Restoration of Persepolis – a game of words?

The restoration of Persepolis is making headlines these days following a mutual agreement signed between Austria and Iran to fund the renovation of the site. This is what is being reported by the Archaeological News Network in July 2018.

It seems, however, that a “restoration” is not exactly what is meant.

The project is said to be split into five separate steps. The first step is about securing the site of Persepolis, including the lay out for a new entrance area with coffee shops, souvenir shops and book shops, WC and other useful commodities. In a second phase, attention will go the construction of an electronic exit gate (I suppose, they mean also the entrance gate?), a conference space and a hall for VIP visitors. Next step will center around the organization a tour guide system to function day and night – it is quite tempting to visit the palace remains by full moon, for instance! In the final phases, the Museum of Persepolis will be completed and a separate area will be arranged to host major events.

From what I understand, these plans are focusing on the organization and streamlining of the visitors to the precious remains of Persepolis but have nothing to do with “restoration” of the site itself. A game of words, maybe?