Pasargadae, Mâdar Soleimân and Leilâ: Placing Pasargadae within its Present Rural Context

This chapter examines the impact of Sivand Dam's construction on Pasargadae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancient capital founded by Cyrus the Great. It reveals that the dam, built just 17 kilometers from the tomb of Cyrus, became a focal point for activism against its development due to concerns about environmental harm to the site. The study analyzes the performance of activists opposing the dam, as well as government and public responses supporting it. Initial studies for Sivand Dam were conducted in 1970 by the American firm Justin & Courtney, highlighting the long-standing nature of this development project. The chapter provides a nuanced exploration of the tensions between modern infrastructure development and the preservation of historical heritage.

(Ed.). (2016). Pasargadae, Mâdar Soleimân and Leilâ: Placing Pasargadae within its Present Rural Context. World Heritage in Iran, 155–170. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315546339-10