WANA (Jul 12) – Iran’s Khorramabad prehistoric caves have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming the country’s 29th registered site. Located in the Central Zagros Mountains, the site includes some of the oldest known human settlements, dating back over 60,000 years.

 

The area served as a key migration route for early humans moving from Africa into Asia and Europe. Caves such as Yafteh, Kaldar, and Qamari provide clear archaeological evidence of Homo sapiens’ life during the Paleolithic era.

 

Culture Minister Reza Salehi Amiri said the valley is now recognized as the oldest confirmed human habitation in the world, based on scientific data including carbon-14 dating. He called the registration “a global event,” adding that no other country has yet proven such early habitation.

 

Salehi Amiri also framed the World Heritage listing as a powerful cultural response to global misperceptions of Iran. “Iran should be sought in the layers of ancient flint, rock carvings, and the earliest pottery — not in fleeting political headlines,” he declared.

 

“In a time when the Zionist regime wages military aggression and psychological warfare threatening the region’s stability, Iran chose to speak the language of culture — not conflict,” he added. “The global registration of Khorramabad Valley sends a clear message: even in our most difficult days, history, art, and cultural heritage remain a national priority. We are a nation born of culture, not of violence.”

 

UNESCO’s committee also mentioned Falak-ol-Aflak Fortress, which was removed from this year’s list due to technical issues. Iran plans to re-nominate it next year after revisions.

 

With over 7,000 years of recorded history and one million years of human presence, Iran now ranks among the top 10 countries in tangible world heritage. Its intangible heritage listings have also recently risen to 26, placing it 4th worldwide.

Photo From The World’s Last Cave Village – Kandovan, Iran. Social media/ WANA News Agency