Naqsh-e jahan square, as a cultural heritage in Isfahan, has been recently introduced as World Heritage asset for the purpose of promoting innovative programs and enhancing socio-economic opportunities in the world.
Iran (IMNA) - Regarding the distinctive features of Naqshe-e Jahan square, this monumental square has been recently selected and introduced as World Heritage asset in a research project conducted by the European Union (EU). According to the Horizon 2020, Naqshe-e Jahan square is an international hub for promoting entrepreneurship and investment from all over the world.
Naqsh-e Jahan square which means ‘patterns of the world’, is one of the greatest squares in the world. It was erected in 1602 A.D. under the reign of Shah Abbas the Great, the Safavid ruler. Actually, this magnificent square is walled by architectural gems and regarded as a showcase of the Safavid Empire Jewels—the incomparable Imam mosque, the glorious Sheikh Lotfollah mosque and wondrous Ali Qapu and Qeysarieh portal. Robert Byron, British travel writer ranked Isfahan among some ancient cities like Athens or Rome which are common refreshment of humanity. Accordingly, it is matter of course to agree with the famous 16th-century half rhyme ‘Isfahan nesf-e jahan’, (Isfahan is half of the world).
The 2020 Horizon is an international research project launched by the European Union in 2016 in some fields including the sustainable development, environment, clean energy and cultural heritage.
Indeed, according to EU, cultural heritage is a non-renewable and irreplaceable resource which is under threat by environmental challenges and climate change, risks and neglect. In this regard, cultural heritage can play a crucial and catalytic role in cultural diversity, sustainable development and social cohesion. Hence, Horizon 2020 helps the innovation potential of cultural heritage and simultaneously enhance socio-economic opportunities. This new approach considers cultural heritage as a strategic resource to the society, rather than a passive stock.
For this purpose, EU collaborates with various institutions and universities across the world. In the framework of cultural heritage, cities such as Isfahan, Amsterdam, Bucharest, London, Paris, Barcelona, Stockholm, Milan and Amman were investigated. In this context, University of Isfahan is the only university from Iran which has participated in this international research project since the last two years.
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