Hamedan Walkway Project Suspended

Historical relics discovered in Hamedan Province during the execution of the project on converting the historical Imam Square to a walkway have compelled the officials to suspend the operation.

According to Ali Malmir, the head of the provincial office of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, a clay tomb dating back to Parthian Empire (247 BC-224 AD) was discovered during the excavation operations, IRNA reported.

"Clay dishes, stone water pipes, water wells and stone columns belonging to different ages were also discovered, increasing the likelihood of finding more valuable relics if archeological excavations commence at the site," he said.

Therefore, the project was delayed by 10 days to ensure all the relics at the site were unearthed.

Malmir noted that the project might be modified, if the number of discoveries turns out to be considerable.

"In case the number of discoveries increases, a small glass museum could be build in the middle of the walkway instead of the planned fountain," he said.

Amir Fat'hian, the mayor of Hamedan's District 1, also said the establishment of museums on the location of discoveries is a common practice worldwide.

"It would be a pity if the valuable treasure of historical items was ignored when it has adequate potential to transform the province's tourism," he said.  

The project was proposed last year when the heritage and municipality officials of the province called for highlighting Hamedan's historically valuable sites, particularly Imam Square and Ecbatana ancient city.

However, the recent discoveries have changed the course of the project. The half-dug pit has now become a hub of archeological discoveries.

"It is necessary to finish archeological studies before setting up new structures, as excavations will be much more difficult and costly after undertaking construction," Fat'hian said.

Establishing a museum at the site and modifying the walkway project to include displays of historical relics could help use the opportunity to promote tourism development.