UNESCO chief: Persepolis one of most glorious sites registered by UNESCO

Shiraz, Fars Prov, April 28, IRNA – Visiting UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova on Sunday referred to Takhte-Jamshid (Persepolis) as one of the most glorious and beautiful sites registered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Persepolis, literary meaning ˈcity of Persiansˈ, was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire (ca. 550–330 BC). Persepolis is situated 70 km northeast of city of Shiraz. The earliest remains of Persepolis date from around 515 BC. It exemplifies the Achaemenid style of architecture. UNESCO declared the citadel of Persepolis a World Heritage Site in 1979. The English word Persepolis is derived from the Greek Persépolis, compound of Pérsēs and pólis, meaning ˈPersian cityˈ. In modern Persian, the site is known as Takht-e Jamshid, ˈThe Throne of Jamshid.ˈ Persepolis is one of the greatest evidences of the history regarding its cultural enrichment, the UNESCO director general stressed. Reiterating the historical significance of Persepolis, Bokova added UNESCO would provide Iran with technical assistance to protect the ancient site. She called on the Iranian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to help the government protect the complex. Bokova stressed that the historical sites of Fars province were examples of the rich civilization of Iranians. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of her visit to Persepolis complex and the mausoleum of the great ancient poet Hafez in Shiraz, Bokova said the city was internationally known for its poets. She said her organization would help Shiraz protect its historical sites, the Persepolis in parlicular. end