Iran means the land of Aryans and is one of the historical countries of the world and is considered the 18th largest country in the world. Archaeological findings discovered in different parts of the country show that the first traces of human presence in the plains of Iran date back to the Paleolithic era. The history of the presence of Khormand people in Iran reaches about 40,000 years ago, and in Iran's proud past, very great and powerful civilizations ruled. Join us in introducing the UNESCO historical monuments in Iran so that we can provide you with more detailed information about the wonderful history of Iran.
Ancient works of Iran
Although Iran has a proud past and very powerful civilizations have ruled our country, and perhaps we all know Iran with the 2,500-year-old civilization of Cyrus, but the ancient artifacts found in the Jiroft region of Kerman province relate the history of our country to 7,000 years ago. Gives. Jiroft civilization is even older than the famous Mesopotamia civilization and thus Iran is one of the oldest civilizations in the world.
Apart from the national historical monuments that we have in the country, many famous historical monuments in our country have been registered in the list of UNESCO's ancient monuments. Iran, as one of the oldest countries in the world, has registered many works in this list, and currently more than 22 cultural works and one natural work in Iran are in the list of UNESCO works, which is always one of the most important motivations for buying tickets. Foreign plane is for foreign tourists.
1- Cheghazanbil in Khuzestan province, the first work registered in UNESCO
Chaghazanbil in Khuzestan province is the remains of the holy city of the Elamite kingdom, which is the oldest historical work of Iran and the first historical work recorded in the UNESCO list. The history of Chaghazanbil in Khuzestan goes back to 1250 years before Christ and there are remains of Duravantesh city. In 1979, this historical work was registered in the UNESCO list of historical works. Historical findings in this area show that Chaghazanbil is an unfinished project, and thousands of unused clays have been found in this area, which confirms this issue.
2- Persepolis, Iran's second registered historical monument in the UNESCO list
Takht Jamshid, Persepolis or Parse, which is located in the north of Fars province, is the most magnificent historical work of the country and the second work recorded in the UNESCO world list. This huge building was built in 518 BC by the powerful king of Iran, Korvaresh the Great, and was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It may be interesting to you that Persepolis was built on a natural platform and was inspired by the ancient architecture of Mesopotamia.
The magnificent palaces of Persepolis witnessed the presence of powerful kings such as Darius the Great, Xerxes Shah and Ardashir I. In 1979, Persepolis was added to the UNESCO list of historical monuments. If you are looking for more information about this huge building, visit the article on the travel guide to Shiraz, the city of poetry and literature.
3- Naqsh Jahan Square, the third world heritage of Iran in UNESCO
Naqsh Jahan Square or Imam Square in Isfahan is one of the monuments of history left from the era of Shah Abbas I of the Safavid regime, which surrounds the square all around. This unique building is especially famous for its royal mosque, the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque.
The Timurid Palace and Qaisariah are other valuable and ancient works in this region, which are the best examples of the history and culture of ancient Iranians. Among other important historical monuments in this square, we should also mention the famous Ali Qapu of Isfahan. This collection was registered in the UNESCO Antiquities in 1979. In the travel guide to Isfahan, you can get to know the attractions of half the world better.
4- Takht Suleiman ancient site, in West Azarbaijan province
One of the most famous ancient monuments left from the Zoroastrian period is the ancient site of Takht Suleiman in northwestern Iran and the region of volcanic mountains in the West Azerbaijan plain. Takht Suleiman is actually an ancient site and was one of the important shelters in the Zoroastrian period, and its damaged parts were restored during the Ilkhanid period.
The most important temple of Sasanian rule, Anahita Temple, is also in this area. The architecture of Takht Suleiman's triple site is influenced by Islamic patterns and has symbolic importance. In 2003, Takht Suleiman joined UNESCO.
5- Pasargad, the most prominent example of royal architecture in Iran
Pasargad is the first royal capital of the Achaemenid Empire, which was built by Cyrus II and Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BC. All the ancient works in this area are outstanding examples of the first stage of Iran's royal art and architecture and are the best examples of Iran's ancient civilization.
The 160-hectare site of Pasargad consists of the tomb of Cyrus II, the royal gate; Amphitheater; The residential palace and the beautiful gardens of this area are a confirmation of Iran's greatness in the past. Pasargadae is also the first empire of the past that connected the eastern Mediterranean and Egypt to the Indian river and was a region of several cultures. Pasargad is also the best example of respect for human rights and different cultures in Iran, and its Achaemenid architectural style fully confirms this. Pasargad was registered in the list of UNESCO monuments in 2004.
