Khuzestan: Chogha Zanbil, an ancient ziggurat in southwestern Iran, stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Elamite civilization, showcasing its architectural prowess and historical significance. This site was the first in Iran to be registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, marking its importance on the global stage as one of the oldest terraced temples in existence.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the ziggurat was constructed around 1250 BC under the orders of King Untash-Napirisha. Today, visitors can witness only three of its original five stories that have withstood the test of time. Crafted from bricks and raw adobes, Chogha Zanbil is encircled by three concentric areas that encompass royal palaces, tombs, and an intricate water purification system, reflecting the advanced engineering of the era.

Inscriptions in Elamite and Akkadian languages are etched into the bricks of the ziggurat, offering insights into the religious and political ideologies of the period. Despite the passage of centuries, Chogha Zanbil continues to embody the arts, beliefs, and engineering excellence of the Elamite civilization, which thrived from 3200 to 539 BC.