Iran faces renewed concern over cultural heritage after recent damage to key historical sites, including the Golestan Palace in Tehran and Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Esfahan. These attacks have drawn international attention because both locations hold immense cultural heritage significance. Experts warn that the damage goes beyond physical destruction and threatens the nation’s historical identity.
Pierfrancesco Callieri, a professor of Iranian archaeology at the University of Bologna, emphasized the symbolic and psychological impact of such attacks. Callieri has directed multiple Italian-Iranian missions at Persepolis and Pasargadae and has extensive experience restoring Iranian monuments. He noted that the deliberate targeting of capitals with historic significance reveals a strategic attempt to inflict cultural harm.
Callieri highlighted that the Golestan Palace represents Tehran’s role as Persia’s Qajar-era capital, while Naqsh-e Jahan Square showcases Safavid architecture. He added that Iran’s rich history, spanning centuries, makes attacks on these sites deeply impactful on national pride and identity.
Restoring these damaged monuments remains a formidable challenge. Callieri explained that conservation requires careful documentation, study of traditional building techniques, and significant funding. He cited historical collaboration between Italy and Iran, which strengthened restoration expertise through training programs and joint projects. Despite these efforts, war-related destruction imposes immense pressure on restoration teams and local resources.
The attacks also breach international agreements, including the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property and the 1972 Paris Protocol. Callieri emphasized that these legal frameworks aim to prevent precisely this type of destruction. He called on global institutions to hold responsible parties accountable and uphold international norms.
UNESCO and other international organizations play a critical role in documenting damage and encouraging governments to protect cultural heritage. Callieri urged prompt action from universities and cultural institutions worldwide to publicly condemn violations and support preservation initiatives.
He warned that failing to act risks normalizing attacks on cultural heritage and undermining global responsibility for protecting shared history. The professor emphasized that cultural heritage belongs not only to Iran but to the entire world. Immediate international collaboration is essential to safeguard these irreplaceable sites and ensure their survival for future generations.
Callieri’s perspective underscores the broader implications: attacks on cultural heritage affect national identity, historical continuity, and the global cultural landscape. Experts stress urgent intervention to prevent further loss and to restore Iran’s invaluable historical treasures.