http://www.irna.com/en/hphoto/020713000000.ehp.shtml

IRNA-Takht-e Soleyman, Candidate for UNESCO Declaration as a World Heritage

Iran-Heritage-UNESCO /GNR/

Tehran, July 14, IRNA -- Takht-e Soleyman has been chosen as a candidate for UNESCO declaration as a world heritage site in a recent meeting held by the global Cultural Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) held in Hungary.

The historical site known as Takht-e Soleyman will be the fourth to be declared by UNESCO in Iran. The three monuments in Iran already registered by UNESCO include the Persepolis in Shiraz, Chogha Zanbilin Khuzestan and Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan.

According to a report issued by the public relations department of Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization (CHO), Takht-e Soleyman, which was known as Azar-goshnasb during the reign of the Sassanids, is located 45 kms to the northeast of the city of Takab in West Azarbaijan.

The site is the only one left behind among three major Zoroastrian fire temples, which were constructed by the Sassanid King Khosrow I near a lake considered a holy site since ancient times.

The lake, called Chichest in Avesta (the Zoroastrian holy book), is closely associated with Christ's (PBUH) childhood in Christian historical accounts.

The complex, which is otherwise attributed as the property of the Prophet Soleyman, comprises Takht-e Belqeis, Soleyman prison and other sections.

The issue of registration of Takht-e Soleyman as a global heritage site is to be finalized at the next session of UNESCO's global Cultural Heritage Committee to be held in China in 2003.

Other Iranian monuments are also currently listed as candidates for global registration, the relevant files of which are still being reviewed.

MP/LS

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