Daqyanus Site to Turn into an Open-air Museum - CAIS Archaeological & Cultural Daily News of Iran©

The archaeological site of Daqyanus, one of the most populated Iranian Islamic city of the Seljuk times, will be turned into the country’s largest open-air museum, in a bid to preserve and showcase its glory.

Director of the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Department of Kerman province, Fakour Pas, believes that due to the importance of the city as one of the major cities of the Islamic era and the discovery of numerous architectural and historical remains in the area, the setting up of the museum will be of value.

Open-air museums are set up in valuable historical sites, showcasing remains from the past and historical items where they were discovered under glass protection, therefore enabling the public to know their heritage in their context.

Right now, several open-air museums are under construction in different archaeological sites in Iran, including that of Siyalk in Kashan, and Talesh in Gilan.

The museum of Daqyanus, the construction of which will start in two years time, aims at the same introductory matter, plus the provision of conditions for the proper preservation of the site, explains Fakur Pas.

Daqyanus city, in the central area of Kerman, has been the center of business and economic interactions with eastern countries during the Seljuk times, and even Marco Polo has mentioned it in his itinerary as a glorious city.

It is 12 square kilometres vast, encompassing various workshops, industrial, graveyard, and residential sectors. So far, some passages and areas of the site have been unearthed in the excavations.

Copyright © 1998-2008 The Circle of Ancient Iranian Studies (CAIS)