War Threatens Iran's Ancient Treasures: A Heritage Expert Speaks Out

Jan de Vries · 2026-10-28

Babak Mehrdadnia doesn't mince words. The heritage expert has spent years documenting Iran's historic monuments, traditional crafts, and the communities that keep them alive. Now, he's watching it all unravel. "War doesn't just destroy buildings," he says. "It erases identity." His warning comes as conflict puts centuries of cultural heritage at risk—and the livelihoods that depend on them. ### The Monuments at Risk Iran is home to 27 UNESCO World Heritage sites, from the ancient ruins of Persepolis to the intricate bazaars of Tabriz. These aren't just tourist attractions; they're living archives of human history. But in war, they become collateral damage. "A single airstrike can undo centuries," Mehrdadnia explains. "We've seen it happen elsewhere—why would Iran be any different?" ### Crafts and Livelihoods Under Siege Beyond the grand monuments, there's a quieter crisis. Traditional crafts—carpet weaving, pottery, metalwork—are passed down through generations. These skills sustain entire communities. "When war disrupts daily life, the first thing to go is the artisan's workshop," Mehrdadnia says. "You can't weave a carpet when you're fleeing your home." The loss isn't just cultural; it's economic. Many families rely on these crafts for income, and displacement means losing both their craft and their customer base. ### A Global Responsibility Mehrdadnia argues that heritage destruction isn't just a local issue. "These sites belong to humanity," he insists. "When they're gone, we all lose a piece of our shared story." He points to international conventions and organizations like UNESCO that aim to protect cultural property during conflict. But enforcement is another matter. "Paper protections mean little when bombs are falling." Still, he sees hope in grassroots efforts—local groups documenting artifacts, digitizing archives, and raising awareness. ### What Comes Next? The future is uncertain. But Mehrdadnia remains cautiously optimistic. "Awareness is the first step," he says. "The more people know about what's at stake, the harder it is to ignore." He calls for increased funding for heritage protection, better training for local conservators, and stronger international pressure on parties to respect cultural sites. "We can't stop war," he admits. "But we can try to save what makes us human." For those of us far from the conflict, it's easy to feel helpless. But Mehrdadnia suggests simple actions: support organizations that protect cultural heritage, share stories of Iran's rich history, and remember that behind every headline are real people and real treasures. "Heritage isn't just about the past," he says. "It's about who we are and who we want to be."