Tehran – Iran has expressed its readiness to help restore Tak Kasra, a masterpiece of Persian architecture from the Sassanid period, near Baghdad.
The proposal was made by Mohammad Medi Imanipur, head of Islamic Culture Communication Organization in Iran.
“Taq Kasra is a monument deeply cherished by the people of Iran,” Imanipour said. “Unfortunately, recovery efforts have not yet begun. If the Iraqi government is happy, we are very interested in helping to preserve and repair it.”
Furthermore, Imani highlighted the warm and growing cooperation between the cultural sectors of the two neighbouring countries. He noted that Iran’s cultural attachments in Iraq are ready to promote the implementation of bilateral cultural exchange programmes.
Imanipur also praised recent advances in tourism relations between the two countries. Additionally, he mentioned a visit to the Iraq Museum, where he observed the country’s precious ancient collection. “There is great potential for joint efforts to maintain and restore archaeological heritage. We are ready to engage in such collaborations,” Imanipour added.
In recent years, some of the monuments have collapsed, raising concerns among historians, archaeologists and cultural heritage advocates, especially Iran. Despite past debates, no substantial restoration projects have been launched, leading many Iranian experts to seek urgent action.
In 2019, Tehran Municipality held consultations with city planners and authorities in Baghdad to restore several aging monuments in Iraq, including Takkasra.
Taq Kasra, also known as the Ctesiphon arch, is one of the most important surviving construction achievements of the Persian Sassanid era.
The arch was part of the Imperial Palace complex, but the exact time for its construction is unknown for sure. Some historians believe that the founder was Shapur I, who ruled Persia from 242 to 272, while others believe that construction may have begun during the reign of President Anusirwan (Khosrow I) after the Byzantine campaign in 540 AD.
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