Hamedan Mulls On-Site Museum

An on-site museum to showcase the historical relics unearthed during excavations in Hamedan’s Imam Square will be launched next spring, if approved by Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization.

Earlier in December, historical relics were discovered in the square during the project on converting Imam Square to a walkway, compelling the officials to suspend the operation to allow time for archeological excavations, ISNA reported.

According to Ahmad Torabi, the head of ICHHTO’s provincial office, excavations will end in a couple of days with no noticeable new discoveries.

“The possibility of finding a historical underground city is dismissed, as fewer-than-expected relics have been found,” he said.  Reportedly, a clay tomb dating back to Parthian Empire (247 BC-224 AD), clay dishes, stone water pipes, water wells and stone columns belonging to different ages are among the most valuable discoveries.

After excavations are complete, a decision will be made on building either a fountain in the middle of the walkway or the alternative is to establish a small museum.

Pointing to high progress in the Imam Square walkway project that will be completed early February, the official promised that in case the agreement is reached with ICHHTO’s authorities, the museum will open in spring.

Torabi noted that 30 billion rials ($680,000) have been envisioned for the construction of the on-site museum. It is now in the design stage and will not be ready for launch alongside the walkway.

“We seek to build a fine structure so we don’t want to do it in a rush,” he said.

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

According to heritage officials, the establishment of museums at the site of discoveries is a common practice worldwide, so it would be a pity if the valuable treasure of historical items were ignored when it has the potential to boost the province’s tourism sector.