Tehran, Iran – A UNESCO World Heritage site in Iran, the Golestan Palace, sustained damage following a joint military strike by the United States and Israel on February 28, according to reports from Iranian media. The attack has sparked condemnation from Iranian officials, who are calling for international accountability.
The Golestan Palace, too known as the “Rose Palace,” is located in Tehran’s Arag Square and is one of the oldest architectural complexes in the city. Its unique architectural style is considered a pinnacle of Iranian design, attracting numerous tourists annually. In 2013, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated the palace a World Heritage site.
Damage to the palace included broken windows and doors, reportedly caused by explosions. According to the director of the Golestan Palace World Heritage site, Emami, the palace’s architectural decorations, particularly wooden components, suffered significant destruction. The Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA) reported that windows and mirrors were shattered by the shockwaves from the blasts, and parts of the building were damaged. Images and videos of the damage were released by the Iranian Presidential News Channel.
“This attack is not only against a building, but also against ‘Iranian culture and national identity,’” stated Iranian Culture Heritage Minister Reza Salehi-Amiri during a visit to the site. Iranian authorities have filed a complaint with UNESCO regarding the incident.
UNESCO released a statement on March 2, confirming that it had shared the geographical coordinates of World Heritage sites and sites of national significance with all relevant parties to prevent potential damage. The organization strongly urged all parties involved in the conflict to respect international conventions protecting cultural property.
The Golestan Palace served as the residence of the Qajar Dynasty kings, with some parts of the complex dating back to the 16th century. The incident underscores the vulnerability of cultural heritage sites during times of conflict and raises concerns about the preservation of Iran’s historical legacy. The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with several countries in the region closing museums and relocating valuable artifacts to secure locations, according to reports.
The development underscores growing regional tensions and the potential for further damage to cultural landmarks.
