US-Israeli airstrike damages UNESCO-listed palace in Tehran
UNESCO has reported that World Heritage-listed Golestan Palace in Tehran has been damaged following a nearby airstrike in the Iranian capital.
According to a statement released by UNESCO earlier this week, the 400-year-old palace, which is now a museum, was damaged by a US-Israeli strike that hit the nearby Arg Square.
It also reiterated that cultural property, including the Golestan Palace, are protected under international law.
Following the damage, a complaint was filed to the UNESCO director-general by Iran's Ministry of Cultural Heritage Tourism and Handicrafts, which said that the explosion has caused structural and decorative damage to the palace.
UNESCO to "closely monitor the situation"
The heritage agency expressed concern over the protection of cultural sites in the region.
"UNESCO continues to closely monitor the situation of cultural heritage in the country and across the region, with a view to ensuring its protection," it said.
"To that end, the organization has communicated to all parties concerned the geographical coordinates of sites on the World Heritage List as well as those of national significance, to avoid any potential damage."
The Golestan Palace was originally built in the 16th century for the Safavid dynasty. It was later renovated by Persian architect Haji Abol-hasan Mimar Navai and served the country's Qajar dynasty.
Blending traditional Persian design with European influences, its complex comprises eight primary structures built around a planted garden and adorned with decorative details.
"The lavish Golestan Palace is a masterpiece of the Qajar era, embodying the successful integration of earlier Persian crafts and architecture with Western influences," UNESCO said.
Conflict in the region is ongoing, with US-Israeli attacks escalating across the country and retaliatory strikes by Iran targeting US and Israel military assets in the Gulf.
In Dubai, Iranian strikes damaged the city's Burj Al Arab skyscraper, with videos capturing on the ground show flames and smoke billowing out from the base of the 321-metre-tall hotel.
The main image is by Parsa 2au via Wikimedia Commons.
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