From Persepolis to Isfahan: Safeguarding Cultural Heritage

About This Conference

This conference focused on protecting the cultural heritage of Iran. As is well known cultural heritage worldwide is under threat, and from many countries there are stories of damage to monuments and archaeological sites allied to ongoing deterioration of cultural resources. At present, the problem is particularly acute in Iraq and Syria due to military activity and state-sponsored vandalism. Fortunately these problems do not exist in Iran. Nevertheless, monuments and archaeological sites are susceptible to damage caused by acid rain, sandstorms, earthquakes, floods, neglect, looting, and urban development. The aim of this conference was to review the extent of the damage, to raise awareness of the problem, to look at the framework within which protection is currently provided, to chart best practice worldwide, and suggest some practical measures to help and support Iranian colleagues.