Following an aerial attack by the Israeli regime on Monday afternoon in the vicinity of the Isfahan provincial governorate, the Chehel Sotoun Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, sustained damage.
Iran (IMNA) - The attack, which coincided with a ceremony commemorating the third leader of the Islamic Revolution, resulted in significant damage and destruction to the Chehel Sotoun Palace-Museum, a building registered on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This historical monument, part of the "Iranian Gardens" complex listed by UNESCO, was struck by a missile despite the installation of the "Blue Shield" international symbol, representing the protection of cultural heritage during armed conflicts.
Amir karamzadeh, Director-General of the State Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of Isfahan Province, confirmed the news, stating that the explosion and the impact of one of the missiles during Monday's attack on the area around the provincial governorate caused considerable damage to sections of the Chehel Sotoun Palace-Museum.
According to him, specialized heritage teams immediately arrived at the scene following the incident and initial assessments to evaluate the extent of the damage to this valuable historical monument have begun.
Pointing to the global significance of this site, Karamzadeh stated: "Chehel Sotoun Palace is one of the most prominent works of the Safavid era and a component of the Iranian Gardens, registered on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This complex, in addition to its architectural and artistic values, carries a part of Iran's historical memory and cultural identity. Any damage to it is not merely damage to a historical building, but a blow to the shared heritage of humanity."
The Director-General of the State Heritage of Isfahan Province also emphasized that despite the installation of the Blue Shield on this complex – which, according to international conventions, is a symbol of protection of cultural heritage during war and conflict – the historical monument was targeted.
He added that a detailed report on the damage will be announced after technical assessments, and the matter will be pursued through national and international channels related to the protection of cultural heritage.
Also, following recent strikes near Naqsh-e-Jahan Square in Isfahan, the historic Jameh Mosque of Abasi—a UNESCO World Heritage site—sustained damage due to vibrations. Tiles dislodged from the mosque’s iwans, prompting immediate assessment by heritage teams. Officials emphasize the damage represents a loss for both Iran and global cultural heritage, and are calling for international protection under UNESCO conventions and the Hague Convention. The “Blue Shield” symbol is being implemented on key structures, and structural monitoring is underway.
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