President Rouhani said on Thursday that Persepolis is proof that Iranians have always been capable of achieving their goals.
The president made the remark during his visit to the historical site in Fars Province, IRNA reported. "This ancient structure is a testament to the fact that science, technology, and art have always been a part of our culture," he said, adding that a nation capable of building such a grand structure thousands of years ago could easily overcome any obstacles today.
"We are proud of our Iranian identity and Islamic culture, and will spare no effort in defending our civilization," he asserted.
President Rouhani pointed to the year-over-year increase in the number of people visiting the World Heritage Site, and said that he expects the trend to continue.
"The growth in the number of tourists demonstrates Persepolis' significance in attracting both domestic and foreign tourists."
"An important factor helping tourism in the province is the local people's friendliness and hospitality," he added. Recalling the government's dedication to preserving historical sites and monuments, the president stressed his administration's commitment to protecting Iran's cultural and historical heritage.
On the topic of tourism, President Rouhani emphasized the importance of quality infrastructure and announced that Fars Province's current tourism budget will be increased in order to build roads and hotels.
"People from all over the world should visit Fars Province to learn about Iran's history and become familiar with Persian literature," Rouhani said. The president and his cabinet were given a tour of Persepolis and posed questions regarding the restoration efforts of the historical complex.
Built by Darius I ca. 515 BC, Persepolis functioned as the capital of the Achaemenid Empire until the dynasty's downfall in 330 BC. The ruins of Persepolis were declared a World Heritage Site in 1979 by UNESCO.
