Iran, Austria Seal Deal to Restore Persepolis Ancient Complex

The deal named “The Glory of Persepolis” was clinched in Tehran between Ali Jirofti, the managing director of the Iran Tourism Development Company, and Helmut Riguart, the CEO of an Austrian firm.

“The Glory of Persepolis project, which has been agreed to be bankrolled through financing by an Austrian bank, will be implemented in five phases,” said Jirofti as quoted by Mehr News Agency.

“In the first phase, the site of Persepolis and its components will be made safe and secure using the standards of UNESCO and the Cultural Heritage Organization,” he said.

“Then a new entrance building will be prepared. It will contain different sections, including a box office, coffee shops, WC, handicrafts and souvenir shops, book shops, etc.”

“In the second phase, a VIP hall, a conference hall and an electronic exit gate will be prepared,” he noted.

“In this phase, arrangements will also be made to create a tour guide system at different hours during day and night,” said Jirofti.

“In the fourth and fifth phases, the Persepolis museum will be completed, and the outdoor area at the Persepolis site will also be organized to host major events. The agreement also provides for expert training for staff members,” he said.

He underlined that the Iranian cultural heritage authority will be present all through the project as a monitor to make sure UNESCO standards are observed during all phases of the project.

“The implementation of the project will create between 300 and 500 direct jobs,” he said.

The top Austrian executive, in turn, said his company and the group of firms working with it are experts in the affairs pertaining to historical sites, and hence, activities to be done will definitely pose no threat to Persepolis.

He said the project is geared to developing the Persepolis site and preparing it to give visitors a fresh and unique experience.