Israeli Airstrikes on Tehran Damage the Historic Saadabad Palace and Iranian Heritage Sites
Damage to the Saadabad Palace Complex Due to Airstrikes on Tehran
Iranian media reported that Israeli airstrikes on Tehran caused significant damage to the historic Saadabad Palace complex, one of the most important tourist sites in Iran.
Sources indicated that the vibrations from the explosions affected other historical buildings, including Golestan Palace and the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, among World Heritage sites.
Details of the Damage at Saadabad Palace
The Saadabad Palace complex, located north of Tehran, includes a large garden and wings built in the early 20th century, most of which have been transformed into museums dedicated to Iranian cultural history.
Images and videos published by the IRNA and ISNA agencies showed damage to the windows and ceilings of several wings, particularly the Green Palace, which is one of the most popular wings among visitors.
The agencies noted that at least two other wings were damaged "due to vibrations caused by the explosions."
Israeli Army Announcement and Targeting of Infrastructure
The Israeli army announced yesterday morning the execution of new strikes on Tehran targeting "infrastructure" belonging to Iranian authorities, according to an official statement.
In addition to the museums, the Saadabad Palace complex houses the residences of the Iranian president and the provincial governor, and nearby are facilities belonging to the Revolutionary Guard and the judiciary, increasing the site's strategic and historical importance.
Damage to Other Iranian Sites within the World Heritage
UNESCO reported that at least 4 Iranian sites among the 29 listed on the World Heritage list have been damaged so far.
Notable among them:
- Golestan Palace in the historic center of Tehran.
- Jameh Mosque of Isfahan in central Iran.
- Prehistoric sites in Khorramabad Valley in the east of the country.
These losses illustrate the direct impact of the airstrikes on historical and cultural sites in Iran, representing a threat to world heritage.
The Importance of Protecting Iranian Cultural Heritage
These sites are among the most important tourist destinations in Iran, carrying significant cultural and historical value that reflects Iranian civilization over the centuries.
Their exposure to damage due to armed conflicts raises international concerns about the protection of global cultural heritage.