6- Historical Bam Citadel, the largest adobe structure in the world
The historical city of Bam is another historical monument of Iran, which is known on a global level and has great importance. The Bam citadel was highly regarded due to its location on the Silk Road, and with the ingenuity used in this area to build various aqueducts and water channels, the growth and expansion of this area was done very quickly.
Arg Bam citadel should be considered as a perfect example of an ancient city built entirely with local and environmental elements. Unfortunately, many parts of this historical work were damaged in the earthquake of January 2002, but thanks to local architects and international funds, it was rebuilt again. In 2004, the Bam citadel was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the most information about the best examples of Iran's historical works in the article "Rare treasure of historical works of Kerman".
7- Soltanieh dome, the capital of Ilkhanid government
The city of Soltanieh in Zanjan province was the capital of Ilkhanian rule in the past and is one of the masterpieces of Iranian architecture that was built between 704 and 712 AH. The Soltanieh dome was built by the order of Sultan Mohammad Khudabandeh, the Mongol king, and it is an octagonal building with a turquoise dome.
This 50-meter building is built in the style of a double-covered dome, and this feature distinguishes this turquoise dome from other works of Iranian history. The body of the building is made entirely of clay and is decorated with turquoise tiles. In 2005, Soltanieh Dome was finally added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
8-Biston, the oldest historical document of Elamite rule in the world
Bistun is another well-known historical monument of the country, which contains Dario's historical inscription and is considered one of the most famous historical monuments in the world. This inscription is located at a height of 10 meters from the ground and on Mount Prav, and it was written after the victory and capture of Gomata Magh by Darius the Great, and it is the oldest Elamite document that refers to the rebellion against the king. Biston dates back to 520 BC and is located in Harsin city, Kermanshah province. In 2006, Biston stone inscriptions were added to the UNESCO list.
9- The collection of Armenian churches in the northwest of Iran
The collection of Armenian churches in the northwest of Iran, which includes the three churches of St. Thaddeus, St. Stepanos, and Zorzor Temple, are another UNESCO works in Iran that are very important. Saint Thaddeus is the most important church among them, which is older and has been the center of Armenian religious exchanges. This collection joined the list of UNESCO works in 2008 and is considered one of the most important sights of Astan, Azerbaijan.
10- Shushtar water structures, the most amazing water tunnels in the world
Shushtar water structures in Khuzestan province, which is a relic of the Sassanid era, is one of the largest water structures in the world that was built in the past. These structures have been used to direct water and drive old industrial mills. This complex consists of mills, waterfalls, and huge canals, which were used both for directing water and as a place for rest and recreation. In 2009, this extraordinary building was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
11- The historical market of Tabriz, the largest indoor market in Asia
Tabriz historical market complex is one of the largest and most important covered markets in the world. The historical market of Tabriz with an area of one square kilometer is the largest covered market in the world and it consists of many bazaars and caravanserais and was registered by UNESCO in 2010.
12- The tomb of Sheikh Safiuddin Ardabili, the most important monument of Safavid rule
This exquisite complex, which was registered by UNESCO in 2010, is located in Ardabil province and is a building left over from the Safavid era. Sheikh Safiuddin Ardabili is the ancestor of the Safavid kings and his tomb is the best example of the remains of the Safavid rule. Among the most special features of this work, we should mention dozens of original works in different artistic fields, which places this monument in the list of lasting works of Iran.
13- Iranian Gardens, the most beautiful monument of Cyrus the Great in the country
We must introduce Iranian gardens as one of the most beautiful ancient works of Iran. This historical building was built by the direct order of Cyrus the Great and was inspired by the model of the Pasargad gardens that were built in different provinces. All Iranian gardens in different provinces of the country have 4 main parts in their design and the principles of their construction are taken from the 6th century BC.
The Iranian garden is a symbol of heaven and the four elements of the sky, earth, water and plants in Zoroastrian religion. These gardens, the construction of each of which goes back to different periods, also have mansions, corridors, corridors and a complex irrigation system, and have influenced the art of garden design even in India and Spain. Gardens of Pasargad, Fin Kashan, Eram Shiraz, Shazdeh Kerman, Abbas Abad Garden, Mazandaran, Daulat Abad Garden, Yazd, Akbariyeh Garden, Birjand Garden, Cheholston Garden, Isfahan, and Pahlavan Pur Mehriz Garden are a collection of Iranian gardens that were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011. .
