World Heritage Site of the Sassanid Archaeological Landscape of Fars; Approaches and Sustainable Development

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Author

History & Archaeology Dep, Shiraz University, Eram

10.22099/jchr.2025.53448.1012

Abstract

The Sasanid empire was one of the two ancient Iranian empires, who shaped a significant part of ancient near eastern history. For four centuries, this empire ruled over various parts of Asia and was considered a serious rival to the Roman empire. Firuzabad, Bishapur, and Sarvestan were the homeland of the first rulers of this dynasty. Sustainable development strategies with archaeological approaches have been derived in this landscape, both as values of Sasanian cultural heritage and as tools for sustainable development. The author has identified these values as the criteria for the inscription of the Sasanian Archaeological Landscape of Fars on the World Heritage List and has ultimately proposed that the key to the vitality and sustainable development of the Sasanian landscape lies in preserving these values through inter-university scientific collaboration within the framework of a coherent academic project. These criteria are as follows: The Sasanian Archaeological Landscape of Fars reflects the continuation of Achaemenid and Parthian ritual and cultural traditions, cultural exchange with the art and architecture of ancient Rome, and a significant process of influence on urban planning, architecture, and artistic approaches in Islamic-period Iran. This magnificent archaeological landscape presents outstanding and complete examples of an efficient and effective network for land use and the sustainable exploitation of ecosystem resources in harmony with the environment. Techniques, innovations, and a distinctive architectural style—such as the construction of domes on square plans—represent the Sasanian Empire’s most fundamental contribution to Iranian architecture in the Middle East.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Journal of Civilization History

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 29 November 2025

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics