World Heritage Identification Number: 113
World Heritage since: 1979
Category: Cultural Heritage
WHE Type: Archaeological Sites
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇮🇷 Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Continent: Asia
UNESCO World Region: Asia and the Pacific
Map
Chogha Zanbil: An Unfinished Ziggurat in Ancient Elam
Chogha Zanbil, also known as Al Untas Napirisa or Dur Untash, is an exceptional archaeological site located in the Khuzestan province of Iran. This ancient Elamite complex, dating back to the 14th or 13th century BC, is one of the few existing ziggurats outside Mesopotamia and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
The ruins of the holy city of the Kingdom of Elam, surrounded by three huge concentric walls, are found at Tchogha Zanbil. Founded c. 1250 B.C., the city remained unfinished after it was invaded by Ashurbanipal, as shown by the thousands of unused bricks left at the site.
UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site
Criterion (iii): The ruins of Susa and of Tchogha Zanbil are the sole testimonies to the architectural development of the middle Elamite period (1400-1100 BCE).
Criterion (iv): The ziggurat at Tchogha Zanbil remains to this day the best preserved monument of this type and the largest outside of Mesopotamia.
Encyclopedia Record: Chogha Zanbil
Chogha Zanbil, Elamite: Al Untas Napirisa, later Dur Untash, is an ancient Elamite complex in the Khuzestan province of Iran. It is one of the few existing ziggurats outside Mesopotamia. It lies approximately 30 km (19 mi) southeast of Susa and 80 km (50 mi) north of Ahvaz. The construction date of the city is unclear due to uncertainty in the chronology of the reign of Untash-Napirisha, but is clearly sometime in the 14th or 13th century BC. The conventionally assumed date is 1250 BC. The city is currently believed to have been destroyed by the Neo-Assyrian ruler Assurbanipal in about 645 BC, along with the Elamite capital of Susa, though some researchers place the end of occupation in the late 12th century BC. The ziggurat is considered to be the best preserved example of the stepped pyramidal monument by UNESCO. In 1979, Chogha Zanbil became the first Iranian site to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.Additional Site Details
Area: Not available
Number of Components: 1
(iv) — Outstanding example of a type of building or landscape
Coordinates: 32.00857 , 48.522118
Image
© Unknown, CC BY-SA 3.0 Resized from original. (This derivative is under the same CC BY-SA license.)
World Heritage Research
Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Tchogha Zanbil from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.
-
From drought to deluge: the complex impacts of climate change on earthen heritage
Climate change poses severe and multifaceted threats to earthen heritage sites, including erosion, structural deterioration, and cultural value loss. A systematic study of four vulnerable regions—Sistan, Yazd, Persepolis, and Tchogha Zanbil—reveals that shifting precipitation patterns, extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and water scarcity exacerbate these risks. Socioeconomic factors like limited conservation resources further compound vulnerabilities. The research introduces an interdisciplinary framework to assess vulnerability, integrating physical, social, and cultural dimensions, and emphasizes the need for adaptive strategies, effective governance, and community engagement to mitigate impacts. This approach offers a novel method for evaluating climate change risks in earthen heritage, providing actionable insights for preservation efforts.
Nakhaei Ashtari, M., Della Ventura, G., & Correia, M. (2025). From drought to deluge: the complex impacts of climate change on earthen heritage. Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development. https://doi.org/10.1108/jchmsd-05-2024-0116
View Publication Record | Read Publication -
Assessment of vulnerability and site adaptive capacity to the risk of climate change: the case of Tchogha Zanbil World Heritage earthen site in Iran
Tchogha Zanbil, a UNESCO World Heritage earthen site in Iran, faces significant vulnerability to climate change due to its exposure to extreme climatic events. A novel framework was developed to assess this vulnerability and the potential adaptive capacity of traditional knowledge and ancient systems at such sites. The study found that while Tchogha Zanbil is highly susceptible to adverse effects from climate variability and temperature extremes, there exists a capacity for adaptation rooted in historical practices. This research contributes to global efforts in climate change adaptation planning for cultural heritage, particularly for earthen sites in regions with rising climate risks. Limitations included restricted data access due to COVID-19, but the methodology remains valuable for similar studies.
Nakhaei Ashtari, M., & Correia, M. (2021). Assessment of vulnerability and site adaptive capacity to the risk of climate change: the case of Tchogha Zanbil World Heritage earthen site in Iran. Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, 12(2), 107–125. https://doi.org/10.1108/jchmsd-06-2021-0108
View Publication Record | Read Publication -
Water-Risk Management in Tchogha Zanbil World Heritage Site in Iran, with a Focus on the Ancient Management System
Archaeological research at Tchogha Zanbil, Iran, reveals an ancient surface water management system that could be adapted for modern conservation efforts. The site faces significant water-risk challenges due to heavy rainfall and insufficient runoff control strategies, which exacerbate damage to its earthen structures. By analyzing the authenticity values of the site and assessing current water-management issues, this study proposes sustainable approaches inspired by historical techniques. The findings highlight the potential of integrating ancient solutions with contemporary practices to enhance the resilience and preservation of World Heritage Sites.
Nakhaei, M., & Correia, M. (2020). WATER-RISK MANAGEMENT IN TCHOGHA ZANBIL WORLD HERITAGE SITE IN IRAN, WITH A FOCUS ON THE ANCIENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, XLIV-M-1-2020, 683–690. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-xliv-m-1-2020-683-2020
View Publication Record | Read Publication -
Conservation and Restoration of Adobe Architectural Heritage of Bam Citadel (Iran), Affected by the 26 December 2003 Bam Earthquake: Problems and Issues
A significant finding from this study is that Iran's adobe architectural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Bam Citadel and Tchogha Zanbil, faces severe threats from seismic activity and urban development. The research highlights the vulnerability of these structures to earthquakes, as demonstrated by the devastating 2003 Bam earthquake, which caused extensive damage to one of the world's largest adobe complexes. The study critically assesses current conservation strategies in Iran, identifying deficiencies that exacerbate the risk of further deterioration. It proposes technical solutions and policy recommendations based on international best practices to safeguard these cultural treasures from future seismic events, aiming to preserve their social, historical, and economic value.
Rouhi, J. (2017). Conservation and Restoration of Adobe Architectural Heritage of Bam Citadel (Iran), Affected by the 26 December 2003 Bam Earthquake: Problems and Issues. Unpublished. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.16725.47842
View Publication Record | Read Publication
