Darabgard’s Circular City Aims for UNESCO Heritage Status!
TEHRAN – The ancient city of Darabgard may soon be recognized as the first circular city to be listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This significant development was announced by Sadeq Zare’, the caretaker of the Fars Cultural Heritage Department. With its origins dating back to the Sassanid era, Darabgard boasts a rich history and cultural significance that makes it an essential candidate for global heritage recognition.
According to Zare’, the monument should have been included alongside other notable Sassanid-era sites like Bishapour, Firouzabad, and Sarvestan on the UNESCO heritage list. Unfortunately, this did not happen due to a lack of adequate research and studies. He emphasized that the completion of the registration documents for UNESCO requires extensive archaeological investigations, the development of protective plans, and the establishment of effective management programs.
Currently, the Oil Ministry has allocated approximately 30 billion rials ($33,333) to support the completion of the Darabgard site’s dossier. Zare’ mentioned that attracting additional funding is a priority. If the budget is secured, the potential registration of the site could be finalized within a year at the provincial level. However, the proposal for global recognition is contingent upon the ministry’s prioritization based on the country’s annual quota.
In addition to its potential UNESCO status, Zare’ suggested that Darabgard could also be included in the Fars Sassanid landscape file, further highlighting its importance in the historical narrative of the region.
Located just six kilometers south of Darab city in Fars province, Darabgard is situated in a vast, flat plain, surrounded by mountains on three sides and open plains on the other. This unique geographical placement contributes to its architectural and historical allure.
Darabgard is renowned for its exceptional architecture, being recognized as the first circular city not only in Iran but also in the world. The city features:
- Long and thick walls with a diameter of three meters
- Magnificent gates that showcase the city’s grandeur
- Regularly arranged streets that reflect advanced urban planning
At the heart of the city lies a salt mountain, rising to a height of 400 meters, which is believed to have been the location of the ruler’s palace. This striking feature adds to the city’s historical significance and mystique.
Darabgard served as an inspiration for other Sassanid cities, establishing itself as a model for subsequent urban developments such as Firouzabad and Bishapour. Its innovative design and architectural elements have left a lasting impact on the region’s urban landscape.
As efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for Darabgard continue, the city’s unique characteristics and historical importance are drawing attention from cultural heritage advocates and historians alike. The potential recognition would not only honor the ancient city’s legacy but also promote tourism and cultural exchange in the region.
In conclusion, the journey toward the possible registration of Darabgard as a UNESCO World Heritage site highlights the importance of preserving historical sites and recognizing their cultural significance. With a commitment to completing necessary studies and securing additional funding, Darabgard may soon take its rightful place among the world’s most cherished heritage sites. As this process unfolds, the ancient city stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural ingenuity of the Sassanid era.
