Hegmataneh (Ecbatana) Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Historical Significance of Hegmataneh
The file for Hegmataneh or Ecbatana has been registered as Iran’s 28th global heritage site by UNESCO. The 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, currently held in New Delhi, approved the listing after some modifications suggested by ICOMOS and committee members from Qatar, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Turkey, Kenya, and Rwanda.
The โHistoric Center of Hamadanโ section was removed, leading to the addition of Hegmataneh to this global list.
Contents
Hegmataneh: A Historical Overview
Introduction to Hegmataneh
Hegmataneh, also known as Ecbatana, comprises the ruins of the capital of the Medes. It later served as the summer capital for the Achaemenids and the Parthians. Archaeological excavations have so far been limited, but significant finds include a massive defensive wall made of mud bricks and a grid-like urban layout. Located under the Alvand branch of the Zagros Mountains, Hegmataneh has a continuous history spanning 3,000 years on a hill within the ancient city of Hamadan. Rare evidence of the Median civilization from the 6th and 7th centuries BCE has been discovered here.
Hegmataneh and the Legacy of the Medes
UNESCO’s description states, “Hegmataneh is universally well-known because the Median Dynasty was established there,” highlighting its unique historical significance. The Medes are among the ancient peoples of Asia, frequently mentioned in historical texts but not widely understood.
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Historical References
- Herodotus (5th Century BCE): In “Histories” (1.78), Herodotus described Ecbatana (Hegmataneh) as a city with seven concentric walls, built by the first Median king, Deioces. The city’s design was both artistic and functional, with walls of varying heights for protection.
- Nabonidas Chronicle (5th Century BCE): A Babylonian clay text describes how Cyrus the Great defeated the last Median King, capturing Ecbatana and seizing its treasures.
- Old Testament: The Medes are mentioned in the stories of Daniel, highlighting the phrase “Medes and Persians” and significant events involving King Belshazzar and Darius the Mede.
Archaeological Findings
Excavations at Hegmataneh have yet to reveal significant artifacts from the Median or Achaemenid periods. Although connected to the ancient city, modern Hamadanโs layout suggests that much of the historical city lies beneath the current urban area.
Modern Perspective
Today, Hamadan’s historical and cultural significance is recognized, but tangible evidence from the Median era remains elusive. The city plan from 1929 and various excavated sites offer glimpses into its past, though much remains buried or lost.
Tourist Considerations
Hegmataneh does not offer expected highlights like statues or well-preserved artifacts, consisting mainly of mud walls. The on-site museum houses some interesting pieces, but the best artifacts are in Tehran. Despite its historical significance, Hamadan is not yet a “must-see” destination but serves as a convenient stop on routes through western Iran.
For further exploration, visitors might consider additional historical sites in Hamadan, such as the bazaar, tower tombs, and the 14th-century Tomb of Esther and Mordecai, which continue the city’s biblical connections.
UNESCO’s Evaluation and Recommendations
The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), as UNESCO’s advisory arm, raised concerns about the file in 2023. They requested more information on the authenticity, conservation documents, boundaries, legal protections, and the local community of Hamadan and the historical fabric of Hegmataneh.
Changes to the Hegmataneh File
Initially, the file included the Hegmataneh Hill, the bazaar, and the historical fabric of Hamadan, under the title “Cultural and Historical Landscape from Hegmataneh to Hamadan.” This encompassed the historical route from the Tomb of Avicenna to the Tomb of Baba Taher, covering an area of about 100 hectares, including Hegmataneh Hill, the bazaar, and 140 historical sites. However, the title changed to “Hegmataneh and the Historic Center of Hamadan,” altering its content and area. In the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, the “Historic Center of Hamadan” was removed, and the file was registered under “Hegmataneh,” with the historic center of Hamadan considered its buffer zone. The registered area of Hegmataneh is 75 hectares, with a buffer zone of 287 hectares.
Iran’s Previous UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Before this, 27 historical and natural sites from Iran were registered with UNESCO, including:
- Chogha Zanbil
- Persepolis
- Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan
- Takht-e Soleyman
- Bam Cultural Landscape
- Pasargadae
- Soltaniyeh Dome
- Bisotun Inscription
- Armenian Monastic Ensembles
- Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System
- Tabriz Historic Bazaar
- Sheikh Safi al-Din Khฤnegฤh and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil
- Persian Gardens
- Jameh Mosque of Isfahan
- Gonbad-e Qabus
- Golestan Palace
- Shahr-e Sukhteh (Burnt City)
- Meymand Cultural Landscape
- Shush
- The Persian Qanat
- Lut Desert
- Historic City of Yazd
- Sassanid Archaeological Landscape of Fars Region
- Hyrcanian Forests
- Trans-Iranian Railway
- Cultural Landscape of Uramanat
- Iran’s historical caravanserais
Current UNESCO Session Details
The 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is being held from July 21 to July 31, 2024, in New Delhi, India. This session is reviewing 27 proposed sites for UNESCO World Heritage status and evaluating the conservation status of 124 previously listed sites, including those on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
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