Avash News: In the course of recent military conflicts between Iran and Israel-US, reports have been published on damage to sections of the Golestan Palace in the heart of Tehran.
The historical Golestan Palace is not only one of the most important historical symbols in contemporary Iran, but it has also been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
This incident proved that even historical monuments that have withstood centuries of political and social developments can be exposed to danger under war circumstances.
Explosion-related shockwaves caused by airstrikes in the vicinity of the historical square of Arg in Tehran have inflicted damage on parts of this historical complex and other nearby historical buildings, according to experts.
These are not just damages to architecture but are considered blows to the historical and cultural memory of Tehran as a historical city.
A palace that narrates centuries of Iran’s history
The historical Golestan Palace is one of the oldest historical buildings in Tehran. The monument dates back to the Safavid era and was developed during the Qajar era to shape it as we see today. The complex has been the center of political power in Iran for more than two centuries and has witnessed many important events in the country. Coronations of kings, official visits, and important political decisions have occurred in this historical building. So, Golestan Palace is not only a historical monument but it is also a symbol of Iran’s political and social structure in different periods of time.
In addition to that, the architecture of the building is of high artistic importance. A combination of Iranian architecture with European decorative elements, detailed mirrorworks, colorful glass, and plasterwork has turned Golestan Palace into one of the exemplary architectural works of the Qajar dynasty.
Because of these, the complex was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and has been recognized as part of human cultural heritage.
Explosion shockwaves and silent damages
According to reports, the recent airstrikes in the vicinity of Arg Square, which is adjacent to Golestan Palace and is part of it, have inflicted serious damage on the site. Even if the objectives of the airstrikes were the military and security buildings nearby, the shockwaves in a place like this, with a high density of buildings, can cause significant damage to nearby buildings.
It has been reported that parts of Golestan Palace have been destroyed due to shockwaves. The breaking of old glass, damage to colorful and decorative glass, and cracks in sections of the interior parts of the building are among the damages reported initially.
The buildings in the vicinity are also at risk
Apart from the damage reported about Golestan Palace, concerns have been raised over a number of historical buildings located in the vicinity as well. The Old Gendarmerie Building is situated near Golestan Palace. The building is one of the oldest offices in Tehran that has been used during different historical eras by security and police forces.
No exact data has been reported on the damage inflicted on the site, but being located in the vicinity of the explosion has caused probable damage to it.
Some of the historical office buildings in Tehran, particularly those in Arg Square, constitute parts of the architectural and historical identity of Iran.
History cannot be replaced
Cultural heritage experts believe that the damage to the historical buildings can be repaired. Glass can be replaced, and part of the structure can be reinforced. However, the main issue is that the historical authenticity of the site is abolished. Repair can never be an entire replacement for the authenticity of a building.
A wound that is not just a building
What happened in recent days at the Golestan Palace is far beyond an incident for a building. The incident reminded us of the bitter reality that in modern wars, even common cultural heritage of humanity is not immune.
Golestan Palace has passed through centuries of Iran’s governmental, historical, cultural, and social developments. The palace has been a witness to several crises throughout history, but has remained a historical symbol of Tehran.
In the end, this incident reminds us of an important point: wars do not threaten only the future of nations but also put their past in danger of destruction.
When a historical building bears damage, in fact, parts of its history are damaged.
