Iran's Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Reza Salehi Amiri, in an interview with Al Jazeera Net, emphasized that the damage inflicted on several archaeological and historical sites in Iran during the recent war cannot be considered mere collateral damage; rather, it is a direct assault on Iranian cultural heritage and its civilizational identity. He pointed out the silence of international organizations regarding the targeting of these sites, which are considered part of the global human heritage.
In the context of his remarks, Amiri described the current situation as one of the most challenging periods for the Iranian people, who are facing comprehensive aggression from the Israeli regime, in addition to American attacks in the south. He clarified that this aggression does not only target humans but also historical and cultural centers, posing a significant threat to identity and history.
Details of the Incident
Amiri noted that there is a well-known global logic regarding the protection of historical centers, based on clear international rules such as the 1952 Hague Conventions and the 1972 UNESCO Rules, which stipulate that cultural sites should not be targeted during conflicts. However, it has been observed that these rules have not been respected during the current war, reflecting a collapse of humanitarian and ethical standards.
He spoke about the Golestan Palace, one of the most important historical buildings in Tehran, dating back to the Safavid era, which was registered as a world heritage site in 2013. He considered that the damage inflicted on this site is not merely a material loss but represents an assault on the nation's identity and history.
Background & Context
Iran is rich in cultural heritage, containing 43,000 nationally registered archaeological sites and 29 globally registered sites. However, the current war has led to the destruction of many of these sites, including the Chehel Sotoun Palace in Isfahan and the Falak-ol-Aflak Castle in Khorramabad, raising significant concerns about the future of Iranian cultural heritage.
Amiri also pointed out that the damage to historical sites is not limited to one location but includes multiple areas across the country, indicating that the assaults are expanding and deliberately targeting cultural heritage.
Impact & Consequences
The damage inflicted on historical sites in Iran is a genuine loss that cannot be fully compensated, as the restoration process requires significant time and effort. Amiri confirmed that restoration does not return the artifact to its original state, making every damage inflicted on a historical site a permanent loss.
He also noted that what is happening in Iran is not merely a local issue but a matter concerning the cultural heritage of all humanity. He called on the international community, including the United Nations and UNESCO, to take a clear stance regarding these assaults, warning that silence could lead to the repetition of these violations in other parts of the world.
Regional Significance
The repercussions of targeting Iranian cultural heritage transcend national borders, as what is happening in Iran can affect the cultural identity of peoples in the Arab and Islamic regions. Arab countries must take a clear stance against these violations, as cultural heritage is an integral part of human identity.
In closing, Amiri affirmed that the Iranian people will continue to defend their land, history, and identity, stressing that the assaults will not lead to the destruction of national identity but will increase the people's determination to preserve their cultural heritage.