A temporary steel structure will soon be built to protect rock carvings excavated in Shahar Yeri historical site in Ardabil Province, a senior official of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization said.
Numerous pieces of stones carved by troglodytes over 4,000 years ago have been discovered during 15 years of archeological field studies, but no comprehensive scheme has so far been implemented to protect the valuable historical collection.
According to Karim Hajizadeh, the head of the provincial ICHHTO, the stone relics had been exposed to environmental factors such as sunshine, wind and rainfall before being buried through the ages, ISNA reported.
"Hence, direct exposure to external elements will not impact the items," he said.
This is while in 2007, it was announced by an Iranian television channel that the stone carvings have been destroyed by 80%. The information was never confirmed by authorities. The official added that "to assure those concerned about the safety of the archeological items, a temporary building will soon be built as a storage space for the items".
The stone structures will later undergo restoration. Hajizadeh called on related officials to financially contribute to the excavation projects and construction of an on-site museum in the city to organize the ancient objects.
Shahar Yeri is considered the largest historical site in Ardabil province inscribed on the National Heritage List in 1931.