14- Isfahan Jame Mosque, the first Islamic building in the Sassanid style
Isfahan Jame Mosque is located in the heart of the city and is considered the most unique example of transformation in the structure of 12th century mosques. This building is the oldest protected work in the country and is also the best example of mosques in Central Asia. The 20,000-meter mosque of Sheikh Lotfollah is the first building in Salami, which has a Sasanian style and four naves. Isfahan Jame Mosque was added to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2012 and has always inspired the design and construction of various mosques in the country.
15- Qaboos Dome, a relic of Iran's ancient civilization
Kavus Dome, or Qaboos Dome, is a 53-meter tower left by Qaboos bin Vashamgir, the ruler and writer of 1006, in the northeast of Iran. The dome of Kavus is the only building that remained from the attacks of the Mongol army in the 14th and 15th centuries AD, but many of its historical documents and buildings were either destroyed or seriously damaged.
This adobe building with its special geometric shapes is the best example of the spread of the Islamic science of mathematics, which was added to the UNESCO list in 2012.
16- The magnificent Golestan Palace, the oldest building in Tehran
This masterpiece left from the Qajar period is the best example of the integration of culture and art in the country, which was the family palace of the Qajar government and was registered in the UNESCO list in 2013. One of the special characteristics of Tehran's Golestan Palace is its valuable architecture and precious objects in its construction.
17-Burnt city, a relic of the Bronze Age in Iran
The burnt city is one of the oldest historical monuments of Iran, which was the residence of the Aryans of Iran 3200 years ago. According to historical documents, in 1800 BC, this area had the largest possible population and there are many structures in it. Among the special and wonderful features discovered in this area, we should mention documents that show that the world's first artificial eye, the world's oldest backgammon board, and the first animation were created in this area. In 2014, the ancient civilization of the burnt city finally joined UNESCO.
18- Historical collection of Susa, the most advanced city of the ancient world
The historical complex of Susa is located in the southwest of Iran, on the banks of Shavor River and Ardeshir Palace. The ancient excavations conducted in this area show that Susa was a very modern and advanced city and had administrative and residential complexes. The history of this city spans from the end of the 5th millennium to the 13th century, and it is an excellent example of Persian and Parthian culture, which was registered in the list of ancient monuments of the world in 2015.
19- Maimand historical and cultural collection
Meimand, in the southernmost part of the central mountains of the country, is the place where the nomads of this region live, who choose Dastkand caves for their lives in the winter months. These caves, which are also known as "Kamar", have nothing similar to the houses of Iran's dry climates and have displayed a rich cultural perspective from Iran's distant past and were registered in the list of world monuments in 2015.
20- Iranian aqueducts, the eleven historical aqueducts of Iran
Iranian aqueducts in different cities of the country are among other world works of the country, which have become the most pristine aqueducts in Iran due to their deep and long features. These eleven aqueducts, which were added to the UNESCO works in 2016, include Kasbeh Gonabad aqueduct, Balde Ferdous aqueduct, Hassanabad Moshir aqueduct and Bagh Zarch aqueduct, Ibrahimabad Arak aqueduct, Mazdabad aqueduct and Vazwan public aqueduct, Moon aqueduct, and Goharriz aqueduct of Jopar. Akbarabad aqueduct is Bam and Qasim Abad aqueduct is Bam.
21- Lut desert, the first natural work of Iran in the list of UNESCO works
Lut Desert is the first natural monument in the country, which was added to the UNESCO list in 2016, and it has a 5,000-year history of civilization. More than 3,000 historical artifacts have been discovered in this area, the most important of which is the 5,000-year-old Shahdad door, which is considered the oldest door in the world.
22- The historical city of Yazd, the most special architectural example of a desert city
The architecture and texture of the historical city of Yazd should be considered the most obvious example of the architecture of desert climates in the world and in Iran. As a global city, Yazd city has many beauties, and many of its past facilities such as Hasinehs, water fountains, bazaars, baths and other ancient works are still used. Windmills, minarets and special domes of Yazd are the most characteristic aspects of the city of Yazd. The city of Yazd was registered as a world city in UNESCO in 2017.
23- Fars Ancient Collection, a historical building from the Sassanid era
In the cities of Firuzabad, Bishapur and Sarvostan, there are seven ancient sites that were added to the UNESCO list of ancient monuments in 2018, and a collection of palaces and structures
