Over 120 historical sites damaged in Iran during the war

Over 120 historical sites damaged in Iran during the war

TEHRAN – More than 120 historic sites across Iran have been damaged since Feb. 28 following attacks by the United States and Israel, a member of Tehran’s city council said on Monday.

Seyyed Ahmad Alavi, head of the tourism and cultural heritage committee of the Tehran City Council, cited international reports and field assessments in comments carried by ISNA news agency.

“According to the latest statistics, more than 120 historical monuments, including national registered or UNESCO-listed ones, across the country have been damaged since the start of the war,” Alavi said.

He added that 43 of the damaged sites are located in Tehran, including the Golestan Palace, a UNESCO-listed complex.

Alavi described the damage to historic buildings as a violation of cultural heritage protections and called for a response from international bodies.

He also outlined the economic impact of the conflict on the tourism sector, saying insecurity had affected regional travel flows. Citing data from the World Travel and Tourism Council, Alavi said the conflict had caused daily losses of about $600 million to the travel and tourism industry across the Middle East (West Asia).

“When security in Iran is targeted, it affects the perception of safety across neighboring countries,” he said, adding that the decline in international tourist arrivals was impacting livelihoods across the region.

Alavi added that municipal authorities in Tehran were working to help protect and restore damaged sites.
AM

source: tehrantimes.com