TEHRAN -- Gholamreza Amirkhani, head of Iran’s National Library and Archives Organization, has highlighted the unparalleled antiquity of Iran’s administrative system, tracing its origins back to the Achaemenid Empire — one of the earliest and most sophisticated bureaucracies in human history.
Speaking at the joint event titled “Administrative System,” Amirkhani underscored the vital role of the National Library and Archives Organization, founded more than 80 years ago, as the custodian of Iran’s documentary heritage. 
Housing invaluable manuscripts and records, this institution safeguards the country’s intellectual and administrative legacy, preserving records that reveal the intricate workings of governance from millennia ago.
“Overlooking historical records and disregarding past research has been a critical factor in the challenges faced by our administrative system and other sectors,” Amirkhani stated. He emphasized that revisiting and learning from archival documents is essential for informed reform.
In line with these insights, he said, the Iranian Presidency has recently emphasized reforms aimed at restructuring public sector wages based on performance quality, a move that promises to enhance the efficiency and accountability of the country’s administration. 
Amirkhani affirmed the profound historical depth of Iran’s administrative system: “Our bureaucratic tradition is the oldest in recorded history, with archival documents dating back to the Achaemenid era. 
“Today, the National Library and Archives serves as a guardian of these priceless records — a repository that not only honors our past but also guides the future of administrative reforms.”