TEHRAN – On Wednesday, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Seyyed Reza Salehi Amiri visited the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Susa in Khuzestan province. During his visit, he emphasized the city’s universal importance and its important role in the history of Iran and the world.
Salehi-Amiri, who attended the meeting at the governor’s office, described Susa as a “land of mystery and wonder.” He pointed out that Susa is not just a treasure of Iran, but a heritage belonging to all humanity.
“Susa has been a symbol of unity throughout its long history for thousands of years,” he said.
The minister emphasized the historical and cultural importance of Susa, saying that Susa is the basis of Iranian identity and civilization. “Susa is more than just a city; it is part of us. Every excavation in this region reveals new mysteries and reaffirms its title as a land of secrets,” Salehi-Amiri said.
He also stressed the need to reintroduce Susa’s rich history to both (young) Iranians and the international community. “Iran is proud of Susa and this pride should be instilled in all its citizens, especially students. It is essential that educational materials include the historical importance of Susa,” he said, adding that cultural He urged institutions and educational institutions to promote this place to the younger generation.
Elsewhere in his remarks, he called for more efforts by the media, educators and cultural organizations to improve the city’s global image. “The beauty and cultural richness of Susa has not been adequately showcased to Iranians and the world.”
In his remarks, the minister also emphasized the unity of Iranian identity and Islamic values. “Iran’s sacred history integrates pre-Islamic and Islamic cultural heritage. There is no contradiction between the two as they strengthen and complement each other,” he said.
The Minister highlighted Susa’s potential to become a major tourism hub and stressed the need for infrastructure development in the region. The department pledged to prioritize responding to the city’s needs.
Earlier this month, Shushu Governor Omid Sabripour called for a resumption of archaeological efforts in the ancient city of Susa, but he said less than 10% of the archaeological treasures had been unearthed. That’s what it means.
“We need to leverage UNESCO funding and international cooperation to launch a new archaeological campaign in Susa,” said Sabripour. “The city’s vast historical, religious, natural and industrial heritage, along with its important role in the Sacred Defense (eight-year Iran-Iraq war), offer great potential for tourism development, but this… has hardly been developed.”
Also on the same day, Salehi-Amiri toured the UNESCO World Heritage Site Chogha Zanbil, a magnificent ziggurat near Susa.
world treasure
Located in southwestern Iran, approximately 115 kilometers northwest of Ahvaz, Susa is one of the oldest and most important archaeological sites in the world.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, Susa is home to a series of ruins on the east bank of the Savur River, alongside the Aldesir Palace on the opposite bank. These layers of urban settlements record a continuous history from the late 5th millennium BC to the 13th century AD.
The site’s architectural remains include administrative, residential, and palatial buildings, offering a glimpse into Elamite, Persian, and Parthian cultures, many elements of which have been lost over time. Susa was captured by Cyrus the Great in 538 or 539 BC and became the winter residence of the Persian kings after its integration into the Persian Empire.
rich archaeological finds
Archaeological excavations in Susa uncovered a treasure trove of artefacts, including pottery, bronzeware, ornaments, and clay tablets. Despite its historical and cultural richness, much of Susa remains unexplored, highlighting the urgent need for new archaeological approaches.
Gateway to must-see destinations
Susa also serves as a gateway to several famous landmarks, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ziggurat of Chogha Zanbil, the Achaemenid Castle of Apadana, the Castle of Shushu (Acropoli), and the Temple of the Prophet Daniel . Additionally, the Susa Museum and the Haft Tapeh ruins attract history buffs from all over the world.
With such unparalleled historical importance and cultural assets, local authorities hope that with intensified excavation activities and increased promotion, Susa will be transformed into a major destination for World Heritage tourism.
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