Iran has offered to include Beladi Shapur on UNESCO’s World Heritage List

"There are mosques, water reservoirs, shrines, citadels, graveyards and caravanserais located in Beladi Shapur," the head of the local organization for cultural heritage Siavash Zamani said.

According to historical writings, the city was founded by King Shapur I (about 240 - 273 years BC), son of the first ruler of the Sassanid dynasty Ardashir I (224-241 years BC). During the Safavid era (1501-1722 years), the city became one of the examples of Islamic architecture. However, he was seriously injured and was abandoned during the Troubles, marking the end of the reign of this dynasty.

Beladi Shapur will be the first cultural object of the Iranian province of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province to be classified by UNESCO.

The local authorities believe that the new status would attract tourists and help economic development in the region.

There are more than 32 thousand historical and cultural attractions In Iran, while UNESCO’s World Heritage list includes only 17 at the moment, TASS notes.