Iran (IMNA) - They say the destruction of historic buildings, museums, religious sites, and cultural landmarks is a deliberate strategy aimed at weakening societies by eroding their sense of belonging, pride, and historical continuity. According to experts, when a historic monument is damaged or destroyed, the loss extends far beyond architecture, affecting the cultural memory of entire communities.
The issue has gained renewed attention following the recent conflict known as the Ramadan War, during which several cultural and historical sites in Iran reportedly suffered damage. In Isfahan, one of Iran’s most important centers of art and civilization, heritage sites located near the historic Safavid-era government complex were affected by attacks in the area. Local officials reported damage to parts of Chehel Sotoun Palace, Ali Qapu Palace, museums, and sections of the city’s historic urban fabric.
Heritage specialists note that international efforts to protect cultural property during armed conflicts have a history spanning more than 120 years. Legal protections established through the Hague Conventions, the 1935 Roerich Pact, and the 1954 Hague Convention recognize cultural heritage as part of humanity’s shared legacy and prohibit attacks on historical, educational, and religious sites.
Experts argue that attacks on cultural heritage amount to a form of psychological and symbolic warfare, often described as “identity bombing,” because they seek to undermine the historical memory and cultural foundations of a nation. Drawing comparisons with the destruction of heritage sites during World War II, as well as in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria, they stress that such losses can leave lasting social and cultural consequences long after military conflicts have ended.
According to cultural heritage researchers, more than 140 historical monuments and cultural sites across 20 Iranian provinces were damaged during the recent conflict. They emphasize that safeguarding heritage requires long-term planning, legal protection, international cooperation, documentation, and public awareness, particularly during times of crisis.
Experts also argue that post-war recovery should not focus solely on rebuilding damaged structures. Preserving selected war-damaged sites as historical evidence can help future generations understand the human and cultural costs of conflict. They maintain that protecting cultural heritage is not merely about preserving buildings, but about defending the history, identity, and collective memory that bind societies together.
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