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Hegmataneh: Iran's Newest UNESCO World Heritage Site Hegmataneh Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the 46th Session in New Delhi We are thrilled to announce that Hegmataneh has been officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site during the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. This significant session, held in New Delhi, India, from July 21-31, 2024, has brought together over 2,500 delegates from around the world, including state representatives, diplomats, heritage experts, scholars, and researchers from 195 countries.       A Historic Session The 46th session of the World Heritage Committee is a momentous event, with representatives from 21 States Parties to the World Heritage Convention (1972) participating. These members were elected by the General Assembly of UNESCO during its 24th session in November 2023. The current committee includes Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, India, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Türkiye, Ukraine, Vietnam, and Zambia.   Hegmataneh: A Historical Jewel Hegmataneh, known as Ecbatana in Western sources, is renowned for its historical significance as the site where the Median Dynasty was founded. Following the Medes, it also served as the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Throughout the Seleucid, Parthian, Sassanid, and Islamic eras, Hegmataneh remained an important and influential city. Located in the suburban area of modern Hamadan, Hegmataneh covers 50 acres and holds immense archaeological value. This ancient city has layers of history dating back to various dynasties, including the Medes, Achaemenid, Parthian, Sassanid, and Islamic periods such as the Buyids. The majority of the visible remains are from the Parthian era, showcasing an array of Parthian urban architectural systems that are considered masterpieces of their time.   Unveiling the Past Despite its recognition, much of Hegmataneh remains unexcavated, offering vast