features a very large central courtyard measuring 29 by 19 meters, with this polygonal courtyard not having equal lengths and widths.