Bisotun archaeological area

Unesco Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization has recognized Iran's Bisotun Archaeological Site as a World Cultural Heritage in 2006.

Bisotun archaeological site in Iran

Bisotun is an archaeological site located along an ancient trade route between the Iranian plateau and the bipolar area. In this archaeological area, scientists have found many precious artifacts from prehistoric times to medieval times. The artifacts found belong to Acheamenid, Sassannian and Ilkhanid dynasties.

The most prominent of the artifacts found in the archaeological site is a large relief on Behistun Mountain . Behistun mountain is located in the western province of Kermanshh in Iran. According to historians, this relief was built on the orders of King Darius I.

King Darius I ordered the construction of this large bas-relief when he officially took the throne to govern the Persian Empire . The relief to confirm the role and power of the Persian Empire was also a mark under King Darius I. The relief depicts the image of King Darius I holding a bow - a sign of power and strength, stomping on the chest of a person lying down to show sovereignty. Below the reliefs there are 1,200 inscriptions that recount the victories, the battles of King Darius I. It is extremely interesting and controversial as well as questions for the historians who learn that are the lines This word is written in three languages. The first is the word Elamite with stories depicting the battles of King Darius I. The second is the legendary writing version of Balylon with the same content as the first one. The third is the first Persian text , which is a monumental piece of text detailing the reestablishment of Darius I. The words were created at the same time or in time periods. There are still controversies, but the theory that they were written at the same time convinced more historians.

The image of King Darius holding shows the strength and power.

In addition to the great relief of King Darius I on Behistun Mountain, there are many other remarkable relics such as: Hunters Cave; Median Fortress; Parthian town; The statue of Heraklles; Parthian place of worship; Khosrow Palace; Ilkhanid rest station; Wat Median .

The study of this area of ​​archeology also helps historians clarify a residence site that has had human appearances from more than 40,000 years ago. The special remains are 18 important monuments such as Hunters Cave; Median Fortress; Parthian town; The statue of Heraklles; Parthian place of worship; Khosrow Palace; Ilkhanid rest station; Median Temple; The relief of King Darius I . provides authentic evidence of the development of the arts and fine arts of the ancient Persians. Not only are people with outstanding aesthetics, Persians also give the world the surprise of their talent in art works, carvings or architectural works thousands of years ago.

Besides, the traces of the later periods (between the 8th and 4th centuries BC, and the post-Achaemenid period) are also important evidences showing the continuous development of art, the culture of the Persian empire.

Unfortunately, over a long period of several centuries, beams in the rain and sun and harsh climate, stone reliefs in Bisotun, especially the writing is now much more damaged.

Bisotun archaeological area is recognized by the Unesco Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization as a World Cultural Heritage by criteria (ii), (iii)

Criterion (ii): Bisotun archaeological site is a special testament to the cultural and artistic development of the Persian empire for a long period of world history.

Criterion (iii): Bisotun archaeological site is also a testimony of a culture that has developed and flourished, but these days are gone. Architectural buildings as well as artworks found here represent the development of Persian dynasties for centuries.