Oh, that's not fair.
I know :) But it’s a lovely city. though — you can get a good idea of how grand it was if you visit the British Museum in London which has these huge gateways and cuts from the palace walls.
>>>”I once went to Persepolis ...”<<<
>>>”Oh, that’s not fair.”<<<
I visited Persepolis when very young w/ my parents, only remember images. But, my eldest sister was there during celebrations of 2500 yr of Persian Civilization/Empire (held in 1971) - she was in her late teens then, remembers it quite well, and says it was awesome.
There were many criticisms levelled at those celebrations by the leftists & Islamists (Iranian or otherwise). Many of them did not understand how positive the celebration was for Iran, both inside & outside. It truly put Iran on the world map & brought much tourism & other economic benefits to the country. The list of benefits is extensive.
However, for the the leftist/communist & their ideological variations (Iranian or foreign), it was their ignorance of Iranian history & utter contempt for the Pahlavis; they preferred to have the USSR or some other wanky commie regime in charge, all in what they stupidly believed to represent “democracy”. For the Islamists, well, they just hated the monarchy, always struggled to put themselves, Directly, in power & rule according to their backward Islamic laws; they wanted social influence & political power, which the Pahlavis, especially the late Shah’s father, Reza Shah (founder of the Pahlavi dynasty) largely & initially took away & denied them.
Finally, thru brainwashing the populace in Iran & abroad, they joined forces & made Iran what it is & has been for the last 32 yrs.
Ironically, the same Iranian Commies/Leftists, got their butt kicked by the same Islamists. Served them well. At least the Islamist knew exactly what they were doing. Their sidekicks, the Commies/Leftists, were & continue to remain retards!
Good YouTube clip of the celebration & another link with background info:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1xSdH2PbJ4
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2,500_year_celebration_of_the_Persian_Empire