Arabic version: إيران تبلغ عن أضرار واسعة في التراث الثقافي نتيجة النزاع
According to Al Jazeera,
Tehran has sounded an alarm about extensive damage to its cultural and historic sites as a result of the United States-Israel war on Iran. The Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts said on Saturday that at least 56 museums, historical monuments, and cultural sites in Iran have been damaged over the course of the war, which began on February 28, state-run news media reported.
Among the impacted sites is the Golestan Palace in Tehran, which dates back to the Qajar era. The palace features a blend of Persian and European architectural styles and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Cultural Heritage Ministry noted that the majority of damage has occurred in Tehran, affecting 19 locations, including the Grand Bazaar and the former Senate building.
Additional damage has been reported in other provinces, including Isfahan, Kurdistan, Lorestan, Kermanshah, Bushehr, and Ilam. Specific sites such as Naqsh-e Jahan Square, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, have suffered impacts. A video taken by The Associated Press on March 3 showed shattered glass, broken archways, and damaged structures at the Golestan Palace.
The Ministry’s statement referenced international law, including the 1954 Hague Convention, which prohibits attacks on cultural heritage. Despite this, the US and Israel maintain that their operations are focused on military targets. However, accusations persist that civilian infrastructure, including heritage sites, is being targeted.
UNESCO has confirmed damage to several historic sites, including Golestan Palace and key landmarks in Isfahan. Iranian officials have expressed dissatisfaction with UNESCO’s response to the situation, highlighting the importance of protecting cultural heritage during conflicts.
