What is Hegmataneh, which was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2024? In this article, we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner the basic information and history of Hegmataneh, as well as the reasons why it was registered as a World Heritage Site.
What is Hagmatana?
Location and position
Located in the northwestern part of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hamadan is the site of an ancient Persian city known as Ecbatana, which was called Haghmatana in ancient Persian. The city, which lies at the foot of the Arvand spur of the Zagros Mountains, is known as an important center of ancient civilization. Hamadan still has historical appeal and is a place visited by many tourists and researchers.
Historical background
Hagmatana was the centre of the Median civilisation which flourished between the 7th and 6th centuries BC and served as a summer capital for subsequent Achaemenid, Seleucid, Parthian and Sassanid rulers. The city has a history of continuous human habitation spanning almost 3000 years and has played an important role as a crossroads between many different civilisations and cultures.
Archaeological value
The ruins of Haghmatana not only provide valuable evidence of the Median civilization, but also contain archaeological heritage from the Achaemenid, Seleucid, Parthian and Sassanid periods. These ruins provide important evidence of the planning and building techniques of the ancient city, as well as the process of its cultural, social and economic development. The archaeological heritage of Haghmatana was revealed in a vast area in the 20th century when many buildings were removed, and many valuable artifacts were discovered through subsequent excavations. This has led to Haghmatana being recognized as an important archaeological site not only in Iran but also worldwide.
History of Hagmatana
Ancient Median civilization
Haghmatana is known as the center of the Median civilization, which flourished from the 7th to 6th centuries BC. The Median Kingdom established the first unified state on the Iranian plateau, and Haghmatana may have served as its capital. During this period, the city boasted advanced urban planning and architectural techniques, evidence of which remains today as ruins. The Median civilization had advanced metalworking techniques, and brooches and pottery discovered here demonstrate their excellent craftsmanship.
Achaemenid, Seleucid, Parthian and Sassanid periods
After the collapse of the Median Empire, Hagmatana played an important role as the summer capital of the Achaemenid Empire. During this period, the city underwent further development, with the construction of the Achaemenid royal palace and administrative buildings. Hagmatana continued to maintain its important status during the Seleucid, Parthian and Sassanid periods. During the Parthian period in particular, innovations in urban planning and architecture were introduced, including modular construction, which made the city highly organized and prosperous. During the Sassanid period, the city's importance increased further with the construction of numerous religious and public buildings.
From the Islamic era to the present day
During the Islamic period, Haghmatana served as a religious and academic center. Renowned scholars and poets, such as Avicenna and Baba Taher, worked here, and the city flourished as a hub of knowledge and culture. During the Safavid and Qajar periods, many of the city's buildings were rebuilt and restored, many of which remain today. In the 20th century, Haghmatana developed a unique urban landscape that blended modern urban planning with traditional urban fabric. A radial street network was superimposed on the historic center, and new squares and streets were created. This allows the city to display at a glance the urban evolution and cultural fusion from ancient to modern times.
Why Hagmatana was inscribed on the World Heritage List
Importance of archaeological evidence
Hagmatana is of great importance as an archaeological site that provides invaluable evidence of the Median civilization from the 7th to 6th centuries BC. Although its status as the Median capital has not been confirmed, numerous evidences of advanced urban planning and building techniques have been found. These ruins are essential for understanding the urban structure and culture of the Median civilization. Furthermore, evidence of continuous human occupation throughout the Achaemenid, Seleucid, Parthian and Sassanid periods has been found, allowing us to trace the development and evolution of these civilizations.
Cultural and historical value
Hagmatana has played a vital role as a crossroads of human history and culture for 3,000 years. From the ancient Median civilization to the Achaemenid, Seleucid, Parthian, Sassanid, and Islamic eras, various cultures and religions have fused here to form a rich historical heritage. In particular, the diverse architectural heritage, including bazaars, religious buildings, public facilities, and residential buildings, symbolizes the city's development and cultural diversity. These legacies attest to the importance of Hagmatana as a geopolitical, cultural, and trade center.
Preservation status and protection measures
The ruins of Haghmatana were revealed in a vast area in the 20th century when many buildings were removed, and subsequent excavations have uncovered many valuable artifacts. As a result, the site is in a relatively good state of preservation, and the discovered ruins are properly protected. In terms of preserving the archaeological remains, methods such as the installation of lightweight protective shelters, protection of walls with a traditional mixture of mud and straw, and covering with soil are adopted. In addition, regular monitoring and maintenance are carried out to ensure the conservation and protection of the ruins. Furthermore, the Iranian government protects and manages Haghmatana in accordance with the country's laws and regulations, and local community participation is also encouraged. This ensures that Haghmatana is taking appropriate measures to convey its historical value to future generations.
summary
Hagmatana is an important archaeological site with a long history and diverse culture dating back to the Median civilization. It was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2024 due to its archaeological evidence and cultural and historical value. It is in good condition and appropriate protection measures are being taken. Let's understand the importance and charm of Hagmatana and reaffirm the significance of passing it on to future generations.
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